Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Until Tomorrow
I haven't had the opportunity to post on the end of chapter six, so I'll have to post mine tomorrow after I get home from school.
Battle!
Does not prayer and the Armor of God go together? When we are praying are we thinking and preparing ourselves for battle?
Shining Armor with Boggling Questions....
I do apologize for my lax in posting on this study..
What amazing timing with this passage. Two friday nights ago, at the Graham's house we spent some extensive time praying though each one of these verses, sometimes stopping after 2-3 words. How I realized that my spiritual muscles were not exercised, and were soon proved weak in perserverance in prayer! During our prayertime though the Lord brought to mind some verses that corresponded and opened my eyes to these passages, provoking questions for me to dive deeper into Scripture.
I will jump ahead a few verses-
Verse 15 says "and , as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts from the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation.." What are the flaming darts of the evil one? Does scripture specifically lay this out for us, or do they take discretion to see them?
Now Look at Isaiah 59:15-17 in amazement. Scripture says: " The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation on his head..." Ephesians talks about US having a breastplate of righteousness but Isaiah talks about the Lord having a breastplate of righteousness. His own arm brought him salvation? How can the Lord be saved? Or rather is it that the Lord brought about the Salvation he had planned?
The breastplate protects our heart..so then how does a breastplate of salvation in a sense protect our heart, our life?
In 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul describes believers as children of the light..he says in verse 8 after he has just warned Christians not to walk in darkness he says something very similar "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet of the hope of salvation." The hope of salvation? Now this is interesting...I thought I had salvation? Scripture cannot lie so then what does it mean to have the HOPE OF SALVATION? Does this sound like a future tense...or a hope is it a hope in something we already have?
Why shoes to represent peace?
What amazing timing with this passage. Two friday nights ago, at the Graham's house we spent some extensive time praying though each one of these verses, sometimes stopping after 2-3 words. How I realized that my spiritual muscles were not exercised, and were soon proved weak in perserverance in prayer! During our prayertime though the Lord brought to mind some verses that corresponded and opened my eyes to these passages, provoking questions for me to dive deeper into Scripture.
I will jump ahead a few verses-
Verse 15 says "and , as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts from the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation.." What are the flaming darts of the evil one? Does scripture specifically lay this out for us, or do they take discretion to see them?
Now Look at Isaiah 59:15-17 in amazement. Scripture says: " The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no one to intercede; then his own arm brought him salvation, and his righteousness upheld him. He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation on his head..." Ephesians talks about US having a breastplate of righteousness but Isaiah talks about the Lord having a breastplate of righteousness. His own arm brought him salvation? How can the Lord be saved? Or rather is it that the Lord brought about the Salvation he had planned?
The breastplate protects our heart..so then how does a breastplate of salvation in a sense protect our heart, our life?
In 1 Thessalonians 5 Paul describes believers as children of the light..he says in verse 8 after he has just warned Christians not to walk in darkness he says something very similar "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet of the hope of salvation." The hope of salvation? Now this is interesting...I thought I had salvation? Scripture cannot lie so then what does it mean to have the HOPE OF SALVATION? Does this sound like a future tense...or a hope is it a hope in something we already have?
Why shoes to represent peace?
The Whole Armor of God
Yessss! I have been waiting for this passage because it brought back all these memories from growing up. We used to have a board game to “put on the armor of God!” We played it ALL the time. And then of course the boys loved the “FOR REAL” armor that they got to wear and fight us in…but anyway, on to the post. :-D
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
Oh, if I could not be strong in the Lord, I could not be strong at all! I am so weak and foolish, very susceptible to the darts of the enemy. Just this afternoon I was reminded how, without my gaze on Him, my heart is so prone to wander! But IN HIM I can stand strong, firm and steadfast! In HIM I can wrestle against the forces of the evil one. Without Him, I am nothing. I am easily conquered, easily persuaded, easily won over. Praise GOD that He has provided me with a host of weapons with which to do battle!!
For example, when tested with the lies from the enemy, I need only pull out the sword of the Spirit – the word of God which also contains all Truth. And, as Jordan mentioned earlier, that shield is crucial in the midst of trials! It is used to deflect those darts of despair, hopelessness, fear, etc. Were it not for that shield, I would have been long gone!
When I read this passage or think of myself in the battle, I try to imagine how I look as I am fighting (besides pretty hilarious :-D). I think at times I must only be waving my sword around half-heartedly with the rest of my armor barely in place. At other times, I am waging WAR and HACKING Agag to pieces (I Samuel 15:33). If only I fought all battles with such intensity, determination, courage and ruthlessness! But when I am weak, the Holy Spirit is right there to help! I am never alone in the battle, never left without the needed weapons! Many times I choose to sit on the sidelines as Benny mentioned this week but I am never not fully equipped – that helmet of salvation does not come off!!
We are more than conquerors…now let’s fight!!!
