A Brief Conversational Study of Ephesians 4
July 6, 2024
The Power to be a witness
July 6, 2024
Ephesians Study – Part 1
The Book of Ephesians
PRAY
One of the Bible School teachers in my day was teaching his class one day on Types and Shadows of Jesus in the Old Testament told the class about his father. His father spent years in his study of the Bible writing down every single thing he thought the bible was teaching and that could be taught from it. He filled up about 3 notebooks with notes and revelation about the bible and thought to himself perhaps I missed something and spent a few more years doing the exact same thing only this time comparing side by side to his notes from the previous study to prevent overlaps in subjects or teachings. Years he spent scripture by scripture line after line… he wrote down about 3 more notebooks full of teachings and lessons and revelations from the bible… completely different from the first set… he thought to himself surely, surely I got everything that time… After a few more years study and about two notebooks later he came to a realization – impossible. He realized that no matter how many times he went through the bible and wrote everything down side by side from the other times that the bible was teaching or revelations that he got from it… He would never be able to finish the study of it.
The point is this that the Bible is a Living Word and if you read one scripture a thousand times it will seem to tell you a thousand different things each time you read it… depending on time, where you are in your walk with God, what God is trying to tell you at that moment, if your receptive to what the Holy Spirit is teaching you at that moment, could be something to do with a complete different subject or situation and you will get a different meaning each and every time. If you look for it.
I was insulted at one point in my life when I was in college finishing my English Literature courses, the teacher came to me after class and sincerely thought he was being nice to me and not realizing he was slapping me in the face at the same time… saw that I was enjoying his classes and offered to let me in his advanced classes of Eng Lit. and said that he had room in one of his classes for Studying the Bible as fiction. A few other students heard the offer and commented on it negatively saying… the Bible? What? Why would anyone want to study that thing? The teacher was quick to comment that the study was PURELY looking at the Bible, its stories and all its contents in a neutral non-religious way. Still, the students were grumbling. I spoke up and said… yeah who in their right mind would want to read the Bible… I mean no one reads the Bible in the world today do they? The teacher was puzzled at my comments cause he knew from my work that i was a christian – and an avid one at that.
I added after a pause and said… I mean only total freaks read the Bible to base any part of their life on it. The other students were agreeing and going yeah yeah thats right. I continued – I mean Martin Luther King? What a nut case – thinking that people should be nice to each other no matter what color their skin is… he got that from his Christian beliefs… George Washington and other Founding Fathers thinking they had a right to live free and apart from tyrannical governments and they were Christians too… freaks! I mean what total loser would want to base any system of Government off of something as untrue as the TEN Commandments. Thou shall not Kill… Love your neighbor… What nonsense… The teacher was the only one that caught my sarcasm… and he was kind of humbled at the same time because he realized that I had taken offense to his offer. After the class I made sure he knew that I was understanding of his offer on one hand honored but told him straight that the Bible is only a work of Fiction to those that do not know better… as a book that shaped the lives of countless billions in the past and countless billions today… it is an insult to any intellectual thinking reasoning being to push all of that aside and call it even for the sake of a class, a work of fiction.
As I was walking away from the class afterwards i bumped into one of the girls from my class and she was congratulating me on my comments in class. I asked her what she meant. Not knowing how to respond… is she a Christian or not.. where do I go from here when talking to her.
She said… Oh I agree with everything you said back there… the Bible is so strange only crazy people read that thing.
She missed the point all together. I stopped her then and there and corrected her perception of what happened. Told her i was being sarcastic and that I was really a Christian. That the world we live in was shaped by concepts and people reading and growing from the Bible. I gave her a tract and told her… it’s all true.. the whole book. And that out of it you will get a personal relationship with a living and very real God that wants the best for you and your life.
She came to church after that and gave her life to the Lord.
What is my point in all of this? I say all of this to tell you this point now. You may have read the Bible before or only parts of it. But if you want to grow in God and revelation knowledge in His Word then you need to put effort into learning and try to keep your mind from telling you ( I know this already ) In this class we are going to be studying the Book of Ephesians – a book widely read by many Christians and its easy to read and its basic message widely preached… but the depth of it is often overlooked and the importance of its message missed entirely if your not careful.
Most people read the book come away with the message… oh Armor of God. Thats what its teaching. But its so much more then that.
I was a Christian going to bible school and hungry for God… but when I heard this book taught properly… it changed everything for me. I pray that at the end of the course you will have a deeper understanding of its teaching as well and help you with your thinking in this area even more.
We are going to look at this book WORD by WORD and thought by thought and you will have a more powerful grasp on what I came to realize are Gods promise and thoughts towards us as His people and more than that what He has made available to us that know.
It was not until Pastor Hassan Boyle taught on the Kingdom that even more of this dropped into my spirit and I saw that the teachings in the Book of Eph. was the principles and rights and privileges and more that we have access to in the Kingdom.
We will be taking greek words and looking at their root meanings and looking at them in context with what this book is teaching so that you will have a clearer understanding of it. It may be that while I am talking away to you about one thing God could drop something in your spirit about something else your wanting to understand more about. This means that your paying attention to God more than me… and thats a very good thing!
You will probably do just like I found myself doing and that is reading ahead of the verse we are studying… try to at least hear the meanings behind the words we are looking at and then thats ok.
Things this Book is about…
Authority, Position, Power, Privilege, Rights, Redemption, Family, Time, Praise, Legal Contracts, Responsibility, Spiritual death, Grace, Calling, Attitude, Unity, Maturity and so much more…
As we go through this course the most important thing you need to keep in mind is what this book means to you, what are you hearing God speak to you. Because this book is about You and to YOU.
Ephesians Study – Part 2
Chapter 1
Eph. 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
By the Will of God.
Apostle – Special Messenger
APOSTLE – 652. ajpo/stoloß apostolos, ap-os´-tol-os; from 649; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ (“apostle”) (with miraculous powers): — apostle, messenger, he that is sent. Sent One.
Paul NOT FULL of himself
All to often we see Apostle so and so on TV or the like. and we see that because the graduated some bible college or theological institute… or in more modern times… paid 20 dollars to some guy on the internet… they get a piece of paper and a big ego.
The paper says Apostle So and So.
A piece of paper doesn’t make you an Apostle anymore than a having a wool jumper makes me a sheep.
Save yourself time and energy and print one off yourself on your computer and home printer and skip the study.
They don’t want the position from God they want it from Man.
And the point is Mankind cant make you an apostle. only God can.
Thats not to say everyone out there that does this is not of God… the point is… that God is the one that calls you and makes you what you are… not man.
If this were a book written by some modern people it would start of saying THE MIGHTY CALLED MAN OF GOD APOSTLE BISHOP SO AND SO.
Paul doesn’t do that… he starts off with his name… and with no extra emphasis… apostle.
AND – 2307. qe÷lhma thelema, thel´-ay-mah; from the prolonged form of 2309; a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination: — desire, pleasure, will.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians with a purpose – has been attributed to the Church in general…
earliest manuscripts do not say (at Ephesus)
suggests that it was written there and was spread to the rest of the body from there.
Sometimes the words we see in the Bible in the KJV and even worse in some other translations are not really there but have been added for clarity in the English language … this word is there… at Ephesus AND to the faithful…
YOU are included in that sentence… PAUL was writing this Book to you today just as much as the ones that were the first to read it. ( Granted most of the Bible is to be taken in this manner however this one especially. Your mentioned in this Book on purpose by the writer – he wanted to make sure you were included… we are going to find out why,
But the EPHESIAN CHURCH is interesting because the Church there was where they were first described as Christians or followers of Christ. Meaning at this place… they realized that regardless of background or color that the church was made up of Believers in Christ.
Paul… meaning small – starts off this and many of his writings like this but to take this apart for a moment we can look at this a little different…
Im a small person but chosen to be sent out with a mission by Jesus the Anointed One and with His Anointing to the servants of the Anointing and the Anointed One that have been steadfast and loyal to Him
FAITHFUL – 4103. pisto/ß pistos, pis-tos´; from 3982; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: — believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true.
Personalize this book to yourself… the Word of God is for you to take personally.
You will find yourself one day thinking that you are small and unable to do some things in God that you feel called to do…
Paul was saying here that he was sent by the will of God and it is not of his own ability but that of God, that he is writing this book and larger picture… all the things he does for God.
It is not by talent that you have been called by God to your calling and your destiny but by Gods Anointing and through His determination and pleasure and desire for you to be called out for His purpose.
Grace be to You
Now lets look at an over view of the next two sentences.
Eph. 1:2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace – 5485. ca¿riß charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): — acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
The definition of Grace is this … the unmerited, unwarranted, unearned, favor and admiration and appreciation of God… nothing to do with you… its all Him cause He loves you. Can’t add to it, can’t take it away.
Strong’s Greek Dictionary has this to say for this entry of Grace.. Manner or act the divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in the life including gratitude – making you acceptable, to benefit from favor as a gift with joy liberality – of His good pleasure.
It is God’s good pleasure to benefit you with His divine influence.
YOU 5213. uJmi√n humin, hoo-min´; irregular dative case of 5210; to (with or by) you: — ye, you, your(-selves).
Modern Word Usage in Science… describes an organic residue of decaying organic matter
Puts Grace in a different light doesn’t it?
and Peace… 1515. eijrh/nh eirene, i-ray´-nay; probably from a primary verb ei¶rw eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: — one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
Another way to look at Peace from God… set at one again… back in connection with Him, His presence, His love, and his plan. When your in your personal time with God… I don’t mean necessarily when your in a big group or when your looking all holy in Church but when YOU are with HIM… you feel it. His PEACE His LOVE and you know then when your with Him your assured your comforted and you know everything is going to be alright. PEACE… At One.
Ephesians Study – Part 3
FROM – 575. ajpo/ apo, apo´; a primary particle; “off,” i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative): — (x here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.
Literally meaning that this GRACE and PEACE are OF God and OFF of Him… like a to Be given almost like an article of clothing.
Look at another meaning… Reversal… He gives you PEACE and Grace and takes your worry and your straining.
Another meaning… Completion… to finish… or Add to and be done with it.
God our Father –
OUR 2257. hJmw◊n hemon, hay-mone´; genitive case plural of 1473; of (or from) us: — our (company), us, we.
FATHER 3962. path/r pater, pat-ayr´; apparently a primary word; a “father” (literally or figuratively, near or more remote): — father, parent.
A simple phrase that we often would just glance at and pass on to the next verse… but some powerful truths if you look at what he is saying here…
Grace be to YOU and PEACE from GOD our Father AND from the LORD
LORD – 2962. ku/rioß kurios, koo´-ree-os; from kuvroß kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title): — God, Lord, master, Sir.
Jesus Christ… the Anointed One and His Anointing.
ONE LONG RUN ON SENTENCE – Verse 3 to verse 14 is ONE sentence and was broken up by translators for clarity so that our english brains would not fry at the thoughts of the completeness of the descriptions that Paul is about to get into here. More importantly this is ALL one thought in the mind of God… important to keep this in mind as we read it. There are some amazing things in what we are about to learn…
Eph. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
What Blessings? Well we will look at that in a minute. Lets break this verse down a bit and dig into the meanings.
BLESSES 2127. eujloge÷w eulogeo, yoo-log-eh´-o; from a compound of 2095 and 3056; to speak well of, i.e. (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper): — bless, praise.
PRAISE ( 2095. eu\ eu, yoo; neuter of a primary eu\ß eus (good); (adverbially) well: — good, well (done).
WORD – 3056. lo/goß logos, log´-os; from 3004; something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ): — account, cause, communication, x concerning, doctrine, fame, x have to do, intent, matter, mouth, preaching, question, reason, + reckon, remove, say(-ing), shew, x speaker, speech, talk, thing, + none of these things move me, tidings, treatise, utterance, word, work.
Blessed ( Used by Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar – Empowered to Prosper – Spiritual, Authoritative and with Ability to perform it and bring it to pass )
US – 2248. hJma◊ß hemas, hay-mas´; accusative case plural of 1473; us: — our, us, we.
WITH
ALL – 3956. pa◊ß pas, pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: — all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), x daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), x thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
SPIRITUAL – 4152. pneumatiko/ß pneumatikos, pnyoo-mat-ik-os´; from 4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious: — spiritual. Compare 5591.
Blessings ( Empowerment and Authority)
IN – 1722. ejn en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); “in,” at, (up-)on, by, etc.: — about, after, against, + almost, x altogether, among, x as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), x mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, x outwardly, one, x quickly, x shortly, (speedi-)ly, x that, x there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
HEAVENLY – 2032. ejpoura¿nioß epouranios, ep-oo-ran´-ee-os; from 1909 and 3772; above the sky: — celestial, (in) heaven(-ly), high.
Heavenly is derived from 2 words
- ejpi÷ epi, ep-ee´; a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.: — about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, x have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with. In compounds it retains essentially the same import, at, upon, etc. (literally or figuratively).
- oujrano/ß ouranos, oo-ran-os´; perhaps from the same as 3735 (through the idea of elevation); the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel (Christianity): — air, heaven(-ly), sky.
Meaning the We have been granted Authority in the House or Dwelling place of God Our Father – through Jesus the Anointed one and His Anointing
The One that is the Source of Everything and Authority over all Authority God our Father ( A Parent by BLOOD When we become Christians ) has empowered us to prosper in the Same place that He is, who gave us His Son The Anointed One and His Anointing – and by Him – Empowered us to prosper in Heaven itself in authority – Gave us ability to speak and stand and act in Authority in The Anointing.
Anointing – 5548. cri÷w chrio, khree´-o; probably akin to 5530 through the idea of contact; to smear or rub with oil, i.e. (by implication) to consecrate to an office or religious service: — anoint.
WOW – thats just the first few words of this sentence… now comes the amazing parts…
The Kingdom that God has made available to us has benefits rights and privileges 3 – 14 enumerates many of the spiritual blessings that the believers have bestowed upon them from God.
Ephesians Study – Part 4
Eph. 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
According – 2531. kaqw¿ß kathos, kath-oce´; from 2596 and 5613; just (or inasmuch) as, that: — according to, (according, even) as, how, when.
Chosen – 1586. ejkle÷gomai eklegomai, ek-leg´-om-ahee; middle voice from 1537 and 3004 (in its primary sense); to select: — make choice, choose (out), chosen. root word is kalleo to call out
US – 2248. hJma◊ß hemas, hay-mas´; accusative case plural of 1473; us: — our, us, we.
IN – 1722. ejn en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); “in,” at, (up-)on, by, etc.: — about, after, against, + almost, x altogether, among, x as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), x mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, x outwardly, one, x quickly, x shortly, (speedi-)ly, x that, x there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
HIM – 846. aujto/ß autos, ow-tos´; from the particle au\ au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons: — her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, – by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Before – 4253. pro/ pro, pro; a primary preposition; “fore”, i.e. in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to: — above, ago, before, or ever. In the comparative, it retains the same significations.
Foundation – 2602. katabolh/ katabole, kat-ab-ol-ay´; from 2598; a deposition, i.e. founding; figuratively, conception: — conceive, foundation.
WORLD – 2889. ko/smoß kosmos, kos´-mos; probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)): — adorning, world.
Lets stop there a moment. This part is literally saying ” You were chosen in God, you were a thought in His mind, before he thought about making the earth… He thought about making you!.” Your important to God. You have been on His mind a very long time.
We – 2248. hJma◊ß hemas, hay-mas´; accusative case plural of 1473; us: — our, us, we.
Be – 1511. ei\nai einai, i´-nahee; present infinitive from 1510; to exist: — am, was. come, is, x lust after, x please well, there is, to be, was.
HOLY – 40. a‚gioß hagios, hag´-ee-os; from a‚goß hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint.
AND – 2532. kai÷ kai, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words: — and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
Without – 299. a‡mwmoß amomos, am´-o-mos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 3470; unblemished (literally or figuratively): — without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblamable.
Before – 2714. katenw¿pion katenopion, kat-en-o´-pee-on; from 2596 and 1799; directly in front of: — before (the presence of), in the sight of.
HIM 846. aujto/ß autos, ow-tos´; from the particle au\ au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons: — her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, – by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
IN 1722. ejn en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); “in,” at, (up-)on, by, etc.: — about, after, against, + almost, x altogether, among, x as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), x mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, x outwardly, one, x quickly, x shortly, (speedi-)ly, x that, x there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.
