EPHESIANS

DAILY DROP OF WATER

THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

CHAPTER ONE

(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:” There are two ways of looking at this passage – both doctrinally correct. First, the source of all spiritual blessings are through Jesus Who sits in the heavens at this very moment. The second is that these blessings are all ours now awaiting us, as in the mind of God that we are already there, (Eph 2:6) “And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Either way they are ours!

(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:” This is referring to our position as saved, not the practical living side of our salvation. Yes, we are to bring the old nature under the control of the new, becoming more holy (separated), loving and being loved by Him. But, as a saved person, through the death and resurrection of my Lord, in Him I am made “holy” (separated as a Child of God) and “without blame” which is “justification”: just as if I never sinned before the Throne of the Righteous Judge of the earth!

(Eph 1:5) “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” The predestination here is not referring to the individual, but to the means “by Jesus Christ” as verses 3 & 4 attest. The Lord desires each of us to respond to His act of sacrifice and love to the suffering and death of His Son. He never makes a person love Him. Do you? Will you?

(Eph 1:5) “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,” We have each heard it said, “We (meaning every person in the world) are all God’s children.” Not so! The Lord Jesus said of the Jews, “Ye are your father the devil”. We are adopted into God’s family at the point of our salvation experience. The word, “adopted”, states by implication: “I was once not of His family, but He has brought me into it”! Praise His Name!

(Eph 1:6) “ To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Let the sin forgiven, born again Child of God give the Lord glory for His grace upon you! Grace – favor bestowed but not deserved. That is true of me and my life! Praise Him for His grace upon my life!

(Eph 1:6) “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” I have been saved now for 45 years. When I first came to the Lord Jesus I had nothing to offer but a sinful heart and mind. I was accepted in the beloved. Today I still have nothing to merit this great salvation. I stand still today accepted in the Beloved!

(Eph 1:7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Redemption – to be bought back. It is so easy to blame Adam and Eve for our predicament. But the truth is, I sold my soul to Satan through my willful act of sin. The Lord Jesus loves me so much, He was willing to purchase me back by paying the ultimate price – shedding His blood in my place!

(Eph 1:7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” I don’t hear much today about “asking the Lord to forgive us”. If I offend someone, I do not expect them to automatically forgive me. I ask their forgiveness. This is the idea behind repentance. It is a change of attitude toward sin (I don’t wish to do this again) that leads me to ask the Lord’s forgiveness, thus not punishing me for that sin. He can rightly and justly do so because His Son paid for that sin on Calvary’s cross. Come to http://www.thirstingsouls.com for Songs, Teaching and Preaching.

(Eph 1:7) “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” One might overlook the means by which the Lord can bestow grace, unmerited favor, upon an individual. It is because of the merit of another, God’s Son, whose blood paid for our sins. So, that means came at a great cost!

Eph 1:8) “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;” The thought here is not the giving of wisdom and prudence unto us, but the manifestation of God’s wisdom and prudence, based on His foreknowledge that predestined Christ to carry out what seemed the impossible – the salvation of sinful men and women! Glory to His Name!

(Eph 1:8) “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; (9) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will” What is the mystery of His will? It is revealed to us in the New Testament. It is that all can come and be saved through the blood of God’s Son Who died for our sins on Calvary’s cross! Have you come?

(Eph 1:9) “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:” His good pleasure – it sounds like an unseemly thing to say. I mean, His Son was offered, suffering for our sins. Yes, He rose again, but don’t dismiss the suffering – the price He paid because of us. Our God must love us far beyond our comprehension to be able to say it was His good pleasure to supply this means of saving us!

(Eph 1:9) “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:” He purposed in Himself. It was the will, desire, and determination of the Godhead alone that brought about this plan of saving you and me! He deserves all the glory for what He has done! Never give man the glory that belongs to God alone!

(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:” A dispensation is an ordering of a certain period of time for different ways of fulfilling God’s plan. For example, your Bible is divided into Old Testament and New Testament.The Old Testament believer are saved by faith in blood, the blood of an animal sufficing the judgment of God towards man until Jesus, the true sacrifice, came – thus the New Testament. There’s a dispensation when this world will end to the creation of a new world. We will then all (Old and New Testament saints) will gathered unto God!

(Eph 1:11) “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,….” In this old world inheritances are things which will someday perish. In the next life, there awaits those born into God’s family an inheritance (1Pe 1:4) “…..incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” Did you know that inheritance actually belonged exclusively to the Lord Jesus, Who is risen from the dead to share it with us? Heb 9:15 And for this cause He (Jesus) is the mediator of the new testament (a will, as in last will and testament), that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament (the old will), they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (16) For where a testament (will) is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator (the will maker). (17) For a testament (will) is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator (will-maker) liveth.” Praise God for our risen Lord Jesus!

(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: (12) “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Brother, sister in Christ, when other brethren see us in the eternal presence of God, all will give glory to He Who chose to save us though we did not merit it! Forever we will stand as memorials of the cross and resurrection of Christ!

(Eph 1:13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:…” Today I wish to draw your attention to the phrase, “..the Word of truth..” There is no other writing of any kind in which we can with confidence say, “This is truth in every way.” God is the God of truth. He never lies nor does He ever make a mistake!

(Eph 1:13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:…” Remember, dear one, “faith” is “trusting what God says is true and acting upon it”. One without the other is not what the Bible means by faith. So, you have not really come by faith, you have not trusted, if you have not responded by coming to Him with humble heart, turning from your sin, and asking forgiveness and the gift of everlasting life!

(Eph 1:13) “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:….” The core of the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, the gospel, good news includes the fact it was for your sin He died in your place. And, that He rose commanding the saved to say to the lost, “He not only wants to forgive the sinner but also bestow the eternal life He possesses through His resurrection! Give the gospel friend. A salvation from hell awaits the sinner who rightly comes to Christ!

(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,” Here we have a statement of fact: saved, then you are sealed! The Holy Spirit is God. A seal preserves what is therein! In other words, the Spirit of God, linked with “of promise”, plainly implies He is the seal of God’s determination to keep His promise of saving your soul, Christian!

(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, (14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance….” When I ponder the thought of the Holy Spirit being the earnest, my mind is taken to this term as used in real estate. The earnest money is put up as good faith that one will raise the rest of the money. Should you fail, you lose your earnest money. Can God (the Father) lose God (the Holy Spirit)? Impossible! That’s the point. So, rest secure in the promise of God. Heaven awaits the saved!

(Eph 1:14) “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” What does it mean, “until the redemption”? I thought the price had already been paid? It has! It’s referring to the sure future of the saved, when the Lord takes us to where He lives – our new home! Glorious day!

(Eph 1:14) “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” I am God’s purchased possession! I am no longer my own. I have been bought with the price of Christ’s blood! How sad when we rob our Savior of the service that belongs to Him!

(Eph 1:14) “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” It is to God’s eternal praise that He secures the Born-again Child of God with Himself! It is to His eternal praise that He paid for lost sinners with the blood of His Son! May the saved speak of His goodness and mercy as long as they have breath! May each be found singing His praises on this day!

(Eph 1:15) “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (16) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” The reference to their faith could be simply referring to their salvation (their faith). Yet, let us never forget that faith is “believing that God says is true and then acting upon it! It is not enough to believe God. Faith is the response of acting upon that which is believed (James Chapter 2).

(Eph 1:15) “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (16) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” Truly saved persons love other saved persons. How do I know that? Jesus said it: (Joh 15:12) “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” Love is a sign to ourselves and others that we are genuinely saved: (Joh 13:35) “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Do you have that kind of love?

(Eph 1:15) “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, (16) Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;” How often today we speak “I will pray for you” and never pray! It is a very pious statement. It makes us sound very spiritual. Yet, if we do not actually do it, we have misled the individual and mimicked the Pharisees by our actions (praying both publicly on street corners and saying long prayers only to be seen of men). God help us to be genuine.

(Eph 1:16) “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

(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:” He prayed that the saved would receive the “spirit of wisdom…..in the knowledge of Him”! Saved child of God, there is much to learn of our Lord! We should avail ourselves daily to the Word of God plus our church when the doors are open! Oh, the knowledge of God is sweet to the soul!

(Eph 1:18) “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened;…” This is one of the blessings associated with the Holy Spirit already revealed in this chapter as the seal of the Believer’s soul and spirit. The Lord Jesus said the Spirit would guide us into all truth. “enlightened” – made to see what one could not see otherwise. The Bible is a closed book to the unsaved. Sure, they can read and understand facts, but there are spiritual truth held within its pages which can only be revealed through the gift of the Holy Spirit given at the time of the salvation experience.

(Eph 1:18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling….” The word, “hope”, in Scripture is not used as it is in our day and time. We think of “hope” as the desire for something that may of may not happen. The Bible uses it in only a positive way – the expectant looking for a sure coming event! I look by faith expecting the Lord either to come for me or all the saved at any time of the day! I look for meeting the saved who have passed on before me. I look for an eternity right with my God and fellowshipping with my Savior! It will take place!

(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,” Notice the word “in” that is part of the phrase “what are the riches of His (God’s) glory of His inheritance in the saints” – not “of” the saints. WE, the born again through Jesus’ sacrifice, are HIS inheritance! (Psa 2:7) “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. (8) Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,” It is hard for me to accept that my Lord Jesus would want me. Yet, here it is! I, as one of the saved, am His inheritance!

(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, (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,” Notice that the greatness of His power “us-ward” is His resurrection. Later, in chapter 2, we will see this more precisely revealed to us. But….all that is applied to us is based is based upon the resurrection of Jesus from death! Point: Christ overcame death; so, He can do anything; He can even save you! Praise His Name!

