Rev. Eric Landry - August 29, 2021
Ephesians 5:1, 6:1-9
Last week, we saw how Paul applied the gospel’s teaching to the most intimate of relationships. This week, we follow Paul as he continues to work his way through the households: children and parents, masters and slaves. Paul is using a common frame of reference here that scholars call “household codes.” Ancient writers would use these codes to establish systems of ethical behavior. Paul uses the same structure to show how Jesus overturns cultural expectations and norms. Because of Jesus, culture can never be the same: the family is different, society is different, we are different! Join us this Sunday to learn about the difference Jesus makes.
From Series: "Ephesians: God's New Society"
The title for this series on Ephesians comes from a book by the British pastor and theologian John Stott, “God’s New Society.” Ephesians is one of the few books Paul wrote that wasn’t attempting to correct a problem in a church. Instead, it seems to be almost a summary of his doctrine, but with a particular focus on the health and vitality of the church—God’s new society. What binds this new society together? Not ethnicity, culture, religious background, or socioeconomic status. Instead, Paul reminds the Ephesians (and us) that we are “in him” or “in Christ.” Over and over in Ephesians, Paul uses those two words to define our reality, our hope, our confidence, our joy, and our strength. Join us this Sunday as we reestablish ourselves on the foundation of Christ alone—for this summer and for the rest of our lives!