Love – 26. ajga¿ph agape, ag-ah´-pay; from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast: — (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.
In the presence of God… standing right before Him… we have been granted because of AGAPE love – AMOMOS – spotless and without fault.
You were chosen in God, you were a thought in His mind, before he thought about making the earth… He thought about making you to be In the presence of God… standing right before Him… we have been granted because of AGAPE love – AMOMOS – spotless and without fault. ”
I don’t care who you are… what you have done in your life so far or may do in the future… but to those that are in Christ Jesus… You can come before God and Stand Holy, Righteous and without blame not a single spot before God. And He will accept you with Love and affection. He planned it that way from the beginning… before the world was made He knew you and wanted you to be with Him and accepted in the beloved.
Many times Christians are given bad teaching from well meaning people that tell you that you can lose your salvation… that if you miss it in God or in your walk or you backslide or whatever that you cannot come into the presence of God anymore.
Have you ever fought with your best friend… I mean the friend that you would jump in front of a bus to save – your that good a friend to them. Or your mom or dad or any one you care about. If they make you mad or you make them mad… its awkward even being in the same room with them… but you know deep down that you can get past it and it would be forgotten in a moment if someone makes the first move to set things right.
This passage is telling you right here… that God made the first move before there was even an offense – made a way to make things right when you were a sinner before you even knew you were one. The bible teaches that in Romans 8:15 – 16 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.
What father in his right mind would kick a child out of his home forever and ever if he forgets to take out the rubbish?
Yet this is what many people without this revelation are accusing God of doing.
Gods love is unconditional… He died for the sinners before there was ever a saint. He planned this in eternity before the foundation of the world… that He would make a way for mankind to be redeemed and become blameless and spotless before Him. So if you miss it… and you feel out of sorts spiritually and have conviction in your heart over something just put it right. Apologize to God get it right and move on… remember to forgive yourself about the same thing… The word says that He is faithful and just to forgive. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If God is faithful to forgive us then you need to be faithful and forgive yourself as well. Let go of any guilt you may be holding onto and get on with things. We all miss it. How many of you have missed it… gotten back up on your feet and got things right with God but you still felt convicted and wrong inside yourself. We all have… it shows we are spiritually sensitive that we did wrong… but God said He already forgave you when you got things back right with Him… He is not holding on to it anymore… we are at that point.
Paul was the chief of sinners ( the same guy that just said that he was an apostle of God ) He killed people in the early church and hunted them down and persecuted them. If anyone has ever missed it in their life… it was this man. Yet when he found out he was killing God’s own people he stopped and got things right with God… Cause his heart was towards God to start with. He thought he was doing right and was really doing wrong. He missed it big time.
Yet he is telling us here… we are accepted in the Presence of God without spot or blemish… as Family, Loved, Accepted. No matter what.
Even if you miss it in life God still considers you holy and without blame before Him. What this does is remove the attitude of defeat if you do miss the mark. See yourself as He does forgiven holy and without blame.
Amen!
Ephesians Study – Part 5
Predestinated Us.
Eph. 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Again another section of Scripture often misunderstood. As a result whole schools of teaching and doctrine have been based off of this one scripture.
Take the flood of Noah. God decided that he wanted to wipe the world of its wicked ways and He chose Noah – before he even built a boat – to tell people to change their ways.
2 Peter 2:5 says that Noah preached righteousness to the anti-deluvians. The message of righteousness he preached was that one was to have faith in the coming promised Savior of the world. “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.” Noah preached the promise God made in Genesis 3:15 that One would come who would undone the work of Satan. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”
These sinful people who were destroyed in the Flood did not ignorantly reject God because the Bible says Noah preached righteousness to them. Noah was not preaching that a man could be saved by being righteous, but that by the coming Redeemer, man could be saved and become righteous by faith. Hebrews 11:7 states this saying, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Therefore it was Noah that actually preached to the people who died in the flood and Noah preached to them before they died. Noah preached Christ to them and they rejected Him.
Verse 20 says – It says God was long suffering in the days of Noah…meaning that Noah for 120 years preached righteousness by faith to the people and they rejected the message. It says only eight souls believed God and were saved.
God did not predestinate those people to die in their sins… but made a way to escape it. God made a way to escape from danger. He has not chosen these here and not those there… Yes he knows the beginning from the end… but its OUR Choice.
Jesus did not die on the cross and raise again just to save… 144000 – Jesus did that for every man woman and child on the planet past present and future- to those that heard and believed before Jesus came through Mary… the bible teaches that those people were saved and rose with Him on the same day that He rose.
So don’t take this verse out of context and to extremes… This verse is telling us exactly what it says… that it was His pleasure or that He enjoyed the fact that He was making us His children. In the States if you are an american citizen and sometimes even then there are exceptions to those that are not … when you turn 18 years old you have a right to vote… its your choice if you do or not… before your even a twinkle in your parents eyes then you have the right to vote when you come into being. Does that make sense?
Lets look at the greek.
Predestinate 4309. proori÷zw proorizo, pro-or-id´-zo; from 4253 and 3724; to limit in advance, i.e. (figuratively) predetermine: — determine before, ordain, predestinate.
unto – 1519. eijß eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases: — (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Adoption of Children – 5206. uiJoqesi÷a huiothesia, hwee-oth-es-ee´-ah; from a presumed compound of 5207 and a derivative of 5087; the placing as a son, i.e. adoption (figuratively, Christian sonship in respect to God): — adoption (of children, of sons).
Stopping there a moment lets look at this. This is not the modern sense of the word where you have an orphan and some family takes them in and slowly learns to love them but they always feel like a bit of an outsider in themselves because they know they are adopted.
God is our father… He made us. Genesis teaches us that. We were made in His image and likeness and there is no denying the family features… we look like HIM… He is our daddy.
What has happened is simple… we got separated because of Adam and lost that direct connection that we once had – in a sense we were children of darkness… at this point because as a race from Adam… Adam kinda disowned or divorced himself accidentally from his Father. At this point… God is the rightful Father of us all because we changed back when we became Christians… legally we were adopted away from God and put under satan and God has Legally adopted us back and put us back with Him as if nothing ever happened.
Does that make sense?
Thats how come Jesus is our Lord – through HIM ( Jesus) we were set back right with God.
To – 1519. eijß eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases: — (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
Himself – 846. aujto/ß autos, ow-tos´; from the particle au\ au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons: — her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, – by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
To – 2596. kata¿ kata, kat-ah´; a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined): — about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) x alone, among, and, x apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), x aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, x more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, x mightily, more, x natural, of (up-)on (x part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) x own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), x uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
pleasure – 2107. eujdoki÷a eudokia, yoo-dok-ee´-ah; from a presumed compound of 2095 and the base of 1380; satisfaction, i.e. (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose: — desire, good pleasure (will), x seem good.
of – 846. aujto/ß autos, ow-tos´; from the particle au\ au (perhaps akin to the base of 109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative 1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons: — her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, – by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which. Compare 848.
Will – 2307. qe÷lhma thelema, thel´-ay-mah; from the prolonged form of 2309; a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination: — desire, pleasure, will.
God did this because He wanted to. What a great Father we have in God that would do this for us because He Loved us!
It was His GOOD pleasure.
He Hath Made US
Ephesians Study – Part 6
Eph. 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
The driving factor of God is always grace. Grace depends entirely on Him and his attributes and Nothing to do with ourselves.
Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Grace – undeserved unmerited favor of God.
Accepted – 5487. carito/w charitoo, khar-ee-to´-o; from 5485; to grace, i.e. indue with special honor: — make accepted, be highly favoured. WORTHY
Take a look at David and Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth. David sought him out and welcomed him as family. There was an agreement and a friendship and kinship there because of his father Jonathan. Mephibosheth did nothing else other then be born a son of Jonathan this made him accepted into the beloved of David.
BELOVED 25. ajgapa¿w agapao, ag-ap-ah´-o; perhaps from a‡gan agan (much) (or compare H5689); to love (in a social or moral sense): — (be-)love(-ed). Compare 5368. – As family or close kinship, loved… much like agape.
BOUGHT BACK.
Eph. 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
IN WHOM ( IN JESUS ) WE HAVE REDEMPTION –
Redemption. 629. ajpolu/trwsiß apolutrosis, ap-ol-oo´-tro-sis; from a compound of 575 and 3083; (the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation: — deliverance, redemption.
RANSOM PAID IN FULL
We just looked at how we were under the kingdom of Darkness and now we see how we were bought back to the kingdom of light… He paid the price… and the price was BLOOD. Who’s blood? Jesus – Lets take a moment and set some things straight here too…
When someone is kidnapped… Who sets the price to get the victim back?
The kidnapper. Satan put a price on Adam and all of us… We came under Sin… and the only way to get free from SIN was death… We had to die.
Can a dead man sin? No! Without God’s intervention how would we have stopped ourselves from Sinning? Death!
This is why if you read Gen. it says God took the tree of life away from the Garden… lest man eat of that fruit and remain forever in the state of Sin.
So… Where did Sin come from then? Satan… who set the price for redemption? Satan… what was the price? Death – Well not just death… because we wanted to still live – if we were to die… we would still be in SIN but not sinning anymore… Still fallen just not falling any more so to speak. We want to Live and get back right with God so it would have to be Sinless blood.
We were kidnapped because of Satan… he set a price and God bought us back.. in FULL. Nothing owed still. Who’s are we now? satan’s or GOD’s? Why?
If you sin now because of your old nature… who’s are you then… have you been kidnapped again? Does God have to pay the price again?
Lets look. Heb. 7:27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.
Its done… paid forever. Praise God.
Look back at the verse again.
Eph. 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
What do we have through his blood… the forgiveness of Sins…
forgiveness – 859. a‡fesiß aphesis, af´-es-is; from 863; freedom; (figuratively) pardon: — deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission. We have been set at liberty.
Sin – 3900. para¿ptwma paraptoma, par-ap´-to-mah; from 3895; a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression: — fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass.
Eph. 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
According to the riches of His grace.
Riches – 4149. plouvtoß ploutos, ploo´-tos; from the base of 4130; wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment: — riches.
This word here is where we get a modern word – Plutocrat… not used much in everyday language. But someone like Bill Gates… ( Good business man – Bad software designer ) Is so rich.. because of the income he has coming in all the time… because of interest rates and so on that he gets for putting his money into the bank… he has reached a stage where his money is making money for him. If you were to take the time to count all of the money he has… that by the time that you finish… the number is wrong… he has that much more money coming in all the time. For him to give away a few hundred million a year is nothing at all. He gets millions in interest alone off his money.
God’s Riches of Grace is so abundant that you cant spend it all either. You don’t have a license to sin the bible says… but since we still live in a fallen world… our bodies and mind still need to be renewed and we will miss it… no matter what we do… we are spending Gods Grace that he has provisioned for us – and the verse here says that its unending… you use it up one day get a brand new amount if you miss it the next day.
Pastor teaches that lesson in a series called Rebound… if you fall… bounce back up and keep going.
Which brings us to our next verse…
Eph. 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
Bob Yandian says this is the best definition of grace he has ever found is this verse here. God abounding towards man.
Abounded – 4052. perisseu/w perisseuo, per-is-syoo´-o; from 4053; to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (transitively) to cause to superabound or excel: — (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above).
ALL 3956. pa◊ß pas, pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole: — all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), x daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), x thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.
WISDOM _ 4678. sofi÷a sophia, sof-ee´-ah; from 4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual): — wisdom.
PRUDENCE – 5428. fro/nhsiß phronesis, fron´-ay-sis; from 5426; mental action or activity, i.e. intellectual or moral insight: — prudence, wisdom.
The word comes from Old French prudence (13th century), from Latin prudentia “foresight, sagacity,” contraction of providentia “foresight”. It is often associated with Wisdom, Insight, and Knowledge. In this case, the virtue is the ability to judge between virtuous and vicious actions, not only in a general sense, but with regard to appropriate actions at a given time and place. Although prudence itself does not perform any actions, and is concerned solely with knowledge, all virtues had to be regulated by it. Distinguishing when acts are courageous, as opposed to reckless or cowardly, for instance, was an act of prudence. Although prudence would be applied to any such judgment, the more difficult tasks, which distinguish a person as prudent, are those in which various goods have to be weighed against each other, as when a person is determining what would be best to give charitable donations, or how to punish a child so as to prevent repeating an offense.
Conventionally, prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in practical affairs.
Wisdom is the ability, developed through experience, insight and reflection, to discern truth and exercise good judgment. Wisdom is sometimes conceptualized as an especially well developed form of common sense. According to the renowned Neuropsychologist and Neurobiologist Roger Wolcott Sperry though, Wisdom/Intuition is a right-brain activity while Factual and Mathematical analysis is a left-brain activity[1].
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, wisdom is defined as the “1 a: Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning-knowledge; b: Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships-insight; c: Good sense-judgment d: Generally accepted belief <challenges what has become accepted wisdom among many historians — Robert Darnton>. 2: A wise attitude, belief, or course of action. 3: The teachings of the ancient wise men”[2].
Most psychologists regard wisdom as distinct from the cognitive abilities measured by standardized intelligence tests. Wisdom is often considered to be a trait that can be developed by experience, but not taught. When applied to practical matters, the term wisdom is synonymous with prudence. Some see wisdom as a quality that even a child, otherwise immature, may possess independent of experience or complete knowledge.The status of wisdom or prudence as a virtue is recognized in cultural, philosophical and religious sources. As foreseeing consequences and acting to maximize the long-term common good.
As such, applications of personal wisdom would include his/her ethical and social guidelines in life that determines one’s unique style of personality, the particular nature of short and long-term goal(s) pursued in life(spiritual or materialistic for example), perspective on life, social attitudes, etc.
In this verse we see something else amazing. God has Excelled us and given us an abundance and increase over and above – Wisdom and Prudence. The ability to see right and wrong – courage and cowardly – moral and upright abilities within ourselves.
Lets look a little deeper at this. We can live the Christian life successfully because He has put the “Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus” in us. As Christians, we have His Spirit within us and, thus, “we have THE MIND OF CHRIST.” Paul tells us quite clearly, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” And Paul tells us in 1Corinthians 2:16, “For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
What we can infer from this verse is that not only did God give us an increase in wisdom and prudence
The amplified bible says – 8Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence),
But we can put these two together and see that God has given us access to HIS knowledge and HIS wisdom.
In any situation you may encouter in your life you have a chance to step back as it were and listen and see what GOD would have you to do. To take away your own ability and act as God would have you to do.
Pastor has told us many times when he has gone into situations and brought God with him. Natural wisdom and prudence does not have you crawl into car wrecks that could ignite the petrol at any second and see to the injured person that does not even want your help and hold their head from moving too much and praying and talking to the person until help arrives. God gives you that insite, God gives you His way of thinking so that you can be the best person to walk into some of the worst situations and act in the best possible way that will leave the people in wonder of how in the world did they even think to do that.
Kenneth Copeland has told many times of when his daughter was in a terrible accident and he was being pressured from circumstances and his own family and his own flesh to calm down and seek God and take the time until he heard from God about what to do.
He prayed and specifically asked God what to do… while his family was trying to drag him out the door. He sat down and finished a cup of coffee and heard from God to pray that everything would be fine and that she had barely a scratch on her.
The phone had rang and told them that she was dead.
They got to the hospital and she was awake and had a small cut on her forehead and that was all. She was released that same night.
That takes wisdom and knowledge of how to take a situation and be calm in it. To know that you have the right to pray about things and expect it to come to pass. Takes knowledge of your position in Christ and your rights and privileges in Christ. You have that available to you!
Ephesians Study – Part 7
Eph. 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
KNOWN – 1107. gnwri÷zw gnorizo, gno-rid´-zo; from a derivative of 1097; to make known; subjectively, to know: — certify, declare, make known, give to understand, do to wit, wot.
Mystery 3466. musth/rion musterion, moos-tay´-ree-on; from a derivative of mu/w muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or “mystery” (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): — mystery.
OR in another sense what was not even SPOKEN about He has opened His mouth to tell us!
Bob Yandian says that this Mystery is something that was hidden in the past but is now revealed.
WILL 2307. qe÷lhma thelema, thel´-ay-mah; from the prolonged form of 2309; a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination: — desire, pleasure, will.