(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, (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, (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:” There has never been a greater person than Jesus Christ. There is no greater person than Jesus Christ. And there never will be a greater person that Jesus Christ! He is the only sinless person who has ever lived. He alone paid the penalty for our sins. He alone is the Son of God! Praise His Name! !

(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, (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: (22) And hath put all things under his feet,….” Compared to the person, the character, the holiness of Christ Jesus, this is man’s rightful place, at the feet of Jesus! This is pictured Palm Sunday, when He rode the donkey into Jerusalem. They put their coats down for the donkey to walk upon. Jesus made even that donkey too holy to walk this earth. As John the Baptist said, (Joh_1:27) “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.”

(Eph 1:22) “…and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,” The church is not the building, but the born again children of God. We are to conduct ourselves as a body and individually day to day according to what He has decreed in His Word! Believer, even when you are not assembled with the saints, you are still a part of the church. Whether at home, work, or play, you are still to walk in obedience to the Head (the Lord Jesus), for the world is watching and judging Him by you!

(Eph 1:22) “ And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, (23) Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” What does the Bible mean when it says the church is the body of Christ? It means we represent Him to this world and are left here upon this earth for that purpose. When He saved your soul He could easily have taken you on to Heaven. Instead, He left you among sinful man to suffer this world. Why? We have a work to do! We are to live as saints among this world. We are to speak of God’s goodness and sacrifice as we live among the lost. We are His body in His absence. He lives in us through the Holy Spirit for that purpose!

CHAPTER TWO

(Eph 2:1) “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” The truly saved have had a time and place where God “quickened” them – made them alive spiritually! Jesus said it – not me! (Joh 3:3) “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

(Eph 2:1) “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” Many times man today only shares part of the gospel: Jesus loves you, died for you, and now will give you everlasting life if you believe. The true gospel is that Jesus bore the cross, dying in our place because we were dead in trespasses and sin. Salvation comes through the acknowledgment and repentance (the desire to turn from them) of that sin. We ask the Lord for forgiveness and the gift of everlasting life. That….is when He saves.

(Eph 2:1) “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,…” By implication the saved do not walk according to the course of this world. The saved walk a heavenly course, set down by the Word of God. It revolves around the Church He gave His life for. Which way are you walking?

(Eph 2:1) “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (2) Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air,….” A saved person believes the Bible. Sure, ulitimately God reigns. Yet, He has allowed the devil to rule. Satan will do so until the 1,000 reign of Christ to be loosed for a short time afterwards, bringing about his end. Beware, child of God; this world follows the devil, not God. You, beloved, follow the Lord by following His Word.

(Eph 2:1) And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (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: I once had a man say to me, “I’m not against Christianity; I’m just don’t want it for me.” Friend, there’s no middle ground. To refuse to acknowledge God His way, through His Son Jesus, is to live one’s life in disobedience. Further, it is to side with God’s enemy, choosing to live in enmity against God (Jas_4:4) “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?”

(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: (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.” Because, though saved, we still inhabit this sinful body; because our minds now need to be reprogrammed to be aligned with the Word of God: we have a tendency to think ourselves better than the lost. Here the Holy Spirit is reminding us of where we came from. Whenever we are tempted to criticize the life of an unsaved person, we should stop and remember, and then thank God, for “there go I but by the grace of God”!

(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: (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.” “Religiousness” is not salvation. “Church speak” is not salvation. Salvation is having our nature changed at the point of God’s bestowing spiritual life in us – everlasting life! At that moment we are changed. I have seen people who prayed the prayer not “get it”. Why not? Obviously, the Lord knew their heart was not truly repentant of the sinful life that cost His Son’s suffering. Remember: salvation is not an automatic thing caused by a prayer; it is a bestowal of life by God Himself: (Rom_9:16) “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.” Be careful. Was there a time and place you received a new nature, a spirit nature, or……have you developed “religiousness or church speak”?

(Eph 2:4) “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” “But God”: though we were and deserved to be the “children of wrath”, God intervened on our behalf, (v5) “Even when we were dead in sins….”

You see, “mercy” is only needed by the guilty! Friend, we are not simply sinners by nature, we are also sinners by choice! At times each of us choose to do what we know to be wrong in the sight of God! We are guilty! Thank God that He is rich in mercy!

(Eph 2:4) “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” Did you notice we are given the reason why God is “rich in mercy”: “…Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us,…..” And friends, He doesn’t love us because we are “worthy” of love. No, He loved us while we were dead in sins, the children of wrath (v3d). He loves us because He is love (1 Jn 4:8,16).

(Eph 2:4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” The Holy Spirit would have us know we have all been raised together. In other words, we have all been saved the same way. No one was worthy; no one earned it; no one was rewarded with salvation. Grace will ever mean: “unmerited favor”. You and I will never have a reason to boast over it or what we have become. It is God’s grace.

(Eph 2:4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” We should never doubt anything God says. He said He would give not “life”, but everlasting life. It is the possession of every Born Again Child of God! Here the Lord tells us He sees us there, sitting in the heavenlies! He is not locked in time and space. He literally sees us there. Who are we to call His Word to doubt! Rejoice in this revealed statement of fact!

(Eph 2:4) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Focus on the last two words “in Christ”. Our righteousness, sanctification, inheritance, hope, adoption and glory are all based on the fact that when He saved, the Lord God placed us “in Christ”. Jesus is now my righteousness, my sanctification, my inheritance, my hope, my adoption, and my glory! Praise His Name! !

(Eph 2:4) “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, (5) Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (6) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: (7) That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Notice the purpose – the glory of the Lord for grace and kindness through Jesus – His sacrifice. Not our good, though that is certainly a by-product. Not our happiness, though that too is a by-product. Our sinful nature has a tendency to blind us to the truth. The truth is God is to receive the glory. The center of our life and the direction of our work and love is to be Him!

(Eph 2:8) “For by grace are ye saved through fait that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” How dull of hearing we must be! I mean, He has already stated that He saved us when? While we were dead in trespasses and sins (not deserving). He has told us the Lord is rich in mercy. Mercy is only needed for the guilty. We are told it is for His glory – not ours. We have been told our presence will forever speak of His grace and His kindness. Yet, He says it again even more plainly and to the point: You didn’t have anything to do with it nor deserve it! It is a gift! Praise Him! I get it!

(Eph 2:8) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (9) Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Our puny actions of desire to somehow earn or keep salvation, is corrupted by the of our old nature, How sad that we could possibly think we could add something to the merit of Christ sacrifice and blood! We cannot, for if we could, we would surely in our wicked pride boast! The Lord says, “No!” Salvation only and completely comes through the sacrifice of God’s perfect, sinless, selfless, Son!

(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.” The word for ‘workmanship” is “poiema”. This is were we get our word, “poem”. The birth of the spirit in us is as much as special creation as the earth itself. We are created, made alive in Christ spiritually, so that we can be like Christ morally. That work is very special and with the potential in each of us to do wonderful things for our God! We work not to earn salvation, but to live salvation.

(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.” Is a good work simply doing right; or is it seeking to serve the Lord in our actions, seeking to give Him the glory! We have a tendency to take the praise for right actions. We are to be deflectors of praise, giving the glory to He Who made us new (workmanship). How can others come to our Lord if we through action and verbiage do not give share “why” we are what we are and do what we do?

(Eph 2:11) “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh,….(12) That at that time ye were without Christ,….” To be lost is to be without Christ. To be without Christ is to be without the blessings of God and the hope of heaven. One is without Christ who has yet through repentance and faith to have been Born Again spiritually by God, (Eph 2:1) “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;” Are you still without Him? Is pride keeping you from Him? Or is it “love for your life as it is”, keeping you from Him?

(Eph 2:11) “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh,….. (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:” Thank God for Jesus! He died not only for Israel but for the whole world. Anyone who responds with an honest heart of love and thankfulness will be willing to turn from their sins, asking forgiveness and the gift of everlasting life from God will receive! We who once had no hope, had Jesus enter our hearts upon the salvation experience! Praise His Name!

(Eph 2:13) “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” No one is worthy to approach either through prayer or action, the Lord God Almighty in His holiness. Only One has ever been found worthy and that one is Jesus the sinless Son of God. He allowed Himself to be taken and killed, His blood being spilled in payment for our sins. It is through Him alone, by faith allowing His blood to wash us, that we can come nigh unto God! “What can wash away my sin? NOTHING but the blood of Jesus.”

(Eph 2:13) “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” Although it is a spiritual truth that Jesus made peace between the sinner and God, and that is made reality when one embraces Him as Savior and Lord, that is not the peace being referred to here. Here it is referring to peace, oneness, being made between Jew and Gentile, brotherhood in salvation. Understand, Gentile is not the white race. Gentiles are all non-Jews. We are all made one in Christ Jesus, equally Sons of God through adoption! Glory to His Name! Open you heart to love all the brethren! Thinking you are better than any of your brethren is a wickedness not of God!

(Eph 2:14) “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; (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;” Is the law done away with? Does it have no bearing on the life of the Born Again Child of God? The law is the revealing of what God sees and right and wrong. Except for the civil law given to Israel, the moral law and the sacrificial law is seen in the New Testament. The moral law is reiterated in the Epistles, except for the Sabbath Day, having been replaced with Sunday, the Lord’s Day. The sacrificial law is replaced with the one sacrifice forever – that of Christ Jesus held constantly before us. The law does not save. We have been freed from its condemnation. Yet, we have been given the Holy Spirit and a new nature to live its precepts.