Ready for Battle
10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." He is the ONLY one we can be strong in. Not in ourselves. When we are weak He is strong! In our weakness we can see His might demonstrated.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. We are told put on the armor God in full. When we do so we can stand against the devil! Paul goes on to explain this armor, but I know when I think of the armor of God, I think of something very powerful and great. Something that will stand up to whatever. Something that gives the one wearing it immense strength. Also, if we don't put it on fully, temptations and sins get by, just as if a knight, did not clothe himself in his full suit, arrows may hit him there or a sword will jab at that weak spot. In man-made armor there are still flaws, but in God's there is none and it is far stronger.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We couldn't face these on our own. But clothed in the Lord's armor we can be strong and resist and defeat these foes.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. There is hope for those that take up the armor of God. It is protection and gives strength to stand firm. Most people would be less likely to stand firm with no armor than those with.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. These verses are so encouraging to me. I unfortunately do not think about clothing myself with these things on a daily basis. God still protects me from more than I am aware, but I need to be active and have that readiness, that was freely given by Christ. When I read about the shield of faith, I think of this HUGE protection in front of me. And when the temptations come or the trials, they get deflected off, because my faith in Christ. I pray that I always have faith no matter the circumstance. I must be armed at all times in readiness, so that I don't become susceptible to the work of the devil.
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. We are to pray without ceasing. Being ever ready and not only praying for ourselves, but for others, so that we all may be strong! We must fight the battles in faith, God is strong, going before us and clothing us in strength. He is with us EVERYDAY. God is in control and will not allow us to be taken over by adversity. I know I am weak, but He is strong! I want to put on the whole armor of God to face the trials I am going through. He is always faithful!!!
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. We are told put on the armor God in full. When we do so we can stand against the devil! Paul goes on to explain this armor, but I know when I think of the armor of God, I think of something very powerful and great. Something that will stand up to whatever. Something that gives the one wearing it immense strength. Also, if we don't put it on fully, temptations and sins get by, just as if a knight, did not clothe himself in his full suit, arrows may hit him there or a sword will jab at that weak spot. In man-made armor there are still flaws, but in God's there is none and it is far stronger.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We couldn't face these on our own. But clothed in the Lord's armor we can be strong and resist and defeat these foes.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. There is hope for those that take up the armor of God. It is protection and gives strength to stand firm. Most people would be less likely to stand firm with no armor than those with.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. These verses are so encouraging to me. I unfortunately do not think about clothing myself with these things on a daily basis. God still protects me from more than I am aware, but I need to be active and have that readiness, that was freely given by Christ. When I read about the shield of faith, I think of this HUGE protection in front of me. And when the temptations come or the trials, they get deflected off, because my faith in Christ. I pray that I always have faith no matter the circumstance. I must be armed at all times in readiness, so that I don't become susceptible to the work of the devil.
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. We are to pray without ceasing. Being ever ready and not only praying for ourselves, but for others, so that we all may be strong! We must fight the battles in faith, God is strong, going before us and clothing us in strength. He is with us EVERYDAY. God is in control and will not allow us to be taken over by adversity. I know I am weak, but He is strong! I want to put on the whole armor of God to face the trials I am going through. He is always faithful!!!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Live Long and Prosper =)
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Well, I think Jordan and Scott have said it all and said it well. It is a command that leaves no room for discussion or excuses. Obey is defined in Webster’s: to comply with the commands…of a superior; to submit to the government of; to be ruled by; to submit to the direction. Yep, that’s pretty clear. Honor is defined as: to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions (had to look up “veneration” :) : it’s another word for respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe); to entertain the most exalted thoughts of; to worship. Well…ok, some of those definitions go a tad beyond what we’re called to (i.e. exalted thoughts, worship, etc :) but they definitely leave a mark in the sand that I have SO often fallen waaay far away.
Not having kiddos but still having the opportunity to watch various ones grow up and be a part of their lives, I can see how it can be easy to “provoke your children to anger.” How often I have experienced the temptation to esteem my preferences over their own and to selfishly get my agenda done over what may serve them better. This in turn can provoke kids to anger. …and this is just from my limited observations! I so respect parents. =D
And how grateful I am that God does NOT provoke me to anger!! Oh, how glorious that He does not! He doesn’t exalt His plans above me without giving thought to how it will affect me – He has intricately woven His plans to include becoming His BEST for me. I have only to look at Scripture to see how He leads, guides and cares for His children. And this in turn encourages me that no matter what I go through, it is not the result of His provoking me but part of His plan to more conform me into the image of His Son, discipline me and instruct me in His ways. What an incredible example parents have to follow!!!
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
Well…this is an interesting concept. Thinking about Paul’s writing this to the Ephesians and, seeing as there was most likely slaves in the church who would hear this letter, I wonder what their reaction was to this. As a slave, your only way to “better” your life was by almost groveling to your master – by doing as much as possible as well as possible so that you might be noticed and moved “up” in the realm of a slaves’ life. So to be told to obey their master (was he kind? Or cruel? Foolish or wise? It didn’t matter according to what Paul says) with a sincere heart and not to people-please must have caused some of them to sit back and think. What did that mean doing differently? Perhaps it was those tasks no one wanted to do – the ones the master never cared to know about and so were never considered worth doing by those who were eager to get out of their current position. Perhaps it was in beginning to actually love those whom they served rather than pretending to love them.