TO – 2596. kata¿ kata, kat-ah´; a primary particle; (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined): — about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) x alone, among, and, x apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), x aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, x more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, x mightily, more, x natural, of (up-)on (x part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) x own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), x uttermost, where(-by), with. In composition it retains many of these applications, and frequently denotes opposition, distribution, or intensity.
Pleasure – 2107. eujdoki÷a eudokia, yoo-dok-ee´-ah; from a presumed compound of 2095 and the base of 1380; satisfaction, i.e. (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose: — desire, good pleasure (will), x seem good.
- proti÷qemai protithemai, prot-ith´-em-ahee; middle voice from 4253 and 5087; to place before, i.e. (for oneself) to exhibit; (to oneself) to propose (determine): — purpose, set forth.
Amplified says – 9Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in [c]Him,
God takes joy in revealing His plan and His purpose for our lives – what was a secret that no one even knew before – the plan of salvation – the plan for redemption – the plan to win us back and pay the ransom – And to tell us of our rights and privileges. Something He wants us to know… To know what?
Eph. 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
AMPLIFIED 10[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth.
Dispensation – I like that word – 3622. oijkonomi÷a oikonomia, oy-kon-om-ee´-ah; from 3623; administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) “economy”: — dispensation, stewardship.
FULNESS – 4138. plh/rwma pleroma, play´-ro-mah; from 4137; repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period): — which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness.
Times – 2540. kairo/ß kairos, kahee-ros´; of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. set or proper time: — x always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare 5550.
ONE – 346. ajnakefalai÷omai anakephalaiomai, an-ak-ef-al-ah´-ee-om-ahee; from 303 and 2775 (in its original sense); to sum up: — briefly comprehend, gather together in one.
Jesus was the point of Gods plan!
The thing that brings together Gods plan for us and our position and authority and our redemption and the Big secret that no one knew was that God had a plan to get us back from Sin.
Satan would have never killed Jesus if he had known… but the other secret is that He did not have a choice. God had already set things in motion BEFORE the fall even took place.
Eph. 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
In whom… in who? Jesus we have obtained an inheritance 2820. klhro/w kleroo, klay-ro´-o; from 2819; to allot, i.e. (figuratively) to assign (a privilege): — obtain an inheritance.
being predestinated ( same word ) according to the purpose 4286. pro/qesiß prothesis, proth´-es-is; from 4388; a setting forth, i.e. (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the Temple) as exposed before God: — purpose, shew(-bread).
This usage of purpose is literally meaning for a purpose in His plan – just like an instrument of specific usage in the plan He set for the Atonement of the people of israel.
Of him who worketh 1754. ejnerge÷w energeo, en-erg-eh´-o; from 1756; to be active, efficient: — do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).
ALL things after the counsel of His own will
AMPLIFIED says here 11In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will,
What does this mean? We are part of His plan that He set in motion.
It carries on- the plan that God has… You get saved you get redeemed and you spread it… You share the Gospel and help set the next person free… you carry out the work that He placed in you to do.
This tears holes in the modern christian way of thinking of … im saved praise god now just waiting to die and see jesus.
That now we Should Exist for His Glory
Eph. 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Amplified 12So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!
THAT – 1519. eijß eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases: — (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
WE – 2248. hJma◊ß hemas, hay-mas´; accusative case plural of 1473; us: — our, us, we.
should
BE – 1511. ei\nai einai, i´-nahee; present infinitive from 1510; to exist: — am, was. come, is, x lust after, x please well, there is, to be, was.
to the
PRAISE – 1868. e¶painoß epainos, ep´-ahee-nos; from 1909 and the base of 134; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing: — praise.
of His
Glory – 1391. do/xa doxa, dox´-ah; from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): — dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
who
FIRST TRUSTED
- proelpi÷zw proelpizo, pro-el-pid´-zo; from 4253 and 1679; to hope in advance of other confirmation: — first trust.
in Christ.
The proper word here is HOPE – the Biblical Hope.
Hope comes from the same place that faith does – like a vision or a goal. Hope is of the soul like Faith is of the spirit Yandian teaches.
That we should EXIST that we BE – for HIS Glory HIS Honor… us who trust in Christ.
Oh that we would LIVE and Exist for JESUS just as He planned us to be… We would bring Praise and Honor to Him in this Life we have been given!
SEALED
Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
AMPLIFIED – 13In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.
IN Jesus you have heard the truth that set you free – the good news that everything will be put back together for you and your life and life to come – the salvation – 4991. swthri÷a soteria, so-tay-ree´-ah; feminine of a derivative of 4990 as (properly, abstract) noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): — deliver, health, salvation, save, saving.
You believed it you received it and it became REAL to you. It makes you rely on him and to make sure it came to pass you were sealed – with the Holy Spirit.
SEALED – 4972. sfragi÷zw sphragizo, sfrag-id´-zo; from 4973; to stamp (with a signet or private mark) for security or preservation (literally or figuratively); by implication, to keep secret, to attest: — (set a, set to) seal up, stop.
Spirit – 4151. pneuvma pneuma, pnyoo´-mah; from 4154; a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s spirit, the Holy Spirit: — ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind. Compare 5590.
Promise 1860. ejpaggeli÷a epaggelia, ep-ang-el-ee´-ah; from 1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): — message, promise.
Ephesians Study – Part 8 (Eph 1:14 to 1:19)
The Down Payment
Eph. 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
The Holy Spirit is the down payment
earnest 728. ajrjrJabw¿n arrhabon, ar-hrab-ohn´; of Hebrew origin (H6162); a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest: — earnest.
inheritance 2817. klhronomi÷a kleronomia, klay-ron-om-ee´-ah; from 2818; heirship, i.e. (concretely) a patrimony or (genitive case) a possession: — inheritance.
Redemption 629. ajpolu/trwsiß apolutrosis, ap-ol-oo´-tro-sis; from a compound of 575 and 3083; (the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation: — deliverance, redemption.
possession 4047. peripoi÷hsiß peripoiesis, per-ee-poy´-ay-sis; from 4046; acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation: — obtain(-ing), peculiar, purchased, possession, saving.
unto the praise of HIS Glory
AMPLIFIED 14That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it–to the praise of His glory.
This completes the one sentence. All of that was one thought in Gods mind.
Lets read all this in the Amplified to get a complete look at all this keeping in mind all that you now know about the root of these words.
1PAUL, AN apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) [a]at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus:
2May grace (God’s unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!
4Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.
5For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [[b]because it pleased Him and was His kind intent]–
6[So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7In Him we have redemption (deliverance and salvation) through His blood, the remission (forgiveness) of our offenses (shortcomings and trespasses), in accordance with the riches and the generosity of His gracious favor,
8Which He lavished upon us in every kind of wisdom and understanding (practical insight and prudence),
9Making known to us the mystery (secret) of His will (of His plan, of His purpose). [And it is this:] In accordance with His good pleasure (His merciful intention) which He had previously purposed and set forth in [c]Him,
10[He planned] for the maturity of the times and the climax of the ages to unify all things and head them up and consummate them in Christ, [both] things in heaven and things on the earth.
11In Him we also were made [God’s] heritage (portion) and we obtained an inheritance; for we had been foreordained (chosen and appointed beforehand) in accordance with His purpose, Who works out everything in agreement with the counsel and design of His [own] will,
12So that we who first hoped in Christ [who first put our confidence in Him have been destined and appointed to] live for the praise of His glory!
13In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.
14That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it–to the praise of His glory.
Praise GOD!
For this reason – cease not
Eph. 1:15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,
Eph. 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
AMP 15For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints (the people of God),
16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.
The word there for faith is 4102. pi÷stiß pistis, pis´-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: — assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
Love 26. ajga¿ph agape, ag-ah´-pay; from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast: — (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.
Cease 3973. pau/w pauo, pow´-o; a primary verb (“pause”); to stop (transitively or intransitively), i.e. restrain, quit, desist, come to an end: — cease, leave, refrain.
NOT 3756. ouj ou, oo, also (before a vowel)
oujk ouk, ook, and (before an aspirate);
oujc ouch, ookh; a primary word; the absolute negative (compare 3361) adverb; no or not: — + long, nay, neither, never, no (x man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but. See also 3364, 3372.
thanks – 2168. eujcariste÷w eucharisteo, yoo-khar-is-teh´-o; from 2170; to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal: — (give) thank(-ful, -s).
Mention 3417. mnei÷a mneia, mni´-ah; from 3415 or 3403; recollection; by implication, recital: — mention, remembrance.
- proseuch/ proseuche, pros-yoo-khay´; from 4336; prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel): — x pray earnestly, prayer.
CEASE NOT!
I got a revelation of this in my own life on more than one occasion.
Story of mom praying for Dad.
22 years later it happened and she stopped praying!
She learned to pray for him even still… it makes a difference.
I made the same mistake – my parents were doing great when i left the states to move over here. a year later they stopped going to church. I phoned them up and near berated them to go back to no avail.
God brought this scripture back to my remembrance and I started praying for them lifting them up to God that they go back to church and all the little issues and petty problems they were facing would go away. Next thing I know they call me up and talk about this wonderful message they heard at church that changed their focus and perspective. I thought to myself.. they went to church!!
I still forget sometimes to pray for my parents and my family… but when I do pray for them it makes a difference. In your time with God remember to talk to Him about your family your friends your pastor your church…
Think about it in a real sense if you tell me that he needs help with something will I not do my best to help?
How much more so will God help those you care about?
Paul is talking about that here… that he ceases not praying for this church because he has a spot in his heart for them. He himself started teaching at this point the place where most christians stop praying for people is at this point. This is teaching about thanksgiving… not the turkey and the stuffing kind of thanksgiving – pilgrims and such.
Look at these verses with me quickly
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
1Th. 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Revelation of Him
Eph. 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
AMP 17[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
He again prays that this already mature church get even more revelation of His wisdom and knowledge –
the word here spirit is a LOWERcase word because he is not talking about the Holy Spirit. The more we study the word of God and get it into our spirit we will get a sense of the spirit he is talking about here…
Most people also think that the words wisdom and knowledge is the same word and are just put here to make the sentence sound fancy. Knowledge is an INPUT that you take in… Wisdom is the OUTput of that learned information. As we put the word of God into our hearts and minds the outworking of that is a Godly wisdom that HE GIVES US when we ask for it.
Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge.
Is. 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Once we do our part God will bring illumination, revelation and wisdom when we ask.
Wisdom – 4678. sofi÷a sophia, sof-ee´-ah; from 4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual): — wisdom.
Revelation – 602. ajpoka¿luyiß apokalupsis, ap-ok-al´-oop-sis; from 601; disclosure: — appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
From here Paul now introduces the topic that will be dealt with in the rest of the chapter. Here he brings up the things he thinks the saints at Ephesus and us today should know.
These are outlined in verses 18 and 19 and are explained in verses 20 – 23.
The hope of your calling – Present tense and future
the riches of our inheritance – present tense and future
The power of God that raised Jesus from the dead. – past tense
The HEART
Eph. 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
18By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones)
Eyes (Vision) – 3788. ojfqalmo/ß ophthalmos, of-thal-mos´; from 3700; the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance): — eye, sight.
Your
Understanding – 1271. dia¿noia dianoia, dee-an´-oy-ah; from 1223 and 3563; deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise: — imagination, mind, understanding.
Looking at understanding – a better word for this is imagination or heart this is refering to the point at which you are reading scripture or listening to a message and when you get it.. that burst of revelation that hits your Spirit man and your mind kinda gets a look at something that just drops in place inside you. Thats what this is talking about. You at that point SEE the revelation but not with your eyes but with your heart.
Hope – 1680. ejlpi÷ß elpis, el-pece´; from a primary e¶lpw elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence: — faith, hope.
Calling – 2821. klhvsiß klesis, klay´-sis; from a shorter form of 2564; an invitation (figuratively): — calling.
Eph. 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
19And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
Exceeding – 5235. uJperba¿llw huperballo, hoop-er-bal´-lo; from 5228 and 906; to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e. (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent): — exceeding, excel, pass.
Greatness
Gods Greatness exceeds what we can comprehend! If you think for one moment that you have a grasp on God and all his wonderful ways… you have missed it. You have limited God’s ability in your life. Lets look and see this next part…
A Look at Power –
Five greek words that are translated power in the New Testament that are completely different words from each other.
dunamis – POWER STORED UP IN SOMETHING like dynamite.
energeia – outward power – energy
A Parked Car has Dunamis… its engine and wheels has the ability to show power… the car speeding off at a hundred miles an hour its its ENERGEIA – the demonstration of that stored energy.
Kratos – ruling power. We get words like Democracy from this word.
Ischus – endowed power – A The president of the US has certain endowed powers when he gets elected into office. He can go to war without needing anyones approval if he thinks the country is in danger. A power because of his position.
Exeusia – should be translated as authority.
All four words are found in this ONE verse.
Lets look at the verse again.
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power (dunamis )to us-ward who believe, according to the working(energeia) of his mighty (Kratos) power (Ischus)
I have heard many teachers teach the exact same thing about this verse here… and that is this.
When Jesus was raised from the dead it took more effort and ability to do that… than it did to create the entire universe.
Psalms 8:3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
Fingers – 676. o;AbVxRa }etsba{, ets-bah´; from the same as 6648 (in the sense of grasping); something to sieze with, i.e. a finger; by analogy, a toe:—finger, toe.
God made the heavens the moon and the stars with His fingers.
Heb. 1:10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
He made the earth with this hands.
Is. 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
God used His ARM to raise Jesus from the dead
Now look at Rom 8:11
Rom. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
If God can redeem us with this power, through Jesus, Raise Him from the Dead… the bible is telling us right here that the same power is IN US.
How much more should we be able to fight off sickness and disease in our bodies and be able to walk in divine health… that power is in us!
Praise God
Power (towards us) 1411. du/namiß dunamis, doo´-nam-is; from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself): — ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
WORKING – 1753. ejne÷rgeia energeia, en-erg´-i-ah; from 1756; efficiency (“energy”): — operation, strong, (effectual) working.
Mighty (second ref) 2904. kra¿toß kratos, krat´-os; perhaps a primary word; vigor (“great”) (literally or figuratively): — dominion, might(-ily), power, strength.
Power – 2479. ijscu/ß ischus, is-khoos´; from a derivative of ijß is (force; compare e¶scon eschon, a form of 2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively): — ability, might(-ily), power, strength.
Ephesians Study – Part 9 (Eph 1:20 to 2:6)
Eph. 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
20Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
Which what? This Power God used He then used to place Jesus at His right hand.
Now look at Rom 8:11
Rom. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
If God can redeem us with this power, through Jesus, Raise Him from the Dead… the bible is telling us right here that the same power is IN US.
How much more should we be able to fight off sickness and disease in our bodies and be able to walk in divine health… that power is in us!
Praise God
The Fifth POWER
Eph. 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
21Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
POWER 1849. ejxousi÷a exousia, ex-oo-see´-ah; from 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: — authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
AUTHORITY – this is talking about the power that God has given us over the devil.
What did Adam lose in the fall – From the Fall to the Cross satan had authority on earth
Look at
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
power there is Exousia.
Jesus gave us back Authority thought Him.
Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Two power words mentioned here… Exousia and Dunamis – Jesus said right here… he has given us POWER over the POWER of the Enemy.
Its almost a cliche in modern christainese language but we have power in the name of Jesus… Its an Authority power… a bad and overused example is a policeman…
A better example would be an ambassador from one country to another… he represents an entire country, an army, a people greater than just himself… all of that is backing him when he goes to the negotiating table with another country. Thats Power
God channels all the power of heaven through the power of the authority of the believer who knows his rights and privilages that belong to him and are found in the Name of Jesus!
Eph. 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
22And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the church [a headship exercised throughout the church],(A)
Church 1577. ejkklhsi÷a ekklesia, ek-klay-see´-ah; from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): — assembly, church.
Jesus put all things under His feet and gave us position under Him. Who’s head is the Church?
Who is over us in Authority? Jesus, He is the head of the Church.
Now look at satan… who is satan’s head so to speak in authority… We are. The Church is OVER satan in authority.
This verse is telling us that WE have Authority over the devil in position that Jesus Gave us a position of Authority and backed up by the POWER of God.