(Eph 2:15) “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity….. (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” “Reconcile”: to bring to parties back to fellowship. God’s holy nature could not, though, simply overlook our sin. He could not just say, “That’s ok. I understand you are but sinful flesh.” Holiness demands judgment. So, He did what no man could do for himself. He came as Jesus the Son, lives the life we should have led in love and devotion and obedience to the Father, and then sacrificed that life to pay for our sins. He did the reconciling (the making of the way) Himself! If only the world truly knew! God help us to seek opportunities to clearly explain, taking no short cuts!

(Eph 2:15) “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity….. (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” Our sin that caused “enmity” (the wrath of God upon us) was placed upon the Lord Jesus (one body). It slew the Lord Jesus and the Lord slew it by overcoming the death it caused! Praise His holy Name!

(Eph 2:15) “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity….. (16) And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:” By the cross….. This is the way to eternal life. In fact, it is the only way to heaven and the eventuality of the new heaven and the new earth. One must recognize their own unworthiness, their utter corruptness of character and action; then one must turn to the cross by faith and ask for mercy and forgiveness. The cross is the only way!

(Eph 2:17) “And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.” In contest, it is Christ Who is said to have preached to Jews and Gentiles the Gospel – “Sin has been paid. The way of reconciliation to God has been purchased!” I didn’t see Jesus when the evangelist proclaimed the news to this sinful man, yet….He was there speaking to my heart! Praise God! I believed, repented, and He gave me the Gift of Everlasting Life!

(Eph 2:18) “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” “Access” for those who “…once were afar off….”! Oh the privilege of prayer, coming into the very presence of God! Just recently it hit me, as my tired mind sometimes drifts while I am in prayer, that it is the Lord God my Father I am before. He deserves my full attention! I have been given something the majority of men have not received! I have been given access to the very presence of God! Use it, yes! But do not let it become commonplace in your heart!

(Eph 2:18) “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” There will be many people today who will enter into various congregations, sing and listen to a sermon, who will not in reality “worship”. Jesus said the day now was when those who worship the Father will worship Him “in spirit” and “in truth”. In spirit refers to the new birth, spiritual birth. If you have not been born again, made alive spiritually as one old enough to repent of sin and ask forgiveness based on Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, then you are “dead” spiritually. Therefore you cannot possibly worship. All who are spirit have the Holy Spirit of God living in them and through Him we come before the Father and worship through our spirit by His Spirit before the Throne of God!

(Eph 2:19) “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” A “saint” is anyone who is saved! We together have been made citizens of heaven. Since the Lord already sees us “sitting in the heavenlies”, we are declared “citizens” of that wonderful place, the central home of God! Glory! I am looking forward to seeing it with my own eyes!

(Eph 2:19) “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” “Now” as opposed to what we used to be – on the outside not even “looking in”, for out old nature had no desire for the things of God! Most do not realize they did not come to God out of a desire of their own, but the Lord drew them: (Rom 3:10) “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: (11) There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.” You see, the love and mercy of God extends to His going after those He loves, the lost of this world!

(Eph 2:19) “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” That term, “household of God” is made clear in the Book of Hebrews where Jesus is compared to Moses (and found to be greater than!), (Heb 3:3) “For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.” and then it adds, (Heb 3:6) “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.” Moses superintended the “House” of God called “Israel”. The Lord Jesus, through the sacrifice of His Own body, built a House of His Own called “The Church”. Praise God, I will be a part of the great “Jesus Christ Family Reunion” that is soon to come!

(Eph 2:20) “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” Notice that our faith is built upon what the Spirit has revealed through both the Old Testament and New Testament prophets (the apostles prophesied until the New Testament writings were completed). The Bible says, “Faith cometh by hearing and that by the Word of God.” My faith is based upon believing all that God has said. He said His Son Jesus paid for my sins on Calvary’s cross. He said His Son overcame death and arose again! He said if I desired in my heart to turn from my sins (repentance) and ask for forgiveness He would give me the gift of everlasting life. I did and He did! Praise God!

(Eph 2:20) “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;” In such construction of a building, the corner stone needs to be as perfect as possible, else the building would be flawed in some way. Our Corner Stone, the perfect Lord Jesus, without blemish, without sin, is perfect and thus so is the building! Just the Old Testament says Israel will some day say, “The Lord our righteousness”, so the New Testament says He is the righteousness of the saved, thus a perfect building. That’s positional, unchanging. Practically, you and I need to more and more ask the Spirit of God to mold us, to help us submit to Him, so that He can use us and change us.

(Eph 2:21) “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” The word “holy” should never be overlooked by us. Yes, you and I can live holy lives, certainly holier than we are living them right now. Holiness is action of heart and mind driving us to physically depart from the things God says “don’t”. The problem today is fewer and fewer confessing believers are reading God’s Word to know what He desires! Are you?

(Eph 2:22) “In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” Imagine, the Spirit of God now lives inside EVERY true child of God! Corinthians calls our bodies the temple of God. Here, combined together in the local New Testament Church, we together are the Temple of God. No wonder Jesus said, (Mat 18:20) “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” No wonder we get thrilled when gathered together with brothers and sisters in Christ!

CHAPTER THREE

(Eph 3:3) “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” The mystery of Christ is no longer a mystery, in the fact that it has been revealed, “…by revelation He made it known to me…..” The mystery: God would come to this earth as a man, bear mankind’s sin on a cross, be buried and rise victorious over sin and death, coming back to life the third day. And all who repent and ask for forgiveness for this will receive the Gift of Everlasting Life! The mystery is revealed!

(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;” The Old Testament prophets penned these things (Psalm 22; Isaiah 53 to name a few) not knowing what they meant. Now the Holy Spirit has revealed these things in the writing of the New Testament and to our individual souls as we faithfully read and study God’s Word!

(Eph 3:6) “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” Just before the Children of Israel cross over into the Promised Land, the Lord warned them: (Deu 32:17) “They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. (18) Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. (19) And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. (20) And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. (21) They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people;” If you are not a Jew and are saved, then this is speaking of you! One of the great things we can learn from this is that the Lord God ALWAYS keeps His Word. Praise Him!

(Eph 3:7) “Whereof I was made a minister,….” It is a real and true thing that God “calls’ men to minister in the office of missionary and pastor. I know, for He called me. Yet, there is a sense that all of the saved are to minister. “Minister” simply means to serve. Two types of people gather together in the local church. Those who minister and those who do not. Those who minister are few in comparison to those who do not. It seems the thought is centered on self rather on the people around them. I am not referring to fellowship. It is not ministering if it is for the purpose of receiving rather than to add to the good of the other.

(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.” It is a privilege to serve the Lord in any way, shape, or form. It is a gift given to each of the saved! We, who were once the followers of Satan in attitude as well as action, have been gifted with the Gift of Salvation and Adoption. The opportunity to do something back for Him who gave us so much, is something we should each see as a privilege. I ask you, “What are you doing openly for the glory of God?”

(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;” Paul’s was not a false humility, for he forever carried the mental burden of his past actions, the suffering and death of the saints of God. Paul is forever a symbol of the depths to which the Hand of God will reach to save a sinner! My Savior died for the sins of “the world” – every man and woman, boy and girl. He carried their sin on Calvary’s cross. His blood was shed to pay the wage of death we had earned. Yes, even your sin was carried by my Lord! May you have the heart and faith to turn from your sin and embrace Him as Savior!

(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;” There are those who would say that a person experiences none of salvation until they pass from this life! They are so wrong! His riches are bestowed upon the born again child of God and those blessings flow day by day all the days of this earthly life. How do I know? I experience them! What about you? Do you possess the true salvation of God?

(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:” In context this “fellowship” of the mystery (the gospel and all that it entails) is that both Gentiles and Jews that are saved, are all made “one” in Christ Jesus! We are brothers and sisters. Understand, the saved black man is my true brother in Christ: the Asian, the Hispanic. Whatever the race, when saved, they are more my brother in Christ than that of my physical parents! Praise God for the many saved brothers and sisters I possess in everlasting life!

(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” It is exciting to live in our day and time, after the mystery of Christ, the cross, and the resurrection has been revealed; having the completed Word of God; to go back and search the pages of the Old Testament. There we find “hints”, “clues”, of the mystery and what it held! If you are not studying your Bible, then you are robbing yourself of the greatest revelation every given to man: that regarding God made flesh for the salvation of sinners like you and me!

(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:” Jesus Christ had not beginning, for He is God! The angels did not make the world. God did! “In the beginning God made the heavens and the earth.” So, without doubt Jesus is held up for the Person hidden from the eyes of the Jewish nation – God! God lived the sinless life in our place. God gave that life in our place. God in the body of the man, Christ Jesus came back to life the third day so that we might be able, through repentance and faith, to receive the gift of that same resurrection life! Praise Him!

(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,” Oh, the wisdom of God: (Rom 11:30) “For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief: (31) Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. (32) For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. (33) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” All needed mercy, so the Lord gave it to all! OH the great love of God! Have you experienced that love in reality through the rebirth of salvation? Have you been changed, given a new heart? You can right this minute if you will ask forgiveness of your sinful life and then for the precious gift of everlasting life purchased through the blood of Jesus His Son!

(Eph 3:11) “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” “Boldness”. Our prayers brought before Almighty God are not out of the force of our own righteousness, nor is it from any source of merit we might think we possess. Our prayers are brought boldly through that of another – the Son of Almighty God Himself! His righteousness became ours when through the salvation experience we were placed in Him! May we ever be mindful in prayer that our plead comes through the merit of Another, thus His children pray in “Jesus’ Name”. Amen

(Eph 3:11) “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: (12) In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” So, I pray with confidence. Not confidence that I will get what I want; but confidence that He hears me and will do whatever His will dictates. Our prayers are to be as Jesus’ prayers, “Not My will but Thine be done.” Amen

(Eph 3:13) “Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” There are those who think of suffering for Christ as, “Not for me!” Such have not fully considered or believed the amount of suffering the Lord bore to purchase our salvation – to keep us from Hell Fire. The Bible says of those who respond rightly, that they have “good hearts” (Luk_8:15) “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” The good heart says, “He’s worth it” or “I owe Him that much”, and thus are willing to bow to the will of the Father in all things.