I cannot begin to imagine what this must have been like and how it would have rocked their world…. “Love Christ? Sure! He died for me!! Love my master? No way – he locks me up each night like an animal.” However, I do know what it is like to people-please. I do know what it is like to serve someone with the motive of how this best serves me or makes me look good. And I do know what it is like to show partiality to someone. Yet Christ has called me to live the opposite of what my sinful nature immediately drifts to and what, as Scott pointed out, is so popular in our culture right now.
Christ came into the world not to be served but to serve. (Matthew 20:28) He, as Master, showed no partiality – inviting even the littlest of children (Matthew 19:14) and loving the unlovely expecting nothing in return (John 4; Luke 19).
Well, I think Jordan and Scott have said it all and said it well. It is a command that leaves no room for discussion or excuses. Obey is defined in Webster’s: to comply with the commands…of a superior; to submit to the government of; to be ruled by; to submit to the direction. Yep, that’s pretty clear. Honor is defined as: to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission; to manifest the highest veneration for, in words and actions (had to look up “veneration” :) : it’s another word for respect and reverence; respect mingled with some degree of awe); to entertain the most exalted thoughts of; to worship. Well…ok, some of those definitions go a tad beyond what we’re called to (i.e. exalted thoughts, worship, etc :) but they definitely leave a mark in the sand that I have SO often fallen waaay far away.
Not having kiddos but still having the opportunity to watch various ones grow up and be a part of their lives, I can see how it can be easy to “provoke your children to anger.” How often I have experienced the temptation to esteem my preferences over their own and to selfishly get my agenda done over what may serve them better. This in turn can provoke kids to anger. …and this is just from my limited observations! I so respect parents. =D
And how grateful I am that God does NOT provoke me to anger!! Oh, how glorious that He does not! He doesn’t exalt His plans above me without giving thought to how it will affect me – He has intricately woven His plans to include becoming His BEST for me. I have only to look at Scripture to see how He leads, guides and cares for His children. And this in turn encourages me that no matter what I go through, it is not the result of His provoking me but part of His plan to more conform me into the image of His Son, discipline me and instruct me in His ways. What an incredible example parents have to follow!!!
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.
Well…this is an interesting concept. Thinking about Paul’s writing this to the Ephesians and, seeing as there was most likely slaves in the church who would hear this letter, I wonder what their reaction was to this. As a slave, your only way to “better” your life was by almost groveling to your master – by doing as much as possible as well as possible so that you might be noticed and moved “up” in the realm of a slaves’ life. So to be told to obey their master (was he kind? Or cruel? Foolish or wise? It didn’t matter according to what Paul says) with a sincere heart and not to people-please must have caused some of them to sit back and think. What did that mean doing differently? Perhaps it was those tasks no one wanted to do – the ones the master never cared to know about and so were never considered worth doing by those who were eager to get out of their current position. Perhaps it was in beginning to actually love those whom they served rather than pretending to love them.
I cannot begin to imagine what this must have been like and how it would have rocked their world…. “Love Christ? Sure! He died for me!! Love my master? No way – he locks me up each night like an animal.” However, I do know what it is like to people-please. I do know what it is like to serve someone with the motive of how this best serves me or makes me look good. And I do know what it is like to show partiality to someone. Yet Christ has called me to live the opposite of what my sinful nature immediately drifts to and what, as Scott pointed out, is so popular in our culture right now.
Christ came into the world not to be served but to serve. (Matthew 20:28) He, as Master, showed no partiality – inviting even the littlest of children (Matthew 19:14) and loving the unlovely expecting nothing in return (John 4; Luke 19).
Ephesians 6:1-9
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." There is no other reason needed. Obey your parents because it is right. In addition to obeying our parents, we are also to honor them. And we do this "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." That is quite a promise to hold onto when tempted to dishonor your parents. Paul then addresses fathers. "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Paul first addresses the child's disposition to the authority placed in their lives, then how those in authority must use that authority. They are not to provoke to anger, but rather are to shape their children into those who praise the name of the Lord. Discipline, or the shaping of the will through training is going to take time, and many times be quite unpleasant for the discipliner as well as the disciplinee. But we are not called to live easy lives after conversion. We have been saved to do extravagant things for Christ! Extravagant things take much toil. The great promise that must be grasped tightly is this: that you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength (Philippians 4:13).
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good he does, that he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free." This makes perfect sense, mainly because it goes against everything that today's culture is telling us. I've found that if we desire to see the way of the Lord, one can look at the world around him. If what you believe is the will of the Lord is the opposite of today's culture, then I'd be willing to bet that you're at the very least on the right track if you have not found it precisely. This command is so very counter-cultural. It goes against everything that the world tells you. Today's culture desires to answer to no one, not even themselves. They do this for this reason: if they have no one to answer to for their actions, then there are no consequences for those actions. So disobeying a master and doing whatever you will rather that carrying out the master's is completely acceptable in this day and age. This means that in obeying this command from Scripture, we will be mocked and reviled, for the world is being reminded of what they should be doing, and thus being convicted. If convicted, they will either ignore us or become angry with us (most times the latter).
