_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.