Are You in the Target Audience of the Book of Ephesians? (Video)

In the opening of his letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul doesn’t mince words. He addresses his recipients directly as “the saints” and “the faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). These aren’t casual labels; they define the very nature of those for whom this profound and transformative message is intended. Just as a letter to a specific family member holds particular relevance for them, this letter is tailored for a distinct group within the body of Christ.

The Recipients: Saints and the Faithful

It’s crucial to recognize the significance of Paul’s chosen descriptors. He couldn’t have addressed the scandal-ridden Corinthian church in the same way. The Ephesian believers were marked by their holiness and unwavering loyalty to Jesus. This begs the question: are we among those to whom this letter truly speaks? If our lives are characterized by carnality, excess, or a lukewarm commitment to Christ, the powerful truths within Ephesians may not fully resonate until we aspire to embody the qualities of its intended audience.

The Call to Aspire

Being a saint is the birthright of every believer purchased by Christ’s blood. However, the deeper question lies in whether we are among the “faithful in Christ Jesus.” This requires honest self-reflection, prayer, repentance, and a yearning for God’s grace to cleanse any inconsistencies in our commitment. The transformative power of Ephesians is not automatically ours; its promises are contingent upon our pursuit of the character and devotion that define true saints. Let us not be discouraged by any conviction we feel, but rather let it ignite a holy ambition to become the individuals Jesus desires us to be, fully embracing the revelations within this remarkable book.

Grace and Peace: Divine Gifts for the Faithful

Paul’s salutation continues with the blessing: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2). This isn’t a blanket blessing for all, but a specific provision for those described in verse one. Grace, in this context, isn’t a mere overlooking of sin, but rather the divine influence of God upon our hearts, actively transforming us to reflect His nature. As Jesus Himself said, “If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 KJV). The initial grace offered is the opportunity to accept Christ, repent, and follow Him wholeheartedly, embracing the cross. True grace is a catalyst for change, turning sinners into reflections of Christ’s glory.

Coupled with grace is peace, which in the Greek signifies “good roads” and implies prosperity in every area of life, not just tranquility. This outward peace, a result of inward grace, empowers us to live victoriously over the world, the flesh, and the devil, regardless of our circumstances.

Chosen and Holy: Predestined for Good

Verse 3 reveals that we have been chosen in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless. This profound truth applies specifically to the “saints” and the “faithful in Christ Jesus.” By living the Christ-life, we enter a timeline that extends back to the very genesis of creation, where God considered us holy and blameless. Paul, despite his past as a persecutor of the church, could boldly declare his integrity (2 Corinthians 7:2 KJV) because of the transformative power of God’s grace. In Christ, we too can shed the shame of our past and stand blameless before God, not through our own merit, but through the Lordship of Jesus that reshapes us into individuals of New Testament caliber.

Ephesians 1:5 further declares that as saints and the faithful, we are not just destined but predestined for adoption as sons, living according to the good pleasure of His will. This stands in stark contrast to the shattered destinies of those who prioritize worldly distractions over God’s calling. John’s third letter clarifies God’s good pleasure: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 1:2 KJV). This abundant life is the portion of those who commit to walking as saints and remaining faithful in Christ Jesus, shunning the lukewarmness and veiled sin that grieve the Holy Spirit.

Fidelity to Christ: The Key to Blessing

God desires our prosperity and perfect health, but this blessing is contingent upon our commitment to being saints and faithful in Christ. The word “faithful” implies “fidelity,” akin to the unwavering loyalty between spouses. Are we walking in such fidelity toward Christ in all aspects of our lives? Spiritual adultery occurs when we seek fulfillment and validation from the world instead of Jesus, who is our true peace and Lord. While God may grant us earthly blessings, they must not become idols that distract us from our devotion to Him.

Reflection and Review

Paul’s opening words in Ephesians serve as a powerful reminder that the profound blessings and revelations within this book are specifically intended for those who are genuinely saints and faithful followers of Jesus Christ. These aren’t merely titles but descriptions of a life fully surrendered to His Lordship. We are called to examine our own lives honestly, discerning whether we truly embody these qualities. The grace and peace offered are not unconditional but are resources available to those who turn from the world and wholeheartedly pursue Christ. Our predestined inheritance of holiness, blamelessness, and abundant life is realized as we live in fidelity to Him, seeking our fulfillment and identity in Him alone.

A Five-Part Call to Action

1. Self-Examination: Honestly assess your life in light of the descriptions “saints” and “faithful in Christ Jesus.” Identify areas where your commitment may be wavering or where worldly influences have taken root.
2. Repentance and Seeking Grace: If you find areas of inconsistency, turn to God in prayer, confessing your shortcomings and earnestly seeking His grace for cleansing and renewal.
3. Embrace the Cross: Be willing to deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, understanding that true grace empowers this transformation.
4. Cultivate Fidelity: Examine where you might be seeking fulfillment or validation from the world and redirect your focus and devotion solely to Christ, recognizing Him as your peace and Lord.
5. Aspire to Sainthood and Faithfulness: With renewed zeal and godly ambition, pursue a life that aligns with the character and commitment of those to whom the book of Ephesians was originally addressed, laying hold of its transformative truths and promised blessings.