"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good he does, that he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free." This makes perfect sense, mainly because it goes against everything that today's culture is telling us. I've found that if we desire to see the way of the Lord, one can look at the world around him. If what you believe is the will of the Lord is the opposite of today's culture, then I'd be willing to bet that you're at the very least on the right track if you have not found it precisely. This command is so very counter-cultural. It goes against everything that the world tells you. Today's culture desires to answer to no one, not even themselves. They do this for this reason: if they have no one to answer to for their actions, then there are no consequences for those actions. So disobeying a master and doing whatever you will rather that carrying out the master's is completely acceptable in this day and age. This means that in obeying this command from Scripture, we will be mocked and reviled, for the world is being reminded of what they should be doing, and thus being convicted. If convicted, they will either ignore us or become angry with us (most times the latter).
Ephesians 6:1-9
Obey your parents. It is a command, not a suggestion. We are to do this in the Lord. He gives us the strength and ability to obey and want to obey. Left to ourselves we would want to do everything according to us. In Leviticus and the early part of the OT, unruly, disrespectful, and selfish children were stoned. How thankful I am of the gospel which has informed my parents parenting. I have sinned numerous times against them, yet because Christ first loved they also love and forgive my sins. I deserve death, yet God in His mercy place Christ there in my place and defeated it. My desire is to honor my parents. I am so blessed to have the mom and dad I do!!! I thank God for them continually! What a blessing it is to have parents who continually challenge me in my walk with Christ, are always there when I need them, love me no matter how I sin against them, and if I went on, you would be reading this post for a really long time! Both of their godly examples I greatly admire and benefit from. I have and will continue to learn much from them. I am thankful God has shown me the importance of their input in my life and that I don't think they are against me. My parents I know are for me, because God is for us! It also being the first commandment with a promise. That promise is "that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." I want to glorify God with my response towards my parents. I honor God in how I honor my parents. The next line:"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." I am thankful that my dad doesn't provoke me to anger... when I get angry with him, it is my own sinfulness. He has and is continuing to do a wonderful job instructing me in the way of the Lord. I pray if the Lord blesses me with children that I will do as this passage says, just as my dad does!
This is how we should obey Christ. He is our master! But we are also called to obey those over us. We are not to serve out of a desire to be a people-pleaser or to gain glory for ourselves. Rather we are to be sincere in heart. Doing God's will to glorify Him and not bring any attention to ourselves. We serve others, because we are serving God. We lay down our lives for others, because Christ laid down His life for us. Any good that we do or desire to do, is placed there by God. Christ perfects it, our works and good deeds are meaningless without His precious blood. We are also not to "lord" over those whom God entrusts to us. As a "master" we still serve, because we belong to Christ. Again this passage is so full of truth that needs to be reviewed time after time, I look forward to seeing your posts!
This is how we should obey Christ. He is our master! But we are also called to obey those over us. We are not to serve out of a desire to be a people-pleaser or to gain glory for ourselves. Rather we are to be sincere in heart. Doing God's will to glorify Him and not bring any attention to ourselves. We serve others, because we are serving God. We lay down our lives for others, because Christ laid down His life for us. Any good that we do or desire to do, is placed there by God. Christ perfects it, our works and good deeds are meaningless without His precious blood. We are also not to "lord" over those whom God entrusts to us. As a "master" we still serve, because we belong to Christ. Again this passage is so full of truth that needs to be reviewed time after time, I look forward to seeing your posts!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Study to Resume on Monday, September 29
Hello all. Let's take another break over the weekend since it's destined to be a busy one. We'll start into chapter six on Monday.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Ephesians 5:22-33
I am not in this season of life at this point. But should the Lord bless me with a wife, I want to love my wife as it states in the passage. Christ gave Himself up for us the Church, laid down His life selflessly. As a husband I will be called to do the same. It will not longer be about just me, there will be someone else to lead and love. Christ is the ultimate example of this. As the body Christ we also serve one another in love, to build one another up.
It is interesting how God uses marriage a reference to Christ and the church. Christ loved us and we are the His bride, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that we the church might be holy and without blemish, because of His work. And we anxiously and excitedly await His glorious return!
It is interesting how God uses marriage a reference to Christ and the church. Christ loved us and we are the His bride, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that we the church might be holy and without blemish, because of His work. And we anxiously and excitedly await His glorious return!
Ephesians 5
First off, I must apologize for my absence from the blog yesterday. In light of that, I'm going to attempt to hit the highlights of all of chapter five. Jordan, did an excellent job highlighting what it is to be an imitator, so I'll refer you to his post first and foremost.
