_EPHESIANS IN SERMON FORM         
                         THE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
I  THE BELIEVERS STANDING IN GRACE. (1:1-3:21)
     A. INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
     B. THE BELIEVER IS IN THE HEAVENLIES. (1:3-14)
          1.  We are chosen by the Father. (1:3-6)
          2.  We are redeemed by the Son. (1:7-12)
          3.  We are sealed by the Holy Spirit until redemption is completed. (1:13-14)
     C. PAUL PRAYS FOR THEM TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM AND
           FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND GOD'S POWER WORKING IN SALVATION.
            (1:15-23)
     D. GOD HAS A METHOD OF SALVATION - SALVATION BY GRACE. (2:1-10)
          1.  WHAT WE WERE IN THE PAST BEFORE SALVATION. (2:1-3)
          2.  WHAT WE ARE IN THE PRESENT. (2:4-6)
          3.  WHAT WE SHALL BE IN THE FUTURE. (2:7-10)
     E. THE JEWS AND THE GENTILES ARE ONE BODY IN CHRIST. (2:11-22)
          1.  THE POSITION THE GENTILES HAD BEFORE FAITH IN CHRIST.
                   (2:11-13)
          2.  JEWS AND GENTILES ARE UNITED IN ONE BODY. (2:14-18)
          3.  THE CHURCH IS A TEMPLE FOR THE HABITATION OF GOD
                  THROUGH THE SPIRIT. (2:19-22)
     F. THE CHURCH IS A "MYSTERY" HIDDEN FROM PAST AGES. (3:1-13)
     G. PAUL PRAYS A SECOND PRAYER: A PRAYER FOR KNOWLEDGE AND
             POWER. (3:14-21)

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS
TEXT: EPHESIANS 1:1-2
INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLE:

Authorship. Few critics have seriously denied Paul's authorship of this epistle
Twice in this epistle or letter Paul referred to himself by name as the
author of the book (1;1; 3:1). Ephesians was extensively and undisputedly
accepted in the early church. It is certainly a great gift to the church
which God gave through his beloved apostle.

Place and Date.  Paul was a prisoner at the time he wrote this letter (3:1; 4:1;
6:20). He wrote also Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians in prison;
therefore called the "Prison  Epistles" because he was in prison in Rome
(Wycl. Unger H.). This would put the date of the writing A.D. 60-62 (Scof. &
BKC 60; Unger H.). Paul was also in prison in Caesarea (Acts 24:27) by Felix
for two years before Festus become governor. This happen before Paul
appeals his case to Caesar in Acts 25:9-12, But Festus, wishing to do the
Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem
and stand trial before me on these charges?" 10) But Paul said, "I am
standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no
wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11) If then I am a wrongdoer,
and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die; but if
none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand
me over to them. I appeal to Caesar. 12) Then when Festus had conferred
with his council, he answered. "You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you
shall go." Paul will eventually die a martyr in Rome.

Destination.  The phrase at Ephesus is not in three of the oldest manuscripts
(BKC). It is given a rating of C in the United Bible Society Greek New
Testament, which mean "there is a considerable degree of doubt whether the
text ... contains the superior reading" (p. xiii). Some think the letter was simply
a circular letter which had been originally sent to Ephesus, but it was written to
be sent to other churches and therefore, where at Ephesus is found, it was left
blank originally so that the church name could be filled into the letter. Paul
also does not use names of any church members, which support the view of a
circular letter. The letter may have gone to Laodicea and Colosse, for Paul
said to the Colossians in 4:16, read the letter from Laodicea.  This may be
reference to this letter (BLK). These towns were very close.
     The letter Ephesians was probably delivered by Tychicus. Paul wrote in
Ephesians 6:21, But that you also may know about my circumstances, how I
am doing. Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will
make everything  known to you. 22) And I have sent him OT you for this very
purpose, so that you may know about us, and that he may comfort your
hearts. Paul makes a similar statement about Tychicus on the Colossians in
Colossians 4:7-9.
     Ephesians was leading center in the Roman Empire. Paul had spent a
short time in Ephesus on his way back to Antioch from his secondary
missionary journey (Acts 18:19-22). On his third missionary journey he stayed
in Ephesus three years (Acts 20:31). Several remarkable things happened in
Ephesus. Paul baptized a dozen of John the Baptist's followers (Acts 19:1-7).
He had discussions in the hall of Tyrannus (19:8-10). Unusual miracles
occurred where Paul performed many miracles, and handkerchiefs or aprons
were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and
the evil spirits went out (Acts 19:11-12). Strange events took place (19:13-16)
there, sorcerers were converted (19:17-20), and the city rioted over silversmith
Demetrius' loss of business because of people who turned to Christ form
worshipping the great Ephesian goddess Artemis (19:23-41). On Paul's return
to Jerusalem form his third missionary journey he gave a moving farewell
address to the Ephesian elders at the coastal town of Miletus (20:17-35). That
was his last time to see them (20:36-38), unless Paul visited Ephesus after he
was in Rome (BKC) where he is believed to have died.

Significant words found in Ephesians.
1)  In occurs about 90 times. It stresses the truth of the believer's union with
Christ in death, resurrection, ascension, and present position. The fact of the
believer's position "in Christ" permeates the entire thought of the epistle.
2)  Grace occurs 13 times, showing that this epistle is an exposition of the
"gospel of the grace of God".
3)  Spiritual or Spirit occurs 13 times, defining both the sphere of truth dealt
with in the epistle and the realm of life in which believers are living.
4)  Body is found eight times. It is a metaphor describing our positional union
with Christ (chs 1-3).
5)  Walk is found 8 times. Our walk is our behavior within the Body of Christ,
how we act in union with Him, the Head. This term is the heart of the practical
appeal of the epistle.
6)  Heavenlies is found 5 times, setting forth the exalted sphere of the
believer's position in Christ and the realm of his walk and warfare.
7)  Mystery is found five times. The term does not denote something
incomprehensiveable but a hidden truth held in secret until the proper time for
its revelation in the divine program.

EPHESIANS
TEXT: EPHESIANS 1:1-6
INTRODUCTION: There are many different outlines of this book. The first
major division is more uniform, starting with verse through 3:21. I will try to
give a basic outline, but it will vary from scholar to scholar. This was written by
Paul while he was in prison.

I  THE BELIEVER'S STANDING IN GRACE, 1:1-3:21
     This is the outline title in the New Scoffield Bible, however, it is not placed
in the text until verse 3. In other words the entire section from 1:1-3:21 speaks
of "the believer's standing in grace." The Wycliffe Bible Commentary calls it in
a very similar manner, The Believer's Position in Christ.

A.  INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)
     v1  Paul deals with his calling as an apostle more in Galations 1:1, 10-17.
God dealt with Paul directly to change him from a persecutor of the church to
a minister and an apostle in the church. We are not sure if this letter originally
was addressed to the saints who are at Ephesus. At Ephesus receives only a
C rating in the United Bible Societies Greek New Testament, which gives
some doubt of this being in the original. It is believed to have been circulated
to the near churches, and therefore, the name At Ephesus is not in the oldest
manuscripts, but it is many. Regardless of their geographical location with the
"saints", their real position in God's sight is in Christ Jesus. They have been
put in a vital union with him so that they are identified with him. Jesus told his
disciples that He would give the Holy Spirit unto them in John 14:20 says, In
that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you.
(Wycl.) In Christ occurs about ninety times in this epistle.
     v2 Grace and peace is found in all of Paul's epistles. Grace was a
common Greek greeting, but the word takes on special meaning in Christian
speech. Grace must always come before peace. God's love and favor
to man results in our peace. God is now our Father through adoption as sons
(Ro. 8:15). This is made possible through the Lord. Jesus Christ is the Lord;
He is Jehovah of the O.T. The word Lord (kupious) is the same word
translated for the Hebrew word Jehovah.

B.  THE BELIEVER IS IN CHRIST IN THE HEAVENLIES. (1:3-14)
     1)  WE ARE CHOSEN BY THE FATHER. (1:3-6)
     v3  Almost all of Paul's epistles start with some statement of praise (Alf.).
The word for blessed (eulogetos) is translated praise in the NIV. The verb use
means "to speak well of." In the New Testament it is applied only to God.
{(Mark 14:61; Luke 1;68; Rom. 1:25; 9:5; 2 Cor. 1:3; 11:31; 1 Peter 1:3. In the
LXX it is used to applied to man Gen. 26:29; Deut. 7:14; Ruth 2:20), BKC}.
The blessing is directed toward "the one true God, not some false or
imaginary deity" (Wycl) by the phrase the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ. This God, the only one, has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in
the heavenly places in Christ. God has given every spiritual enrichment
needed for spiritual life. The blessing has occurred in eternity past (BKC); God
has blessed us before the foundation of world (v.4). These spiritual benefits
are bought to us in the most unusual place, in the heavenly places. The word
places is not in the original Greek, but heavenly does refer to a definite place
of existence.
     I am not sure words can express in every sense in how we are blessed in
the heavenly realm (NIV). Our country is in heaven. Phillippians 3:20 says, For
our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a savior, the
Lord Jesus Christ. There our High Priest stands, blessing us; Hebrews
9:11-12 says, But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to
come, he entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made
with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; 12) and not through the blood of
goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the holy place once
for all, having obtained eternal redemption. There in the heavenlies our
affections should be; Colossians 3:1-4 says, If then you have been raised up
with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right
hand of God. 2) Set your mind on the things above, not the things that are on
earth. 3) For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When
Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in
glory. There in the heavenlies is laid our hope, not a hope of possibility, but
laid for us; Colossians 1:4-5 says, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for
you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel.
Here hope is used metaphorically as a thing laid up in heaven. It is there that
treasures are ours if we are committed to Christ; Matthew 6:19-20 Jesus said,
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust
destroy, and where thieves break in and steal 20) But lay up yourselves
treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves
do not break in or steal. There in the heavenlies is our inheritance reserved; 1
Peter 1:3-4 says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living
hope through resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4) to obtain an
inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away,
reserved in heaven for you. And there, in that place, and belonging to that
state, is the blessing, the gift of the Spirit; Hebrews 6:4 says,...those who have
once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been
made partakers of the Holy Spirit. Materially, we are yet in the body; but in the
Spirit, we are in heaven - only waiting for the redemption of the body to be
entirely and literally there. {This is possible in Christ because the Holy Spirit is
in us (Alf. all credit) The Holy Spirit is in Christ, and Christ is in heaven.
Therefore we are with Christ in heaven. Or, we could say through the Holy
Spirit we are in Christ; Christ is in us; and He is in heaven. Repeat}
     v4  The ideal is that spiritual blessing (1:3) for believers are because of or
on the basis of the work of the Trinity; God blesses believers because of the
Father's electing, the Son's dying, and the Spirit's sealing. The starting
point is God's choosing us. This involves the doctrine of election. The Greek
word is eklegomai. "The doctrine of election is never presented in Scripture as
something to afraid of, but always as something for believers to rejoice in."
(Wycl.) The verb is also middle voice, and it could be expanded in the
translation, God selected us for himself. (Alf.) Those who God has chosen will
make it to heaven. In Romans 8:29-30 it says, For whom He foreknew, He
also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might
be the first-born among many brethren; 30) and whom He predestined, these
He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He
justified, these He also glorified. Salvation is totally completed at glorification,
when we are given a body incorruptible, undying, Those who God has chosen
are glorified (aorist tense). It is already considered completed from God's
prospective. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 says, knowing, brethren beloved by God,
His choice of you. II Thessalonians 2:13 says, But we should always give
thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has
chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit
and faith in the truth. Again choosing took place from the beginning even
before creation. The word is also found in Titus 1:1, Paul, a bond-servant of
God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen of God and
the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness. The Bible say in 2
Timothy 1:9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted
us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. (References by BKC)
     I have no problem with believing God will keep us who are truly, truly saved
by God's grace, but I do have a problem with some people who profess
Christianity. A woman called into a talk show who said that she is a Christian
who is a lesbian homosexual. How often do you hear someone say, "I am a
Christian liar, ...thief, ...adulterer, ...drunk. Henry Alford puts in a very sobering
thought about election in Colossians 1:23, but I would like to read the thought
previous also. So, look at Colossians 1:21-23, And although you were
formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, a change has
taken place in their life, 23) if indeed you continue in the faith firmly
established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel
that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and
of which I, Paul, was made a minister. It is a clear the elected will continue in
faith, and their attitude toward God is changed. The homosexual who is
hostile toward God's word concerning their sin, and who promotes this sin in
others, is unsaved. Where is the humility before God and man from the
homosexual community? It is clear from this scripture the elect will continue a
life of faith.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 1:7-14
INTRODUCTION: The first major division of the book is I  THE BELIEVER'S
STANDING IN GRACE, 1:1-3:21. We have looked at:
A. Introduction (1:1-2) Paul gives his usual introduction, identifying himself,
addressing the group wrote to, and pronouncement of grace and peace upon
them.
B.  The Believer is in Christ in the heavenlies. (1:3-14)
     1)  We are chosen by the Father. (1:3-6) We are blessed with every
spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (v.3) The ideal is that spiritual
blessings for believers are because of or on the basis of the work of the
Trinity; God blesses believers because of the Father's electing or choosing,
the Son's dying or redeeming us, and the Spirit's sealing. God the Father has
chosen before the foundation of the world, his creation (v.4)