Now with this position in mind…
Eph. 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
23Which is His body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself]
Now you have a position in the Body – in the Church that with you doing your part… the Body of the Church is complete lacking nothing. How is that for position and authority… God just told you here that you have a place, you have a calling, and that with you and the church you make up the body of Christ the substance.
Now everything up to now is telling you what is available to you what it took to get you here and the power and the authority that you have as a believer and your position in the whole thing… now lets look at your past.
DEAD AND UNKNOWN
Eph. 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
1AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins
Quickened – MADE ALIVE
Dead – 3498. nekro/ß nekros, nek-ros´; from an apparently primary ne÷kuß nekus (a corpse); dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun): — dead.
1) properly 1a) one that has breathed his last, lifeless 1b) deceased, departed, one whose soul is in heaven or hell 1c) destitute of life, without life, inanimate 2) metaph. 2a) spiritually dead 2a1) destitute of a life that recognises and is devoted to God, because given up to trespasses and sins 2a2) inactive as respects doing right 2b) destitute of force or power, inactive, inoperative
Trespasses – 3900. para¿ptwma paraptoma, par-ap´-to-mah; from 3895; a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression: — fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass.
SIN- 266. aJmarti÷a hamartia, ham-ar-tee´-ah; from 264; a sin (properly abstract): — offence, sin(-ful).
The things you did knowingly and those you did unknowingly.
You… the Christian… He has made alive once again.
Eph. 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
2In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God].
POWER – 1849. ejxousi÷a exousia, ex-oo-see´-ah; from 1832 (in the sense of ability); privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence: — authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength.
Worketh – 1754. ejnerge÷w energeo, en-erg-eh´-o; from 1756; to be active, efficient: — do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forth self, work (effectually in).
children – (REMOTE KINSHIP) 5207. uiJo/ß huios, hwee-os´; apparently a primary word; a “son” (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship: — child, foal, son.
DISOBEDIENCE 543. ajpei÷qeia apeitheia, ap-i´-thi-ah; from 545; disbelief (obstinate and rebellious): — disobedience, unbelief.
Obstinate: Stubborn.
Because I knew that thou art OBSTINATE, and thy neck is an iron sinew, and thy brow brass; I have even from the beginning declared it to thee; before it came to pass I showed it thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. (Isaiah 48:4-5)
The system of this world
Eph. 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
3Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God’s] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.
Among whom… the children of disobedience and the world of satan.
Conversation – 390. ajnastre÷fw anastrepho, an-as-tref´-o; from 303 and 4762; to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e. remain, live: — abide, behave self, have conversation, live, overthrow, pass, return, be used.
The world system today is set so well that people think they have freedom – they think they are doing their own thing in the world and making their own way. The system in this world is set by satan… and it has only one road… a wide path that leads to destruction.
Phil. 3:20 We, however, are citizens of heaven. We look forward to the Lord Jesus Christ coming from heaven as our Savior.
citzens 4175. poli÷teuma politeuma, pol-it´-yoo-mah; from 4176; a community, i.e. (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively): — conversation.
Rom 8
Eph. 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
4But God–so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us,
UNDERLINE THAT IN YOUR BIBLE… that is the line between life and death and salvation and satan…
BUT GOD!
He intervened. He interrupted the process.
AND HE IS RICH… the word again there is Plutos – FILTHY RICH!
great – (ABUNDANT AND PLENTEOUS) 4183. polu/ß polus, pol-oos´; including the forms from the alternate pollo/ß pollos; (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely: — abundant, + altogether, common, + far (passed, spent), (+ be of a) great (age, deal, -ly, while), long, many, much, oft(-en (-times)), plenteous, sore, straitly. Compare 4118, 4119.
LOVE – 26. ajga¿ph agape, ag-ah´-pay; from 25; love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast: — (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love.
Eph. 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
5Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved ([a]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation).
quickened us – 4806. suzwopoie÷w suzoopoieo, sood-zo-op-oy-eh´-o; from 4862 and 2227; to reanimate conjointly with (figuratively): — quicken together with.
– God used Jesus to bring us to salvation so that we could be right with God again… then now we are WITH JESUS
Eph. 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
6And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us [b]joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Together – 4776. sugkaqi÷zw sugkathizo, soong-kath-id´-zo; from 4862 and 2523; to give (or take) a seat in company with: — (make) sit (down) together.
Heaven – 2032. ejpoura¿nioß epouranios, ep-oo-ran´-ee-os; from 1909 and 3772; above the sky: — celestial, (in) heaven(-ly), high.
With Jesus
Forward from the PAST to the Future… You still have a future in Christ!
Even past the petty problems and struggles of Day to Day things and your calling in Him that your still working out inside you… now get this… its only preparing you for that which is to come… in Eternity there is still more… There is still more ahead of us in God past this day, past your calling in your lifetime… when we go in the rapture.. we are coming back again… the Millenial kingdom will come and go again… then… there is still more to come. The Ages to come – God still has more for you that He wants to show you and then some.
Ephesians Study – Part 10 (Eph 2:7 to 4:2)
Eph. 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
7He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ages 165. aijw¿n aion, ahee-ohn´; from the same as 104; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): — age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the , while the) world (began, without end). Compare 5550.
exceeding – 5235. uJperba¿llw huperballo, hoop-er-bal´-lo; from 5228 and 906; to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e. (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent): — exceeding, excel, pass.
Riches – plutos
Grace – 5485. ca¿riß charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): — acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
Towards us – it comes through Christ.
Lets look at this verse again now… keeping those in mind lets look at this and realize something else this verse is saying
Eph. 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
We will need Grace in the Ages to Come. And its Limitless.
You may be like me and you wonder whats going to happen after the rapture and after the kingdom and then after that… what about after that and after that… FOREVER… Your still going to be you. Your personality your character your developing now will still be developing even after that… this verse is literally saying that we will still miss it even in Eternity – why else would we need grace?
I used to see verses like
1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
You think to yourself OH at that point we will be perfect… some sort of Scripture filled Perfect Word of God person – holy Ghost automaton… doing no wrong ever again.
Am I the only person that used to think that?
TENSES…
Bob Yandian looks at this verse with the help of a better translation of the tenses used in the sentence – the greek works here talk about past present and future.
Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
8For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved ([c]delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. 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;
Using the translation ( WET KENNETH WUEST greek study ) we get a better picture of this verse.
For by the grace have you been saved in time past completely through faith with the result that your salvation persists through the present time
The gift of God… what is the gift of God? Grace… well in a way yes… but in this verse specifically its saying that Faith is a gift of God.
eph 3:12
acts 3:16
Paul is telling us here that not only did God give us the gift of salvation but He gave us the GIFT of the Ability to accept salvation.
GRACE – charis
Saved – 4982. sw¿zw sozo, sode´-zo; from a primary sw◊ß sos (contraction for obsolete sa¿oß saos, “safe”); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively): — heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
THROUGH – 1223. dia¿ dia, dee-ah´; a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional): — after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, x though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
Faith – 4102. pi÷stiß pistis, pis´-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: — assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
The word that it is from is 3982. pei÷qw peitho, pi´-tho; a primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty): — agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) conflent, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.
Gift – 1435. dw◊ron doron, do´-ron; a present; specially, a sacrifice: — gift, offering.
Eph. 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
9Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.]
works 2041. e¶rgon ergon, er´-gon; from a primary (but obsolete) e¶rgw ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act: — deed, doing, labour, work.2041. e¶rgon ergon, er´-gon; from a primary (but obsolete) e¶rgw ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act: — deed, doing, labour, work.
boast – 2744. kauca¿omai kauchaomai, kow-khah´-om-ahee; from some (obsolete) base akin to that of aujce÷w aucheo (to boast) and 2172; to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense): — (make) boast, glory, joy, rejoice.
Eph. 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
10For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), [d]recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
workmanship – 4161. poi÷hma poiema, poy´-ay-mah; from 4160; a product, i.e. fabric (literally or figuratively): — thing that is made, workmanship.
POEM – modern word – You are God’s Poem that He is writing… right now. Cool!
Created – 2936. kti÷zw ktizo, ktid´-zo; probably akin to 2932 (through the idea of proprietorship of the manufacturer); to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally): — create, Creator, make.
the word that it is from is 2932. kta¿omai ktaomai, ktah´-om-ahee; a primary verb; to get, i.e. acquire (by any means; own): — obtain, possess, provide, purchase.
There was a barrier
Eph. 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
11Therefore, remember that at one time you were Gentiles (heathens) in the flesh, called Uncircumcision by those who called themselves Circumcision, [itself a [e]mere mark] in the flesh made by human hands.
This verse is basically taking away a misconception. Races only exist in the flesh.
This is talking about the fact that true circumcision takes place in the heart
Phil. 3:3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
The ritual of circumcision is not what saves it was part of a way to show them HIS plan – it is no different from that of water baptism today… it does not save but it instructs what does the saving.
Eph. 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
12[Remember] that you were at that time separated (living apart) from Christ [excluded from all part in Him], utterly estranged and outlawed from the rights of Israel as a nation, and strangers with no share in the sacred compacts of the [Messianic] promise [with no knowledge of or right in God’s agreements, His covenants]. And you had no hope (no promise); you were in the world without God.
The example i used with this verse in Prison was that before now… you were hangin with your homies in your low riders and not going to church… you had no clue this kind of truth existed and you didn;t have a prayer of anything other that hope a bullet did not hit you that day so you could hang out again the next day. Nothing to live for but lived knowing you were missing something.
They got the point… and laughed at a white boy in a suit saying homies and lowrider.
In a real sense this is what the verse is saying here… in its intent.
Aliens – 526. ajpallotrio/w apallotrioo, ap-al-lot-ree-o´-o; from 575 and a derivative of 245; to estrange away, i.e. (passively and figuratively) to be non-participant: — alienate, be alien.
Faithful Jews – the commonwealth 4174. politei÷a politeia, pol-ee-ti´-ah; from 4177 (“polity”); citizenship; concretely, a community: — commonwealth, freedom.
Israel – 2474. ∆Israh/l Israel, is-rah-ale´; of Hebrew origin (H3478); Israel (i.e. Jisrael), the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively): — Israel.
strangers – Aliens – 3581. xe÷noß xenos, xen´-os; apparently a primary word; foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer: — host, strange(-r).
Promise – 1860. ejpaggeli÷a epaggelia, ep-ang-el-ee´-ah; from 1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): — message, promise.
Godless 112. a‡qeoß atheos, ath´-eh-os; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2316; godless: — without God.
worlds system – 2889. ko/smoß kosmos, kos´-mos; probably from the base of 2865; orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally)): — adorning, world.
Eph. 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
13But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were [so] far away, through (by, in) the blood of Christ have been brought near.
We were far away from God and had no way in the world literally to get to Him
Far 3112. makra¿n makran, mak-ran´; feminine accusative case singular of 3117 (3598 being implied); at a distance (literally or figuratively): — (a-)far (off), good (great) way off.
There was a barrier between us and God and we had no way to cross into where He is.
Job talked about this
Job 9:2 I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?
Job 9:3 If he will contend with him, he cannot answer him one of a thousand.
Then he knew what had to happen to bridge this gap…
Job 9:32 For he is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment.
Job 9:33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.
Eph. 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
14For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony). He has made us both [Jew and Gentile] one [body], and has broken down (destroyed, abolished) the hostile dividing wall between us,
Look at
2Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2Cor. 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
2Cor. 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
He took away the Gap for the Whole world if they go through Jesus… if not there is still a gap they cant cross.
The word there OUR is 2257. hJmw◊n hemon, hay-mone´; genitive case plural of 1473; of (or from) us: — our (company), us, we.
We are now n the same Company or fellowship as Christ.
PEACE – same we saw before… 1515. eijrh/nh eirene, i-ray´-nay; probably from a primary verb ei¶rw eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: — one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
Both One – 297. ajmfo/teroß amphoteros, am-fot´-er-os; comparative of ajmfi÷ amphi (around); (in plural) both: — both.
Means God and Man – reconcilled – Gentile and Jew.
broken down – 3089. lu/w luo, loo´-o; a primary verb; to “loosen” (literally or figuratively): — break (up), destroy, dissolve, (un-)loose, melt, put off. Compare 4486.
Eph. 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
15By abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the enmity [caused by] the Law with its decrees and ordinances [which He annulled]; that He from the two might create in Himself one new man
- e¶cqra echthra, ekh´-thrah; feminine of 2190; hostility; by implication, a reason for opposition: — enmity, hatred.
Gods purpose in removing the barrier is to make ONE NEW MAN – the body of Christ. Through faith we are all part of one body one church. As a result MAKING PEACE means that God’s peace is for believers only. True unity only exists in the church. There is no race in the church but one… the believer in Christ.
Eph. 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
16And [He designed] to reconcile to God both [Jew and Gentile, united] in a single body by means of His cross, thereby killing the mutual enmity and bringing the feud to an end.
The Cross was the final fulfillment of the Law – a price had to be paid. What did jesus say on the cross… It is finished!
He was talking about the Mosaic law…
Because the Plan of Salvation was only beginning (as He was the first born of many brethren …
Gala 3:19
3:16
Jesus removed the Law by fulfilling it.
Col. 2:14
Eph. 2:17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
17And He came and preached the glad tidings of peace to you who were afar off and [peace] to those who were near.(A)
preached – 2097. eujaggeli÷zw euaggelizo, yoo-ang-ghel-id´-zo; from 2095 and 32; to announce good news (“evangelize”) especially the gospel: — declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach (the gospel).
peace 1515. eijrh/nh eirene, i-ray´-nay; probably from a primary verb ei¶rw eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: — one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
far off 3112. makra¿n makran, mak-ran´; feminine accusative case singular of 3117 (3598 being implied); at a distance (literally or figuratively): — (a-)far (off), good (great) way off.
near 1451. ejggu/ß eggus, eng-goos´; from a primary verb a‡gcw agcho (to squeeze or throttle; akin to the base of 43); near (literally or figuratively, of place or time): — from , at hand, near, nigh (at hand, unto), ready.
Eph. 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
18For it is through Him that we both [whether far off or near] now have an introduction (access) by one [Holy] Spirit to the Father [so that we are able to approach Him].
access 4318. prosagwgh/ prosagoge, pros-ag-ogue-ay´; from 4317 (compare 72); admission: — access. (Like a ticket or with approval and acceptance
Unto 4314. pro/ß pros, pros; a strengthened form of 4253; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated): — about, according to , against, among, at, because of, before, between, (where-)by, for, x at thy house, in, for intent, nigh unto, of, which pertain to, that, to (the end that), x together, to (you) -ward, unto, with(-in). In the comparative case, it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at.
The Far off and the near.
The far off was us… the gentiles the near ones were the jews. But through Jesus the both of them are now the same. Both being made equal and accepted.
The jews were given more revelation than anyone else in the whole world. In many ways He was teaching them of the many things that He was planning for salvation and redemption for the whole world.
Yet they were in many ways so caught up in the religion of their relationship with God that they were missing the big picture.
In a very real sense this is something that people in Churches today need to realize. This is all about God so loving the world… not about us playing church and playing favorites and becoming superstars in our own eyes. Its about Jesus. Its about you and me and the drunk on the street and the richest man in the world and the poorest in the world…. no matter what skin color or background being able to come now to God and get things set right with Him.
We don’t get to call this our gospel. We don’t get to choose who gets saved. We don’t have the right to play church and think wow arent we great look at what we have done. Its about Him. He called you out and set you apart for a purpose. That purpose was not to become political inside church and become a clique’ of people that get to set around and gossip about others inside or outside the church.
Its about God. Its about Jesus. And don’t ever ever think its about you.
The Jews had the information and if you look and see that God wanted them to share the news with those around them and invite them in…. Thats why the early christians that were saved were so shocked that God moved in the gentiles as well as the jews. It was a very strange concept that they had never fully grasped.
Don’t become like that. Thats a trap that many super churches in the states have fallen into becoming almost social clubs around a semi christian theme and they forget about the big picture.
The opposite is true as well. Its becoming more and more common for people that have offense and hurt in their lives because of something or another to start saying Oh we are the church… i dont have to go to that place anymore. I dont have to submit to a pastor I can just phone up my friends and so and so can play the guitar and we can share a scripture each. And thats our church group.