It is helpful that Paul outlines for us what is to be developed and what is to be destroyed in our lives. We are told to do the following:
1. Walk in love
2. Be in a state of thanksgiving
3. Walk as children of light (Again, I refer you to the message by Al Pino )
4. Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord
5. Expose works of darkness
6. Look carefully at how you walk
7. Be filled with the Spirit (the next few in verse 19 are the culmination of this)
We are also told to dispose of these from our lives:
1. Sexual immorality
2. All impurity
3. Covetousness
4. Filthiness
5. Foolish talk
6. Crude joking (in the category of foolish talk and filthiness)
7. Association with the sons of disobedience
8. Unfruitful works of darkness
9. Foolishness (according to the passage, this is the opposite of understanding the will of the Lord)
10. Drunkenness
What one point from each list challenges you?
Myself, I am challenged to be in a state of thanksgiving. It is so very easy to slip into ungratefulness, which is spawned by a lack of reminding oneself of what one has been given. Also, foolish talk is something that I am seeking to destroy. And foolish talk gives birth to crude joking. Feel free to share what you are seeking to cultivate and what you are seeking to destroy. We should pray for one another and keep one another accountable for these areas.
Now onto today's section.
Initially, I get kind of upset when I'm compared to a wife. It seems an odd thing to compare a young man to a wife. But the wife with her submission is simply a demonstration of the way I must submit in all things to Christ. I hope one day to be blessed with a wife. And I desire to be prepared for a wife is God gives me the gift of a good woman. But what can I be doing now to better prepare myself? "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." How can I give my life away for others more effectively? This is something that I am examining myself, but would love your input as well. In what areas do you see me holding back from giving my life away? Do you see a clear-cut reason for me doing so? Please, don't hold back in your thoughts. It takes quite a bit to offend me.
It is helpful that Paul outlines for us what is to be developed and what is to be destroyed in our lives. We are told to do the following:
1. Walk in love
2. Be in a state of thanksgiving
3. Walk as children of light (Again, I refer you to the message by Al Pino )
4. Try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord
5. Expose works of darkness
6. Look carefully at how you walk
7. Be filled with the Spirit (the next few in verse 19 are the culmination of this)
We are also told to dispose of these from our lives:
1. Sexual immorality
2. All impurity
3. Covetousness
4. Filthiness
5. Foolish talk
6. Crude joking (in the category of foolish talk and filthiness)
7. Association with the sons of disobedience
8. Unfruitful works of darkness
9. Foolishness (according to the passage, this is the opposite of understanding the will of the Lord)
10. Drunkenness
What one point from each list challenges you?
Myself, I am challenged to be in a state of thanksgiving. It is so very easy to slip into ungratefulness, which is spawned by a lack of reminding oneself of what one has been given. Also, foolish talk is something that I am seeking to destroy. And foolish talk gives birth to crude joking. Feel free to share what you are seeking to cultivate and what you are seeking to destroy. We should pray for one another and keep one another accountable for these areas.
Now onto today's section.
Initially, I get kind of upset when I'm compared to a wife. It seems an odd thing to compare a young man to a wife. But the wife with her submission is simply a demonstration of the way I must submit in all things to Christ. I hope one day to be blessed with a wife. And I desire to be prepared for a wife is God gives me the gift of a good woman. But what can I be doing now to better prepare myself? "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." How can I give my life away for others more effectively? This is something that I am examining myself, but would love your input as well. In what areas do you see me holding back from giving my life away? Do you see a clear-cut reason for me doing so? Please, don't hold back in your thoughts. It takes quite a bit to offend me.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Ephesians 5:1-21
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God..."
The definition of imitator is:
1.
to follow or endeavor to follow as a model or example: to imitate an author's style; to imitate an older brother.
2.
to mimic; impersonate: The students imitated the teacher behind her back.
3.
to make a copy of; reproduce closely.
4.
to have or assume the appearance of; simulate; resemble.
It is a verb, which means action is has to take place. We must me doers. And if we are truly imitating Him, we must be active, for He is active. We are to walk in love and a little further on "walk as children of light." What do you find yourself imitating? Is it God? If not, why, what is holding you back? Christ did not participate in the sins this passage talks about NEITHER should we. We are to actively be "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Trials can make this last line difficult, but even in our trials we aren't getting what we truly deserve! Christ didn't sin, for He perfectly imitated the Father, even when tempted. I pray that I give thanks in all. Even with this car situation, there is SO much to be thankful for. Why do we complain when we have it so good? I want to shine with the light of Christ and show and demonstrate His love as I imitate Him!
The definition of imitator is:
1.
to follow or endeavor to follow as a model or example: to imitate an author's style; to imitate an older brother.
2.
to mimic; impersonate: The students imitated the teacher behind her back.
3.
to make a copy of; reproduce closely.
4.
to have or assume the appearance of; simulate; resemble.
It is a verb, which means action is has to take place. We must me doers. And if we are truly imitating Him, we must be active, for He is active. We are to walk in love and a little further on "walk as children of light." What do you find yourself imitating? Is it God? If not, why, what is holding you back? Christ did not participate in the sins this passage talks about NEITHER should we. We are to actively be "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Trials can make this last line difficult, but even in our trials we aren't getting what we truly deserve! Christ didn't sin, for He perfectly imitated the Father, even when tempted. I pray that I give thanks in all. Even with this car situation, there is SO much to be thankful for. Why do we complain when we have it so good? I want to shine with the light of Christ and show and demonstrate His love as I imitate Him!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Gentiles no longer...
