Good morning everyone. This morning’s spotlight is on the book of Ephesians.
Historical Context: Ephesus
Ephesus was a major city in the Roman province of Asia, located in modern-day western Turkey. It was a wealthy port city known for its massive Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and for its cultural and commercial significance. Paul spent over two years ministering in Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 19), and the church there became one of the most influential in early Christianity.
Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome around AD 60–62. Though addressed to the Ephesians, the letter was probably also circulated among churches in Asia Minor. It focuses on the universal scope of God’s plan in Christ and the unity of the Church.
Summary of the Book of Ephesians
Ephesians presents a grand vision of God’s redemptive plan through Christ. The letter is divided into two halves: chapters 1–3 focus on theology—God’s eternal purpose in Christ, the mystery of the gospel, and the believer’s identity in Him. Chapters 4–6 are practical, emphasising how believers should live in unity, holiness, and spiritual strength.
Reflections from Ephesus
Not long ago, I had the privilege of walking the ancient streets of Ephesus—a city that once pulsed with Roman wealth, Greek philosophy, and pagan religion. I stood where the early believers once gathered, likely in homes scattered throughout the city, and perhaps even near the grand theatre where a riot once broke out because of the gospel Paul preached.
I saw the Library of Celsus, the grand marble streets, the temples to Artemis and Domitian, and the echoes of a city that was once the crown jewel of Asia Minor. But among the ruins, what stirred me most was not the architecture—it was the thought that a small group of ordinary people, transformed by Jesus Christ, had lived out their faith right there.
The Apostle Paul spent more time in Ephesus than almost anywhere else—two to three years teaching, discipling, and building up the church (Acts 19). Writing from his prison cell— he reminded them of their identity in Christ, called them to unity, and equipped them for spiritual battle.
As I stood there, I thought: What kind of people must they have been to carry the gospel into a place like this? What kind of Christian life did Paul want them to live—one that could stand against the cultural and spiritual pressures of their time?
That’s what today’s message is about. Ephesians gives us a clear picture of what it means to live as Christians in a challenging world. And Paul outlines that life through three postures:
Seated. Walking. Standing.
These are not physical movements—but spiritual realities. They describe who we are in Christ, how we live in the world, and how we face opposition. Let’s look at each posture as we walk through this incredible letter.
So, I’m not planning to go through the book of Ephesians chapter by chapter, but through a framework that has helped countless believers grasp both the depth and the call of the Christian life.
It’s been summed up in three words:
Seated. Walking. Standing.
These three postures—spiritual, not physical—capture the essence of what Paul teaches in this letter to the church in Ephesus. They describe our position in Christ, our progress in the Christian life, and our protection in the battle of faith.
Let’s explore them together.
Illustration: Airport Lounge Access
Have you ever seen someone sitting peacefully in an airport lounge, sipping coffee, while everyone else is scrambling around at the gates? Why are they so calm? Because they know they have access. They’re not worried—they’re already in and have their boarding pass. That’s what it means to be seated in Christ. We’re not trying to fight our way in—we’re already accepted. We don’t strive for peace with God—we sit in it.
Ephesians 2:6-10
Paul begins not with what we must do, but what has already been done. Before we walk, before we stand—we are invited to sit!
What does it mean to be seated with Christ?
- It means resting in His finished work.
- It means our identity is secure—not because of performance, but because of position.
- It means the work of salvation is done. We are not climbing up to God—we are seated with Christ by His grace.
Sometimes the most difficult thing for mature Christians is to remember we don’t graduate from grace. The temptation to “prove our worth” by doing more is subtle.
But Christian life starts from rest, not restlessness. We don’t work for acceptance—we work from acceptance.
So the first question we have to ask ourselves is this ‘Am I living from my seat in Christ—or striving (even slightly or subtly) in my own strength?
There is a big difference between walking purposefully and ambling along aimlessly.
Ephesians 4:1
"I therefore… urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…"
Once we are seated, we are called to walk. Ephesians 4–5 contains practical instruction for living out our faith:
- Walk in unity (4:1–6)
- Walk in newness of life (4:17–24)
- Walk in love (5:1–2)
- Walk in light (5:8–10)
- Walk in wisdom (5:15–17)
What does walking imply?
- Movement: We’re not static. There’s growth, change, obedience.
- Direction: We walk in line with our calling—not aimlessly but intentionally.
- Witness: How we walk in the world reflects Christ to others.
Application for us today:
- Am I walking differently from the world?
- Am I growing in love, truth, humility, forgiveness?
The Christian walk is not about perfection—but about direction.
Second question to ask ourselves ‘ Do I know where I am walking to and am I walking intentionally?
Illustration: Firefighters in Formation
Firefighters are trained to stand their ground even when the fire is roaring. They don’t panic—they’re suited up, trained, and alert. That’s how we are called to stand in the face of spiritual opposition—not by running away or panicking, but by being equipped with God’s truth and standing together.
Ephesians 6:10–13
"Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil… having done all, to stand firm."
Paul closes the letter by reminding us: the Christian life isn’t a playground—it’s a battlefield.
We’re not just seated in heavenly places and walking in love—we also have an enemy.
What does it mean to stand?
- Resist the devil’s schemes: Lies, accusations, discouragement.
- Stand in truth: With the belt of truth, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit.
- Remain unshaken: Not in our own strength, but in God's power.
For mature Christians:
The more we walk with Christ, the more subtle the battle becomes.
- It’s not always obvious temptation—it can be pride, cynicism, complacency.
- Paul says "be strong in the Lord". We don’t stand in our own willpower—but in His might.
Third question to ask ourselves. ‘Am I daily putting on the armour—or coasting on yesterday’s victory?’
- Seated – Start with grace. Rest in what Christ has done.
- Walking – Live it out. Reflect Christ in how you treat others, make decisions, and speak truth in love.
- Standing – Stay alert. Know you’re in a battle. Stand firm with the armour of God.
This is the rhythm of the Christian life. It’s not a one-time event—it’s a daily pattern.
Ask yourself:
Lord, thank You that in Christ we are seated with You—secure, loved, and accepted.
Teach us to walk in a manner worthy of that calling.
Strengthen us to stand firm in the face of trials, temptations, and spiritual opposition.
May our lives reflect Your grace and truth to a watching world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
