Why the Good News is So Good
Text: Eph 1:1-11 , Eph 4:1-3

My first survey of Ephesians was introduced to me by Cheri as a new believer back in 1980. It was a little book by a Chinese missionary, who's name in English was translated Watchman Nee. It was entitled Sit, Walk, Stand. In it, Watchman broke the letter down in thirds, Chapters 1&2 Sit. Quite similar to Dr. Baucham’s indicatives, Sit was about understanding what God had done for us. The middle two chapters were about how we were to Walk worthy or God's call and finally Stand. How we are to stand for our faith.

For the better part of 50 years, this is how I related to Ephesians. My understanding is the book is out of print now, but it would be worth your while to find a copy. Watchman’s grasp of Ephesian’s and how he conveyed it are an excellent complement to Dr. Baucham’s take on the letter.

What struck me most about Dr. Baucham’s indicatives/imperatives summation of Ephesian’s was how much effort Paul put into ensuring we understood what God had done for humanity in the person and work of Jesus. The Good news is SO Good because of what He has done for us. What we are not able to do for ourselves. And, if we don’t get that nailed down and jump striaght into the imperatives, we can easily wind up in a joyless, legalistic, works based righteousness, which frankly, has no Scriptural foundation in the New Testament (one man’s opinion).

For those of you whose KGroup doesn’t do sermon follow up, here’s a suggested “homework assignment” for your consideration.

This week, one day read all of chapters 1-3, preferably in the morning, think about it as you can throughout the day and then discuss over dinner. As a family.

Next day, do the same with chapters 4-6. I’m confident the Lord will reward you and your family if you make the effort.