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Personally, these verses hit close to home. My brother recently gave his life to Christ. I saw first-hand the effects of a life, mind and heart alienated from God. I saw the anguish, confusion and torment that came about from having no hope – from not being able to walk in the light. The transformation of God’s saving grace in his life has been powerful to watch unfold! Having been drawn to Christ when I was four, my brother’s path has made me so aware of what I, apart from the grace of God, would have been doing. I would never have chosen Christ but would have chosen to only gratify the desires of the flesh – living a selfish, self-focused life.
But the fact that Paul tells us to no longer walk like the Gentiles leads to the conclusion that we can be imitators of the Gentiles rather than imitators of Christ. This leads me to wonder where in my life I look like a Gentile to others. If the person in the car next to me, behind me in the check-out line, on the other end of the phone, etc. were asked whether or not I was a believer….what would they say??? How many times do I miss an opportunity to share with the Joshuas (my brother :) around me because of my self-absorption? How many individuals walk around alienated from the One True God because of my carelessness? Oh, may I walk like a child of God – in tune with the Holy Spirit, looking for opportunities to not only live my life as who I am but to also share with the lost and dying.
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Do not let the sun go down on anger….the antidote to bitterness. Speak purely. Put away bitterness. And wrath. Put away slander. Be kind. Forgive one another….and why? Because God forgave ME! Further, the only words that should ever come out of my mouth are ones that are going to build up others and give grace to them. Wow. How many thousands of words per day do I speak? (and how many thousands more do I write in emails, texts and online???? Wow! :) According to various studies, women speak (on average) 50,000 words per day and men speak 25,000 – though the numbers drop as low as 5,000 and 2,500. (no comments from the boys on this! :) Regardless…that is a loooot of words in one day. If 1% of my words are not edifying – and I speak 50,000 words – that is 500 unedifying, tearing-down words I speak PER DAY. That’s a lot of words.
I love this quote from Paul David Tripp’s book War of Words, “Words belong to God, but he has lent them to us so that we might know him and be used by him. This means that words do not belong to us. Every word we speak must be up to God’s standard and according to his design. They should echo the Great Speaker and reflect his glory. When we lose sight of this, our words lose their only shelter from difficulty. Talk was created by God for his purpose. Our words belong to him.”
May every word I speak tomorrow be representative of His grace and work in my life.
Personally, these verses hit close to home. My brother recently gave his life to Christ. I saw first-hand the effects of a life, mind and heart alienated from God. I saw the anguish, confusion and torment that came about from having no hope – from not being able to walk in the light. The transformation of God’s saving grace in his life has been powerful to watch unfold! Having been drawn to Christ when I was four, my brother’s path has made me so aware of what I, apart from the grace of God, would have been doing. I would never have chosen Christ but would have chosen to only gratify the desires of the flesh – living a selfish, self-focused life.
But the fact that Paul tells us to no longer walk like the Gentiles leads to the conclusion that we can be imitators of the Gentiles rather than imitators of Christ. This leads me to wonder where in my life I look like a Gentile to others. If the person in the car next to me, behind me in the check-out line, on the other end of the phone, etc. were asked whether or not I was a believer….what would they say??? How many times do I miss an opportunity to share with the Joshuas (my brother :) around me because of my self-absorption? How many individuals walk around alienated from the One True God because of my carelessness? Oh, may I walk like a child of God – in tune with the Holy Spirit, looking for opportunities to not only live my life as who I am but to also share with the lost and dying.
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Do not let the sun go down on anger….the antidote to bitterness. Speak purely. Put away bitterness. And wrath. Put away slander. Be kind. Forgive one another….and why? Because God forgave ME! Further, the only words that should ever come out of my mouth are ones that are going to build up others and give grace to them. Wow. How many thousands of words per day do I speak? (and how many thousands more do I write in emails, texts and online???? Wow! :) According to various studies, women speak (on average) 50,000 words per day and men speak 25,000 – though the numbers drop as low as 5,000 and 2,500. (no comments from the boys on this! :) Regardless…that is a loooot of words in one day. If 1% of my words are not edifying – and I speak 50,000 words – that is 500 unedifying, tearing-down words I speak PER DAY. That’s a lot of words.
I love this quote from Paul David Tripp’s book War of Words, “Words belong to God, but he has lent them to us so that we might know him and be used by him. This means that words do not belong to us. Every word we speak must be up to God’s standard and according to his design. They should echo the Great Speaker and reflect his glory. When we lose sight of this, our words lose their only shelter from difficulty. Talk was created by God for his purpose. Our words belong to him.”
May every word I speak tomorrow be representative of His grace and work in my life.