     2.  WE ARE REDEEMED BY GOD'S SON. (1:7-12)
     v7  God the Father has a special love for the Son, the beloved (v.6); in Him
we have redemption. Redemption (apolytrosin) means release or deliverance
from a state of slavery. (BKC) Man is under the dominion and curse of sin.
Galatians 3:13 says, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having
become a curse for us - for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO
HANG ON A TREE."  Redemption is accomplished through His blood. The
means of redemption is the sacrificial, substitutionary death of Christ. (BKC) 1
Peter 1:18-19 says, knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable
things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your
forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless,
the blood of Christ. The blood shed by Christ on the cross completely satisfied
God's justice; Romans 3:24-25 says, being justified as a gift by His grace
through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25) whom God displayed
publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate
His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the
sins previously committed. Because of the blood of Christ forgiveness of sins
is possible. God has established how he will forgive sinners; Hebrews 9:20-22
says, THIS IS THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WHICH GOD
COMMANDED YOU.  21) And in the same way he sprinkled both the
tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood. 22) And
according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood,
and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. The greatness of God's
grace is shown in the phrase according to the riches of His grace. Six times in
Ephesians Paul referred to God's riches. (1:7; 18; 2:4,7; 3:8,16 BKC)
     vv8-9 God's grace is given to enable believers to understand His will. God
gives them wisdom (sophia), which is objective insight into the true nature of
God's revelation, and insight is the subjective apprehension of it. So believers
are able to grasp something of the divine purpose of the ages and to see its
relevance in the present time. This is accomplished because God made
known to us the mystery of His will.
     vv10-11 God planned or purpose in Him, Christ to bring all things under
subjection to Him. The KJV uses the term dispensation of the fullness of the
times rather that an administration suitable to the fullness of the times (NASB).
It is the completed time as we know it, the millennial kingdom. All things both
spiritual and material will be under Christ and His rule.
     In Him we have obtained an inheritance. The NIV is probably closer to the
meaning of the verb. ("to appoint or obtain by lot" found only here in the
NT,BKC) It reads, In him we were also chosen, having been predestined
according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with
purpose of his will. "There is no clearer ..statement anywhere in Scripture
concerning the sovereignty of God. Running throughout the Bible are the
parallel lines of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility. We cannot
reconcile them, but we can believe both because both are taught in the
Word." (Wycl.)
    v12  Paul and the apostolic believers were the first to believe, and these
were made up for the most part among the Jewish community. (BKC) See
Romans 1:16 which says, For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the
power of God for salvation to everyone who believers, to the Jew first and also
two Greek. The apostle closes on "we are redeemed by God's son with
previous state phrase, to the praise of His glory.

    3)  WE ARE SEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT. (1:13-14)
     v13-14 In Him refers back to Christ. We are united with Christ by faith with
his death, resurrection, and ascension. The word in occurs 90 times in this
epistle. (Unger H.) The gospel is called the message  or word of truth.
Colossians 1:5 says, Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which
you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel. It is also found in 2 Tim.
2:15; James 1:18. Paul further "described" this as the gospel of your salvation.
You were sealed by the Holy Spirit the moment you truly believed in Christ.
The Scoffield Bible has a good footnote on this verse about the seal. "The
Holy Spirit is Himself the seal. In the symbolism of Scripture a seal signifies:
(Scof. Ref. Bible) but lets notice: 1) it shows ownership - we belong to God. 1
Cor. 6:19-20 says, Or do you not know that your body is a temple of he Holy
Spirit who is in you, whom you are not your own? 20) For you have bought
with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. In this connection the Sealer is
called the Spirit of promise, since He is the pledge or earnest (part payment
guaranteeing a complete transaction) of full possession of that which has
been purchased, 2 Tim. 2:19 says, nevertheless, the firm foundation of God
stands having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His, and, "Let
everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness. 2)  The
seals shows Security. It guarantees safe delivery to heaven. It is redemption
unto glorification. 3) The seal shows a completed transaction. As Jesus has
accomplished in work which you have given Me to do Jesus prayed to the
Father in John 17:4 and he said, it is finished, in 19:30. As Christ
accomplished His work that the Father sent Him to do; the Holy Spirit will
complete what it has started. It was given as a pledge for that purpose. Do
you believe that? That is what the scriptures say very clearly.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 1:15-23
INTRODUCTION: The first major division of the book is I  THE BELIEVER'S
STANDING IN GRACE, 1:1-3:21. We have looked at:
A. Introduction (1:1-2) Paul gives his usual introduction, identifying himself,
addressing the group wrote to, and pronouncement of grace and peace upon
them.
B.  The Believer is in the Christ in the heavenlies. (1:3-14)
     1)  We are chosen by the Father. (1:3-6) We are blessed with every
spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (v. 3) The ideal is that spiritual
blessings for believers are because of or on the basis of the work of the
Trinity; God blesses believers because of the Father's electing or choosing,
the Son's dying or redeeming us, and the Spirit's sealing. God the Father has
chosen before the foundation of the world, His creation (v.4).
     2)  We are Redeemed by God's Son. (1:7-12)
     3)  We are Sealed by the Holy Spirit until Redemption Is Complete. (1:13        
-14) We take from there to:

C.  PAUL PRAYS FOR THEM TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM AND
FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND GOD'S POWER WORKING IN SALVATION.
(1:15-23)
     v15  For this reason which refers back to the believer's having every
spiritual blessing in verses 3-14 - including election, predestination,
adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, understanding, knowledge
of the mystery of His will, the sealing of the Holy Spirit, and inheritance - Paul
now prayed that his readers might know God personally and intimately.
Verses 15-23 are one sentence in the Greek, as are verses 3-14. (BKC) The
believers faith and love for all the saints among the people at Ephesus was
spoken of to Paul. The love was not confide to their own city, but they had
love for all the saints which included other cities and countries.
     v16 Paul prayed for them in thanks to God. This Paul did also for the
church of Rome (1:8), Corinth (1 cor. 1:4), Phillippi (1:3), Colasse (1:3),
Thessalonica 91:2). (Ibid.)
     v17 The purpose of Paul's pray is specified: that shows purpose. you might
want to footnote this word. The conjunction iva always means "purpose or
result". Paul's prayer was in the form of a wish that the Father of glory may
give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. Paul
often prayed for manifestations of the Holy Spirit in his converts. (Alf.) All
wisdom comes from the Spirit. (Robinson, p. 38) Spirit may refer to the Holy
Spirit or to attitude of wisdom produced by the Holy Spirit.
     vv18-19 Literally verse 18 could be translated which connects it with the
previous verse, the eyes of your heart having been enlightened. "The heart in
Scripture is the very core and center of life" (Alf.) or the center of personality
(BKC). Paul wanted them to have three areas of knowledge about spiritual
things: 1) so that you may know what is the hope of His calling. The word
hope is note used as many today use the term. It does not express "wish or
desire", but the expectation of what God is going to do for the redeemed.
"Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of a believer's victory in /God.
(BKC, see for references) 2) The second fact Paul wanted his readers to know
refers to God will inherit those whom He has purchased at a great price. God's
inheritance is the saints of God. O, how God has loved us! And, 3) (know)
what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe (v.3).
God's power is directed toward us, the believers.
      v19 God has manifested His power and might three ways.
     vv20-21 1) which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him form the
dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places. (v. 20) Romans
8:24 says, who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes,
rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes
for us. Colossians 3:1 says, It then you have been raised up with Christ, keep
seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Seated at the right hand of God shows who Christ is given authority. (Nic.)
This is expressed in verse 21. John 5:26-27 says, for just as the Father has
life in Himself, even so He have to the Son also to have life in Himself; 27) and
He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
     v22 The 2) way that the power of God is manifested is the Son; He put all
things in subjection under His feet. This goes with His highly exalted position
with the Father. Jesus prayed in John 17:1-2, Father, the hour has come;
glorify your Son, that the Son may glorify you. 2) even as you gave Him
authority over all mankind, that to all whom you have given Him, He may give
eternal life.
     vv22-23b The third manifestation of God's power in the Son: is His
appointment of Christ Headship over the Church. Believers are in the Church,
Christ's body. Every physical body has a head; so Christ has a mystical body,
the Church. Notice the last phrase, his body, the fullness of Him who fills all in
all. The meaning of this description of His body is difficult to determine. The
verb fills can be taken passively, meaning that Christ, the Head of the body, is
filled by the church. Meaning, as the church grows it completed Christ. Or, the
Greek participle could be middle voice. Then it would be translated, Church,
which is His body, fills for Himself fall in all. So, the meaning could be
interpreted two ways: 1) Christ, the head of the body, is filled by the church, or
2) Christ, the Head of the body, fills for himself the church with blessing. The
first things namely, gifted people to the church. (BKC) But, logic could support
the first interpretation, that - Christ, the head of the body, is filled by the
church. Paul had been speaking that the Father has chosen the believers
before the foundation of the world (v 4) and that we are predestined to
adoption of children through Christ. Logic or common sense would say that
the church is not complete, and it is still being filled with people which will
complete His body. This is a very difficult verse. Both views seems possible to
me.

Summary
     This ends Paul's prayer. After demonstrating that believers have all
spiritual blessings (1:3-14), Paul prayed that believers would could come to
know God intimately (v. 17) in order that they might know three facts: 1) the
past call of salvation that produced hope (v.18), 2) the future inheritance that
'God has in His saints (v.18), and 3) the present power of God that is available
to believers (v. 19), which 1) was manifested in the past in Christ’s
resurrection and Ascension (v20), b) will be manifested in future in Christ's
headship over Creation (v.21), and c) is presently manifested in Christ's
headship over the church.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 2:1-10
INTRODUCTION: In chapter 1 Paul discussed God's eternal plan in choosing
those who are predestined to sonship and the fact that all believers on earth
and in heaven will be brought together under Christ the Head of the Church.
Chapters 2-3 explain the execution of this eternal plan by showing how God
makes sinners saints and then places them into the church, Christ's body. In
2:1-10 Paul shows how sinners who deserve nothing but God's wrath can
become trophies of His grace. (BKC) In this paragraph the apostle tells about
our salvation by God's grace, what we were in the past, what we are now, and
what we shall be in the future.
.  GOD HAS METHOD OF SALVATION - SALVATION BY GRACE. (2:1-10)
     1.  WHAT WE WERE IN THE PAST BEFORE SALVATION (Wycl.).
(2:1-3)
     vv1-2 The unsaved is dead in your trespasses and sins.  The KJV adds a
few words which are not in the Greek text, and this is shown by being
initialized letters, (you) hath he quickened. The next verse makes it clear that
this is not true of  a genuine Christian. The unsaved person is dead in your
trespassess and sins which the death is a spiritual death. Death signifies
absence of communication with the living. I don't think no one here has
communicated with a dead person. One who is dead spiritually has no
communication with God; he is separated from God. Sin has killed people.
Romans 5:12 says, Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the
world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all
sinned. Romans 7:20 says, But if I am doing the very thing I do not wish, I am
no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. Colossians 2:13 says,
and when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of
your flesh, he made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our
transgressions. Sin has killed people and they remain in spiritually dead state
unless God's grace comes to them. Transgressions means "false steps" and
sins means "acts of missing the mark". Both words suggest deliberate acts
against God and His righteousness and thus failure to live as one
should.(BKC) It is strange that a dead person is spoken of as able to walk.
(Wycl.) The unsaved walk according to the course of this world; they follow
the lifestyles of other unbelievers. They experience the world's peer pressure.
This world is the satanically organized system that hates and opposes all that
is godly. (BKC) Satan is called the prince of the power of the air. The world is
under the control of Satan, the evil one. (1 John 5:19) During the tribulation he
will be cast down to the earth, no longer to rule the world or have access to
God's presence as Revelation 12:9 shows. (BKC) The general belief of Paul's
day was that the Fall brought the world subject to evil spirits, who had their
dwelling in the air, and were under the control of Satan as their prince.
(Robinson, pl 49, see Eadie for different views). Transgressions and sins have
produced a spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. This
influencing power of evil works in the world to bring mankind to a conscious
and active rebellion against God.
     v3 The lusts of the flesh leads to a rebellion that makes us children of
wrath. John 3:36 says,  He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he
who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on
him.