(Eph 3:13) “Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. (14) For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” The words “wherefore” and “for this cause” refer to those things revealed – the mystery of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles and the blessed access through faith to the presence of He Who now is our Heavenly Father! Praise the Lord, I join the Apostle Paul in bowing my knees before my Great and Mighty God Who is full of mercy!

(Eph 3:14) “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,” If you read this in the context of what is written before and after, you find the phrase “the whole family of heaven and earth” is referring to the saved. Those who have gone on before us in Christ (saved by His blood which includes Old Testament Saints) who are in heaven and those “in Christ” here upon this earth are all one family! This is spelled out to us in the Book of Hebrews, “For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.” I can anywhere, enter a church of saved people, and find family! Praise God!

(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;” Emotions have a tendency to drain us of physical strength. If we have allowed ourselves to worry over something, we find this the result. We find ourselves seeking “rest”. Yet, the true strength of the Child of God is to come from within. It comes from the point of faith; faith the Lord will take care of us; faith that the Holy Spirit will strengthen us spiritually. Victory for the true Believer is not outward, but inward. The world may see only weakness, as with the cross. Yet, there was nothing weak about Christ in any way, shape, or form. Seek that kind of strength. Look to the Lord your Savior!

(Eph 3:17) “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;…” So often today, ministers as well as saint in the pew, forget to take verses 1. in context; 2. with the whole teaching of Scripture. We forget that the Bible is one book, not sixty-six separate books. God is not mentally ill, going from one extreme to another, saying this in one book, and then changing His mind and saying something else in another. So here, yes Jesus dwells in our hearts by faith, yet came into our hearts as response to our repentance of heart.

(Eph 3:17) “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;…” So many, having not read the Word of God themselves and having never been taught, have wrongly assumed that “faith” is simply the mental acknowledging of facts as true. That is not Bible faith, according to the Book of James. Faith is the right response to those facts, in heart and therefore in actions. “Be saved”: respond by asking for the gift of salvation; “I will built My church”: I will go to church; “go ye therefore”: how can I get this done for You, Lord. You get the idea.

(Eph 3:17) “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,…” The true Child of God seeks to do everything in their life based upon a response to the love of God. He loved me and gave His Son, the Son gave His life, and the Spirit dwells in me motivated by their love for me. I should love them back and therefore will deny my own desires to the contrary and seek to obey His Bible in any and every way I can.

(Eph 3:17) “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;” These four dimensions, rather than three, are given to express the hard to understand concept of Christ being in us and we in Him. It can only be embraced by faith. I may not understand a lot of things, but this thing I know with all my heart: my God and Savior said it is true – so it is!

(Eph 3:17) “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge” Notice that the love of Christ is said to be “past” our ability to understand. Again, as stated yesterday, the four dimensions are given to illustrate this very point (I invite you to research the concept of “4 dimensions”. Some of Einstein’s theories were based upon this concept.) The point being, I don’t know why the Lord would love me, but He does. I cannot comprehend why He would die for the worse person who ever lived – but He did! It is because of that love I am a saved person today!

(Eph 3:17) “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, (18) May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; (19) And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” Notice these verses begin and end with the love of God. The fullness of God, thus the filling of the Holy Spirit, is not possible without our entering into the love of God, Him loving you and allowing Him to love through you. We will be told in Chapter Five that this filling is achieved through a heart directed towards Him in singing and thankfulness. Isn’t this “loving Him back”?

(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, (21) Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Asking God for something is a balance of desires: firstly, we are to desire His will first and foremost in the matter, whatever it might be; and then second, looking with faith for Him to answer our prayer. Nothing is too hard for Him to do. The question is: one, is it His will to do it; and two, is it what is best for us. A first glance, the one seems to conflict with the other. But not to the one truly submitted to His will.

(Eph 3:21) Unto Him (God the Father) be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” If you are one that confesses before others that you are saved, yet are not actively a part of a church, then you are sinning against God. Jesus said He would built His church. The epistles speak of growing spiritually by the ministry of those in the church. It is the plan of God for this age. Throughout eternity the souls reached and ministered unto shall speak to His glory! Repent, find a good Bible believing Baptist Church, and put Jesus first by being faithful!

(Eph 3:21) Unto Him (God the Father) be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” “World without end”, speaks of the eternity of God’s plan for the New Earth upon which the saved will dwell! In the past I have had those who have said to me, “Heaven sounds boring, sitting on clouds playing harps for eternity.” My response: “Such ideas of heaven come from the imagination of man.” The Bible speaks of a new earth and activity. We will be very much alive and active! Praise Him for the eternal Word of hope!

(Eph 3:21) Unto Him (God the Father) be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Amen does not only speak of agreement with what is taught or preached, It speaks of “gladness of the very thought of it”! Oh how sad that so many rob themselves of hearing such words by putting self before God on Sundays! Pastors and teachers are proclaiming this day such precious words that should thrill the soul of the genuine believer! May it be so with you today that you can be found in the House of God!!

CHAPTER FOUR

(Eph 4:1) “ I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” The word, “vocation” there is an interesting word. It means “invitation”. So, it could read, “walk worthy of the invitation wherewith ye are called.” The invitation to be saved and thus live for His glory came through the suffering and then resurrection of His Son. To walk “worthy” of that is some walk! It means sacrifice of self, giving of ourselves to others, and supreme love for He Who saved us!

(Eph 4:1) “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,” I love the word used here to describe the “calling” – “vocation”. We think of a vocation of some job we do. We do have a job to do for the Lord. It is to live for His glory publicly, proclaiming the goodness, mercy, and salvation of God through His Son Jesus Christ! Do you see this as a “vocation”, a calling?

(Eph 4:1) “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2 ) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” Instruction is given on how to conduct our vocation. “Meekness” comes from an accurate view of oneself. You are the person you are because of the salvation of God upon you, the influence of the Holy Spirit, the change of your very nature. That is nothing for you to take pride in. You would be no different in thinking and desire from the lost if not for those things!

(Eph 4:1) “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” Longsuffering speaks of “keeping on keeping on” no matter what the circumstance of reaction to individuals or by individuals. We are to be instant in season and out of season. This vocation demands lowliness, meekness, and longsuffering because we represent the Lord Jesus Christ! He is all those things.

(Eph 4:1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;” To forbear means to “hold back”, as in Romans it speaks of God’s forbearance of judgment of OT saints while anticipating the cross to pay for those sins. In the case before us, we forbear our feelings and responses to others and keep on loving those brothers and sisters in Christ and for Christ. As in all of true Christianity, self is to put on the back burner and others put in the forefront! May the Holy Spirit help us to learn this!

(Eph 4:1) I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love (3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. “ The actions and responses of the previous verses are for the purpose of testimony, glorification, and blessings upon the church and therefore upon the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not always possible (endeavoring) since so many professing believers today do not read the Word, and therefore cannot live what they do not know. Fleshly, willful individuals harm the people (church) and moreso the Lord’s reputation, (Jn 13:35) “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”!

(Eph 4:3) “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Within the body of Christ, we are to dwell together in unity of heart. Some only practice “going to church” out of habit or conscience. They do not ever stay to fellowship, develop relationships. That is not unity. If we are truly saved, we are part of one another as we are “one” in Christ. Take the time. Do what really pleases the Lord.

(Eph 4:3) “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, There are those who at times say, “The Lord said such and such a thing to me.” Dr. David A Cavin, pastor of High Street Baptist Church of Springfield, Mo, long with the Lord now, once told how a missionary called him and said, “The Lord told me you would buy me a new car.” His response: “When He tells me, you’ll get it.” The Bible says, (1Jn_4:1) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” It is not how good one speaks, how nice a person is, or how dynamic the personality, that should demand our obedience. It is whether the Spirit of God has spoken through that person. IF they are of God, their words will agree with the Bible. Sadly, most believers have not studied the Word enough to “try the spirits”.

(Eph 4:3) “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Most think that it doesn’t really matter what mode of baptism you have had, as long as your heart is right with God. Wrong. The mode of baptism represents a picture of the gospel: the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus! It also says we were buried with Him in death and raised with Him in the sight of God (Rom 6) ! To distort baptism is to distort the gospel. So, yes, it matters to God!

(Eph 4:3) “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, There are those who approach doctrinal error, or sin on their part, such as in the mode of baptism, as ok as long as they are sincere in their motivation. Wrong. Sin is still sin no matter the motivation. A person can be sincerely wrong. The true Believer is to endorse truth, even if it means condemning self’s past actions. Humility is never easy, yet needful and blessed by God: (Jas 4:10) “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

(Eph 4:3) “ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Endeavor, try your very best, to keep the unity of the Spirit among yourselves in the church. It is not, “I must have my way”, but instead, what is best for God’s children as a whole. In context, we have each the same God the Father, the same Lord and Savior, have experienced the same baptism of the Holy Spirit, and look for the same eternity. We will dwell in total unity there, so get started, as much as is humanly possible – down here.

(Eph 4:7) “ But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” The measure is literally “a degree of”.

What does that mean? I can only say that whatever I or you receive, it is sufficient to cover our sins! Praise His Name!

(Eph 4:8) “Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” The captivity was sin’s results – death. He overcame death, thus holding “captivity captive”. So, alive the risen Savior was taken up to the right hand of the Father, and literally days later no Pentecost gave the Holy Spirit to the saved – “gifts to men”. Salvation, the Spirit of God, the gifts the Holy Spirit gives us for the work of the ministry, the hope of eternal life, are all as a result of the Lord Jesus holding “captivity captive”!