Ephesians 4:17-32
"17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Yet another wonderful reminder of who we called to be in Christ! We are told to put off our old self. Why? Because it is DEAD! We used to live in bondage to sin. Praise be to God that He renewed our minds and allowed us to hear and believe the glorious gospel. "But now" (Chapter 2) we can enjoy the righteousness of Christ and pursue holiness as a result of Him defeating sin. We can no longer serve our old master, he is dead. I now have new life in Christ! What does this new life look like? The next part helps to answer this. As well as tie in chapter 1 as Scott pointed out and also a continuation of the first part of this chapter, concerning unity in Christ
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
We are to give no opportunity to the devil, if we do then it brings division. We are to encourage and speak highly of one another and not slander. Also, if we are wronged against, forgive, just as Christ has forgiven us. We are to flee from these things and have the strength to in Christ. What do you think Paul means by "Be angry and do not sin...?" Look also at Ps. 4:4. Because anger is a sin, we are supposed to be slow to anger. But I think here it has to do with a righteous anger towards things, such as sin, that are not holy. We should be angry at sin, so that we can turn away and not sin again. It is an anger that helps us fight, not blame God or because we weren't getting our way. I would hope that my sin would anger me because I know that it doesn't please the Lord.
Yet another wonderful reminder of who we called to be in Christ! We are told to put off our old self. Why? Because it is DEAD! We used to live in bondage to sin. Praise be to God that He renewed our minds and allowed us to hear and believe the glorious gospel. "But now" (Chapter 2) we can enjoy the righteousness of Christ and pursue holiness as a result of Him defeating sin. We can no longer serve our old master, he is dead. I now have new life in Christ! What does this new life look like? The next part helps to answer this. As well as tie in chapter 1 as Scott pointed out and also a continuation of the first part of this chapter, concerning unity in Christ
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
We are to give no opportunity to the devil, if we do then it brings division. We are to encourage and speak highly of one another and not slander. Also, if we are wronged against, forgive, just as Christ has forgiven us. We are to flee from these things and have the strength to in Christ. What do you think Paul means by "Be angry and do not sin...?" Look also at Ps. 4:4. Because anger is a sin, we are supposed to be slow to anger. But I think here it has to do with a righteous anger towards things, such as sin, that are not holy. We should be angry at sin, so that we can turn away and not sin again. It is an anger that helps us fight, not blame God or because we weren't getting our way. I would hope that my sin would anger me because I know that it doesn't please the Lord.
Battling Anxiety and Ephesians 4:17-32
Well, before I begin discussing today's passage, I must let enlist your prayers. After orientation for school today, I met with the woman who handles financial aid for Southern Tech. And we discovered that I'll need to come up with (at least) an extra $2500 a quarter to pay for school. My bright futures apparently only covers a fixed amount (which is quite small) for private colleges. In battling anxiety and discouragement right now, I desperately need your prayers. I am stepping out in faith and still starting the program on Monday, but honestly, I don't know how long I'll be able to afford it. This is a difficult time for me, and your prayers would be greatly appreciated. Pray that my focus would be on Christ, for He is truly all that matters, and this situation has been ordained by God for His glory and my good. I need to keep that in the forefront of my mind.
Anyway, onto today's passage.
"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity." What a picture of our hopelessness before conversion! We are shown what the futility of mind looks like here. The next little bit shows the contrasting life. "But that is not the way you have learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
"Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him." This is a scary thought. For those who have not heard about him and are not taught in him, there is still the state of the futility of the mind. But our futile minds have been renewed in the spirit. What a gift this is!
Jumping up to verse 30, I'm reminded of the first day of our study. "In him also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we aquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory"(Ephesians1:13-14). Verse 30 says the following: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." I thought it was a pretty cool connection to chapter one.
Anyway, onto today's passage.
"Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to the hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity." What a picture of our hopelessness before conversion! We are shown what the futility of mind looks like here. The next little bit shows the contrasting life. "But that is not the way you have learned Christ!—assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
"Assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him." This is a scary thought. For those who have not heard about him and are not taught in him, there is still the state of the futility of the mind. But our futile minds have been renewed in the spirit. What a gift this is!
Jumping up to verse 30, I'm reminded of the first day of our study. "In him also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we aquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory"(Ephesians1:13-14). Verse 30 says the following: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." I thought it was a pretty cool connection to chapter one.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Keep it!!
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
“I…urge you to walk in a manner worthy…”
Urge = To press; to push; to drive; to impel; to force onward; and (I add my own :) strongly encourage or challenge
This means we CAN walk in what Paul is encouraging us to walk in (…humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…)! How often do we make excuses for not living like this? How often do we (do I!) blame others or simply contend with the Body? Where, then, is the unity of the Spirit? Where is the bond of peace? When I respond impatiently rather than with patience…where is the appropriation of the strengthening power of the Spirit within me that Chapter 3 just informed me of? Rather, it IS possible, as Paul urges, to live and walk in these (and others, as this list is not exhaustive) characteristics. But it is ONLY possible because of the grace of God (Titus 2:11), the fact that sin no longer has dominion over me (Romans 6:14) and that I ACT in obedience (Romans 6:16). What a powerful combination these make! Sin stands no chance against the power of the blood of Christ! So then, my sinful arrogance, harshness, impatience, anger, discord, etc, etc is no match for Christ – it is already defeated! Why do I continue in it? (Romans 7)
Oh Lord, may I grow in my ability to walk in a manner worthy of this calling that I have received from You. May I continue to put to death what is sin and put on what is of You. May I strive always to keep the unity with others and not give in to things that have no dominion over me. Thank You for Your amazing grace that enables me to live like this – that You have not called me to something that is impossible for me!