If thats what God has called you to do because there is not a new testament church near you so be it. However most people end up in these groups gossiping and talking bad about the pastor or the church and how they could do things better or different or praying against the church. How silly. How immature. Grow up and deal with your offenses and get past them otherwise you have just reached your limit on what God can do through you to be effective for your city and your nation.
The bible is clear on that. Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Ok enough of that.
Eph. 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
19Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God’s own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God’s [own] household.
stranger 3581. xe÷noß xenos, xen´-os; apparently a primary word; foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer: — host, strange(-r).
foreigner 3941. pa¿roikoß paroikos, par´-oy-kos; from 3844 and 3624; having a home near, i.e. (as noun) a by-dweller (alien resident): — foreigner, sojourn, stranger.
fellow citizen 4847. sumpoli÷thß sumpolites, soom-pol-ee´-tace; from 4862 and 4177; a native of the same town, i.e. (figuratively) co-religionist (fellow-Christian): — fellow- citizen.
household 3609. oijkei√oß oikeios, oy-ki´-os; from 3624; domestic, i.e. (as noun), a relative, adherent: — (those) of the (his own) house(-hold).
Pastor is teaching on Kingdom at the moment here in church. Basic message with a life changing revelation. We are no longer strangers or aliens but fellow-citizens! With who? With the household of God.
If it seems that this teaching is belaboring the point – Good.
I want you to see clearly that there is no longer any foreigners in Christ.
We talked about that last week. A TRUE new testament church is one that is made up of Black and white red and blue and green and even canadians (joke)
There is a wind of doctrine that still attacks the body of christ that says well if your in X nation then you should start your own church and only your kind of people should go to it.
If you really think about it… really think about it God made us all who we are. He is working on each of us in our own ways and towards are destiny at the end of the day. You and I are no different to God. If we were really supposed to be completely apart then the language barrier would be so great that no communication would be possible. There is no difference in Gods eyes.
If you hear someone coming to you and saying oh we need to work on getting rid of so and so because we need this church to just be IRISH or AMERICAN or what ever… Separate yourself from that person. If they really thought that was true they would go to pastor about it. If they went to the pastor about it… He would not hesitate in setting them straight.
We are all the same in God. No different.
Hebrews 11:10
We are all from the same city now. And All of us claim God as our Father.
Jesus is called the chief cornerstone. If you think about the Jews and the gentiles – very different one from another. New and Old Testaments to an unsaved person seem the same way. Yet when you know Jesus you see that through Him they all come together –
So the Old testament has just as much to say to us today as it does the Jews and vice versa in Christ.
Eph. 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
20You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself the chief Cornerstone.
- qeme÷lioß themelios, them-el´-ee-os; from a derivative of 5087; something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively): — foundation.
- ajkrogwniai√oß akrogoniaios, ak-rog-o-nee-ah´-yos; from 206 and 1137; belonging to the extreme corner: — chief corner.
Hebrews 11:10
We are all from the same city now. And All of us claim God as our Father.
Jesus is called the chief cornerstone. If you think about the Jews and the gentiles – very different one from another. New and Old Testaments to an unsaved person seem the same way. Yet when you know Jesus you see that through Him they all come together –
So the Old testament has just as much to say to us today as it does the Jews and vice versa in Christ.
The work of the cross went back in time as well as forwards. We mentioned before how the Old testament saints were looking forward in time to the work that was yet to come.
We are justified in looking back and seeing the work that was done… 2000 plus years ago. Isaiah said we are healed (53:5) 1 peter says we were healed. The chief corner stone is Jesus . .. The foundation is made of the apostles and prophets – and we are in there as well…
Living Stones – 1 peter 2:5
Put that together with what we were talking about earlier – the I dont have to go to a church christians… if your not joined together… your a stone out of place… and your not as you should be… Look at the next verse.
Eph. 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
21In Him the whole structure is joined (bound, welded) together harmoniously, and it continues to rise (grow, increase) into a holy temple in the Lord [a sanctuary dedicated, consecrated, and sacred to the presence of the Lord].
Even though we are different – different backgrounds different goals in life and different ways of talking – we are joined together in the Holy Spirit.
The type and shadow of the way we come together in God is the Temple of Solomon. When they built the temple 1 kings 6:7
The world today does not know where we came from or how we work together like we do. Its a mystery to them.
Look at the masters groups that come from all around the world. Yet they can work together on a parade or an outreach and not know each other for real.
Mission groups from around the world can go to some other country and build a building or send money to have it built and never even laid eyes on the people and expect nothing in return . Why? We are family. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God and its because God is building His church.
The NonDenominational movement (for lack of a better word) is great for one main reason. The world can see and understand if an organization works together or a denomination – they share common goals leadership and so on… but for a complete stranger in the world to get together with another complete stranger and work together for common ideals that they both share only in Christ… is confusing to them.
Eph. 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
22In Him [and in fellowship with one another] you yourselves also are being built up [into this structure] with the rest, to form a fixed abode (dwelling place) of God in (by, through) the Spirit.
The temple of Solomon was built of Stone for the Presence of God to dwell in. Today.. this verse is saying that God has made YOU and the Church as a whole a place for the Spirit of God to dwell.
You are the temple of God
The veil in the old temple was torn in two… its not going back to the old system Ever!
Praise God
The Holy Spirit has a permanent relationship with you from now on.
Ephesians 3
The Holy Spirit
God made the plan of redemption in ch 1
Jesus executed the plan in ch 2
In ch 3 the Holy Spirit reveals the plan to mankind.
This part is the part of the plan that we are in today the Church Age. You often think sometimes what a cool thing it must have been to live back in the day when the Apostles and the old testament prophets … actually this is the very cool time to live. The outworking of the plan of God in our lives… in an age that was a mystery and God uses us.
Dont get me wrong. I have no problem as well with this knowing that God called people like Bob Yandian.
Kenneth Copeland
T.L. Osborne – I can understand that God called them….
I can even understand God calling YOU.
To imagine that God Called ME for this time and this age….
It blows my mind.
He called you… to live in this time and this age.
Masters uses the quote not sure who said it – Your existence is evidence that this generation needs something that your life contains.
Eph. 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
1FOR THIS reason [[a]because I preached that you are thus built up together], I, Paul, [am] the prisoner of Jesus the Christ [b]for the sake and on behalf of you Gentiles–
prisoner 1198. de÷smioß desmios, des´-mee-os; from 1199; a captive (as bound): — in bonds, prisoner.
for this cause… for the building of the church…
HE is a prisoner.
Who is Paul saying here that he is a prisoner of.
Of Jesus. Not Rome or Caesar of Jesus.
The apostle may be bound… but the Gospel is NOT.
It still went out from the prison. Here we would have given up… he preached to the churches that were growing and the ones that had not yet been planted… to the soldiers beside him and then some.
He knows that he is still called no matter what.
Eph. 3:2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
2Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace (His unmerited favor) that was entrusted to me [to dispense to you] for your benefit,
dispensation – 3622. oijkonomi÷a oikonomia, oy-kon-om-ee´-ah; from 3623; administration (of a household or estate); specially, a (religious) “economy”: — dispensation, stewardship.
There are 5 dispensations in the Old Testament. Each one starts with God’s Grace and each one ends with Mans failure.
1st innocence – adam and eve ended in the fall
2 conscience – ended with the flood
3 human government – ended with the tower of babel
4 promise – started with abraham till moses
5 started with the law.
the law we talked about how it lasted till the cross.
This one now Paul is telling us started at Acts Chapter 2 and its called the dispensation of Grace. The church age… it will continue till the rapture of the church.
We have Grace but we still approach God through faith… the same way Adam and the others
Heb. 1:2
the final dispensation will be the millennial rein of Jesus
This dispensation of Grace… the knowledge and the revelation of it was given to Paul and it is now given to us.
Eph. 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
3[And] that the mystery (secret) was made known to me and I was allowed to comprehend it by direct revelation, as I already briefly wrote you.
revelation – apocalypse – 602. ajpoka¿luyiß apokalupsis, ap-ok-al´-oop-sis; from 601; disclosure: — appearing, coming, lighten, manifestation, be revealed, revelation.
Eph. 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
4When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.
Gal. 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal. 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Lets look at this mystery. The word refers to something like the teachings of ancient fraternities known only to its members. In the ancient world there were different fraternities one of which is mentioned in Matthew 2… The magi or the wise men. The society of men traveled in the region of acient chaladea and mesopotopia … even though we know they existed and its well documented historically their beliefs and their teachings is not well know. To know and understand the mysteries of these societies you would have to be a member of it.
Now these are only examples and im not saying you have to join some secret society.
But as an example because the word mystery is used numerous times in the new testament. Jesus was the first to use it in Matthew 13:11 and Mark 4:10-11
In the kingdom parables in which Jesus was talking about the church age that was to come explaining the mysteries of the kingdom.
The prophets and the saints did not know the age to come. Their concept of this was that after the messiah came the millennial rein was next on their calendar.
Pastor teaches on this now, the disciples taught the same thing. About the Kingdom of God that was coming. It was a mystery to those on the outside looking in…
To understand the mystery you have to become a member – We have a secret society in a sense… it has requirements to join and to be able to understand.
Romans 10:9-10
When YOU see the term mystery in the New Testament it is not referring to something that is unknown to us. it is referring to something that was unknown but now has been revealed to us.
Eph. 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
5[This mystery] was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit.
Eph. 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
6[It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).
Fellowheirs 4789. sugklhrono/moß sugkleronomos, soong-klay-ron-om´-os; from 4862 and 2818; a co-heir, i.e. (by analogy) participant in common: — fellow (joint)-heir, heir together, heir with.
promise – 1860. ejpaggeli÷a epaggelia, ep-ang-el-ee´-ah; from 1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): — message, promise.
The promises are the mysteries that we know now.
Lets look briefly at some of the mysteries that we now know in the New Testament. These did not exist in the old testament.
- Individual priesthood of each believer. – 1 peter 2:9
- the in-filling of the Holy Spirit – (this is for every believer) Luke 1:15
- the indwelling of the Holy Spirit – we are the temple of the Spirit… 1 cor 3:16
- The church – Matthew 16:18
- The Body of Christ… which is the church…
- the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. 1 cor 12:31
Eph. 3:7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
7Of this [Gospel] I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s free grace (undeserved favor) which was bestowed on me by the exercise (the working in all its effectiveness) of His power.
Gift 1431. dwrea¿ dorea, do-reh-ah´; from 1435; a gratuity: — gift.
Grace – 5485. ca¿riß charis, khar´-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): — acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy).
Working 1753. ejne÷rgeia energeia, en-erg´-i-ah; from 1756; efficiency (“energy”): — operation, strong, (effectual) working.
POWER – 1411. du/namiß dunamis, doo´-nam-is; from 1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself): — ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work.
Eph. 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God’s consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out],
Grace – Caris
Given – 1325. di÷dwmi didomi, did´-o-mee; a prolonged form of a primary verb (which is used as an alternative in most of the tenses); to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection): — adventure, bestow, bring forth, commit, deliver (up), give, grant, hinder, make, minister, number, offer, have power, put, receive, set, shew, smite (+ with the hand), strike (+ with the palm of the hand), suffer, take, utter, yield.
unsearchable – 421. ajnexicni÷astoß anexichniastos, an-ex-ikh-nee´-as-tos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2487; not tracked out, i.e. (by implication) untraceable: — past finding out; unsearchable.
Riches – plutos
These verses mention grace many times and it is a reference to the office of apostle in which Paul stood. HE is setting up an introduction to the chapter to come where the spiritual offices will be discussed for the body of Christ. each of these offices will also be called a grace.
The reason for this is that each of these are given by and energised by the effectual working of His power- God is the giver and sustainer of each and every gift.
Eph. 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
9Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus.
Mystery – 3466. musth/rion musterion, moos-tay´-ree-on; from a derivative of mu/w muo (to shut the mouth); a secret or “mystery” (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): — mystery.
Hid – 613. ajpokru/ptw apokrupto, ap-ok-roop´-to; from 575 and 2928; to conceal away (i.e. fully); figuratively, to keep secret: — hide.
Paul is saying here that not only is it his calling to the gentiles to preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. but to make them…
and US
see the importance of the time period in which they lived.
Eph. 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
10[The purpose is] that through the church the [c]complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere.
known – 1107. gnwri÷zw gnorizo, gno-rid´-zo; from a derivative of 1097; to make known; subjectively, to know: — certify, declare, make known, give to understand, do to wit, wot.
Church – 1577. ejkklhsi÷a ekklesia, ek-klay-see´-ah; from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): — assembly, church.
manifold – 4182. polupoi÷kiloß polupoikilos, pol-oo-poy´-kil-os; from 4183 and 4164; much variegated, i.e. multifarious: — manifold.
many and varied… – or continually revealed
wisdom – 4678. sofi÷a sophia, sof-ee´-ah; from 4680; wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual): — wisdom.
Lets look at this plan of God for a second. It was not God’s intention to just fight our fight for us and hand Adam back his position and that was it…
We got bullied in a sense in the school yard and we lost something. God has been busy teaching and helping US get in the right shape spiritually and condition to be able to go back to the devil (in Jesus Name) and kick his backside. How humiliating to the devil… We have in JESUS name the ability to undo all the work of the enemy and anything that comes against you.
That is why this was a mystery. It was kept hidden to keep the secret from getting out too soon… Its this time.. the Church Age that the believer has more ability and authority than ever before.
Mark 16:17-18
Eph. 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
11This is in accordance with the terms of the eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord,
Eternal – 165. aijw¿n aion, ahee-ohn´; from the same as 104; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): — age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the , while the) world (began, without end). Compare 5550.
purpose- (a special item with a special use) 4286. pro/qesiß prothesis, proth´-es-is; from 4388; a setting forth, i.e. (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the Temple) as exposed before God: — purpose, shew(-bread).
purposed – (raised up or put together ) 4160. poie÷w poieo, poy-eh´-o; apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct): — abide, + agree, appoint, x avenge, + band together, be, bear, + bewray, bring (forth), cast out, cause, commit, + content, continue, deal, + without any delay, (would) do(-ing), execute, exercise, fulfil, gain, give, have, hold, x journeying, keep, + lay wait, + lighten the ship, make, x mean, + none of these things move me, observe, ordain, perform, provide, + have purged, purpose, put, + raising up, x secure, shew, x shoot out, spend, take, tarry, + transgress the law, work, yield. Compare 4238.
Eph. 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
12In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear).
boldness – 3954. parjrJhsi÷a parrhesia, par-rhay-see´-ah; from 3956 and a derivative of 4483; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance: — bold (x -ly, -ness, -ness of speech), confidence, x freely, x openly, x plainly(-ness).
access – 4318. prosagwgh/ prosagoge, pros-ag-ogue-ay´; from 4317 (compare 72); admission: — access.
Eph. 3:13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
13So I ask you not to lose heart [not to faint or become despondent through fear] at what I am suffering in your behalf. [Rather glory in it] for it is an honor to you.
Faint Not – 1573. ejkkake÷w ekkakeo, ek-kak-eh´-o; from 1537 and 2556; to be (bad or) weak, i.e. (by implication) to fail (in heart): — faint, be weary.
dont get weary. Dont get your eyes on the natural circumstances and get distracted by them.
Paul is in prison and is telling the ones that he is preaching some amazing revelation to – don’t think about it for one moment because God is in this circumstance getting all the glory and honor even now.
Eph. 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
14For this reason [[d]seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
No major notes here… but one… Paul was in the situation he was in for one reason or another depending on what teaching you listen to… in my opinion because he disobeyed the Holy Spirit warning him not to go into Jerusalem.
He went anyway and just like God said would happen ended up in prison. Yet even then… God was able to use him. That is why he is repentant and bows his knee to God here. That he is still able to be used and God was able to turn the situation for Good.
Eph. 3:15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
15For Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name].
Family 3965. patria¿ patria, pat-ree-ah´; as if feminine of a derivative of 3962; paternal descent, i.e. (concretely) a group of families or a whole race (nation): — family, kindred, lineage.
named – 3687. ojnoma¿zw onomazo, on-om-ad´-zo; from 3686; to name, i.e. assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess: — call, name.
You are God’s Family.
Eph. 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
16May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].