(Eph 4:8) “ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (9) (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?” On the cross, the Lord Jesus said to the thief, “Today thou shat be with Me in paradise” – “Absent from body, present with the Lord.” The Lord Jesus was in the “heart of the earth”, across from hell fire (Lk 16) those three days! Then, when He arose, He took all those (Abraham and the rest) to heaven with Him, taking “captivity captive”! I look forward to be there with each of my brothers and sisters some day! Will you be there?

The “fill all things” is referring to “fulfilling all things”. The predetermined plan of God was to come to this earth, fulfill all of God’s laws, offer Himself as the sacrifice for sins, die in the place of man, and then rise again from the dead, setting free the souls of those who died in faith in the blood, and now spiritually birthing both Jews and Gentiles into the salvation experience so that they might go to heaven also. (Long sentence!)

(Eph 4:11) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Yes, these are for the “work of the ministry”. It is important that the Bible be interpreted and then taught by Its whole. The teaching on the Apostles is one such subject: (Luk 6:13) “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;” When you hear the word, “disciples”, you probably think of the twelve. Yet, because of lack of teaching the Bible as a whole, we do not understand that Jesus had many disciples. The twelve were called “apostles” from the very beginning. IF we are daily in the Word of God and learn to look at it and interpret it as a “whole”, then we will protect ourselves from many errors of interpretation we are subjected unto.

(Eph 4:11) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Yes, these are for the “work of the ministry”. Prophets in the New Testament Church were for a limited time, giving forth the Word of God as the Spirit brought it forth. This office ceased when the Word of God was completed, (1Co 13:8) “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (9) For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. (10) But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” IF a person stands up in a Service and says something like, “The Lord wants us to love one another more”, is that prophecy? I say no, for we already know that from the Bible. Nothing new has been given, so it is not prophecy. If they gave us something new, would it not be adding to the Word which is seriously warned against in both the Old and New Testaments? Thank God we have the completed Word of God. We need no more. Praise His Name!

(Eph 4:11) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” My personal belief is that evangelists are the missionaries of today. What do they do? They go forth and evangelize, gathering people into New Testament Churches, pastors them until the Lord raises up a pastor from among them, and then do it all over again. Praise God for missionaries. Their lives say they love the Lord more than anything else: a house of their own and the constant communion of relatives. They are exceptional saints of God and should be supported in every way we can!

(Eph 4:11) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” The pastor is referred to also as elder and bishop in Scripture. Each speaks of a various responsibility of the office. Timothy tells us they are to focus on reading (the Word), exhortation (the growing of the saints), and doctrine (the sound teaching of Scripture). There are many other things a pastor does, but these should be the center, for not only is it desperately needed to keep Him on track, but also the church.

(Eph 4:11) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” Thank God for those who teach us the precious Words of God! I think often of my own pastor, Rev. HL Petty. After six years of his teaching, the Lord called me into the ministry. At college I had a leg up, for he had diligently over the years studied and taught the Scriptures. Each Sunday after the service I would stand beside him as He said something to each of those departing. I would do so asking my Bible questions and he would try to answer my questions and say something to them at the same time. Thank God and take advantage of the Word that is being taught at every service!

(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:” It is so important that we exist in unity at our churches. The Bible speaks much about it, like unto this Scripture, “How can two walk together except they be in agreement?” The answer is, “They cannot”. We should love our pastor, love our objective, and love our fellow beleivers. It is the mark of a believer, “By this shall all men know ye are My disciples, if ye have love one for another.” If you cannot love those at your church, find another. Never be guilty of being a negative influence which will spiritually hold back the work of God!

(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:” A Christian not only possesses the greatest “Self-Help Book”, but it is more than that – it is a “God Help Book”. We have a tendency to become satisfied with “who we are” or “what we are like”. If people don’t like it – tough. Friend, each of us with the Spirit’s help can be better men and women than we are today! In fact, we are to seek to be better men and women than we are today. With God, we are never to think, “Tough. This is who I am.” Read the Book and ask the Lord for His help!

(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;” Children can be led and influenced easily by others. They have a tendency to accept the word of an “authority” But you and I are to read and study the Word of God daily so that we might “….live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.” That is how we grow in Him – how we mature as a Believer. Deceivers are many times deceived themselves from a lack of critical study of the Bible for themselves. They seek to take “short cuts” to study through the writings and outlines of others. So….get and stay in the Scriptures.

(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; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Although you and I are always to speak the truth (no lies or distortions of the truth on any subject) in love, the text here is referring back to verse 14, growing in the truth of doctrine. The idea is that we grow and share that truth to those who resist it in a loving way. Remember, we wrestle not against people, but against spiritual wickedness (Chapter 6). Rule of Thumb: try your best to share as you believe the Lord would share it in your place.

(Eph 4:15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (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.” In context, we started off with those in authority ministering to us the Word so that we might be edified, growing in Christ. Now, as we grow in the “head” – Christ, we are each able to supply what our church (the people) needs. Are you growing in the Lord and sharing in the uplifting of your brothers and sisters in the Lord?

(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.” Today’s mentality is, “If I am not in church, it does no harm.” Wrong! The New Testament teaches we are one body, each necessary to its growth! Anyone who has ever lost a body part can tell you that part matters. Lose your little toe and see how well you can walk without it. Every time you put yourself first and go somewhere else or stay home, you literally, spiritually, hurt your church.

(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,” Think of the word, “Gentiles”, as the unsaved of the world. “Vanity” is useless thinking before God. Put together, the world thinks differently than God thinks. The world justifies itself, its actions. The saved are to bring both their thoughts and actions in line with the revealed Word of God.

(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,” According to Romans Chapter 12, verses 1 and 2, you and I need to reprogram our minds to accept what God says and agree with what God says. We are to do this to the degree that we bring our thinking in align with God’s. This means we should avail ourselves to every opportunity of reprogramming. We do this in Sunday School, Preaching Service, Evening Service, Wednesday Nights, and the daily reading of the Bible. If we love our Lord and wish not to sin against Him; moreso, to serve Him, we must move from vanity of thought to agreement with God.

(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, (18) Having the understanding darkened,….” When lost man turns his back on what light he has within him (the truth that God exists, has made all things), he moves his mind and heart further and further along the road of darkness. How can we help them? Not through argument, but through the power of the Word of God itself. Saying to them, “I think”, has no power, for why should they put what you think above what they think? Read and quote the Word of God. God is the authority and the Spirit of God will bear witness to it.

(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, (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:” This verse should serve as warning that if we have the light, we should respond to the light. I am afraid that there are those who seek to convince themselves of being saved who have never had a time and place where they repented of their sins and asked the Lord to save them totally upon what Jesus has done on the cross. If you had such a time and place, it would have changed you then and there. It is not coming back years later and turning over a new leaf. The change is supernatural and takes place the moment Jesus saves you. I plead with you to be honest with yourself before God.

(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, (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: (19) Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” “Lasciviousness”, uncontrolled desire of the flesh. When it says here they are without feeling, it is referring to “right moral feeling” as opposed to filthiness. It is not that one does not love its own, but feeds the flesh, not withholding from it whatever it desires. That is man today. He comes first and foremost in his life. The saved are to think of their flesh as dead, now that the spirit within them is alive (Romans 6). And through the power of the Holy Spirit live unto God!

(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”,……… (Eph 4:20) “ But ye have not so learned Christ;” There are those who say, “The Lord wants me to be happy”. No, you are first and foremost to be used of Him for His Own glory. He wants you to be holy. His glory is what matters and we are to seek to glorify Him through the valleys as well as the mountaintops. The Bible speaks of our “joy” rather than our “happiness”. Joy comes from the spirit living, doing right. Happiness is normally based on the flesh’s response to outward circumstances.

(Eph 4:20) “ But ye have not so learned Christ;” The Lord knows the make-up of His children. He knows they unknowingly sin against Him, for they still live with the old nature as a part of them. That doesn’t mean that we do not seek to be sinless, pure thinking and doing vessels which the Holy Spirit lives in. This is what we have learned of Christ.

(Eph 4:20) “ But ye have not so learned Christ;” When other brothers and sisters speak and do things in God’s House or among God’s people that are hurtful and wrong, this should be our verbal response to them, “Are you behaving as the Lord Jesus would?” ({Eph 4:20} “ But ye have not so learned Christ;”) If this does not bring forth repentance, at the least it will help to guide the response of others who are listening, who desire to do right before God.

(Eph 4:20) “But ye have not so learned Christ; (21) If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:” Remember that earlier in this chapter it has been said we have been given pastor and teachers for this very thing, so that the Holy Spirit might use them to teach us. Friend, you won’t get that at home unless you are house-bound. If you are able, the House of God is the place for you, for this is God’s plan. The word “church” means “a called out m assembly”. Every believer has been called out of the world to embrace Christ Jesus. We are to exit the world and enter the gathering of God’s people and be taught.

(Eph 4:22) “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” I have heard people say to a lost person, “You don’t have to worry about changing your life. Just come to God as you are.” We do come to God as we are, but one’s life does change through the rebirth and we are called upon to continue to change. They instinctively know that. Plus, we are told to “count the cost”. Jesus is worth it! So, be honest and forthright with them, “Yes, you need to forsake your sin. Jesus give you a new heart which will desire to change. Come to Him and be saved.”

(Eph 4:22) “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” The person one used to be before the salvation experience is not one whose’ live honors God. We are to leave that old life behind. The truth is, when it comes to relationships, if we live, think, and talk as we should, the lost won’t for very long want to be around us. That’s ok. We are to walk with God, letting His light shine through us. There will be those drawn to the light. We will find others who love to walk in the light.