     2.  WHAT WE ARE IN THE PRESENT. 2:4-6
     vv4-6 Paul moves from the wrath of God immediately to God's love for us.
This is God's act of abundant mercy. God has raised us up with Him, and
seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus. The scripture
teaches we have been identified with the Lord Jesus Christ, not only in His
death (Ro. 6), but also in His resurrection and in His ascension to the right
hand of the Father. (Wycl.)

     3.  WHAT WE SHALL BE IN THE FUTURE. 2:7-10
     v7 In order that introduces a purpose clause. Connect the two verses 6
and seven with for the purpose that in the ages to come He might show the
surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
     v8 Salvation is by grace. Notice the work that. That is a neuter pronoun in
the Greek does not refer to grace or faith because both are feminine nouns in
Greek. The only translation that does justice to the translation is the Amplified
Bible, and the second best is the Living Bible. The Amplified Bible says, And
this (salvation) is not of yourselves - of your own doing, it came not through
your own striving - but it is the gift of God.
     v9 This verse only further emphasizes that salvation is free, a gift of God.
A gift is not received by works, otherwise it is not a gift, but works, therefore,
earned and deserved. This would lead to boasting.
     v10 God is the one working in salvation, not us. We should produce good
works after salvation. On this point Paul and James agrees. James just
wanted some sign of converted life. In 2;17 he says, even so faith, if it has no
works, is dead, being by itself.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 2:11-22
INTRODUCTION: Today we will be looking at the subject. E. THE JEWS AND
THE GENTILES ARE ONE BODY IN CHRIST. (2:11-22)
          (Wycl. inc. subpoints with some modification)
          1. THE POSITION THE GENTILES HAD BEFORE FAITH IN CHRIST.
               (2:11-13)
          2. JEWS AND GENTILES ARE UNITED IN ONE BODY. (2:14-18)
          3. THE CHURCH AS A TEMPLE FOR THE HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH THE SPIRIT.
               (2:19-22)
     "Individuals who have received God's gracious salvation are not left alone
but are brought into union with other believers. In 2:11-22 Paul developed this
concept of the corporate unity of saved Jews and Gentiles in the church,
Christ's body." (BKC)

          1. THE POSITION THE GENTILES HAD BEFORE CHRIST. (2:11-13)
     v11 Most of the saved believers at Ephesus were Gentiles. The apostle
reminds them of their position before they heard the Gospel. The Bible mainly
divides people into three groups: Jews, Gentiles, and the Church. (Wycl.) By
birth the Ephesians were called uncircumcision by the Jews who were the
ones who practice circumcision. They were called this from an attitude of
superiority in spiritual matters. There was an advantage of being a Jew.
Romans 3:1-2 says, Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the
benefit of circumcision? 2) Great in every respect. First of all, that they were
entrusted with the oracles of God. This refers to the Ten Commandments and
the law given to Moses.
     v12 The Gentiles were separated by a distance which restricted
information from the nation Israel, which had the sure Word of God. They had
the promise of Christ. The Gentiles, for the most part except for a few
proselytes, were excluded from the commonwealth of Israel.  This made them
strangers to the covenants of promise. They had no sure word about the
resurrection from the dead, our hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 says, But, we do
not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that
you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope. 14) For if we believe
that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who
have fallen asleep in Jesus.  The resurrection of the dead has not occurred
yet, so it remains our hope. (Scof. ref.) We expect it to happen, and to be with
Christ. Without a Word from God the Gentiles were without God in the world.
Yes, many worship a god, a pagan god, but they were without the true God.
     v13 They were far off from these promises, but Christ, through His
sacrificial death which is seen in His blood as He died on a cross, broke this
division.

          2. THE JEWS AND GENTILES ARE UNITED IN ONE BODY. (2:14-18)
     v14 There is no peace with God without Christ. There may be a reference
to the wall separating the Court of the Gentiles and the Court of the Jews in
the Temple. An inscription on this wall warned Gentiles of the death penalty
for entering the Court of Jews. Even if the Gentiles went to the temple
they were reminded of a difference between them, circumcision. Christ has
changed this.
     v15 This resentment, called enmity between the two, has stopped. There is
a contrast of the flesh of circumcision and the flesh of Christ, which abolished
this. The cause of this enmity was the Law of commandments contained in
ordinances. "Christ came not to destroy the law, but to fulfill it: (Jesus said in
Matthew 5:17) not to do away with it in so far as it was a limited code of
commands. All its commandments were swallowed up in the new
commandment of love. In so far as it was petrified in enactments, and
especially in those external ordinances which guided all the details of the
Jew's daily life and were meant above all things to keep him distinct from the
outside Gentile, - just in that sense and in that measure it was annulled in
Christ...The touch of certain things defiled, the taste of certain meats made a
man unclean. To touch even in the commerce of the market what a Gentile
had touched, to eat at the table at which a Gentile ate - these things were
defiling them. The ordinances were framed to prevent such pollution, such
sins against the Divine covenant which marked off the Jews as a peculiar
people. It was just these distinctions that are done away now; and with them
the ordinances which enforced them were annulled." (Robinson, p. 64) God
has made the two into one new man, a Christian.
     vv16-18 The Gospel does establish peace between two vastly different
people, Jew and Gentile. Christians make up one body, which is the Church.
Paul quotes from the OT in verse 17 from Isaiah 57:19. Christ commanded his
disciples to go first to the lost sheep of the house of Israel in Matthew 10:5.
The disciples were later commanded to go into all the world in Matthew 28:18.
Both Jews and Gentiles are accepted as shown by being given access in one
Spirit to the Father. (v.18)

     3. THE CHURCH IS A TEMPLE FOR HABITATION OF GOD THROUGH
THE SPIRIT. (2:19-22)
     vv19-22 The Church has been spoken of as a human body, the body of
Christ; now the church is spoken of as a building which is growing into a
temple in the Lord. The apostles make up the foundation, which no one builds
on an uncertain foundation. The building is growing as the unsaved is brought
in and placed, fitted together, into this temple. Each believer is indwelt by the
Spirit of God. The dwelling place of God is not in a temple of materials of this
world, nor in some far away place, but in the lives of believers. The hostility
between God and man is removed also. 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, Do you not
know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
As each believer is saved he or she make-up a part of this very large temple
of God.
   

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 3:1-12
INTRODUCTION: That Gentiles were to be saved was no mystery as Paul
explains clearly form Romans 9:24-33; 10:19-21. The mystery "hidden in God"
was the divine purpose to make of Jew and Gentile a wholly new thing - "the
church, which is His body," formed by the baptism with Holy Spirit (1
Corinthians 12:12-13) and in which the earthly distinction of Jew and Gentile
disappears (Ephesians 2:14-15). The revelation of this "mystery" of the
Church was foretold but not explained by in Matthew 16:18 where Jesus said,
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build By
church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it. The details concerning
the doctrine, position, walk, and destiny of the Church were committed to Paul
and his fellow "apostles and prophets" by the Spirit (Eph. 3:5).

     F. THE CHURCH IS A "MYSTERY" HIDDEN FROM PAST AGES.
(3:1-13)
     v1 Having discussed the union of Jewish and Gentile believers in the
church 92:11-22), Paul was about to offer a prayer on behalf of these
believers. But, he stopped right in the middle of a sentence (at the end of 3:1)
and digressed on the subject of the mystery and his responsibility to dispense
it. Then he resumed his prayer, starting with verse 14. (BKC) Paul was a
prisoner because of the gospel and was being held in jail at Rome. He
preached to the Gentiles, and this brought bitter opposition from the Jews.
     v2  Paul begins one of eight long sentences in this epistle. If indeed means
"for surely you have heard" (Robinson, p. 75). The NIV translates, Surely you
have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for
you. If you have the KJV put a note by If (indeed or surely. Most Gentile
believers knew of Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, and Jewish apostles at
Jerusalem acknowledged this. Paul said in Galations 2:9, and recognizing the
grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were
reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship,
that we might go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.
     v3 Paul insisted that the gospel was given to him by revelation, which is
expressed clearly in Galations 1:11-12. The statement which speaks of a
previous revelation of the gospel is probably referring back to 1:9, he made
known to us the mystery of His will.
     v4 Paul understood this mystery of the gospel. He had insight through
revelation.
     v5 Just like the OT prophets were inspired by God to record God's word,
so were the apostles and prophets in the New Testament. To other
generations this was not made known. Who were the prophets in the NT
period? None of the commentaries deal with this term here. A prophet is one
who "is divinely inspired to communicate God's will to his people, and to
disclose the future to them." (Unger D.) They are to be esteemed highly - holy
apostles and prophets. The words are not taken as serious in our day where
the New Testament teaching is becoming open to all kinds of interpretations
based sinful habits. For example, homosexuality, fornication, drunkenness,
lying, gambling, and many forms of evil practices are not avoided and they are
even spoken of as good in many churches.
     vv6-7 The great mystery was that the Gentiles would be united with Jews
in an unified body, the Church. (Wycl. & Scof.) Paul was made a diakovos, a
servant. It is the same word for our word deacon. What a shame that most
churches do not have servants in deacons, but power hungry people. Paul
had performs many signs of an apostle, therefore the power was shown in his
ministry.
     vv8-9 Paul was a humble man of great stature. He never allowed himself
to forget his persecution of the church before his conversion; he was the very
least of all saints. Paul was to preach to the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches
of Christ (KJV), the unfathomable riches of Christ (NASB). What God has
done through Christ can never be fully comprehended. The church was
a secret until the apostles, but it had been hidden in God. God knew all alone,
and he had a plan.
     vv10-11 The rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places refers to
both good and bad angelic beings. See 6:12. They now have this made
known to them. Both good and evil angles are evidently amazed at the
working of God as seen in redeemed men and women. God has brought
about His eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord.
     vv12-13  We now have boldness to God; before we were in trespasses
and sins (2:1). God would not hear us. Paul encourages them to not become
distressed over his imprisonment. His imprisonment is the result  of succcess
with winning the Gentiles to Christ, even the Ephesians. This brought the
hatred of the Jews against Paul. The Ephesians would not be saved
otherwise. Therefore, they should glory in Paul tribulations of prisons.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 3:14-21
INTRODUCTION: This is the second prayer of Paul for the Ephesians, and
like the former one in Ephesians 1:15-23, it is concerned mainly with their
spiritual welfare. (Wycl.) The Scoffield Bible entitles it, "Prayer for knowledge
and power." That title would go best with this prayer. There Paul is concerned
with God's power working in our salvation. Here Paul wants us to experience
God's power in our daily lives (v.16).

