“To the sinners who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus….” That’s not how Paul begins his letter to the Ephesian churches, is it? No, it is not. He does not address his epistle “to the sinners in Ephesus,” but to “the saints who are in Ephesus.” And that being the case, how might that be instructive to pastors in speaking to their congregations?
Now, as a pastor, I realize that the church is full of sinners (being one of those sinners myself), and this excursus is by no means an attempt to soft peddle sin as not being a big deal. Sin is a big deal, and it is never to be treated lightly. However, how might Paul’s addressing the Ephesians churches in this way teach pastors about the disposition they ought to have toward those they are called to shepherd? Does he view them first as saints? Or as sinners? Based on Paul’s example here, and virtually every epistle he wrote, the overwhelming evidence is to view the church as comprised of saints.
At first glance, this might appear to be a splitting of hairs or an unnecessary distinction, but let us consider for a few moments what the implications might be of each perspective. First, if my fundamental view of the church is that it is full of sinners, then what are my expectations going to be of the congregation? What is my default thinking going to be? I am going to expect problems, and view people as the source of potential problems, won’t I? However, if I view the congregation as saints, then (hopefully) I am viewing them as a redeemed people, a people with a new identity in Christ. Isn’t that also how Paul argues in his letters? Doesn’t he first remind the people of who they are in Christ, and then address their sin and shortcomings?
Consider Paul’s argumentation in Colossians. In 3:1-4, he writes, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. That is where he begins.
Then, in 3:5-10, he exhorts them, Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (ESV).
So, again, the perspective of viewing the congregation fundamentally as saints does not neglect addressing sin. Rather, it gives even more weight to the exhortation of living according to the renewed image in Christ.
By way of analogy, how should a father view his children? As little sinners who are a constant project and source of irritation? Or as those in whom he takes pleasure and cares for? These two dispositions will result in very different environments in the home. The latter disposition does not negate discipline, but actually creates an environment in which discipline can thrive. Likewise, in the church, when the pastor views the congregation first and foremost according to who they are in Christ, he is going to speak to them (particularly in his preaching) from that vantage point. This is Paul’s example, and, as it is followed, may it result in the same as the apostle desired: a people who more fully understand their identity in Christ; a people who know themselves to be saints.