Strengthened – Kratos Ruling Power – God wants you to have ruling power over your inner man.
We rule with MIGHT… dunamis – inherent power. This is a reference to your faith.
Using the faith that God has given you , you become stabilized in Live.
Circumstances no longer dictate to you…. You dictate to them.
You become the master over the things in Life and you will begin to truly reign as an Ambassador and citizen of the Kingdom of God.
Eph. 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,
LOVE – Agape
Love is a foundation of our lives because faith is useless without love.
Gal. 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Eph. 3:18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];
This is a detailed look of how we are to remain grounded…
Though for times sake we will only hit on the main points here as taught by Bob Yandian.
width (breadth) – means storage space. It applies to all catagories of the word of God- don’t get caught up in tangents and pet doctrines get a well rounded view and knowledge of the word of God. There are many that Just teach on this or Just teach on that… stay balanced.
Length has to do with Time Orientation… knowing where you are in Gods dispensational calendar. The majority of your study should be in the New Testament – your in the church age. 2 peter 1:12
height refers to your attitude towards God and depth refers to your attitude towards men. One is vertical one is horizontal.
Barnes notes and references for these words strongs is a little too vague on these words.
(Breadth (4114) (platos from platus = broad) is a measurement of width or extent from side to side and is used figuratively to refer to great expanses. Breadth means something of full width or of comprehensive quality.
Length (3372) (mekos) means the longer dimension of something and is used figuratively.
Height (5311) (hupsos from húpsi = high, aloft) means elevation.
Depth (899) (bathos) from bathus = deep) means a part that is far from the outside or surface and metaphorically in this verse conveys the senses of profoundness, inscrutability or abstruseness.)
Luke 10:27
Quick review – after your rooted and grounded in Love operating in faith God wants you to mature in these dimensions.
ALL AREAS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE
The Part of the Word that deals with Our time period – the church age
Your love relationship with the Father God
Your love relationship with your fellow believer in the Body of Christ.
Eph. 3:19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
19[That you may really come] to know [practically, [e]through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses [f]mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] [g]unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and [h]become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
passeth 5235. uJperba¿llw huperballo, hoop-er-bal´-lo; from 5228 and 906; to throw beyod the usual mark, i.e. (figuratively) to surpass (only active participle supereminent): — exceeding, excel, pass.
Knowledge – 1108. gnw◊siß gnosis, gno´-sis; from 1097; knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge: — knowledge, science.
filled – 4137. plhro/w pleroo, play-ro´-o; from 4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: — accomplish, x after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.
fullness – 4138. plh/rwma pleroma, play´-ro-mah; from 4137; repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period): — which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full, fulness.
Looking at this verse makes it clear that we have a big task on our hands still… To know the love of Christ – and it passes knowledge.
The only way to get on track with this kind of task is to let God work on you inside and out as we walk out the calling and the learning process is only beginning.
The Knowledge mentioned here is MANS KNOWLEDGE… You cannot do this in the natural. People may argue beliefs and teachings… but outright signs of love and real Godly caring for others.. makes them stand and wonder.
Eph. 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
20Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]–
exceeding 5228. uJpe÷r huper, hoop-er´; a primary preposition; “over”, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case superior to, more than: — (+ exceeding, abundantly) above, in (on) behalf of, beyond, by, + very chiefest, concerning, exceeding (above, -ly), for, + very highly, more (than), of, over, on the part of, for sake of, in stead, than, to(-ward), very. In the comparative, it retains many of the above applications.
abundantly – 1537. ejk ek, ek; or
ejx ex, ex; a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote): — after, among, x are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, x heavenly, x hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, x thenceforth, through, x unto, x vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
Above – Same as exceeding
ask 154. aijte÷w aiteo, ahee-teh´-o; of uncertain derivation; to ask (in genitive case): — ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require. Compare 4441.
think – 3539. noie÷w noieo, noy-eh´-o; from 3563; to exercise the mind (observe), i.e. (figuratively) to comprehend, heed: — consider, perceive, think, understand.
power – dunamis
worketh – energeo
your faith – dunamis
worketh – the use of your faith
He goes beyond what we can think
If God did what I could think… thats a lot… amazing really to think He could do just what I can think of… I can dream big. Really I can.
If he just went beyond that even a little… hurts my mind to think about… would be astounding.
This is saying here that if we can ask it… if we can think it… He has so much more… EXCEEDINGLY more than that.
Its been said that God gives you the desires of your heart… then he gives you the desires of Your heart.
God has called you to do something in this life of yours. He put that desire in you.
This is saying that even if you know what you are to do in your lifetime… He has more that He is going to give you… and do through you… than even you can imagine.
Eph. 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
21To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
Glory – (Praise and worship – Doxology ) 1391. do/xa doxa, dox´-ah; from the base of 1380; glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): — dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.
church – 1577. ejkklhsi÷a ekklesia, ek-klay-see´-ah; from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): — assembly, church.
throughout – 1519. eijß eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases: — (abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).
world without end-165. aijw¿n aion, ahee-ohn´; from the same as 104; properly, an age; by extension, perpetuity (also past); by implication, the world; specially (Jewish) a Messianic period (present or future): — age, course, eternal, (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the , while the) world (began, without end). Compare 5550.
A few points here in that God wants to receive His Glory in the Church… a body fitly joined together – worshiping and praising Him … doing that which they were called to do.
The thought here is that God will be Gloried if the Church does its part… Forever
This is the shifting point now going from the positional truth (who we are in christ ) to the temporal truth – the daily life of faith
The practical application of the Word is the subject of the last half of Ephesians.
Because you are righteous – now you can live it.
Because you are holy – now you can be holy.
Because you are sanctified – you can act sanctified.
Your going to see that in the last half of Ephesians Paul tells us to do things that is impossible for the natural man to do in his own strength.
Living the Christian Life is impossible – Only when the power of the Lord is used can the Christian Life become a reality.
Word + In Filling of the Holy Spirit = Live Christian in a fallen world
Eph. 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
1I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service,
Walk 4043. peripate÷w peripateo, per-ee-pat-eh´-o; from 4012 and 3961; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary): — go, be occupied with, walk (about).
Walking is an outward physical function.
We know we are seated in Heavenly places with Christ. That is where most christians stop.
We are called to walk it out now.
Work it out in your everyday life. Matthew 6:34
Matt. 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Spiritual Maturity takes steps.
Isaiah 28:10 Is. 28:10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
9 steps to the christian walk listed in the NT
Each of them requires us taking our knowledge of the Word of God into daily operation.
Walk in the truth that is in you. 3 John 3
Walk in the spirit – Gal 5:16 (walk in the spirit) Rom 8:4(walk not after the flesh)
We walk by faith not by sight 2 cor 5:7
The Love walk before the Lord. Eph. 5:12
Walk in the newness of Life. – Rom. 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Walk in integrity before the World. Rom 13:13 Rom. 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
Walk in fruitfulness – Produce good works – Eph 2:10
Walk in your calling. Eph 4:1 Walk Worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called.
Walk before unbelievers in the world – Colossians 4:5 Col. 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord (Psalms 37:23)
Eph. 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
2Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another.
lowliness – 5012. tapeinofrosu/nh tapeinophrosune, tap-i-nof-ros-oo´-nay; from a compound of 5011 and the base of 5424; humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty: — humbleness of mind, humility (of mind, loneliness (of mind).
meekness – 4236. praˆo/thß praiotes, prah-ot´-ace; from 4235; gentleness, by implication, humility: — meekness.
longsuffering – 3115. makroqumi÷a makrothumia, mak-roth-oo-mee´-ah; from the same as 3116; longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: — longsuffering, patience.
forbearance – 430. ajne÷comai anechomai, an-ekh´-om-ahee; middle voice from 303 and 2192; to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively) put up with: — bear with, endure, forbear, suffer.
Meekness is a teachable attitude
A meek person is not a doormat or a weak person – but is someone with a teachable spirit.
Ephesians Study – Part 11 (Eph 4:3 to 5:4)
Meekness is a teachable attitude
A meek person is not a doormat or a weak person – but is someone with a teachable spirit.
Longsuffering – patience (Same as in Heb 6:12)
Heb. 6:12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Forbearance – stand your ground – but do it in love.
Eph. 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
3Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.
Harmony over our mission not our beliefs.
Our Mission is the Great Commission as given in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark16:15
We will never have harmony over beliefs – but we are to have harmony over spirit.
endeavoring 4704. spouda¿zw spoudazo, spoo-dad´-zo; from 4710; to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest: — do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.
It happens through the Spirit.. this is something that the Holy Spirit has to help you with. It does not come easy and it does not come naturally.
Unity 1775. eJno/thß henotes, hen-ot-ace´; from 1520; oneness, i.e. (figuratively) unanimity: — unity.
Bond 4886. su/ndesmoß sundesmos, soon´-des-mos; from 4862 and 1199; a joint tie, i.e. ligament, (figuratively) uniting principle, control: — band, bond.
In the next verses we will see the Three parts of the God head and the parts they play in the unifying the Body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit in verse 4 makes us all one Body.
Jesus in verse 5 gives us one faith.
and verse 6 the Father unifies us by being in us All.
Versus 7 – 11 tell us what we have as individuals.
Eph. 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
4[There is] one body and one Spirit–just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received–
One body- different gatherings on the planet but all the same body.
1Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Calling 2821. klhvsiß klesis, klay´-sis; from a shorter form of 2564; an invitation (figuratively): — calling.
Eph. 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
5[There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
One Lord – Its only Jesus – he earned that position by His death burial and resurrection .
One Faith – the measure of faith eph 2:8 by which we are born again.
This faith can grow through knowledge in the Word of God Rom 10:17
Baptism 1Cor. 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
- ba¿ptisma baptisma, bap´-tis-mah; from 907; baptism (technically or figuratively): — baptism.
Eph. 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
6One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.
Christianity is unique in the World perspective because it has only one God… many of the religions in the world has many many gods.
But God the Father is the only ONE God… and even Satan will have to admit that one day.
God is above them all…
Phil. 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Phil. 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The teaching that God is in EVERYTHING is wrong. This verse is saying that God is only IN the believer – only those that make His Son Lord and Savior.
Eph. 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
7Yet grace (God’s unmerited favor) was given to each of us individually [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and bounteous] gift.
Measure 3358. me÷tron metron, met´-ron; an apparently primary word; a measure (“metre”), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree): — measure.
It is here if you remember that I talked about the Graces that God Gives you for your office you have in Christ… your calling.
Stop being jealous of other people other ministries and others in the Body. You can’t do what they do…
Paul is setting up for verse 11 where he introduces us to the Five Fold ministries.
Eph. 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
8Therefore it is said, When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive [He led a train of [a]vanquished foes] and He bestowed gifts on men.(A)
This is a quote from Psa. 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
The gifts are listed in verse 11
Eph. 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
9[But He ascended?] Now what can this, He ascended, mean but that He had previously descended from [the heights of] heaven into [the depths], the lower parts of the earth?
Eph. 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
10He Who descended is the [very] same as He Who also has ascended high above all the heavens, that He [His presence] might fill all things (the whole universe, from the lowest to the highest).
When he got there… he sat down. He finished it.
Eph. 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
11And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers.
1Cor. 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Eph. 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
12His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ’s body (the church),
work – 2041. e¶rgon ergon, er´-gon; from a primary (but obsolete) e¶rgw ergo (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act: — deed, doing, labour, work.
edifying – 3619. oijkodomh/ oikodome, oy-kod-om-ay´; feminine (abstract) of a compound of 3624 and the base of 1430; architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation: — building, edify(-ication, -ing).
What is the 5 gifts for….
The first comma is not supposed to be there.. take it out. Look again at the verse. the Gifts are for the perfecting of the saints for the work of the ministry,
THE 5 fold gifts are not for perfecting the saints and for the work of the ministry… they are for the perfecting of the saints to have the saints do the work of the ministry.
We have the perspective backwards sometimes when we look at great gifts in the body today. We really think sometimes… man I wish the pastor would come and minister and preach or witness to my neighbor.
They are not gifts for you to USE like doormats… but they put the word in you and YOU do the work of the ministry. It is to edify you and build YOU up to go and do the work.
Eph. 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
13[That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [[b]full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ’s own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him.
Phil. 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phil. 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
unity 1775. eJno/thß henotes, hen-ot-ace´; from 1520; oneness, i.e. (figuratively) unanimity: — unity.
knowledge – 1922. ejpi÷gnwsiß epignosis, ep-ig´-no-sis; from 1921; recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement: — (ac-)knowledge(-ing, – ment).
perfect – 5046. te÷leioß teleios, tel´-i-os; from 5056; complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with 3588) completeness: — of full age, man, perfect.
Eph. 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
14So then, we may no longer be children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of [c]unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.
children ONE THAT CANNOT SPEAK 3516. nh/pioß nepios, nay´-pee-os; from an obsolete particle nh- ne- (implying negation) and 2031; not speaking, i.e. an infant (minor); figuratively, a simple-minded person, an immature Christian: — babe, child (+ -ish).
The word gives you strength and stability
Is. 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
The metaphor here is as a ship… a young christian or for that matter an immature one – does not have the ability to control the waves that come at him.
The ability to speak or give account of what you believe or even know what you believe is the danger they face,
sleight – 2940. kubei÷a kubeia, koo-bi´-ah; from ku/boß kubos (a “cube”, i.e. die for playing); gambling, i.e. (figuratively) artifice or fraud: — sleight.
craftiness 3834. panourgi÷a panourgia, pan-oorg-ee´-ah; from 3835; adroitness, i.e. (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry: — (cunning) craftiness, subtilty.
This is also dealing with what we touched on before… the local church… it is the part of the believer to get into a local church and get under the leadership and teaching… as we looked at earlier that if he does this he will get the teaching and the maturity that he need to fullfill his part in the Working of the Ministry.
The immature christian also tends to church hop as well.
Eph. 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
15Rather, let our lives lovingly [d]express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
speaking – 226. ajlhqeu/w aletheuo, al-ayth-yoo´-o; from 227; to be true (in doctrine and profession): — speak (tell) the truth.
The immature christian needs to grow up and learn how to speak – speak the truth in Love…
When we become full of the word of God – it comes out of us in two ways – words and deeds.
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
The spoken word of God is the Sword… Eph 6:17
Not to be used on believers but on Satan .
We are to grow up in all things (all areas) into Him (Christ) who is the head of the Church (Eph 5:23
grow up – 837. aujxa¿nw auzano, owx-an´-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb; to grow (“wax”), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive): — grow (up), (give the) increase.
Eph. 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
16For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.
fitly joined together – 4883. sunarmologe÷w sunarmologeo, soon-ar-mol-og-eh´-o; from 4862 and a derivative of a compound of 719 and 3004 (in its original sense of laying); to render close-jointed together, i.e. organize compactly: — be fitly framed (joined) together.
compacted -4822. sumbiba¿zw sumbibazo, soom-bib-ad´-zo; from 4862 and biba¿zw bibazo (to force; causative (by reduplication) of the base of 939); to drive together, i.e. unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach: — compact, assuredly gather, intrust, knit together, prove.
supplieth 2024. ejpicorhgi÷a epichoregia, ep-ee-khor-ayg-ee´-ah; from 2023; contribution: — supply.
effectual working – 1753. ejne÷rgeia energeia, en-erg´-i-ah; from 1756; efficiency (“energy”): — operation, strong, (effectual) working.
measure – 3358. me÷tron metron, met´-ron; an apparently primary word; a measure (“metre”), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree): — measure.
the building up of the body of Christ is done in love just as we saw in verse 15 that speaking the truth in Love is part of maturing.
What links the body together is love… like joints.
Eph. 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
17So this I say and solemnly testify in [the name of] the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the heathen (the Gentiles) do in their perverseness [in the folly, vanity, and emptiness of their souls and the futility] of their minds.
walk – 4043. peripate÷w peripateo, per-ee-pat-eh´-o; from 4012 and 3961; to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary): — go, be occupied with, walk (about).
vanity – 3153. mataio/thß mataiotes, mat-ah-yot´-ace; from 3152; inutility; figuratively, transientness; morally, depravity: — vanity.
mind – 3563. nouvß nous, nooce; probably from the base of 1097; the intellect, i.e. mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication, meaning: — mind, understanding. Compare 5590.