(Eph 4:22) “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” The mind, how we think about things, how we see things, must we reshaped into seeing and thinking in agreement with God’s Word. That only comes through desire, bowing to His Lordship over us, and love for Him enough to want to please Him. It takes effort on our part and dedication to the reading of God’s Word. It takes sitting at the feet of a godly teacher and the seeking out of a church where the Word of God is held up as being the rule of faith. Not all churches and preachers put what God thinks first. So, we must seek such godly men and churches.

(Eph 4:22) “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; (23) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; (24) And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” How does the the precious truth of verse 24 agree with the need of verses 22-23? Verse 24 is our position before God in Christ – what He has done for us. Verses 22-23 is our condition while still in this sinful flesh. We are to bring our physical and mental condition in align with our spiritual condition! Praise God, it is possible! Walk the walk as you talk the talk, dear one.

(Eph 4:25) “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” There is such an absence of truth today that even among Believers we do not always trust what they say to us. If we have formed an opinion of something, even when that person says truth to us regarding it, many times we don’t believe them, falling back upon our assumption. This is sin. We are to accept the word of a fellow saint unless they prove themselves to be liars. Speak truth one to another. Truth might be uncomfortable, but in the long run it is always best; and it is what our Lord expects from us.

(Eph 4:26) “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” There are those who think it wrong to be angry. No, it is not wrong to have the emotion given by God, but…..it is always wrong to respond in a way that would not honor the Lord Who saved you! Get face it, speak rightly that which should be spoken, “You have offended me”; do that which you need to do, taking stands you need to take; but never, ever, are you to do it in a way determined to hurt another person. Yes, speaking the truth will at times hurt the other person, but the Bible tells us we ate to speak the truth in love (15). Don’t go to bed with it allowing it to fester into sinful thoughts and later actions. Face it now. Do right in a way to honor your Savior!

(Eph 4:27) “Neither give place to the devil.” Do not give Satan a foothold in your life. Every time you and I put ourselves first before the Lord, His desires and will, we are giving Satan a foothold in our lives. The only reason we react wrongly in verse 26 in anger, is because we are putting ourselves first. Any time we lie or steal, we are putting ourselves first. The Lord has promised to meet our needs: we need not steal. The Lord has promised to bless us if we do right: we need not lie. Were you able to be in church and yet did not go? You need to put Jesus first. Have you had a time in His Word? Put Jesus first in your life. We are “bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God’s” (1 Cor 6:20).

(Eph 4:27) “Neither give place to the devil.” This verse brings to mind another, (1Pe 5:8) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Notice it doesn’t say he is seeking someone who he “will” devour (will would refer to his ability), but whom he “may” devour, which speaks of permission given. When we participate in that which our God has forbidden, we are inviting Satan into our lives, giving him permission to harm us. Do not step back (give place) into that old life you have been saved from.

(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.” If stealing is something a believer was enslaved by, as one freed from that sin, they were now to do the opposite – work to give to others in need. Should that not be the result of each of our enslaving sins? Consider, if I was a lair, I now speak the truth in ALL things. If I was full of sexual lusts – I now seek to be the purest of brother or sister in Christ. If I was a gossip, I now am the most trustworthy of confidents. If I was lazy, I work the hardest.

(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.” There are certain persons one avoids, simply because you feel drained after a time with them. Others, you look forward to their company, for you know you are doing to be uplifted by the experience. If it doesn’t uplift the other person, we should not discuss it. We should not communicate it. In other words, many of those conversations we have with others could very well do them and others harm – not good. Be an up-lifter!

(Eph 4:30) “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” The Lord has so determined to do in reality that which is seen in the Old Testament. There when the tabernacle was finished and assembled, the Lord descended and abode on and in the tabernacle. He literally dwells “in” each Born Again Child of God! The Holy God of the universe lives inside the saved! He has determined to stay there as long as you live in this body. Is it no wonder that when this body dies and He leaves that He takes our soul and spirit with Him?

(Eph 4:30) “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” How is it we can grieve God the Spirit? The key is the word, “Holy”. When we think or do that which is contrary to holiness, we grieve the Person Who’s complete being and desire is holiness. God help us to desire to please our God in all things! May He remind us constantly of His very presence within us, for surely we need such reminding.

(Eph 4:31) “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” Here we have the actions which will either grieve the Holy Spirit Who lives within us or will bless His existence within us! God help us to love Him so much we would choose godliness over our flesh!

CHAPTER FIVE

(Eph 5:1) “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;” It is a fact that subconsciously ever child needs the praise of their parent. The father sets the standard before his son of what a man should be. When I was a child, I wanted to be manly like my dad. As God’s child, I want to be like my Father. I want His approval. I want to please Him! Just as our earthly fathers and mothers gave us examples to follow in their actions, we have both the actions and the written decrees in our Bibles to learn and follow. Are you a student of the Word, a follower of your Father?

(Eph 5:1) “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (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.” I wonder if we seek to walk in love all the time, or only when we meet up with a brother or sister from the church. Love is to be our way of life. We are to be loving towards even the lost out there, no matter if they are someone we have targeted for presenting the gospel or not. Love is not God’s love if it does not focus on all.

(Eph 5:1) “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; (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.” This says our act of loving others through the Spirit of God is a sweet-smelling savour to God. Our Lord’ love is not just on our behalf, bearing our individual sins, but also for that person you are directing His love towards. God help me to love in this way!

(Eph 5:3) “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;” It should grieve us when those who profess to love the Lord put themselves first in such manner as listed here! The Name of the Lord Jesus is blasphemed through us, as written: (Rom 2:23) “Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God? (24) For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” I wonder why it is that we are not as grieved over such things as we would be if the person’s reputation nearest us was so ruined?

(Eph 5:3) “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;” Yesterday I addressed the reputation of our Beloved Savior. Today I wish to address our own reputation. There is a union of believers in the local New Testament Church, so much as when one is not there it hurts us spiritually (1 Cor. 12). Here we are told to not let such vileness be once named among us. Why not? It also affects our reputation! The Church is not a “name” nor a building, but people saved and serving the Lord. Hurt its reputation and you hurt all the brothers and sisters there! ?

(Eph 5:4 )“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Here the focus seems to be on verbiage. We have so much to be thankful for! I wonder if we do not rob God by not sharing with others what the Lord has done for us. I’m not referring to bragging or boasting, but thankfulgiving of praise to the Lord! Do we have to wait for the preacher to ask, “Does anybody have something they would like to praise the Lord about?”

(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.” Remember the context, this is not how a Born Again Child of God is to think or act. Thus, it is speaking of the unsaved. You and I, when such thoughts or temptations come our way, are to ask forgiveness and help of the Holy Spirit to overcome the base desires of the Old Man, our old nature. God help us to seek to please and honor the Lord every moment of our life.

(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.” Vain words are simply those which stand against the revealed Word of God. This world’s religion says, “You can have your cake and eat it too, for the Lord loves you.” In other words, it says you can continue to live in your sin, for the Lord just wants you, He loves you so much. No! It is we who need Him, not the other way around. He loves us, yes; but our sin separates us from God. God literally hates that sin and says the wrath of God abides on the unrepentant. Our sins crucified His Son. No right thinking person could possibly believe the Father of Jesus would say, “Go ahead in your sin and I’ll accept you anyway.” Reject that which does not agree with God’s Holy Word.

(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.” The wrath of God upon the “children of disobedience”, those who have not repented of their sin and been born spiritually of God as His Child. Wrath – something not mentioned to the unsaved lest we offend. We think giving them the “sugar” of the gospel (the love of Christ) a greater draw to him than the “vinegar” (the wrath of God – an eternal punishment of hell fire). This is because we think more highly of the nature of man than God does. Man loves self. He needs to be fully aware of what awaits him as surely as the sun coming up this morning. Be honest with the message, allowing him a chance to react rightly and be saved!

(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. (7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” The life of the Saved is to be governed by the desires of God as revealed in His Word, the Bible. The world ultimately does not care what the Lord thinks – their desires come first. They will excuse themselves in their heart for their disobedience, even to the point of saying God understands. He does not. Disobedience is just that. Do not be partakers with them.

(Eph 5:7) “Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” It sickens my soul when those who profess to know my Savior still walk as if they are darkness. It may be because they are. But if they are not, it means their love is focused on the wrong thing: (James_4:4) “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” Where is your focus today?

(Eph 5:7) “Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8 ) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” Here are three things for you and I who are saved are to seek: goodness, righteousness, and truth. We should not only seek to do good, but also to be good at all times. Yes, this world will look at goodness as weakness. That’s ok, for when we are weak, we are strong in the Spirit. So, be like Jesus. He was good and went about doing good (Acts 10:38).

(Eph 5:7) “Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8 ) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” “Righteousness”: doing that which is right to do in the sight of God. This is a step above trying. It is doing righteously. In other words, it is truly allowing the Spirit of God to act through us. It is the putting aside our desires to do whatever, say whatever, even think whatever the Lord would have us. May this be the desire of our own hearts!

(Eph 5:7) “Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8 ) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (9) (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” God’s children deal in truth; that is, if the Holy Spirit is leading them. I qualified that statement, for there are those who refuse to let the Spirit lead them. It truly bothers me when a brother or sister doubts my word. Reason: not pride I hope, but because I do my best to speak the truth. Lies are from the devil and mark his influence upon mankind. Quit trying to excuse yourself for not speaking the truth to someone. In God there is no “shadow of turning” – even a hint of sin – lying.

(Eph 5:9) “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) (10) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.” How does this “prove” what is acceptable to the Lord. The Lord blesses the efforts of those who seek to do right to please and glorify Him! The Lord draws witness unto the lost so that He will receive the glory! Our life is to be for His glory. Is yours?