G.   PAUL PRAYS A SECOND PRAYER: A PRAYER FOR KNOWLEDGE
AND POWER. 3:14-21
     vv14-15 This takes up the thought begun in verse 1. Evidently the main
thought in this chapter is the prayer. (Wycl. &  BKC) When Paul was about to
pray, he broke off before finishing the sentence in order to elaborate on the
mystery, the body of Christ, and on his ministry of dispensing the mystery of
Christ's church. The scripture says, I bow my knees before the Father.
It shows a position of kneeing in prayer. The Bible shows several postures for
praying - standing, kneeling, and lying prostate. From whom (Father) every
family in heaven and on earth derives its name (v.15). This would show the
concept of family or fatherhood comes from God. The KJV translates, of
whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, which is not bad. The
NIV translates, from whom His whole family in heaven and earth derives its
name. If you use the NIV, I would put his in brackets; it is not in the Greek
text. It makes it sound as if we are all of God's children, which is Biblically
unsound. (BKC) See John 8:31-44. 1 John 3:10 says, By this the children of
God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice
righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother. God is
the prototype of all fatherhood. Father is derived from God, not man.
     v16 God has many spiritual riches. He has revealed them according to the
abundance of grace toward us. Man can not live a separated life without the
power of God through His Spirit. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, but you shall receive
power when the Holy Spirit had come upon you; and you shall be My
witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the
remotest part of the earth. He tells us what kind of power he is talking about in
the next verse.
     v17 This is probably a purpose clause (Eadie) or result clause (D. Stone,
Alf. & Ellic.) Make a note in your Bible after that (for purpose that). Why would
Paul pray such a prayer for believers. They were saved. They had the Holy
Spirit at conversion. To have Christ to dwell in your hearts is not merely to live
in us, but to be at home in us. It is all too obvious to all Christians that many
who professed themselves as Christians that Christ is not an important part of
their life. Paul's prayer was that the Ephesians would "let Christ become the
dominating factor in their attitudes and conduct." (BKC) By having this
closeness to Christ's desires for you, you will be rooted and grounded in love,
which is Christ's law. We are to root or plant and ground or build our lives in
Christ's law.
     vv18-19 The purpose is stated (?): to comprehend Christ's love and to be
filled unto God's fullness. The NIV does a good job connecting the love of
Christ with this measuring. It says in verse 18, may have power, together with
all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of
Christ. We must submerge ourselves in Christ's love. It is unfathomable or
unsearchable (3:8); it surpasses knowledge (v.19). The more a Christian
knows about Christ, the more amazed he is at Christ's love for him. This
fullness of God is the believer's state in Christ. The apostle prays for an
experience of comprehending of this position with its resultant power realized
in everyday living. (Unger H.)
     vv20-21 Paul closed this prayer with a doxology. No human or angel (3:10)
would ever think that Jews and Gentiles could function together in one body.
But with God's power of love in each believer's life, Paul was confident that
Jewish and Gentile believers can function and love one another. (BKC) God is
to be given glory in the church as this love is manifested among different
cultural groups such as Jews and Gentiles. Christ is to be given glory in that
he made it all possible.

II THE BELIEVER IS TO WALK AND SERVE THE LORD. 4:1-5:14
    A. OUR WALK SHOULD BE WORTHY OF OUR HIGH POSITION. 4:1-3
    B. THERE ARE SEVEN UNITES TO BE KEPT. 4:4-6
    C. THE GIFTS GIVEN TO THE CHURCH BY THE RISEN CHRIST AND THEIR
         PURPOSE. 4:7-16
    D. THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER SHOWS A NEW MAN IN CHRIST. 4:17-29
         1. THERE ARE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS. 4:25-32
             a. Speak the truth. 4:25
             b. Do not let anger become sin. 4:26-27
             c. Do not steal, but work to give to the needy. 4:28
             d. A rotten speech must stop, and a helpful speech must be given. 4:29-32
    E. THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER SHOWS THAT WE ARE GOD'S CHILDREN.                    
    5:1-14
III THE WALK AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS THAT HE IS
SPIRIT-FILLED. 5:16-6:20
     A. THE EVIDENCES OF THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ARE:
          1. THEY REJOICED IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS. 5:19
          2. THEY COMMUNICATED WITH THE LORD. 5:19b
          3. THEY GAVE THANKS. 5:20
          4. THEY SUBMITTED TO ONE ANOTHER. 5:21
               a) How this applies to husbands and wives. 5:22-23.


II  THE BELIEVER IS TO WALK AND SERVE THE LORD. 4:1-5:14
TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:1-6
INTRODUCTION:     
A.  OUR WALK SHOULD BE WORTHY OF OUR HIGH POSITION. 4:1-3
     v1 The therefore refers back to the previous three chapters.(Wycl. & etc.) -
because of our standing in grace: chosen by the Father, redeemed by the
Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit, we should be committed to God. Paul
mention of being a prisoner of the Lord, is an additional incentive to comply
with his exhortation. Beseech in the KJV is a term for encouragement to live
for Christ. God could command, but He wants willing surrender, willing
service. So, we should walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you
have been called. "Not that we ever could deserve what God has done, but
that we should walk in a manner befitting what he has done for us. We do not
become Christians by living the Christian life; rather, we are exhorted to live
the Christian life because we are Christians, that our lives may measure up to
our position in Christ." (Wycl.)  Philippians 1:27 says, Only conduct yourselves
in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ: so that whether I come and see
you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one
spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.
     vv2-3 The believer's attitude is important. Paul lists three virtues which are
to help a Christian's walk. 1) Lowliness (KJV) or humility is the opposite of
pride. Pride promotes disunity; humility promotes unity. Christ is the supreme
example of humility. Philippians 2:5-8 says, Have this attitude in yourselves
which was also in Christ Jesus, 6) who, although He existed in the form of
God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7) but emptied
Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made into the likeness
of men. 8) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by
becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
     2) A believer is to be meek (KJV) or gentle. This is the opposite of
self-assertion, rudeness, and harshness. It does not suggest weakness. One
who is controlled by God is angry at the right time but never angry at the
wrong time. Moses was known as the meekest of all men (Num. 12:3). Yet he
got angry when Israel sinned against God (Ex. 32). Christ was meek and
humble in heart (Matt. 11:29). Yet He became angry because some Jews
were using the temple as a place for thieves (Matt. 21:12-13) {BKC}
     3) Believers should exhibit long-suffering (KJV) or patience. Paul makes it
clear he is speaking of patience in the Christian fellowship, showing
forbearance to one another in love. It takes a special attempt to preserve unity
when I hear extremely prejudice statements which are used to characterized
all blacks. Those who do are wrong. We should not be silent about it when we
hear it. The hardest thing for me to endure from those who call themselves
"Christian" is from those Christian leaders who are trying to approve of
homosexual relations and other moral issues which the Bible deals with very
specifically. I can not tolerate these blind leaders, and it makes me uneasy to
be around a Christian who is a member of a denominational church which is
debating the wrongness or better what they call OK behavior of this immoral
activity. Because of this, I see much of Christendom in a state of apostasy. I
don't think that this scripture applies to that modern day situation. I can not be
diligent to preserve the unity of this false teaching. Revelation 2:2, 6 says, I
know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot endure
evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they
are not, and you found them to be false; 6) Yet, this you do have, that you
hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. The Nicolaitans lived a
life of unrestrained immorality. That is not the unity that Paul is promoting.

     B.  THERE ARE SEVEN UNITIES TO BE KEPT. 4:4-6
     v4 1) One body refers to the universal church. Some Baptists' statements
of faith are against the teaching of a invisible church, the body. See 1:22-23
again. This church is invisible in that it makes up a mystery body. The body is
made up of all redeemed believers, regardless of what they call themselves
such as: Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Church of Christ, Church of God,
and Roman Catholic. I remember seeing the startled look on the face of a
Baptist when I once said that I believed a man who was a Catholic was going
to heaven. He could not believe that I thought that. There is one body; there is
only one true church. The members are not just Baptists. 2)There is one
Spirit. You were born-again, sealed with the Holy Spirit when you were called
by the Holy Spirit unto salvation.
     v5 3) One person is Lord, Jesus Christ. See Romans 10:9. 4) There is one
faith. There is a wrong statement concerning believers - he is not of my faith.
According to the New Testament apostles there is only one faith which will get
you to heaven, faith in Christ. 5) There is one baptism. What baptism is he
speaking of, the baptism of water or baptism of the Spirit in the body of Christ
(1 Cor. 12:13)? Some think Paul is speaking of water baptism the symbol of
our faith (Alf.& BKC), and others think he is speaking of baptism into the body
of Christ by the Spirit of God (Wycl., BKC, Unger H.) I do disapprove of
rebaptizing believers who have been emerged in the baptism waters. Unless
they were unconverted. Some are confused, and I think ministers should be
slow to rebaptize a person.
     v6 6) There is one God. The OT abundantly says that there is one God, but
it also assumes a division of the Godhead as Genesis 1:26 the Bible says,
Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness;
and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky over the
cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the
earth. There is one God; but three manifestations of God: the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit. 7) There is a Father of all Christians. He is over all
Christians. He lives through all of them. He is in all of them.

EPHESIANS
TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:7-16
INTRODUCTION: II  THE BELIEVER IS TO WALK AND SERVE THE LORD.
4:1-5:14
     A.  THE WALK IS TO BE WORTHY OF OUR  POSITION. 4:1-3
     B.  THERE ARE SEVEN UNITIES TO BE KEPT. 4:4-6
     C.  THE RISEN CHRIST HAS GIVEN THE CHURCH GIFTS FOR A
PURPOSE-UNITY. 4:7-16

     D.  THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER AS A NEW MAN IN CHRIST. 4:17-29
      v7  The ascended Lord has given gifts to the Church for its upbuilding.
Paul had discussed the unity of the church; now he discussed the
diversity within the church. To each one of us grace was given. Grace is
spiritual enablement (BKC & Unger H.) Normally grace is used to speak of
God's favor to us in salvation, but here it refers to spiritual enablement given
by Christ to the church. John 14:16-17 says, And I will ask the Father, and He
will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; 17) that is the
Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him
or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in
you. (Unger H.)
     There is one grammatical comment. Notice the word, was given (edothe).
It is aorist passive, which means the action took place in the past and that the
person was given this gift. We did not take the gift; it was given to us. Those
who beg and plead for the gift of the gift of "speaking in tongues" cannot add
anything to the decision of the Spirit in how these gifts are given. Even in the
apostolic age Paul says to the church at Corinth, in Corinthians 12:4,11, Now
there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 11) But one and the same
Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He
wills. The Spirit gives these gifts as He wills, not as we desire. Every Christian
should contribute to the unity of the faith by using his or her gifts in the
ministry.
     v8 The essence of the psalm is that a military victor has the right to give
gifts to those who are identified with him. Christ, having captivated sinful
people by redeeming them, is the Victor and gives them as gifts to the church
(BLC). Christ is the victor over the forces of evil that once held us captive at
his resurrection. (Unger H.)
     vv9-10 The interpretation hinges on how you view the lower parts of the
earth. Three interpretations are concerned possible: 1) into the lower parts of
the earth refers to Christ's incarnation as the baby (Calvin, Winer, De Wette,
Wycl.); 2) into the lower parts of the earth refers to Christ descend into Hades
between his death and resurrection (Alf. Erasmus, Meyer, Ellicott); and 3) into
the lower parts which belong to the earth refers to Christ's death and His
burial in the grave (BKC prefers). I prefer the second interpretation that Christ
went into lower parts of the earth into Hades. I Peter 3:19 speaks of Christ
descend into Hades to preach. It says, in which also He went and made
proclamation to the spirits now in prison. Regardless of the interpretation of
this descend the stress is on the ascending process in which gifts are given.
     v11 Four gifted people are given to the church. 1) Apostle is "one sent as
an authoritative delegate." Apostles performed miracles which demonstrated
their apostolic office Paul said in 2 Corinthians 12:12. 2) Prophets of the New
Testament days were to provide edification, exhortation, and comfort (I Cor.
14:3). They mainly served the church until the NT was placed in book form.
These two offices were foundational to the church (2:20; 3:5, BKC). 3)
Evangelist were involved in spreading the gospel, as missionaries. 4) Some
pastors and teachers is one person. There is no some before teacher
because this is the same person (BKC). "The true pastor should carry on an
expository preaching ministry of the Word" (Wycl.) The pastor should take the
Word of God and explain it so that people know what it says.
     v12 The pastors are to help others in the church to mature so that they
carry on the work of the ministry. It is common practice to let the pastor do the
ministering. His job is to train up workers.
     v13 Three goals are reached for in ministry: 1) unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God. Biblical preaching strengthens believers to
minister. 2) matures men and women for this ministry. The ministry of the
Word of God matures people. 3) to the measure of the statue which belongs
to the fullness of Christ means that they become more like Christ.
     v14 As the result of Biblical preaching Christians should not be swayed and
confused as a wind blows the waves in a sea. The only way to be able to
detect error is to know the truth by having a steady sound diet of the Word of
God. You will be subject to trickery of men if not grounded in God's Word.
     v15 It is possible to speak the truth without speaking it in love. (Wycl.) It is
important to notice the context of this verse. He had spoken of scheming of
unsound doctrinal teachers. Even when confronted with them we should
speak the truth in love. We should grow up in all aspects like Christ.
Maintaining doctrinal soundness yet demonstrating a loving attitude is like
Christ.
     v16 Paul shows how each part of our body is important. The joints hold the
limbs together. The hand is important, but the elbow allows it to move. We
should all take serious our place in the work of the Lord.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 4:17-24
INTRODUCTION: This paragraph takes up again the practical address which
began with the first verse of the chapter, but interrupted at verse 4, and this
passage contains solemn exhortations to withdraw from all conformity with the
old vain pagan life. (Nic.)
 II  THE BELIEVER IS TO WALK AND SERVE THE LORD. 4:1-5:14
     A.  THE WALK IS TO BE WORTHY OF OUR  POSITION. 4:1-3
     B.  THERE ARE SEVEN UNITIES TO BE KEPT. 4:4-6
     C.  THE RISEN CHRIST HAS GIVEN THE CHURCH GIFTS FOR A
PURPOSE-UNITY. 4:7-16