We were told in verse 1 how to walk… now we are being told how not to walk.
There is a process of growing to go through to get to a place that you can lay aside every sin… some of the most miserable people in the planet are not sinners but believers that have lost their walk with God and become carnal.
Heb 12:6 is intended for our good to bring us back into line and reestablish our fellowship.
Eph. 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
18Their [e]moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclouded. [They are] alienated (estranged, self-banished) from the life of God [with no share in it; this is] because of the ignorance (the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness) that is [f]deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart [to the insensitiveness of their moral nature].
understanding – 1271. dia¿noia dianoia, dee-an´-oy-ah; from 1223 and 3563; deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise: — imagination, mind, understanding.
darken – 4654. skoti÷zw skotizo, skot-id-zo; from 4655; to obscure (literally or figuratively): — darken.
alienated – 526. ajpallotrio/w apallotrioo, ap-al-lot-ree-o´-o; from 575 and a derivative of 245; to estrange away, i.e. (passively and figuratively) to be non-participant: — alienate, be alien.
life of God 2222. zwh/ zoe, dzo-ay´; from 2198; life (literally or figuratively): — life(-time). Compare 5590.
blindness 4457. pw¿rwsiß porosis, po´-ro-sis; from 4456; stupidity or callousness: — blindness, hardness.
heart 2588. kardi÷a kardia, kar-dee´-ah; prolonged from a primary ka¿r kar (Latin cor, “heart”); the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle: — (+ broken-)heart(-ed).
You have no reason to act like the world. You have the truth and the revelation of the knowledge of right and wrong and you are working hard to become more and more like God wants you to be. There are christians that don’t do this.
Eph. 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
19In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless and have abandoned themselves [a prey] to unbridled sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [that their depraved desires may suggest and demand].
past feeling – 524. ajpalge÷w apalgeo, ap-alg-eh´-o; from 575 and ajlge÷w algeo (to smart); to grieve out, i.e. become apathetic: — be past feeling.
lasciviousness 766. ajse÷lgeia aselgeia, as-elg´-i-a; from a compound of 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed selgh/ß selges (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices): — filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.
work 2039. ejrgasi÷a ergasia, er-gas-ee´-ah; from 2040; occupation; by implication, profit, pains: — craft, diligence, gain, work.
uncleanness 167. ajkaqarsi÷a akatharsia, ak-ath-ar-see´-ah; from 169; impurity (the quality), physically or morally: — uncleanness.
greediness 4124. pleonexi÷a pleonexia, pleh-on-ex-ee´-ah; from 4123; avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion: — covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.
Thier unclean thoughts drive them to sexual and greediness they can never seem to satisfy that lust… in the works of darkness… its empty and a waist of time… pursuit of money… its all the same. never ending cycle getting nowhere.
Eph. 4:20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
20But you did not so learn Christ!
learned – 3129. manqa¿nw manthano, man-than´-o; prolongation from a primary verb, another form of which, maqe÷w matheo, is used as an alternate in certain tenses; to learn (in any way): — learn, understand.
The point of taking in the word of God into your life is to imitate God and not the sinner. The believer has power that the unbeliever does not have. We need to walk this out here on the earth and become as God would have us to be… this can only be done with the Mind of Christ
Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times. Isaiah 33:6
Eph. 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
21Assuming that you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as [all] Truth is in Jesus [embodied and personified in Him],
heard – 191. ajkou/w akouo, ak-oo´-o; a primary verb; to hear (in various senses): — give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
taught – 1321. dida¿skw didasko, did-as´-ko; a prolonged (causative) form of a primary verb da¿w dao (to learn); to teach (in the same broad application): — teach.
VERSE 20 used the word Christ… 21 here uses Jesus. We are never told to have the Mind of Jesus- We are told to have the mind of Christ and walk or live like Jesus.
If we were to have the mind of Jesus we would know all the best places in Jerusalam to fish… how much money to charge for selling a hand carved table and the best places to buy wood for carving… and so on. We are called to have the Mind of Christ.
You have the mind of Christ… means that you have all the same ability to do all the miracles that He did.
John 14:12
Mark 16:17-18
Eph. 4:22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
22Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion;
put off 659. (take off as clothing) ajpoti÷qhmi apotithemi, ap-ot-eeth´-ay-mee; from 575 and 5087; to put away (literally or figuratively): — cast off, lay apart (aside, down), put away (off).
conversation – 391. ajnastrofh/ anastrophe, an-as-trof-ay´; from 390; behavior: — conversation.
Eph. 4:23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
23And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],
renewed 365. ajnaneo/w ananeoo, an-an-neh-o´-o; from 303 and a derivative of 3501; to renovate, i.e. reform: — renew.
Taking out the old walls and structure is the same but completely remade. Extreme makeover Jesus style
The word renewed here is the same word used in Romans 12:1-2
Rom. 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Don’t let this world shape you… you shape the world.
You need to now seek after God and His plan and purpose for your life just as much as the greedy unbeliever seeks after money.
You renew your mind by the Word of God.
Eph. 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
24And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.
created – 2936. kti÷zw ktizo, ktid´-zo; probably akin to 2932 (through the idea of proprietorship of the manufacturer); to fabricate, i.e. found (form originally): — create, Creator, make.
righteousness 1343. dikaiosu/nh dikaiosune, dik-ah-yos-oo´-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification: — righteousness.
When you become renewed in your mind you will discover the ability to put away things… casting aside your imagination and your vain lusts of the flesh…
Heb. 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
The inward man is strong… let us use him to put away sin.
Eph. 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
25Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another.(B)
members3196. me÷loß melos, mel´-os; of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body: — member.
Eph. 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
26When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.
wrath – 3950. parorgismo/ß parorgismos, par-org-is-mos´; from 3949; rage: — wrath.
Keep an attitude of Love towards one another but stay angry at the devil.. at circumstances – at sin… if you have rage or bitterness in you – you can tell esp. if you try to sleep and you toss and turn and rehearse that in your mind over and over… forget it and let it go.
Gal. 6:1 says Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Eph. 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
27Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him].
place – 5117. to/poß topos, top´-os; apparently a primary word; a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas 5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e. location (as a position, home, tract, etc.); figuratively, condition, opportunity; specially, a scabbard: — coast, licence, place, x plain, quarter, + rock, room, where.
Place means ground – we get the word topography from it.
If you take new ground from the devil in your life or in your walk… dont give it back to the enemy again… don’t even give him a chance to take it back.
Eph. 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
28Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need.
Adam had a job… we have jobs… we will always have things to do in the kingdom.
God will take care of you…
Psa. 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Eph. 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
29Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.
Col. 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Eph. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).
Eph. 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
31Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind).
bitterness 4088. (inward sin hidden) pikri÷a pikria, pik-ree´-ah; from 4089; acridity (especially poison), literally or figuratively: — bitterness.
wrath – 2372. (the display of bitterness) qumo/ß thumos, thoo-mos´; from 2380; passion (as if breathing hard): — fierceness, indignation, wrath. Compare 5590.
anger – 3709. ( an inward sin) ojrgh/ orge, or-gay´; from 3713; properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment: — anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
clamour – 2906. ( an outward show of sin) kraugh/ krauge, krow-gay´; from 2896; an outcry (in notification, tumult or grief): — clamour, cry(-ing).
evil speaking (outward sin) 988. blasfhmi÷a blasphemia, blas-fay-me´-ah; from 989; vilification (especially against God): — blasphemy, evil speaking, railing.
malice (inward sin that works its way out) 2549. kaki÷a kakia, kak-ee´-ah; from 2556; badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble: — evil, malice(-iousness), naughtiness, wickedness.
Eph. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
32And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.
kind (useful) 5543. crhsto/ß chrestos, khrase-tos´; from 5530; employed, i.e. (by implication) useful (in manner or morals): — better, easy, good(-ness), gracious, kind.
tenderhearted 2155. eu¡splagcnoß eusplagchnos, yoo´-splangkh-nos; from 2095 and 4698; well compassioned, i.e. sympathetic: — pitiful, tender-hearted.
forgiving 5483. cari÷zomai charizomai, khar-id´-zom-ahee; middle voice from 5485; to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue: — deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant.
Chapter 4 told you what to turn away from… ch 5 starts by telling us what to follow after. We are to follow after God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and not the sinner and his ways.
Eph. 5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
1THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father].
followers 3402. mimhth/ß mimetes, mim-ay-tace´; from 3401; an imitator: — follower.
MIMIC – God… in forgiveness and in love.
our goal when we become born again is to act like God would.
Eph. 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
2And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a [a]slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.(A)
given 3860. paradi÷dwmi paradidomi, par-ad-id´-o-mee; from 3844 and 1325; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit: — betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend.
offering 4376. prosfora¿ prosphora, pros-for-ah´; from 4374; presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice: — offering (up).
sacrifice 2378. qusi÷a thusia, thoo-see´-ah; from 2380; sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively): — sacrifice.
We looked before that when the church is doing what God set them to do… acting and functioning as He asked them to do… Us doing our part. God has Glory in it.
This verse is also saying that if we walk in Love as Christ did… its just like a sacrifice before God and its sweet smelling.
1John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
The word propitiation 2434. iJlasmo/ß hilasmos, hil-as-mos´; atonement, i.e. (concretely) an expiator: — propitiation.
OR satisfaction
Our lives walking in love – is as a sacrifice and it satisfies God
look at
Rom. 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
You need to sacrifice yourself… in the flesh – dying to yourself and living for Him Wholly and you will be your life will be pleasing to God.
VERSE 3 STARTS TELLING US WHAT TO PUT OFF OF OURSELVES.
Eph. 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
3But immorality (sexual vice) and all impurity [[b]of lustful, rich, wasteful living] or greediness must not even be named among you, as is fitting and proper among saints (God’s consecrated people).
fornication 4202. pornei÷a porneia, por-ni´-ah; from 4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry: — fornication.
uncleanness 167. ajkaqarsi÷a akatharsia, ak-ath-ar-see´-ah; from 169; impurity (the quality), physically or morally: — uncleanness.
covetousness 4124. pleonexi÷a pleonexia, pleh-on-ex-ee´-ah; from 4123; avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion: — covetous(-ness) practices, greediness.
named – 3687. ojnoma¿zw onomazo, on-om-ad´-zo; from 3686; to name, i.e. assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess: — call, name.
Talk –
Eph. 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
4Let there be no filthiness (obscenity, indecency) nor foolish and sinful (silly and corrupt) talk, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting or becoming; but instead voice your thankfulness [to God].
filthiness – 151. aijscro/thß aischrotes, ahee-skhrot´-ace; from 150; shamefulness, i.e. obscenity: — filthiness. (swearing)
foolish talking 3473. mwrologi÷a morologia, mo-rol-og-ee´-ah; from a compound of 3474 and 3004; silly talk, i.e. buffoonery: — foolish talking.
Racial slurs – improper innuendoes
jesting 2160. eujtrapeli÷a eutrapelia, yoo-trap-el-ee´-ah; from a compound of 2095 and a derivative of the base of 5157 (meaning well-turned, i.e. ready at repartee, jocose); witticism, i.e. (in a vulgar sense) ribaldry: — jesting.
sexual jokes –
convenient 433. ajnh/kw aneko, an-ay´-ko; from 303 and 2240; to attain to, i.e. (figuratively) be proper: — convenient, be fit.
Not up to Gods standard.
Now the opposite is true as well… We are not to be so super spiritual that we float around saying praise the lord and so on.
God has a sense of humor.
We can have fun in life
Just as you would not want your children to have a potty mouth… God does not want us to have one either.
James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Ephesians Study – Part 12 (Eph 5:5 to 6:24)
Eph. 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
5For be sure of this: that no person practicing sexual vice or impurity in thought or in life, or one who is covetous [who has lustful desire for the property of others and is greedy for gain]–for he [in effect] is an idolater–has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Verse 5 tells us who not to imitate – The unbeliever is the one being talked about in this verse. The sins that an unbeliever commits can be committed by an believer as well. But God will forgive the believer and restore him to fellowship. The one spoken about in this verse is an unbeliever because it mentions that he is an idolater – 1496. eijdwlola¿trhß eidololatres, i-do-lol-at´-race; from 1497 and the base of 3000; an image- (servant or) worshipper (literally or figuratively): — idolater.
a worshiper of a false god.
The word for whoremonger is pornos – 4205. po/rnoß pornos, por´-nos; from pe÷rnhmi pernemi (to sell; akin to the base of 4097); a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e. (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine): — fornicator, whoremonger.
We get our modern word pornography from it.
A whoremonger is a pimp or a prostitute – an unclean person 169. ajka¿qartoß akathartos, ak-ath´-ar-tos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 2508 (meaning cleansed); impure (ceremonially, morally (lewd) or specially, (demonic)): — foul, unclean.
is in the same kind of group but is not really the same as a sexual act. He is filthy in his thoughts. He looks at everything throughout the eyes of sex. He may not commit adultery physically, but he mentally undresses women at every glance. The covetous man 4123. pleone÷kthß pleonektes, pleh-on-ek´-tace; from 4119 and 2192; holding (desiring) more, i.e. eager for gain (avaricious, hence a defrauder): — covetous.
does partake of sexual sins and is now possessed in his thinking and actions with committing adultery.
If we have the Spirit of God living in us, then why do we even consider doing these things? We are to Flee fornication (1cor 6:18) We have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. we should not act like those that don’t.
Eph. 5:6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
6Let no one delude and deceive you with empty excuses and groundless arguments [for these sins], for through these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of rebellion and disobedience.
If our home is heaven and our objective is to store up as many rewards as possible when we get there. Why are we acting like those that are going to face the wrath of God.
If we are born again we are heading for heaven and spiritual rewards.
Dont be tempted by this world – its not up to God’s standard and we are to follow after Him.
Let there be a big difference between us and the world.
disobedience 543. ajpei÷qeia apeitheia, ap-i´-thi-ah; from 545; disbelief (obstinate and rebellious): — disobedience, unbelief.
Eph. 5:7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
7So do not associate or be sharers with them.
partakers – 4830. summe÷tocoß summetochos, soom-met´-okh-os; from 4862 and 3353; a co-participant: — partaker.
Partakers means participants – Dont participate with the deeds of sin or with those who live apart from God.
We learn in 1Cor. 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Verse 7 also lets us know that believers can and do act like unbelievers.
Paul is warning us here… about a very real problem for christians
Do not become participants with sinners… Participate with God… Let God fill your speech and actions.
Eph. 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
8For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light].
Col. 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
We have been taken out of the other place the place of darkness and brought into a new Kingdom.
This is what we have been talking about as a positional truth. Now that you are a child of light you are to walk in the light.
It is possible to be a child of light and still walk in darkness.
1John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Lets look now at Romans
Rom. 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Rom. 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Awake out of sleep.
the armor of light will be talked about in ch 6 its the weapons of our warfare.
Eph. 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
9For the fruit (the effect, the product) of the Light or [c]the Spirit [consists] in every form of kindly goodness, uprightness of heart, and trueness of life.
Fruit – 2590. karpo/ß karpos, kar-pos´; probably from the base of 726; fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively: — fruit.
goodness – 19. ajgaqwsu/nh agathosune, ag-ath-o-soo´-nay; from 18; goodness, i.e. virtue or beneficence: — goodness.
righteousness – 1343. dikaiosu/nh dikaiosune, dik-ah-yos-oo´-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification: — righteousness.
This is talking about walking in the spirit of God in the sense of following the right path. … meaning walking in the light…
1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1Cor. 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Cor. 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1Cor. 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
1Cor. 3:14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Cor. 3:15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
We will not fail if we walk in the light God has given us.
Eph. 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
10And try to learn [in your experience] what is pleasing to the Lord [let your lives be constant proofs of what is most acceptable to Him].
proving 1381. dokima¿zw dokimazo, dok-im-ad´-zo; from 1384; to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve: — allow, discern, examine, x like, (ap-)prove, try.
Proving means revealing. You reveal what is acceptable to the Lord when you walk in the light and your production is good and righteous.
Psa. 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Light instructs truth and reveals error.
Compare this to the world.
