{"id":7960,"date":"2024-06-19T16:26:13","date_gmt":"2024-06-19T21:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.tyndale.com\/tyndalebibles\/?p=7960"},"modified":"2024-06-19T16:26:15","modified_gmt":"2024-06-19T21:26:15","slug":"why-study-ephesians","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.tyndale.com\/tyndalebibles\/why-study-ephesians\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Study Ephesians?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s fascinating how our experiences shape our perceptions, isn\u2019t it? The diversity of family dynamics and routines is like a patchwork quilt, each square telling a unique story. Maybe you have come to realize that the way you were raised is very different from your friends. Similarly, peering into the lives of early church communities through texts like the book of Revelation offers a glimpse into their struggles and triumphs.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The book of Revelation gives us a peak behind the curtains. It doesn\u2019t just speak of what God is going to do but gives some real insight into how the early churches were living. Jesus says,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don\u2019t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting\u201d (Revelation 2:2-3, NLT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus\u2019 acknowledgment of the Ephesian church\u2019s diligence in discerning falsehoods and enduring hardships underscores their commitment to truth. In Acts 19, we learn that the city was filled with evil spirits and sorcery but that the church grew and learned to stand for the truth. However, Jesus\u2019 admonition about their waning love highlights a crucial imbalance. It\u2019s a poignant reminder that truth without love can lead to spiritual stagnation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jesus goes on to say, \u201cBut I have this complaint against you. You don\u2019t love me or each other as you did at first!\u201d (Revelation 2:4, NLT). Yes, they have worked hard. Yes, they have patiently endured. Yes, they have stood against evil people. But somewhere along the way, they stopped loving Jesus and each other like they once did.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Roughly 33-36 years before John wrote the book of Revelation, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Ephesus that we now call Ephesians. The juxtaposition of Jesus\u2019 words in Revelation with Paul\u2019s letter to the Ephesians amplifies this message. Paul\u2019s emphasis on love as the foundation of the Christian life operates as a timeless charge. Amid the battles against falsehoods, maintaining a fervent love for Christ and one another is essential. Paul ends the letter with these words, \u201cMay God\u2019s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ\u201d (Ephesians 6:24, NLT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incorporating Ephesians into your Bible reading may be just what we all need to point us in the direction of love. It is a practical way to realign priorities and rekindle the flame of love within the heart of the church. Take some time to reset your life in Ephesians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Looking for more resources to study Ephesians?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Filament Journaling Collection<\/a><\/strong> offers the most portable and interactive study Bible experience available\u2014and it\u2019s available for the book of Ephesians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has the following features:<\/p>\n\n\n\n