     D.  THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER SHOWS A NEW MAN IN CHRIST.
4:17-29
     v17 The Wycliffe Bible Commentary calls this passage, "The Different
Walk". The Scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments emphasize that
God's people are to be different from the people of the world. Gentiles
(ethna) or nations of the world are those outside the covenant relation that the
Jews had with Jehovah-God. Paul speaks with authority in agreement with the
Lord. The Scoffield scholars footnote this as affirming Paul's inspiration of this
message. (Nic. agrees) We are not to walk as the Gentiles walked in futility of
their mind. Futility means "purposelessness, uselessness...given over to
things devoid of worth or reality. (Ibid.)
     vv18-19 Their understanding was darkened, excluded from the life of God.
The comma shows explanation of this darkened mind. The passage is a
parallel with Romans 1:21-27, For even though they knew God, they did not
honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations,
and their foolish heart was darkened. 22) Professing to be wise, they became
fools, 23) and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the
form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling
creatures. 24) Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to
impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. 25) For they
exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature
rather than the Creator, who blessed forever. Amen. 26) For this reason God
gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural
function for that which is unnatural. 27) and in the same way also the men
abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire
toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in
their own persons the due penalty of their error. Here again Paul speaks of
the darkened side of mind and understanding circles around sex.
     Homosexual lifestyle in Romans is addressed, and here sensuality or
lasciviousness (KJV) is addressed which includes all acts of "moral
uncleanness. (Nic.) This word, moral uncleanness probably included
masturbation. Dr. Dobson makes it close to acceptance for the Christian in
Focus on the Family Film Series. What is wrong does not depend on who
doesn't do it. Just as we do not say that lying is OK because we have lied
once or several times in our life. "The vice generally is named lasciviousness,
but there were many shades of it, and they wrought it in all its forms. The
refinements of arts too often ministered to such groveling pursuits. The naked
statues of the goddesses were not exempted from rape, and many pictures of
their divinities were but the excitement of sensual gratifications." (Tholuck's
"Tract of Heathenism", Eadie) This happens when a person becomes past
feeling about moral rightness in sex. After they become callous, they gave
themselves over to sensuality or lewdness (Marshall). The KJV does a good
job by translating lasciviousness. Another term is "licentiousness" (BKC).
Webster's Dictionary defines "licentious" as "1) disregarding accepted rules
and standards 2) morally unrestrained, esp. in sexual activity. Lascivious is
defined, "1) characterized by or expressing lust or lewdness, 2) tending to
excited lustful desires." Lightfoot defines, "a man may be unclean (akathartos)
and hide his sin; he does not become "sensual" (aselgas) until he shocks
public decency." (Robinson) A woman in a swim suit I don't think would
express the meaning here. It is closer to pornography in a public place, or a
parade of homosexuals in California, where they publicly displayed beasts of
women and enlarged penises of men in a vulgar manner. ("Homosexual
agenda" vcr tape.) Notice that Paul says that they have given themselves over
to sensuality when a person ceases to care (Marshall) or becomes callous.
Romans 1 says God gave them up but here their own conscious
self-abandonment is brought out - they gave themselves up to lasciviousness.
They committed sexual immorality with passion to out do the others, with
greediness. My wife's brother-in-law says there are several teenage girls who
compete to have sex with the most boys at school.
     vv20-21 They had heard the message of Christ. Nothing that your learned
about Christ would promote sexual impurity. There is nothing false in Jesus,
John14:6.
     v22 The old self or old man (KJV) is corrupted by lusts of deceit. Lust
promises joy, but fail to provide it. In a most recent survey religious couples
were shown to have a much more fulfilling satisfaction with their sex life, than
other couples who were unmarried living together or single and sexually
active. Satan works to destroy us through a normal sex desire which can be
given over every kind of impurity. God has given us instruction on how to live a
fulfilled life.
     v23 Paul speaks of renewing the mind in Romans 12:2 also. There must
be a change of mind, finding the will of God.
     v24 We are a new man or woman. Read Scoffield.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 4:25-32
INTRODUCTION: This chapter takes up the practical part of Bible teaching.
II  THE BELIEVER IS TO WALK AND SERVE THE LORD. 4:1-5:14
    A.  THE WALK IS TO BE WORTHY OF OUR POSITION. 4:1-3
    B.  THERE ARE SEVEN UNITIES TO BE KEPT. 4:4-6
    C.  THE RISEN CHRIST HAS GIVEN THE CHURCH GIFTS FOR A
PURPOSE-UNITY. 4:7-16 Verses 11-12 are key verse.

     D.  THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER SHOWS A NEW MAN IN CHRIST.
4:17-29
     To understand Paul's emphasis on sexual purity you must understand that
he is addressing something that was the center of Greek life and religion.
They were ignorant of God's ways, and they had a hardness of their heart
(v.18). They became callous, and gave themselves over to sensuality, which
is open show of their lust in their sexual practices (v19). The converted
Gentiles did not learn this behavior from Christ (v.20). The Christian must lay
aside the old self (v. 22), and put on the new self (v.24). The new self is Christ
being formed in the Christian. Galatians 2:20 says, I have been crucified with
Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I
now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and
delivered Himself up for me.

     1.  THERE ARE PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS. (Wycl.) 4:25-32
          a. Speak the truth. 4:25
     v25 We must tell the truth, but Christians should not mixed it with a lie.
Paul is quoting from Zechariah 8:16. We are members in Christ's body (BKC,
& Wycl.) as believers.
          b. Do not let anger become sin. 4:26
     v26 There is such a thing as righteous anger. This is a quotation from Ps.
4:4. Just back a few verses Paul had spoken of trickery of men in false
doctrine, but said we should speak the truth in love. He knew there are times
a person, even the best Christian could be come angry over sin or some
legitimately good reason. He must be in the right to not sin. But, if he keeps
the anger until sundown, it is sin. "Let the day of your anger be the day of your
reconciliation." (Robinson)
     v27  Anger can control us, and the Devil likes to see the Christian's anger
lead to sin. In 2 Cor. 2:11 Paul speaks of Satan getting advantage taken of us
when forgiveness is not given  to the sinning brother. Paul's advise, forgive
and comfort him, lest somehow such a one be overwhelmed by excessive
sorrow. (v.7) Here again the context is about anger toward another Christian
(see v. 25b).
          c.  Do not steal, but work to give to the needy. 4:28
     v28 The Christian is to work to do the exact opposite of what a thief does.
The thief takes; we give. Here is the right principle in obtaining wealth - see
material things as an opportunity to give to the needy.
          d.  A rotten speech must stop, and a helpful speech must be given.
4:29-32
     v29  Unwholesome means rotten (margin. note NASB) or corrupt speech.
Jesus gave the importance of speech on others in Matt. 12:33-37 after the
Pharisees blaspheme the Holy Spirit working in the life of Jesus: Either make
the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the
tree is known by its fruit. 34) You brood vipers, how can you, being evil, speak
what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. 35) The
good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil; man
out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil. 36) And I say to you, that every
careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day
of judgment. 37) For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words
you shall be condemned. Our words should take on a ministry aspect,
edification (oikodoman). Many people need a positive encouragement in life.
The purpose is given - that (iva) it may give grace to those who hear.  Grace is
used of benefit (NIV) or enablement to the hearers.
     v30 "Besides one's conscience, the Holy Spirit also helps guard a
believer's speech. The fact that the Holy Spirit may be grieved points to His
personality. His seal of a believer remains until the day of redemption, the
time that a believer receives his new body (cf. 1:14; Phil. 3:20-21)." (BKC)
Grieving the Holy Spirit does not break the seal. "The misuse of the organ of
speech is accordingly a wrong done to, and felt by, the Spirit who claims to
control it." (Robinson)
     v31 We must stop causing the Holy Spirit pain or distress. Unholiness
distresses Him. (Unger H.) The Holy Spirit helps us to put away: 1) bitter
feelings, 2) wrath which a "boiling agitation of the feelings, which settle down
into anger (orge), 3) anger is an abiding and settled habit of the mind with the
purpose of revenge" (Unger D.) 4) clamor which is a brawling type of shouting
(see BKC), 5) slander or blasphemy is speaking evil of others, KJV translates
evil speaking, 6) malice or ill will.
     v32  The positive command is given: be kind to one another,
tender-hearted, forgiving each other. (BKC makes three commands); but it
seems best to take as a single command, one explaining the thought of the
other. (See NIV) Both the words forgiving and has forgiven are forms of
"grace". This does seem directed particularly to the local church. Look back at
the beginning of this paragraph, for we are members of one another (v.25).
This is so important in a larger church assembly. More a chance to have a
feelings hurt with many more different personalities.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 5:1-14
INTRODUCTION: We are looking at the practical application of our position as
chosen, redeemed, and sealed believers. In the second major division of the
epistle:
II THE BELIEVER IS TO WALK AND SERVE THE LORD. 4:1-5:14

    A.  THE WALK IS TO BE WORTHY OF OUR POSITION. 4:1-3
    B.  THERE ARE SEVEN UNITIES TO BE KEPT. 4:4-6
    C.  THE RISEN CHRIST HAS GIVEN THE CHURCH GIFTS FOR A
PURPOSE-UNITY. 4:7-16
    D.  THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER SHOWS A NEW MAN IN CHRIST.
4:17-29