Eph. 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
11Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] [d]expose and reprove and convict them.
fellowship – 4790. sugkoinwne÷w sugkoinoneo, soong-koy-no-neh´-o; from 4862 and 2841; to share in company with, i.e. co-participate in: — communicate (have fellowship) with, be partaker of.
unfruitful – 175. a‡karpoß akarpos, ak´-ar-pos; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 2590; barren (literally or figuratively): — without fruit, unfruitful.
reprove 1651. ejle÷gcw elegcho, el-eng´-kho; of uncertain affinity; to confute, admonish: — convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove.
Example – christian in the bar.
You are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14 says – you dont have to TRY to be light… when you walk out the calling and the path God has before you … you will shine…
Eph. 5:12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
12For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.
In this verse it Says Dont mention it… so I won’t – next verse.
Eph. 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
13But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light.
You will find that sinners feel convicted when they are around you. You are a light… the Holy Spirit is inside you and it is for this that they feel the conviction in the sinful areas of their lives.
If you lose your light… or your witness because of sin in your own life or what ever… 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Eph. 5:14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
14Therefore He says, Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall shine (make day dawn) upon you and give you light.(B)
This verse is a reference to Isaiah 60:1 and it is an encouragement to a carnal believer. He can shed his sin and start imitating God again.
The word here for FROM 1537. ejk ek, ek; or
ejx ex, ex; a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote): — after, among, x are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, x heavenly, x hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, x thenceforth, through, x unto, x vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.in the greek means OUT FROM AMONG
When you sin… you look like smell like and act like those that are dead still in their sins. you temporarily lose your light… I say temporally because you know that you only have to take a moment and get things right again.
Eph. 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
15Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),
circumspectly 199. ajkribw◊ß akribos, ak-ree-boce´; adverb from the same as 196; exactly: — circumspectly, diligently, perfect(-ly).
means to walk accurately not as fools and sinners
Wise people are filled with the knowledge of God’s word and use it. accuracy in your walk comes from consistency of study and prayer.
Eph. 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
16Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.
redeeming 1805. ejxagora¿zw exagorazo, ex-ag-or-ad´-zo; from 1537 and 59; to buy up, i.e. ransom; figuratively, to rescue from loss (improve opportunity): — redeem.
To buy back… if you follow the plan of God for your life… the Lord will buy back the time that you waisted when you were out of fellowship.
We all miss it from time to time.. its because we are still human.
Look at the great men and women of God in the Bible… Old and new… every one of them missed it at some point… more to the fact… its there recorded for even us to see for today. Yet they pressed on proving this verse… you get back up and press on.
However don’t look down on yourself when this happens but set things right and press on all the more.
Heb. 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
You have to realize that the time we live in on this planet is against us… but Using your life for God you will find yourself living a long satisfying life. With NO regrets.
The verse in Heb… is using a racing metaphor … a runner needs to drop every other weight that he may be carrying and keep running.
Eph. 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
17Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.
unwise 878. a‡frwn aphron, af´-rone; from 1 (as a negative particle) and 5424; properly, mindless, i.e. stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving: — fool(-ish), unwise.
Stupid or ignorant.
To avoid this… Follow Gods will… His leading His guidance… His Word.
Eph. 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
18And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.(C)
Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Eph. 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
19Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [[e]and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,
Col. 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Actions speek louder than words.
The next verses till the end of Eph. will be showing us that a true spiritual Christian following the will of God for their lives… make the best wives husbands children parents employees employers and witnesses.
Remember the gifts – its all about you… the gifts are called to equip YOU to do the work of the ministry…
Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
20At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Eph. 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
21Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
submitting 5293. uJpota¿ssw hupotasso, hoop-ot-as´-so; from 5259 and 5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey: — be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.
remember we talked about the relationship with God will help you in your relationships here on the planet… the height and the depth. – when your in right relation to the Lord you will find that it empowers you to work with one another… knowing that at the end of the day your motives and actions all lead to the same goal. You may never agree with the person 100 percent but you can realize that the common Goal is the same… the mission God has called us to do.
The next verses use marriage as an analogy for the Body of Christ to respond to God.
Eph. 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
22Wives, be subject (be submissive and adapt yourselves) to your own husbands as [a service] to the Lord.
Eph. 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
23For the husband is head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church, Himself the Savior of [His] body.
Submition is the most misunderstood and misused word in this verse.
Is. 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
The best example is the parable of the two sons… father asked one to do something and he refused… he asked the second and he said ok but did nothing.
The first son repented and went and did what he asked.
We are to submit to the will of God when He asks us … we may refuse at first and we will learn to do what He asks without fighting against Him…
The greek word for saviour 4990. swth/r soter, so-tare´; from 4982; a deliverer, i.e. God or Christ: — saviour.
means provider for everything.
Eph. 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
24As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands.
Eph. 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
25Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her,
The greek word here is not IT but HER.
Jesus gave Himself for the church and there should be such and undying love in the husband wife relationship that the husband gives himself for the wife in everything.
When you give yourself you give of everything. It belongs to the whole family… Jesus never hoards anything. I am a joint and equal heir with Jesus and an heir with the Father – Rom. 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Likewise everything that belongs to the husband belongs to the wife and family.
Eph. 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
26So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word,
WORD 4487. rJhvma rhema, hray´-mah; from 4483; an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever: — + evil, + nothing, saying, word.
Rhema is the spoken word of God.
Just like God speaks over us with His life changing words
The husband should speak words to edify the wife and encourage her.
Edify and building up gets better results than cutting or correcting.
Eph. 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
27That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless].
Eph. 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
28Even so husbands should love their wives as [being in a sense] their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.
Eph. 5:29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
29For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church,
Eph. 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
30Because we are members (parts) of His body.
Eph. 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
31For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.(D)
For this cause – means marriage.
Eph. 5:32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
32This mystery is very great, but I speak concerning [the relation of] Christ and the church.
Eph. 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
33However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [[f]that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and [g]that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly]. [I Pet. 3:2.]
reverence 5399. fobe÷w phobeo, fob-eh´-o; from 5401; to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere: — be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
Husbands should love their wives as Jesus loves the church… what if Jesus treated husbands the way they treat their wives… what is wives got the same treatment from God they treat their husbands with?
Selah
In this last chapter of eph. we now take the message form the heart of God to the world. Everyone of us is called into full time christian service.
Just because a person is not in full time ministry as a JOB does not mean they are not serving God.
If you go to a job and do it as unto the Lord you are in full time service to the Lord – you witness and share and shine your light and take opportunities as they arise… your doing what you are supposed to do.
You will be rewarded in heaven just as the prophet or evangelist.
The pastor cannot be in all places at the same time.. the same applies for any office of the five fold.
GOD uses businessmen to witness to businessmen – factory workers to witness to factory workers… students to students and so on…
God has born again believers at every level of society to witness for the Lord. on every level for every level.
That is what causes true revival in a nation and strengthens a country from the inside out.
Eph. 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
1CHILDREN, OBEY your parents in the Lord [as His representatives], for this is just and right.
obey 5219. uJpakou/w hupakouo, hoop-ak-oo´-o; from 5259 and 191; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority: — hearken, be obedient to, obey.
Wives are to submit but children are to obey… thats new doctrine there for the world we live in…
Children do not know enough to submit… so they are commanded to obey their parents. Understanding will come through maturity.
The obligation is on the parent to properly train up a child in the Lord. Proverbs 22:6
Eph. 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise
2Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother–this is the first commandment with a promise–(A)
honor 5091. tima¿w timao, tim-ah´-o; from 5093; to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere: — honour, value.
promise 1860. ejpaggeli÷a epaggelia, ep-ang-el-ee´-ah; from 1861; an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): — message, promise.
Kids dont understand the things that parents have to face… the choices and decisions they have to make. However they are to honor their parents.
This is part of a two-fold blessing found in Exodus 20:12 the same promise is quoted in the next verse.
Eph. 6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
3That all may be well with you and that you may live long on the earth.
Well 2095. eu\ eu, yoo; neuter of a primary eu\ß eus (good); (adverbially) well: — good, well (done). Good and prosperous.
Health is implied here as well.
You may not always agree with your parents but you are to honor them. If nothing else… that they brought you into the world… and you are now set on a course that will lead you to a better life in serving God.
Eph. 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
4Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.
nurture 3809. paidei÷a paideia, pahee-di´-ah; from 3811; tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction: — chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.
admonition 3559. nouqesi÷a nouthesia, noo-thes-ee´-ah; from 3563 and a derivative of 5087; calling attention to, i.e. (by implication) mild rebuke or warning: — admonition.
Eph. 6:5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
5Servants, be obedient to those who are your physical masters, having respect for them and eager concern to please them, in singleness of motive and with all your heart, as [service] to Christ [Himself]–
Eph. 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
6Not in the way of eye-service [as if they were watching you] and only to please men, but as servants (slaves) of Christ, doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul;
eyeservice 3787. ojfqalmodoulei÷a ophthalmodouleia, of-thal-mod-oo-li´-ah; from 3788 and 1397; sight-labor, i.e. that needs watching (remissness): — eye-service.
Working only when the boss is looking and not working when he is not.
Eph. 6:7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
7Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men,
good will – 2133. eu¡noia eunoia, yoo´-noy-ah; from the same as 2132; kindness; euphemistically, conjugal duty: — benevolence, good wil
Loyal enthusiasm – set your mind and heart of the task you have before you… thats how to avoid the other problems.
Eph. 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
8Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.
no matter if your the boss or the employee – do your work as unto the Lord.
Matt. 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Eph. 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. 9You masters, act on the same [principle] toward them and give up threatening and using violent and abusive words, knowing that He Who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons (no partiality) with Him.
Paul now deals with witnessing through the weapons of our warfare and his final topic is prayer.
We are about to take up the weapons of our warfare. The reason the weapons are saved until the end of the book is because the devil hits you the hardest when you spread the gospel. The whole book has been preparing and maturing the saints to be effective soldiers to stop the enemy and recover prisoners.
Eph. 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 10In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
The greek words in this verse should be old friends by now. POWER is the greek word kratos… ruling power. THe word might is the greek word ischus… endowed power
Ruling power refers to stability in life
Be stabilized having the inner power which keeps you always upright. Ruling power is on the inside of your spirit. That ruling power was endowed to you the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your savior.
Eph. 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
11Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.
This verse is a command… you have no option in it. Paul is an this time an ambassador in chains. When he wrote this letter he was confined in a jail with roman guards all around.
God used this to teach to him the armor believers have in the spiritual realm
ABLE 1410. du/namai dunamai, doo´-nam-ahee; of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible: — be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power.
stand 2476.(Hold your ground) iºsthmi histemi, his´-tay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary sta¿w stao (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively): — abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare 5087.
Gal. 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Jesus already conquered satan at the cross and we are enforcing the victory after the cross.
Eph. 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
12For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.
2Cor. 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Cor. 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
2Cor. 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
principalities – 746. ajrch/ arche, ar-khay´; from 756; (properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank): — beginning, corner, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule.
These are the demons or familiar spirits who possess unbelievers and oppress believers
The demons over this control the lower ranks – these are the powers… or authorities
the rulers of the darkness of this world – the greek here literally says worls rulers of this farkness. This world here is kosmos. means worlds system.
the world rulers are the demons that influence kings
The last ones spiritual wickedness are the demons that control the nations – these are under control by satan himself.
Eph. 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
13Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].
The weapons God has given us are right in front of us… we just have to pick them up.
Having done all 2716. katerga¿zomai katergazomai, kat-er-gad´-zom-ahee; from 2596 and 2038; to work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion: — cause, to (deed), perform, work (out).
Something on the outside working itself out.
The inward power of the Holy Spirit working with the scripture inside you to bring about change in the world around you.
inward power becomes outward endurance to stand and win every battle.
Eph. 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
14Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
stand (oppose)2476. iºsthmi histemi, his´-tay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary sta¿w stao (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively): — abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up). Compare 5087.
Oppose or resist. James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
lions means your emotions – 1Pet. 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
We rule our emotions with the word of truth.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
The breastplate is having a righteous conscience – always being aware of your position in Christ.
Eph. 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
15And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.(B)
Shod 5265. uJpode÷w hupodeo, hoop-od-eh´-o; from 5259 and 1210; to bind under one’s feet, i.e. put on shoes or sandals: — bind on, (be) shod.
tie up or bind to tie your shoes is to have your feet shod.
The Gospel is good news. The gospel of peace is the message of reconcilliation.
Eph 2:14-17
We have been given the ministry of reconciliation that Jesus Christ preached.
He came to preach reconciliation on the earth…
2Cor. 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
The words reconciliation means peace.
Again we see here.. Your feet Shod… is a reference to walking.
Means to go and do something.
Is. 52:7 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!
True peace is a monopoly possessed only by christians. If a person accepts christ he can have the peace we preach.
Eph. 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
16Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked
The roman shield was large enough to hide his entire body behind.
One more point we need to see with this is that roman shields were interlocking… they were designed to be overlapped with the one next to them and the one next to it and so on… They would form a fence in seconds. The ones behind would form a covering.
A group of romans could completely encase themselves in protection and nothing could get inside them.
You cannot shield the person next to you… but your shield plus their own makes a bigger defense.
When we as christians come into problems of life that seem to big for us… Go to our friends and asks for prayer. Your protection coverage doubles… the burden seems lighter. The bible says if you go to one more as well… Your coverage triples… And the third one will cover your head.
How much more so – if you were able to fight through it would you become independent and stronger… however thats what the fellow christians are for.
An army works together to achieve its goal. Same applies here.
Paul didn’t just pick these examples at random. He knew the spiritual armor we have was much better than the roman armor… but the idea gets across.
Take the shield of faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Your faith can resist the worst of satans attacks.
1Cor. 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Eph. 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
17And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God.
1Th. 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
The breastplate covers the chest… faith is in the breastplate… hope is in the helmet. Faith is in your spirit and hope is of the mind.
Never give up hope for something God has promised you. That is where satan will attack you.
Heb. 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Sword – 3162. ma¿caira machaira, makh´-ahee-rah; probably feminine of a presumed derivative of 3163; a knife, i.e. dirk; figuratively, war, judicial punishment: — sword.
This type of sword was short and light weight an had a very sharp point… the edges of the sword on both sides were razor sharp. It is not a very big sword because it was balanced just right for you and would keep you balanced as you fought.
Now we come to the closing part of Ephesians – paul points out the importance of prayer – not only should you go out and do battle and take new ground and fight against the darkness of this world.
Put remember to back up all your action and the action taking place in the world by backing it up with prayer.
THis is where we take part in the game plan of God.
We are not always on the front lines… we get breaks… but remember to support the troops on the front line.
Eph. 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
18Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
The Greek in this verse reads a little different. On every occasion pray with all kinds of prayer and all times in the spirit.
There are different type of prayer for different situations.
intercessory – prayer for someone else
for yourself – prayer of dedication or consecration
prayers of faith – of thanksgiving
agreement (matt 18:19)
Praying in the spirit builds you up… edifies you sensitizes you to know the needs of others – so you can pray effectively for them.
1Cor. 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
finally accompany it with praise and thanksgiving. Phil. 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,
Phil. 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
Praise is faith in action… you know inside that it is going to happen.
Eph. 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
19And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel),
I want you to know that its ok that pastors or ministers ask for prayer and that you should pray for them even if they dont…
The apostles prayed for the same sort of needs… Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
Acts 4:30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
Eph. 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
20For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do.
boldly – 3955. parjrJhsia¿zomai parrhesiazomai, par-hray-see-ad´-zom-ahee; middle voice from 3954; to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor: — be (wax) bold, (preach, speak) boldly.
Eph. 6:21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
21Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything.
Eph. 6:22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may [e]console and cheer and encourage and strengthen your hearts.
Eph. 6:23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
23Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
peace – 1515. eijrh/nh eirene, i-ray´-nay; probably from a primary verb ei¶rw eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: — one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.
Eph. 6:24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
24Grace (God’s undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be).
Paul is ending this book with an attitude of Love. The Gospel is still going out… he has written an amazing letter that deals with the Christian Life…. he is not bitter where he is in the circumstances but in all of this He knows the gospel cannot be bound.
And now its up to you. Go. Walk out this calling that you have been called to do.
Take your armor… fight the good fight… prayer one another. Work with one another. Use your authority and power that you have been given and take new ground in your life and in the world we live in. You are part of the kingdom of God. And you are not defenseless. God has equipped you in amazing ways… Amen