(Eph 5:11) “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” I have no doubt that most of God’s people are shunning the fellowship of ungodly actions. But I don’t see or hear much reproving taking place. Believers have been shamed into silence with words like, “You are being unloving. That is not like Jesus.” Friends, the Lord Jesus did a lot of reproving. We are to do so in love so I must assume that was how the Lord did it. Yet, reproving doesn’t seem loving to the object of it. All we can do is try the best we can to lovingly obey our Savior!

(Eph 5:12) “For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” We find on television we are daily exposed to these “things”. We also find the world no longer knows what is proper to speak of in a public setting. As Romans three speaks, “there is no fear of God in their eyes”. Shun such things God’s child, for everything you see and hear stay with you throughout this lifetime. They hinder your walk with your Holy Father.

(Eph 5:13) “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” This manifestation of light to darkness is accomplished two ways. First, by the very fact that we do not take part in the conversations of those things which shouldn’t be spoken out loud (v.12). Second, by the reproving of such thing (v..11). Are you walking as light?

(Eph 5:14) “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” Those not yet saved are dead spiritually. Spiritually death leads to an eternal place of suffering called “Hell” upon physical death. That place is as real as Heaven. The sufferings of Jesus paying for your sins should be enough to motivate us to ask forgiveness and eternal life from God. If not…..consider you are choosing Hell.

(Eph 5:14) “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” A sleeping person is ignorant of the dangers around them. The call here is to awake to the reality that our God in His mercy has sent His Son to die in your place. Get up, repent of your sin, and be saved! The blessing of salvation is “light”, the ability to know God!

(Eph 5:15) “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” I cannot help but wonder how much of our time is utterly wasted, as far a eternal good is considered. The children of God are either ignorant that eternity is near, or they don’t care. God help us to give more and more of our time to the Lord.

(Eph 5:15) “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, (16) Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The days are evil. It is evil when God’s name is used as a curse-word. It is evil when people profess to know Him but won’t enter faithfully the doors of the church and seek the souls of others. It is evil when we speak of loving Him and yet spend our lives on “me and mine”. He is God alone and should have all our of us – whatever He desires – sacrificial love.

(Eph 5:17) “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” What is God’s will? In context it is be careful that we live in a godly manner, keeping our priorities right, loving Him, and loving others. Stick to God’s plan, be sure you have been born into God’s family, faithfully attend a Bible believing, cover to cover believing, gospel preaching and teaching church.

(Eph 5:17) “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Alcohol lowers the inhibitions so that we would say or do things we would never do otherwise – to obey the flesh. . The Spirit of God is to guide us and empower us to overcome the flesh. This is to the goal of the Believer who is commanded to “walk in the spirit and ye will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”

(Eph 5:18) “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;” It always amazes me how many of those professing to be God’s people don’t love Him enough to turn away from alcohol. They say, “Nowhere in the Bible does it say, don’t.” Wrong. We have been made kings and priests unto our God. Proverbs forbids kings (ch 10), and Lev 10 the priests. When you love the Lord you would rather err in a way to please Him than to offend Him.

(Eph 5:19) “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” Many a book has been written on “How to Be Filled With the Holy Spirit”. Yet, it is here right before us in plain language of twenty words. Such songs as these focus the heart and mind upon Him (not ourselves) and move our thoughts to where our Lord is, and the need to please Him! One’s mind fulfills Php_4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

(Eph 5:19) “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;” Why music? Anyone who has studied music theory knows that music is a perfect numerical system. There’s something very special about music. When desiring guidance from the Lord, Elisha said, (2Ki_3:15) “But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the LORD came upon him.” It is of utmost importance we listen to the right kind of music. It has power.

(Eph 5:20) “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” One should not assume from the previous verse there is some “magic” in using the music. It is the heart condition signified by ‘giving thanks always” ALWAYS!

(Eph 5:20) “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Notice the prayer of thanks is in Jesus’ Name. It is through the Lord Jesus and because of the Lord Jesus we have access to the Throne of God in prayer! Our blessings received daily are because of Him! We owe our very lives to Him! So, this day, the Lord’s Day, thank our Great and Merciful God through the Name of His precious Son Jesus!

(Eph 5:21) “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Firstly, this submission must speak of the lambs submitting to the shepherds (Heb 13:17). Secondly, it speaks of the practice of “esteeming others better than yourself” (Phil 2:3). Humility is foreign to our fallen nature, yet is the foundation of Christianity. We need to lay this foundation for the glory of God!

(Eph 5:21) “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.” Notice the words, “in the fear of God”. How often in churches today do we hear the words, “fear God”, to the believer? How often do you and I think about fearing Him? Oh, we think of His love and His goodness, His blessings towards us, but not that we should fear Him! He is still God and He still hates sin, maybe even moreso that which is committed by those He freed from its clutches! Remember, He is your Father, born again child of God. It would not be a terrible thing to Him to take you home early!

(Eph 5:22) “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” This verse was included lest one get confused over the previous verse and then not submit to one’s husband. People wish to dismiss such verses regarding submission because it goes against what they think or based upon society. The Bible is God’s Word with God’s plan. It is not to be changed by us simply because it does not fit which what we wish to think or obey. Concerns regarding abuse of this mandate are dismissed as the husband obeys the verses that follow this one.

(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.” This world’s mindset sees authority as power. Within the body of Christ, authority is not power but responsibility – servitude. The greater the authority given, the more the individual is to serve. One in authority does not serve to get, but to give of self pleasing the Lord. He or she is not to look for reward. Each will find at the end of this life’s road oneself saying, “…..We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10).

(Eph 5:22) “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. (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. (24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” Notice the context of the statement, Christ “….is the Savior of the body”. The husband is to seek to protect his wife in every area: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It is his responsibility before God.

(Eph 5:24) Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.” As the church is subject to Christ. Today it seems many churches are subject to the desires and thoughts of the pastor and congregation rather than to Christ. We need to go back to the Word of God and see what the purpose of the church is, then go from there. Everything we do should be based upon: “train them to go and see people born again (saved); baptize them; teach them” (Matt 28:20). Instead, most of the emphasis seems to have turned into, “How can we entertain them and make them happy once they are here.”

(Eph 5:26) “That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,” The emphasis is the using of God’s Word to sanctify and cleanse the Believer, and context – the wife by the husband. The Church is to teach the Word of God in order for the listener to hear and heed, thus through his conscience and the leadership of the Holy Spirit, sanctify – separate him or her from the conduct, the thinking, of this old rebellious world.

(Eph 5:26) “That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word,” There was a requirement of washing before the priest could offer sacrifices to God. They had to do this each time they began to carry out their duties for the day. Each day we arise, the Word of God is there to wash us so that we can carry out our spiritual duties of the day.

(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.” The church is not the building, but people. When you enter the presence of the church, visually you will see spots, plenty of wrinkles, and that which does not appeal to the eye. Oh, but what does our God see? He sees the removal of sin through the blood of His Son, souls without spot of wrinkle. He sees sons and daughters who seek to keep such out of their lives by time spent at His feet in His Word.

(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.

Eph 5:28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.” We cannot expect godliness in our mate if there is not godliness in us. To love our wives as ourselves is to put them first in our lives rather than ourselves: to want what is best for them, spiritually as well as physically. Remember, because we are in this flesh, we mentally have life’s priorities backward. The flesh says the things of this earth first, which is reflected in how most professing believers live. Yet, God says, “The spirit first, seeking Him, looking for His return, thinking about heaven and the things of God first, then the world.”

(Eph 5:28) “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:” Imagine being able to truly love in such a degree that you can mentally and in practice truly put others first in every way! Jesus was a walking, talking, practicing example of this. I cannot help but to love Him for it! I pray He will help me to be such a man, and that you will want Him to make you such a person.

(Eph 5:28) “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. (29) For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:” I have had a person say to me, “I did this and she didn’t respond”, so he quit trying to practice the Scripture. Friend, we are not to do unto others with the mindset of getting something back. Jesus loved the world and was crucified for it. We are to love because it is right to do; it is what our God wants. So, husband, wife, unmarried, just love.

(Eph 5:30) “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” Believers seem quick to dismiss God’s plain declarations as symbolic. He tells us husbands and wives are made one flesh before Him (Gen 24; Matt 19:5). Truth. Reality. Remember that He is God. All things are possible for Him. He says husbands and wives are made one spirit (Mal 2:15). When one has the salvation experience (By the way, only seen in Scripture as taking place in adults. Interesting) we are literally made a part of His body, His flesh, His bones. Love wives and husbands as self; love our Savior as such!

(Eph 5:30) “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (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. (32) This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Mystery, but no less reality! Rejoice Christian, for we are one with our Lord. Rejoice, O Christian, for we have been made one with our mate! One man, one woman, for a lifetime is God’s plan. Enjoy it.

(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.” When a young Christian and newlywed, when angered with me, my wife would say, “The Bible doesn’t tell me to love you but to respect you.” She had me going for awhile until I ran across the Scripture where the older women are to teach the younger, (Tit_2:4) “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,” What a relief! Love is the command of God. It begins at home and then outward to all!

CHAPTER SIX

(Eph 6:1) “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Sadly, we live in a day when parents fail to train their children to obey. Discipline is a part of that training. If they are taught to obey parents, it is easier for them to obey God. But if the parents fail to discipline, or to do so consistently, or appease instead, or bribe into obedience, they will expect those things from God. Friend, the Lord will do none of those things with you or for you. Hebrews tells us He disciplines every child of His. If He does not do so with you, then you are not His! (Hebrews Chapter 12)

(Eph 6:1) “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)” Isn’t it interesting that the first commandment with a promise would be made to children? God always keeps His promises! Parents should seek to be careful about their promises. Don’t promise anything you do not intend to keep and always do what you say you will do. If not, apologize profusely and seek to make it up. Our children will have an easier time trusting God if they can trust us.