    E.  THE WALK OF THE BELIEVER SHOWS THAT WE ARE GOD'S
          CHILDREN. 5:1-14
     v1-2 God saved us, and He has adopted us as His beloved children.
These verses are transitional from the previous verses to what follows. (Alf.)
Just as little children learn to do things by imitating their parents, so we are to
be imitators of God. And walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave
Himself up for us. There is a definite stress on living a life that pleases God
because of God's forgiving you (4:32), and because of Christ's sacrifice (v.2)
of Himself for you. There are many scriptures which speak clearly that Christ
gave up His life for us. Jesus said in John 10:11, I am the good shepherd; the
good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
    v3 The Christian should not be named as guilty of sexual immorality (NIV)
or any impurity. If it is talked about, "such conversation would be
unbecoming the holy ones of God." (Alf. Robinson agrees) Paul stresses a
Puritan view in sex. Even the discussion of such immoral acts is not proper.
If this is the proper interpretation of this verse, the NIV gives a better
understanding of the verse: But among you there must not be even a hint of
sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are
improper for God's holy people. If Paul is discouraging the discussion of
these immoral acts among themselves, he is promoting a Puritan view of
morality. At least he is saying, "Let there be no sex sin, impurity or greed
among you. Let no one be able to accuse you of any such things." (Living
Bible)
     v4 Filthiness talking (aischrotes)  means obscenity (NIV, & Alf.) or
shameless talk (BKC). Silly talk is translated foolish talking by both KJV and
NIV. One scholar defines this as "stupid words" and all of these types of
speaking is not fitting because it may harm them. 4:29 says, Let no
unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is
good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give
grace to those who hear. (BKC). Jesting is the definitely one which can bring
offense. Joking about a person's weight problem, long nose, or his mental
weakness by calling him a bone head, can offend greatly. This is not
graceful speaking. Paul's antidote for this: giving of thanks. This means to
speak in an appreciating matter. (Ibid.)
     vv5-6 "Paul sternly warned believers that the reason they are to abstain
from evil deeds (specifically, immorality, impurity, and greed; in vv. 3 and 5)
is that those who practice them are not a part of God's kingdom. Those who
have no inheritance in the kingdom have not been "washed," "sanctified,"
and "justified" as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 so clearly demonstrates. A greedy
person . . .is an idolater in the sense that greed, like idols, puts things before
God. (BKC) A person who is practicing these sins in a regular way without
restraint is executed from the kingdom of God.
     Many denominations are teaching otherwise today, let no one deceive
you with empty words. God will bring judgment, and His judgment is directed
upon the sons of disobedience. Any persons who willfully continues in this
state is unregenerate, unsaved. If you live like a heathen in no concern for
God's will, you are unsaved. You had better fall on your face in ask Christ to
come in and change your heart.
     v7 Paul recognized that a Christian could fall into one of these sins, but
God has proclaimed Himself as judging them for committing these sins.
     v8 You were formerly in a darkness controlled by Satan. Satan blinds
people to become self-centered. Christian are in the light. They should live in
the light given them.
     vv9-10 The KJV translates light as Spirit. The Spirit enlightens the heart to
received Christ. To live pleasing to the Lord that one must make an attempt;
he or she tries to learn how.
     v11-12 There is a great truth found here. The unsaved participate in
unfruitful deeds of darkness; their ways are contrasted with the fruit of the light
(Eph. 5:9) They give no benefits to oneself or others. It is disgraceful to speak
of the things which are done by them in secret. Paul is referring to the sexual
practices of the Gentiles. I not sure that we should try to force others to live by
our standards by expose them. I think the meaning of the apostle becomes
clear in the following verses.
     v13-14 The Apostle is not content with the negative precept which bids his
readers abstain form association with the works of darkness. Being
themselves of the nature of light, they must remember that it is the property of
light to dispel darkness, to expose what is hidden and secret...In the moral
and spiritual world, the Apostle seems to say, light has a further power: it can
actually transform the darkness. It lightens darkness. (Robinson) Jesus said,
you are the light of the world. (Matt. 5:14) As the gospel is given to others by
Christians, the Holy Spirit will convict of sin, and righteousness, and judgment.
(John 16:8)

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 5:15-21
INTRODUCTION: This begins a third major division of the book, THE WALK
AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS IF HE IS SPIRIT-FILLED. Most
commentaries divide this epistle into two major divisions: 1) doctrinal chs.,
THE BELIEVER'S POSITION IN CHRIST 1-3, and 2)  practical chs. 4-6, THE
BELIEVER'S CONDUCT IN THE WORLD. (Wycl. outline, sim. BKC, Urrey,
and Alf.) It is obvious that Paul is stilling talking about walking a life according
to our relationship to Christ. (v.15) Paul has given many practical suggestions
of living for Christ, but we must have the power to perform it. This comes only
from the Holy Spirit. I will never forget the experience of visiting Lee College.
The atmosphere was totally different. We sang a song, or prayed at the
beginning of each class. What a difference from that Baptist school in
Georgia. You could sense a tremendous difference from the professors. What
is the difference? A love and devotion to Christ makes a difference where the
person is Spirit-filled. The Bible warns us that judging about a person's
salvation is impossible to determine, but a spirit-filled believer is not hard.

III  THE WALK AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS THAT HE IS
SPIRIT-FILLED. 5:15-6:20
 
     v15 Paul encourages the believer to be filled with the Spirit and shows
them the result of that filling. (Wycl.) The Scoffield Bible gives a literal
translation in the marginal note by be careful. It says be careful means look
carefully (blepete akribos). One scholar says the word careful modifies the
verb walk. (BKC) I see no difference in meaning because we are to look at
how you walk. Each step is to be carefully looked at in a spiritual way. The
KJV is literal, see then that ye walk circumspectly. The metaphor of darkness
and light is dropped, and Paul speaks of unwise and wise. (Robinson) Paul is
not comparing the believer with the unbeliever; he is comparing a Spirit-filled
believer with an unSpirit-filled believer. The KJV confuses the subject some by
translating unwise (asophoi) as fools. Normally fool is identified as a
unbeliever, The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." (Ps. 14:1) Here
in our text Paul is addressing every believer. A believer can live foolish. To
seek counsel in any spiritual matter outside of spirited-filled believers is
unwise or foolish.
     v16 The KJV says, redeeming the time. The NIV translates, making the
most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. The wise "may stand
their ground in the evil day; nay more, they may ransom the time from loss or
misuse, release it from the bondage of evil and claim it for the highest good."
(Robinson, p. 121) Take every opportunity to do good. (Unger H.) Colassians
4:5 says, Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most
of the opportunity. Time is something that each of us have a very definite limit.
     v17 You can not obey God, until you know His will for you.
     v18 There are repeated warnings against drunkenness in scripture. The
NASB calls it dissipation. The NIV translates debauchery. Debauchery is
defined in the Webster's Dictionary as "1. extreme indulgence of one's
appetites, esp. for sensual pleasure; dissipation 2. orgies 3. a leading astray
morally. Webster also defines four slang types of "drunkenness" the first
"tipsy" (slight) 2."tight" (moderate, but without great loss of muscular
coordination), 3."blind" (great), 4."blotto" (to the point of unconsciousness).
Most people who drink beer and wine do so to become at least "tipsy". For
most people drinking is a stimulant to sin in other ways. Drunkenness is
contrasted with another type of high - filled with the Spirit. This means to be
continually filled with the Spirit. (Unger H.) (It is present passive imperative
infinitive. in the Greek.) A person intoxicated with wine acts in an unnatural
manner that is evil; a person filled with the Holy Spirit acts in an unnatural
manner that is good. (Wycl.) "No believer in Christ is ever commanded to be
indwelt by the Spirit. His indwelling is certain and permanent (Jn. 14:16,17).
Nor is a believer commanded to be baptized with the Spirit. This has already
been done (1 Cor. 12:13). But believers are commanded to be filled with the
Spirit. Hence there is individual responsibility; there are conditions to be met if
we are to experience the Spirit's control in our lives." (Ibid.)

A THE EVIDENCES OF THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ARE: (Unger H.
Wycl. BKC) 5:19-21
     1. THEY REJOICE IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS. 5:19
     v19 "The implied contrast with the revelry of drunkenness makes it plain
that in speaking of Christian psalmody the Apostle is not primarily referring to
public worship, but to social gatherings in which a common meal was
accompanied by sacred song. For the early Christians these gatherings took
the place of the many public feasts in the Greek cities form which they found
themselves necessarily excluded, by reason of the idolatrous rites with which
such banquets were associated...In the earliest times these suppers were
hallowed by the solemn 'breaking of the bread', followed by singing,
exhortations and prayers." (Robinson) The psalms were OT psalms sung with
stringed instruments such as harps. Hymns are composed by Christians.
Spiritual songs is a general term. (BKC) Notice that all can make melody with
your hearts to the Lord. (Wycl.)
     2. THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THE LORD. 5:19b

     3. THEY GIVE THANKS. 5:20
     v20 I can not forget a interview with Corrie Den Boone. She spoke of a
fellow prisoner at a Nazi camp wanted to pray to the Lord, and give thanks
even for the flees. They were able to have Bible study because the guards
would not go in there. They found this out much later after hearing the
conversation between two guards. Her friend had quoted this verse that they
should be thankful even for the flees.
    
Conclusion: We will take up the third evidence next week, which is
submission.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS: 5:21-
INTRODUCTION: Paul has made many practical suggestions of living for
Christ, but we must have the power to perform it. This comes only from the
Holy Spirit. We are in the three major division of the epistle.
III THE WALK AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS THAT HE IS
SPIRIT-FILLED. 5:14-6:20
    This life is a matter of wisdom and knowing what the will of the Lord is.
(vv.15-17) Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit.
A THE EVIDENCES OF THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ARE: 5:19-21
    1. THEY REJOICE IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS. 5:19
    2. THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THE LORD. 5:19b (Explain)
    3. THEY GIVE THANKS. 5:20
    We take up there today.

    4. THEY SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER. 5:21
     v21 It is best to connect the sentence with what precedes it in the
previous verse, and to take it as a fourth coordinate clause, giving yet
another way in which the condition of being "filled with the Spirit" should
express itself. (Nic.) The NASB shows the passive sense of this subjection
by adding be before subject to one another. Therefore, a Spirit-filled believer
willingly serves others and being under them rather than dominating them
and exalting himself. (BKC) This attitude toward other Christians is displayed
by a fear of Christ. Here the NIV translates reverence for Christ. The word is
used by John in a different way in 1 John 4:16-18, And we have come to
know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the
one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17) By this,
love is perfected with us, that we may have confidence in the day of
judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. 18) There is no
fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves
punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. John used the
word fear in reference to God's judgment. The NIV translates the same word
differently in these two places: once it is translated fear, and the other it is
translated reverence. Phillippians 2:3-4 says, Do nothing from selfishness or
empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another
as more important than himself; 4) do not merely look out for your own
personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5) Have this attitude in
yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

          a. HOW THIS APPLIES TO HUSBANDS AND WIVES. 5:22-33
     v22 "It is relatively easy to exhibit a Spirit-filled life for one or two hours a
week in church but it takes the work of the Holy Spirit to exhibit godliness not
only on Sundays but also in everyday relationships between wives and
husbands, children and parents, and slaves and masters. In each of these
three relationships the other partner is commanded to be submissive by his
care and concern for the first partner. Both partners are to act toward one
another as a service rendered to the Lord." (BKC)
     Wives are to be subject to their husbands. We assume that the husband
is a Christian. The willing subjection of the wife is service to the Lord. (Ibid.) I
think we must remember that this is an attitude toward the husband as in
each of these relationships.
     vv23-24 Wives must recognize their relationship to their husbands as
Christ is the head of the Church. It is foolish to think that the church is over
Christ. Wives are not to usurp authority over their men. (BKC) Notice Paul
says at this point in everything. Any church should be subject to Christ to His
will. This would make a tremendous problem for a woman pastor. This is
seen by some as cultural, and does not apply to modern society. This
passage is at lest an "expression of God's ideal for marriage." (Wycl.)
     vv25-28 For the foolish husband who thinks that he is off the hook; the
demand is even greater. Husbands are to love (agapa) with a deadly love.
No sacrifice is too great, even death. Though most commentators see no
correlation between Christ cleansing the church to the husband performing
some similar function, I think this is a mistake because love covers a
multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8) Love does not take into account a wrong
suffered...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things. It seems to me that if Christ can endure our weaknesses, and
imperfections; we should endure those of our wives. The church is purified
by the washing of water with the word (v.26) by the preached gospel; so the
wives should be cleansed of imperfections by the word of the husband. This
care is taken for the wife as one takes care of own body. Illustration: tell
about the deacon who came to Dr. Adrian Rogers to talk of his loving his wife
too much.
     vv29-30 There should not be hatred toward your own body. The husband
is united to the wife. He nourishes and cherishes his own body, so also
toward the wife. Christ takes cares of each member of his body, the church
(v30).
     v31 Paul quotes from Genesis 2:24 of the unity of husband and wife. "To
these words our Lord appeals in the Gospel, when He is confronted by the
comparative laxity of the Mosaic legislation in regard to divorce." Mark
10:2-12 says, And some Pharisees came up to Him, testing Him, and began
to question Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce a wife. 3) And He
answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?" 4) And they
said, Moses permitted a man TO WRITE A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE
AND SEND her AWAY." 5) But Jesus said to them, Because of your
hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment. 6) But from the
beginning of creation, God MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE. 7) For THIS
CAUSE A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER, 8) AND THE
TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH. 9) What therefore God has joined
together, let no man separate." 10) And in the house the disciples began
questioning Him about this again. 11) And He said to them, "Whoever
divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her;
12) and if she herself divorces her husband and marries another man, she is
committing adultery." "Paul makes his appeal to the same words with
different purpose. He is justifying his statement that 'he that loveth his wife
loveth himself". This must be so, he declares, for it is written, 'they two shall
be one flesh.'" (Robinson, p. 126) The bond between husband and wife is
greater than between parent and child. (Wycl. & BKC)
     vv32-33 Paul simply summarizes his point which he started. The man is
to love his own wife even as himself. A man should speak to his wife with
love and concern. If he loves her, he will not treat her as a door mat. He will
not abuse her. The wife can get most of what she wants because of love
from the husband. Christ said, you have not because you ask not. If the
husband loves his wife as Christ loves his Church; the wife can ask and get
almost anything she desires from the husband.
    The wife is to respect her husband. The Greek word for respect (phobatai,
verb) literally means fear, which means reverence (KJV) or respect (NIV).
The same word in use of reverence to God, and reverence to parents.
(Robinson.p. 127)

