“Three Profiles of the Christian in Ephesians”

Ephesians 1-6

The Bible describes the Christian’s life in simple, understandable terms - terms to which we can easily relate. The book of Ephesians, the book of the Church, exhibits Christians in three profiles: sitting, walking, and standing.

1. The Christian as Sitting (Confidence) - Ephesians 1:20 - 2:6

In Ephesians 1:20 Paul states that God the Father has raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenlies. In Ephesians 2:6 Paul states that God has raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus! This profile is stating the authority and confidence that the Christian has in Christ (cf. Romans 8:1).

2. The Christian as Walking (Conduct)

• Ephesians 2:10 - In preordained good works.

• Ephesians 4:1 - In a manner worthy of our calling.

• Ephesians 5:2 - In love as imitators of the Father.

• Ephesians 5:8 - As children of Light.

• Ephesians 5:15 - As wise people.

3. The Christian as Standing (Conflict) - Ephesians 6:10-17

In this passage Paul records the Christian armor. This reveals the believer to be in a heated conflict. In this battle with Satan’s forces we are not to fight aggressively, we are to stand aggressively. Stand in God’s divine armor. Stand still and see the Salvation of the Lord.

We must be careful not to break the sequence of these three profiles. Sitting must precede effective walking. Walking becomes the prerequisite for standing.

This is truth for all of God’s people and it is truth we are learning throughout our Christian lives. Are we good learners? God bless.

Love to all.