(Eph 6:1) “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (2) Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (3) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.” This promise is more than long life upon the earth. The promise begins with, “That it may be well with thee.” He who obeys God is blessed with a good life, a life worth living. Christ Jesus gives us a purpose of life. We are to seek His glorification. Moreover, we are to seek to keep as many from ending up in hell as possible. These are noble goals indeed.

(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;” Under such a tyrannical government as the Roman, why didn’t Almighty God call for revolt and civil action? ANSWER: Christ’s kingdom at this time is a spiritual kingdom which means it changes people and as a result governments from within, not without. I am afraid today’s world, from not searching the pages of God’s Bible do not know this.

(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;” I come back to yesterday’s question: “Under such a tyrannical government as the Roman, why didn’t Almighty God call for revolt and civil action.” This world is not my home nor my resting place. When I was born again, I was adopted into God’s family and separated as a person unto a Heavenly Citizenship. This world has been temporality given to Satan to rule. My job here is rob him of souls held in bondage. I am passing through this world and taking as many as I can with me to the next. That’s the goal. That’s the job. The rest the Lord Jesus will take care when He returns to this earth.

(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; (6) Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;” Believers should always seek to apply the teachings of the Bible to themselves. I have always applied these verses to the employer/employee relationship. There are many who busily work when the boss is around but goof off when he/she is not. Work as to the Lord Who is always watching. Please Him!

(Eph 6:7) “With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:” The context here is a servant working for a master, but as you can see, the Lord wants us to always at work as well as in all things, working, living, as unto Him. We need to seek to have a walking/talking relationship with our Lord. He is with the saved always, living inside their very bodies! Shouldn’t we be talking, praising, loving Him all through our day?

(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.” Ah, consider that in verse 1 we have a commandment with a promise. Here we do again! You see, a person cannot out-give God! He blesses when we do right. Many times we are tempted to not obey because we cannot see the profit and many times can see loss from obeying. Friend, faith says God cannot lie not fail. Trust. The blessings of obedience are beyond measure!

(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.” Praise Him! He tells us “no man seeketh after God” and then draws us (Jn 6:44). We have not power to save ourselves yet He saves us. We have not power to live for Him but He empowers us with the Holy Spirit inside us. He give us the desire and ability to serve Him, “It is God that worketh in you both to will (desire) and to do (accomplish that desire) His good pleasure.” And yet He turns around and blesses us with good, rewards us! Oh the goodness of God!

(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.” The Lord NEVER speaks of pride in a positive way. Pride is of the devil, and is part of the fallen nature. Pride thinks itself better than others, seen in the most minuscule of ways. For example, one will think to themselves that another has a terrible sense of style; or taste in cars, etc. That is pride. Here, one considers self more important, superior, than one’s servant. Not in the sight of God! The master in Christ’s kingdom serves the servant.

(Eph 6:10) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Where is self here? Lost in the person of Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Paul penned it, “I die daily”. To live as a Christian is to die to self and live unto God. Can it be accomplished in reality? That’s really not the right question. Should we keep on keeping on daily to seek it? That’s the question. And the answer is: “Yes!”

(Eph 6:10) “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.” Can anything or anyone stand against the Lord? I recently heard my pastor say, “God made everything so nothing and nobody is therefore stronger than Him.” No wonder the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me”! Stand on your own and you shall fall. Stand doing what is right in His sight, depending on Him to sustain you and you shall stand plus be victorious!

(Eph 6:11) “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” There are those who do not believe the Bible so say there is no “devil”. Jesus stood face to face against him, so I conclude he does exist. He cannot spiritually destroy the believer whose soul is secure in Christ, but he can sure tempt us into sin that would destroy us mentally, physically, or emotionally. So, listen to the Word of God and take the armor offered for your victory!

(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.” This is probably one of the hardest things to get our mind around. We see the physical and therefore see a person as our problem. Yet, it is spiritual forces at work that are the true enemies of the Believer. We desire to live for our God, yet these forces will do everything they can to hinder that, lest we effect the lost souls around us.

(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.” “Withstand – stand”, words that signify victory in the face of demonic attacks. When you and I stand by faith in our Lord Jesus, there is no possible room for failure. We just have to settle in our mind that God does not lie neither does He fail!

(Eph 6:14) “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,…” There is only one real truth – that is the Word of God, the Bible. So many today are seeking for and believing in other so-called prophets or “truths”. They are neither, for the Bible is the complete and only Word of God. There will never be anything added to it, nor should we ever seek to take away anything from it. It is “in” It and It alone to which we are to trust and upon which we can and will stand.

(Eph 6:14) “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;” The truth (God’s Word) teaches us that our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64: 6). This breastplate covering our hearts is the righteousness of Jesus Christ. In His righteousness, we are safe! Yes, we are to seek to be righteous in our daily lives, walking in obedience to the Word of God. But our protection is not self and therefore self’s actions. Rest……in Jesus Christ.

(Eph 6:15) “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” This “peace” is not, as many asset, peace with man as much as peace with God, the message of reconciliation (Col 1:20). The Bible does say to live at peace with man to the best of our ability (Rom 12:18). Sometime they do not allow this to take place, but it should not be us (unless we are standing in a right manner for teachings of the Word of God) that caused the problem.

(Eph 6:15) “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” I wonder how often we are prepared to “share” the Gospel of Peace. I referring to ready and able to give the gospel to those around us in the mall, on the job, standing in our yard, of sitting at our table. Our minds are normally everywhere else but there. God help us to be walking, talking voices of appeal to the lost around us.

(Eph 6:16) “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Why does it say, “above all”? Answer: faith is trusting the Lord. It “acts” based upon the belief that God says what He means, can do, and will do whatever He has said. Faith is not only belief, but it is acting upon that belief. One who says they believe but do not act do not truly possess faith – trust in God. To not trust in God is to call Him a liar, and therefore cannot please Him (Heb. 13). So, above all, take the shield of faith.

(Eph 6:16) “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Satan does attack the Children of God. His desire is to keep them from growing in Him. God’s children begin their walk still influenced strongly by their previous life lived only in the flesh. Now, they begin a walk in the spirit with the need to reprogram their thinking. While they remain babes they are subject to Satan’s attack, for they react as those still ruled by love for self – the flesh. Faith and only faith in God as revealed in His Word gives us victory over those attacks (1 Jn 5:4).

(Eph 6:17) “And take the helmet of salvation,….” One cannot overcome Satan if one is not saved. Notice, it is called, “salvation”. Salvation from the penalty of our sins – death and hell. There are those who would say, “You can lose your salvation”. You cannot say you lost salvation, for salvation that does not save from death and hell cannot be called in any sense salvation at all. Would not the Master of Words and Language, Almighty God, have used a more precise term. His term is precise, for the salvation of Christ saves eternally from death and hell from the moment it is received.

(Eph 6:17) “And take the helmet of salvation,….” Why does God tell us through the Holy Spirit this protection from the evil one is a helmet. It is because the soul is the real you, and we associate the soul with the mind. The real you, the soul, must be saved. Once again we see the preciseness of the Word of God, translated word for word in the King James Version, a method not used in any of the other translations in use today.

(Eph 6:17) “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” In order to be victorious, the Holy Spirit within the saved must be relied upon. His sword is the Words of Scripture, specifically, the Words of Scripture you recall for Him to use in your battle against the forces of darkness. Laziness towards the things of God are not blessed by Him, Child of God. Those Words must be put within you, as you seek His Face daily.

(Eph 6:17) “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” So often in conversation with others, we fall into the habit of saying, “I think”, or “I believe”, even when we are speaking the truth of Scripture. Why should those listening give credence to what we say; their opinion is as good as ours? We need to say, “God says”, or “the Bible teaches”. There is the authority and there is the victory over sin.

(Eph 6:17) “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” It has often been acknowledged that all the equipment for the spiritual battle we wage are those for defense until we come to the sword of the Spirit. The sword of the Spirit and prayer are for attack, offense. One is used by the Spirit of God and the other by us. Trust God, utter the Words of God as led by the Spirit of God, and pray, pray, pray.

(Eph 6:18) “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” This is a continuation of the armor of God provided for the victory of sin and Satan. If I had just printed out the first part of that verse, we would have thought, “praying for self’s victory”. But true Christianity is not self, but others. The victory comes as we seek the good of others.

(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,” The context here is still victory over Satan, having put on God’s armor. Paul is identifying himself as in the battle alongside the hearers, and therefore instructs how we can rightly pray for him. All of God’s people need this prayer: that the Lord help us put aside self, give us opportunities and the boldness to speak the gospel to the lost.

(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,” Is the gospel still a mystery? I say, “no”, for if you study it, it was a mystery before the death and resurrection of Christ, revealed at that time. We are sent out to reveal that mystery! The mystery was that God Himself would come to earth, live a sinless man, and then offer Himself as the second Adam, a representative of man. He would die in man’s place, paying for his sin. Christ would then come back to life to offer forgiveness through faith to those who believe and repent of that sin. He would then, at that point, bestow spiritual life upon each one. That’s the mystery revealed!

(Eph 6:20) “For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” An ambassador speaks for and at the direction of the country or person they represent. This is why they can speak without reservation – it is not their words, but those of another. They are not speaking what they think, concerned about whether it will offend or not. They speak what another has commissioned them to say and thus are not the ones saying it, but are the present voice of another. I am thankful to be an ambassador of Christ Jesus – of the Lord my God! I am honored to say what He would have me say, to share this mystery of godliness and salvation!

Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; (Ps63:1)

EPHESIANS

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