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 6:1-9
INTRODUCTION: We are in the third major division of the epistle:
III  THE WALK AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS THAT HE IS
SPIRIT-FILLED. 5:15-6:20
This life is a matter of wisdom and knowing what the will of the Lord is.
(vv.15-17) Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit.
A THE EVIDENCES OF THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ARE: 5:19-21
    1. THEY REJOICE IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS. 5:19
    2. THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THE LORD. 5:19b (Explain)
    3. THEY GIVE THANKS. 5:20
    4. THEY SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER. 5:21
          a. HOW THIS APPLIES TO HUSBANDS AND WIVES. 5:22-33
     The apostle Paul now goes on to another specific relationship, that of
parents and children. with the obligations entailed upon both sides.

          b. HOW THIS APPLIES TO CHILDREN AND PARENTS.  6:1-4
     v1  The big question is Paul addressing children with Christian parents, or
is he assuming both parent and child are Christian (Alf.) Some scholars
believe Paul is teaching that any child should obey their parents whether
they are Christian or not. (BKC) DR. Merrill Unger says, "family relations are
to be such as to reflect our position in Christ. Children are to obey parents
the only qualification being "in the Lord." This injunction contextually applies
to saved parents and children. Children are to obey, providing such
obedience does not violate prior duty to God. The Decalogue is cited to
enforce the command." (Handbook) This seems a little more addressing the
problem that a young person who loves the Lord may in counter. Those
commentators who only see an application for the Christian family are
assuming that both parents are Christian and that a Christian young person
is not ever going to be in a situation where they would be disobedient to God
by obeying their parents. For example, what about the young person who
parents are practicing idolatry, and they are urged to participate?
     vv2-3 Paul quotes from the ten commandments or the decalogue from
Exodus 20:12; Deut. 5:16. Proverbs warns the child who disrespects the
leadership of the parents in 30:17, The eye that mocks a father, And scorns
a mother, The ravens of the valley will pick it out, And the young eagles will
eat it. The child which is committed to the Lord should obey out of respect to
God, unless it is dishonoring to God. "All the commandments except the
fourth are restated and applied under grace." (Wycl) The fourth
commandment says, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy in Exodus
20:8.
     v4 "The parental duty is set forth in terms of the father's obligation without
particular mention of the mother's, not because children of mature age are in
view, but simply because the father is the ruler in the house, as the husband
is the head of the wife; the mother's rule and responsibility being subordinate
to his and represented by his." (Nic.) The father can provoke his child by
injustice, severity of punishment, (Nic.) unreasonable demands, petty rules,
and favoritism. (BKC) Paul does not go in details about how this can be
done. I guess he expected us to use a little common sense. and a lot of love.
     Paul does give some suggestions which are positive, bring them up in the
discipline and instruction of the Lord. Children are to obey in the Lord, and
parents are to train and instruct "in the Lord." Discipline is translated in KJV
as nurture. The NIV translates training. This does include directing and
correcting. 2 Tim. 3:16 says, All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable
for teaching for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Not only
does this apply to adults but also to children and adolescence. Proverbs
13:24 says, He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him
disciplines him diligently. The parent who will not discipline or correct his
child does not love him. Instruction is translated admonition in KJV. It is a
training by word.

          c. HOW THIS APPLIES TO SLAVES AND MASTERS. 6:5-
     v5 Many questions would inevitably arise with regard to the duties of
masters and servants in a state of society in which slavery prevailed and had
the sanction of ancient and undisputed use. Here, as elsewhere in the NT,
slavery is accepted as an existing institution, which is neither formally
condemned nor formally approved. The Christian principle of the equality of
men in the sight of God made a gradual change in society. (Nic.) Paul makes
it clear that a spiritual master is over even masters as with the slaves. The
master is over them only according to the flesh.
     vv6-8 Paul repeatedly reminds slaves that they served Christ vv5 and 6,
and the Lord vv. 7 and 8. If the slave does his job well as service to Christ,
he can be assured that God will reward. God does not care if you are a slave
or a free man. (v.8) The Christian slave is to be a very conscientious slave,
not serving with eyeservice (ophthalmodoulian). If this were true of them, it
means they were serving their masters only when they were watching. Paul
reinforces the need of a proper attitude of the slaves toward their masters by
including good will (peaceable spirit, BKC) as the rendered service to the
Lord, but it is directed toward their masters. Another application is possible
which is the relationship between employee and employer.
     v9 The word used for master is kurious which is normally translated Lord.
If you think the Bible does not address the inhuman ways that some have
done to their slaves, you are wrong. Notice carefully the phrase, and
masters, do the same things to them. The point was that the masters "had a
service to render to the douloi as these had a service to render to them...the
masters were to act to their servants in the same Christian way as the
servants were called to act to them - in the same spirit of consideration and
goodwill." (Nic.)
     Notice the Paul's advise to the masters, give up threatening. The KJV
seems a little confusing as it seems to suggest that the master is to forbear
threatening from the slaves. It was a well-known habit of the masters to
threaten the slaves. (The article tan shows this habit, Nic.) To treat a slave
as inhuman as some masters have done is against biblical principles. Paul
reminds the masters that their master is in heaven, and He has no partiality.
All of these practical relationships flow from the filling of the Holy Spirit.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 6:10-
INTRODUCTION: We have looked:
III  THE WALK AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS THAT HE IS
SPIRIT-FILLED. 5:15-6:20
This life is a matter of wisdom and knowing what the will of the Lord is.
(vv.15-17) Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit.
A THE EVIDENCES OF THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ARE: 5:19-21
    1. THEY REJOICE IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS. 5:19
    2. THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THE LORD. 5:19b (Explain)
    3. THEY GIVE THANKS. 5:20
    4. THEY SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER. 5:21
          a. HOW THIS APPLIES TO HUSBANDS AND WIVES. 5:22-33
          b. HOW THIS APPLIES TO CHILDREN AND PARENTS.  6:1-4
          c. HOW THIS APPLIES TO SLAVES AND MASTERS. 6:5-9
         
B. THE WARFARE THAT IS CARRIED ON BY THE SPIRIT-FILLED
BELIEVERS. 6:10-20
    Most commentators say this about a "warfare" (Scof. Wycl. Nic. BKC. etc.)
of the Christian with spiritual forces of evil.

     1. THE WARRIOR'S POWER IS FROM THE LORD. 6:10
     v10 Finally (tou loipou) can mean "as for what you have still to do in
addition to what has been said" (Nic. quotes Meyer). This section discusses
a believer's use of God's resources to help him stand against evil powers.
We must receive strength from the Lord. The Lord Jesus had said in John
15:5, Apart from me you can do nothing. Phillippians 4:13 says, I can do all
things through Him who strengthens me. Three words are used in this verse
for power or strength: be strong, strength, and might. (Wycl.)

     2. THE WARRIOR'S ARMOR IS FROM THE LORD. 6:11a
      v11 Most Bible teachers see this as a description of a Roman soldier's
armor. God has provided the armor, but we must take the responsibility of
putting on this armor. It takes a consciousness on our part. We must be in
full armor, because we are against a great powerful evil force, the devil. In a
battle usually one is not standing. God desires that we are still standing. The
Devil has several stragedies or schemes to knock us off our feet.

