The Purpose of God: An Exposition of Ephesians

by R.C. Sproul

Paul's epistle to the Ephesians is possibly best known for its description of the 'Christian's Armour'. The letter is a reminder to the churches in Asia to live out their faith in the light of the redemption unveiled by God. It is a section of scripture that has lastingly influenced many believers throughout church history.
R. C. Sproul looks at the main issues raised in Ephesians. These include how to overcome idolatry, God's sovereignty in ALL things and the importance of fellowship and commitment to the church for healthy spiritual growth.
There are many areas in the epistle which have occasioned real dispute in the Christian Church and these are dealt with in Sproul's customary style - deep profundity allied to a sure touch in communicating illuminating truth.
You will be surprised at how freshly Paul's understanding of the Christian faith leaps of the page.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian

168 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2002

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always appreciate RC Sproul's teaching. He is very clear, guiding his readers in the word. Ten chapters of this short study-starting with Paul's praise of the Father and ending with Christian warfare. I have read several of his books and and predistination is something I find as encouraging for all. God is not obligated to save but in his grace HE draws us to himself. If it was up to me, I would most certainly loose my salvation. He emphasis how dead we are to God. This is something that is not taught. Why is it important? Because without realizing how dead we are to God, we do not know how poor in spirit we are. We become prideful and without humility. We then truly experience the grace of God and are in his power to extend that grace to others. It also addresses why are you Christian? Your answer reveals your heart towards God. Sproul also gets into Justification and the different takes on what justification. For example The Roman Catholic formula for justification is Faith plus works equals justification. Refomed Theology is faith which leads to works equals justification. A danger in our chrisitan world is on the doctrine of justification that we believe that all we have to do is believe in Christ and rely on the grace of God and I can live any way I want without any respect to the moral law of God. That is false teaching. That is not a heart soft and broken towards God. It is a spiritual warfare and Ephesians ends with the armour of God. Sproul details well what that entails for the believer. This is a great study for all who want to deepen their knowledge and love for the Lord.

[Ishmael Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is written in a very accessible way for those wanting to get to grasp with Ephesians. Wouldn't recommend this for an academic as there are more in-depth books on this.

[Douglas Domer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great basic study in the book of Ephesians. Review questions and Index make this a very helpful study.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good summary of Ephesians

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as a resource to teach a semester of high school Sunday school. It never went very in depth, but provided concise and helpful material on which I could build. In the marriage chapter he disparages feminists and clearly needs someone to define feminism to him, which is why this is 4 stars and not 5.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very solid and very readable commentary on Ephesians. It goes verse by verse and clearly explains the text. If you're looking for a commentray to buy on Ephesians, buy this one.

[Rick Dobrowolski · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, short commentary on the book of Ephesians. I thought it could have been a little more thorough.

[Daniel Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent lay-level commentary!