     C.  THE WARRIOR'S ENEMY IS THE DEVIL. 6:11b-17
     vv11b-12 The struggle is like a wrestling conflict in war, only this fight is
not in an earthly sense with a physical struggle. Most Bible scholars see
these forces against us are demonic forces of Satan. Paul in his time sees a
tremendous demonic influence in government. The governments were
largely pagan, but would he see a largely different way toward our
governments today? Henry Alford sees this as directed toward government.
Satan desires a large control of government. In this battle of good verses
evil, it appears that Satan is winning. And he is predominantly, but the Bible
tells us how the outcome will be disastrous for the Devil. Christ will win in the
end. Notice that this spiritual wickedness is fought in heavenly places. This is
the "fifth occurrence of this phrase, which is mentioned in the New
Testament only in 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12. Satan, who is in the heavens (2:2,
prince of the power of the air) until he will be cast out in the middle of the
Tribulation (Rev. 12:9-10), is trying to rob believers of the spiritual blessings
God has given them (Eph. 1:3) (BKC). The high places in the KJV is literally
as translated in the NASB as in the heavenly places. It is the same Greek
word found throughout this epistle. Found five times in this book alone.
     v13  The believer's resources are described under the figure of a Roman
soldier's equipment in full battle dress. (Unger H.) The evil day refers to the
time of testing for the Christian. In Ephesians 5:16 Paul speaks of this world
as full of evil, and therefore you should be making the most of your time,
because the days are evil. (Scof. ref.) The armor of God is the defense of
the believer (Unger H.; BKC). He is given the resource of this armor in order
that (iva) translated that, for a purpose or result of resist in the evil day. Most
commentators believe Paul is referring to that time before the second
coming of Christ when there is a terrible "outbreak of Satanic powers. The
apostle thought the advent of Christ was at hand" (Eadie). Notice the
participle, having done everything. This could be translated, after you have
done, (worked) everything, to stand firm. "When the fight is on is to be
sought with a view to holding one's position when the conflict is at an end,
neither dislodged nor felled, but standing victorious at one's post" (Nic. and
Alf.; Metz. translates katep. overcome, conquer)
     vv14-16  Paul commands us to stand. Has many fallen in this conflict?
Yes! (imper. shows possibility). Paul quotes from Isaiah the prophet. Notice
the participle, having girded your loins with truth. Before a person goes to
battle, he better have some protection. Paul connects a series of past
participles (aor.) to show the person had better go into battle with full armor,
having girded your loins, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and
having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, (having)
taking up the shield of faith. It would be good to footnote somewhere in your
Bible about the past participle. The interpretation of the Bible passages are
many times depended upon this knowledge. Both NASB and KJV translates
in past participles. Note: Past participle shows action prior to the action of
the leading verb. Look at participles again. This is before battle.
     The girded...loins with truth  This belt around the waist (NIV) held his
garments together and served as a place on which to hang his armor. Truth
is not just integrity and faithfulness (BKC, and Nic.), but the assured
conviction that you believe it is God's truth. (Eadie) The belt gave freedom of
movement. (Alf. Nic. BKC) As a soldier's belt or sash gave ease and
freedom of movement, so truth gives freedom with self, others, and God.
(BKC) The New Scoffield Bible and the Ryrie Study Bible both give two
verses that illustrates the meaning here, Luke 12:35 and 1 Peter 1:13. Luke
12:35ff says, "Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps alight. 36) And
be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns form the
wedding, feast, so that they may immediately open the door to him when he
comes and knocks. 37) Blessed are those slaves whom the master shall find
on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to
serve, and have them recline at table, and will come and wait on them. 38)
Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them
so, blessed are slaves. 1 Peter 1:13 says, Therefore, gird your minds for
action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be
brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The term gird your minds for
action has a marginal note in the Scoffield Bible which says means literally in
the Greek, gird the loins of your mind. The Ryrie Bible defines this to mean
"be disciplined in your thinking. A figure of speech (lit., gird up the loins of
your mind) based on the gathering and fastening up of the long Eastern
garments so that they would not interfere with the individual's activity."
     The term truth (alatheia) is found l06 times in the NT, (Kubo) yet, it is not
found in Unger's Dictionary. Christ used the term many times to refer to
personal integrity, for example, John 8:44 says, You are of your father the
devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from
the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in
him. (Nic. other refer. listed) I think we can safely say a chonic liar, cannot
fight in this battle.
     The good soldier must have put the breastplate of righteousness (v.14b).
Paul again quotes OT Isaiah 59:17. "The breastplate of righteousness refers
not to justification, obtained at conversion (Ro. 3:24; 4;5), but to the
sanctifying righteousness of Christ (1 Cor. 1:30) practiced in a believer's life.
As a soldier's breastplate protected his chest from an enemy's attacks, so
sanctifying, righteous living (Ro. 6:13; 14:17) guards a believer's heart
against the assaults of the devil (cf. Isa. 59:17; James 4:7)" (BKC).
     The good soldier must have already shod..feet. with the preparation of
the Gospel of Peace (v. 15). Shod means having shoes on to protect the
feet. The feet were important of stability of standing; the feet had to be
planted on a sure ground. The gospel brings peace. Some believe this does
not refer to preparedness to preach the Gospel, but to inward preparedness.
(Alf.) Inward preparedness in seen in the girded loins with truth. These feet
shod..with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace seems naturally to refer to
action with this gospel. "The whole church" (Alf.) should be prepared to put
some action in their battle. Most commentators believes it does involve this.
(Alf. says) There is a direct reference to infilling of the Holy Spirit in believers
who proclaim the gospel. In Acts 4:29-31 it says, And now, Lord, take note of
their threats, and grant that Thy bond-servants may speak Thy word with all
confidence, 30) while Thou does extend Thy hand to heal, and signs and
wonders take place through the name of Thy holy servant Jesus." 31) And
when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was
shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the
word of God with boldness. It is obvious to me that those who give a
consistent witness to Christ are living a Spirit-filled life. If the gospel has not
given an inner peace, he or she can not be prepared for this spiritual battle.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 6:17-20 (read vv. 10-20)
INTRODUCTION:
III  THE WALK AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS THAT HE IS
SPIRIT-FILLED. 5:15-6:20
This life is a matter of wisdom and knowing what the will of the Lord is.
(vv.15-17) Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit.
A THE EVIDENCES OF THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ARE: 5:19-21
    1. THEY REJOICE IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS. 5:19
    2. THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THE LORD. 5:19b (Explain)
    3. THEY GIVE THANKS. 5:20
    4. THEY SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER. 5:21
          a. HOW THIS APPLIES TO HUSBANDS AND WIVES. 5:22-33
          b. HOW THIS APPLIES TO CHILDREN AND PARENTS.  6:1-4
          c. HOW THIS APPLIES TO SLAVES AND MASTERS. 6:5-9
 B. THE WARFARE THAT IS CARRIED ON BY THE SPIRIT-FILLED
BELIEVERS. 6:10-20
     1.  THE WARRIOR'S POWER IS FROM THE LORD. 6:10
     2.  THE WARRIOR'S ARMOR IS FROM THE LORD. 6:11a
     3.  THE WARRIOR'S ENEMY IS THE DEVIL. 6:11-20
     Satan is identified as the enemy. (v.11b), He works in government. A
article was written  in the front page of the Huntsville Times January 21,
1996 entitled "Lawmaker: Prohibit same-sex marriages." "A Shelby County
legislator concerned about a push to legalize homosexual marriages in other
states plans to introduce a bill that would allow Alabama to refuse to
recognize such marriages." Sen. Bill Armistead who is drafting this bill said,
"I think it's a real threat to the traditional family unit which we've had since
the beginning of time."
     Satan has excess to the heavenly places, and seeks to rob us of our
blessings (v.12). The believer's resources are described under the figure of a
Roman soldier's equipment in full battle dress. (v.13) The aor. particles
having girded you loins with truth... shows preparedness with this armor to
fight. Last week we said that this truth represents integrity and faithfulness,
and an assured conviction that you believe it is God's truth. Jesus said in
John 17:17, Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth. The Bible is a
reliable source of truth. The New Scoffield Bible and the Ryrie Study Bible
both give two verses that illustrates the meaning here, Luke 12:35 and 1
Peter 1:13. Luke 12:35ff says, "Be dressed in readiness, and keep your
lamps alight. 36) And be like men who are waiting for their master when he
returns form the wedding, feast, so that they may immediately open the door
to him when he comes and knocks. 37) Blessed are those slaves whom the
master shall find on the alert when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will
gird himself to serve, and have them recline at table, and will come and wait
on them. 38) Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third,
and finds them so, blessed are slaves. 1 Peter 1:13 says, Therefore, gird
your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the
grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The term gird
your minds for action has a marginal note in the Scoffield Bible which says
means literally in the Greek, gird the loins of your mind. The Ryrie Bible
defines this to mean "be disciplined in your thinking. A figure of speech (lit.,
gird up the loins of your mind) based on the gathering and fastening up of
the long Eastern garments so that they would not interfere with the
individual's activity."
     In this battle with spiritual forces of wickedness many Christians are not
prepared or disciplined in mind to fight. We fall asleep in Church; we put
others things before spiritual matters; and we as a mission church are
unfaithful to bring ourselves and our children to church to obtain spiritual
strength. This passage and 6:2, fathers, do not provoke your children to
anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Many
parents who claim to be Christians either do not believe the Bible, do not
know the Bible, or they refused to obey God's Word concerning having
girded your lions with truth. We teach our children the oppose of the
revealed truth of God by our inexcusable unfaithfulness to God. You and I
have not girded the loins of our minds. I ask for your prayers concerning my
desire to draw near to God, to obey Him more fully. Many times I feel weak
spiritually myself. I do want to be faithful to God, and my Savior, Jesus
Christ.
     The breastplate of righteousness is the sanctifying righteousness of
Christ practiced in a believer's life. As a soldier's breastplate protected his
chest from an enemy's attacks, so sanctifying, righteous living guards a
believer's heart against the assaults of the devil. James 4:7 says, Submit
therefore to God, Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (BKC) 1
Thessalonians 5:7-8 says, For those who sleep do their sleeping at night,
and those who get drunk get drunk at night. 8) But since we are of the day,
let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a
helmet, the hope of salvation. (Scof. ref.) Two of the resources of the armor
is used that is in our text: breastplate, spoken of faith, but called in our text
breastplate of righteousness. In our text faith is related to the shield, not the
breastplate. It is possible that the Paul had more in mind the Divine warrior
who was spoken more than once by the Old Testament prophets when he
described this warrior. (Ibid.)
     The feet shod (v.15) or shoeing (Marshall) the feet refers to an inward
preparedness or better, the willingness to take the gospel to others.
     v16 The KJV is misleading in this verse, Above all, taking the shield of
faith.. It sounds as if the shield of faith is the most important of all others
defensive weapons. (Alf.) It is best translated as we read in the NASB, in
addition to all, taking up the shield of faith. (Nic., Robinson, NIV) The shield
which consists of faith offers a defense against the devious attacks of Satan
(Unger H., this genitive is called genitive of apposition, Wycl.). Faith is the
most basic of Christian attributes, or characteristics. 1 John 5:4, 18-19 says,
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that
has overcome the world - our faith. 18) We know that no one who is born of
God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him and the evil one does not
touch him. 19) We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the
power of the evil one. Faith gives victory, and He, referring to Christ, keeps
us. The saved person is going to be restrained in his or her sin. Therefore,
"this divine life keeps him from continually practicing sin." (Unger H.)
     v17 The helmet and the sword would be the last pieces a soldier takes
up. The helmet of salvation is taken from Isaiah 59:17. Having a head
guarded by a helmet gives a sense of safety. Especially future deliverance
as 1 Thess. 5:8 says, ..helmet, the hope of salvation.(BKC)
     The only offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of
God. The Greek word for word  is not logos; it is hrema which is the spoken
word. Christ used the Word of God to combat the Devil when he tempted our
Lord. (Ibid.) It is the same Greek word. The Word of God can be used
offensively or defensively by the Holy Spirit to strengthen us. No one can be
strong in the Lord without the Word of God. Anyone who thinks he or she
can is foolish. Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is living and active
and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of
soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and
intentions of the heart.

EPHESIANS
EPHESIANS 6:18-24
INTRODUCTION:
III  THE WALK AND WARFARE OF A BELIEVER REVEALS THAT HE IS
SPIRIT-FILLED. 5:15-6:20
This life is a matter of wisdom and knowing what the will of the Lord is.
(vv.15-17) Paul contrasts drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit. Spirit
filled believers are examples of Christ-likeness.
A THE EVIDENCES OF THOSE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT ARE: 5:19-21
    1. THEY REJOICE IN THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS. 5:19
    2. THEY COMMUNICATE WITH THE LORD. 5:19b (Explain)
    3. THEY GIVE THANKS. 5:20
    4. THEY SUBMIT TO ONE ANOTHER. 5:21
          a. HOW THIS APPLIES TO HUSBANDS AND WIVES. 5:22-33
          b. HOW THIS APPLIES TO CHILDREN AND PARENTS.  6:1-4
          c. HOW THIS APPLIES TO SLAVES AND MASTERS. 6:5-9
 B. THE WARFARE THAT IS CARRIED ON BY THE SPIRIT-FILLED
BELIEVERS. 6:10-20
     1.  THE WARRIOR'S POWER IS FROM THE LORD. 6:10
     2.  THE WARRIOR'S ARMOR IS FROM THE LORD. 6:11a
     3.  THE WARRIOR'S ENEMY IS THE DEVIL. 6:11-20

     Satan is identified as the enemy. (v.11b). He works in governments -
rulers, powers (v.12). We must take up the full armor of God (v.13). Paul
precedes to give certain characteristics of Christianity. 1)Truth is identified
with the belt across the loins. 2) Righteousness  is identified with the
breastplate (v. 14). 3) The feet shod (v.15) or shoeing (Marshall) the feet
refers to an inward preparedness or better, the willingness to take the gospel
to others. 4) Faith is identified with the shield. 5) Salvation is identified with
the helmet. 6) The sword is identified with the spirit which works through the
Word of God. This is the only offensive weapon.
      v18 Prayer is a very important element to remain standing against
spiritual forces of this darkness, (Nic.) against a very cunning and scheming
devil. He seeks to weaken and destroy our effectiveness. Prayer is not a part
of the armor or a weapon (Eadie quotes de Wette), but it describes the spirit
and temper or attitude in which the armor should be assumed, the position
taken, the enemy met, and the combat pursued. This is all connected with
our stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Eadie) We are to pray a
general prayer (proseuxas), and a prayer of petition or request. Prayer
should not be restricted only to a particular time of praying, pray at all times
in the Spirit. So, prayer is not only in a crisis of the conflict or on special
occasions, but habitually, in all kinds of times.(Nic.) Our Lord gives a very
good example of persistent prayers in Luke 18:1-8, Now He was telling them
a parable to show that at  all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,
2) saying, "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God, and did
not respect man. 3) And there was widow in that city, and she kept coming to
him, saying, 'Give me legal protection from my opponent.' 4) And for a while
he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear
God nor respect man, 5) yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her
legal protection, lest by continually coming she wear me out.'" 6) And the
Lord said, "Hear what the unrighteous judge said; 7) now shall not God bring
about justice for His elect, who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay
long over them? 9) "I tell you that He will bring about justice for them
speedily. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the
earth?" I Thessalonians 5:17 says, pray without ceasing.
     The prayer should be in the Spirit. This is not praying with just a sincere
heart (article not needed), but praying with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:26 says, ... the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not
know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with
groanings too deep for words. The Holy Spirit helps us plead the divine
promises with fervor with a cry for grace. (Eadie) Jude 20 says, But you,
beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith: praying in the Holy
Spirit.
    Like any good soldier, they are to be on the alert or watching (KJV). We
are to pray for all the saints, and we should make sure that it continues on
for many of them, at every given moment, must be in trial, temptation,
warfare, sickness, or death. Yes, we should an universal prayer for the
saints, even though very few of them will ever be known to us. (Eadie)
     vv19-20 Paul asked for prayer, but notice the nature of his request:
utterance to speak the gospel with boldness. There was confusion by some
that Christians was a sect of Jews, but the gospel was for all, both Jews and
Gentiles. (BKC) See 3:3-6, that by revelation there was made known to me
the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. 4) And by referring to this, when you
read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ. 5) which in
other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now
been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6) to be
specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body,
and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
CONCLUSION: 6:21-24
      vv21-22 Tychicus was sent by Paul to inform them of Paul's personal
condition. He is believed to be the one to carry the letter. An almost identical
statement is spoken to the church at Colosse in Col. 4:7.
     v23 Much of the church was under hardship of persecution. Peace, love,
and faith are qualities of believers.
     v24 Paul's benediction though unusual was a fitting close. Grace opens
the letter (1:2), and grace concludes it. Paul pronounces grace to those who
love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible. Their motives were right,
and not corrupted.