Whoops. I only made it to verse 3 tonight!! :o/
Grow Up
A few things before I look at this passage. First, thank you all so much for taking this seriously and participating. I am loving it and I am so thankful that the Lord gave us Ephesians. Secondly, I wanted to share a what happened to me today to boast in how amazing God is and the kindness He showed me.
I was driving today on 417 running an errand on my lunch break and I started hearing a clicking noise from my car. And then it began to slow down. I figured something was wrong (by God's grace I thought "I should pull-off" - First blessing) and I pulled off at non-busy exit (it was right were my car started to slow down - second blessing). At the bottom of the ramp, car dies (before pulling out into traffic -third blessing). I turn on the hazards and jump out to push it out of the way and into a little driveway thing, which was perfectly out of the way and down hill! (couple more blessings right there. Well a fire inspector came up behind me on the ramp and offered to help me get down and off the road, another blessing. Oh, and no one else came down the ramp while we were moving it. As I sat there I couldn't help, but rejoice because I had been meditating on Ps. 34 this morning and also finishing Job. "I will bless the Lord at all times..." kept ringing in my ears! I know this was by His grace! I had called dad and AAA were on there way. Thankfully there was nice cool breeze and I had my Bible in the car! So, I just kept reading Ps. 34 over and over and kept rejoicing! What a gift scripture is! It started to rain, but by the time the tow truck got there, it stopped. Basically my car was taken into the shop and deemed too expensive to fix or not worth it. God really blessed me with this car. I never had any real issues. So, I am praying that I will find a new one quickly and I would appreciate your prayers. God is sovereign, He gives and takes away! He always provides and already has my next car planned. Whatever He blesses me with I will be thankful! I will bless the Lord at ALL times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth...Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! I say all this not to bring attention to me or for you to feel sorry for me, but rather to be amazed and rejoice in the Lord's provision and love. I didn't deserve any of the blessing above, just like I didn't deserve to be redeemed by Christ! I have Christ, what else do I need?!! I can't help but rejoice!!!
Back to the passage and sorry for being long sharing that on here. Eph. 4:1-16, is filled with many wonderful truths. Scott did a great job exhorting us along with Paul to "be who we are called to be." Excellent encouragement, something we need to be reminded of everyday. I wanted to focus my attention on verse 11-16:
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
I am extremely grateful for those in the faith that have gone before us and show that we might be built up in Christ. But I am also grateful for those that lead us now. We are so blessed to have the pastors and leaders we do! They constantly spur us on to grow and mature. Also, our Church is filled loving believers who care and build one another up.
Verse 14 begins to talk about what it looks like to mature and what the opposite of that is. How do we not fall into what verse 14 talks about? By studying God's Word and doctrine. I am convicted that really need to study hard and KNOW what I believe. I don't want to be naive like a child in these areas. I need to arm myself and be who I am called to be! I need to continue to grow up, so that I can speak the truth in love and also be one who builds up the body of Christ. I know that I need to encourage more, especially biblical encouragement, so that it will make others in the Church stronger. Let us be a mature people who constantly seek His absolute truths and be able to shift through the trash that is thrown at us each day. May His Word inform everything we do! And there is so much more to be said...!
I was driving today on 417 running an errand on my lunch break and I started hearing a clicking noise from my car. And then it began to slow down. I figured something was wrong (by God's grace I thought "I should pull-off" - First blessing) and I pulled off at non-busy exit (it was right were my car started to slow down - second blessing). At the bottom of the ramp, car dies (before pulling out into traffic -third blessing). I turn on the hazards and jump out to push it out of the way and into a little driveway thing, which was perfectly out of the way and down hill! (couple more blessings right there. Well a fire inspector came up behind me on the ramp and offered to help me get down and off the road, another blessing. Oh, and no one else came down the ramp while we were moving it. As I sat there I couldn't help, but rejoice because I had been meditating on Ps. 34 this morning and also finishing Job. "I will bless the Lord at all times..." kept ringing in my ears! I know this was by His grace! I had called dad and AAA were on there way. Thankfully there was nice cool breeze and I had my Bible in the car! So, I just kept reading Ps. 34 over and over and kept rejoicing! What a gift scripture is! It started to rain, but by the time the tow truck got there, it stopped. Basically my car was taken into the shop and deemed too expensive to fix or not worth it. God really blessed me with this car. I never had any real issues. So, I am praying that I will find a new one quickly and I would appreciate your prayers. God is sovereign, He gives and takes away! He always provides and already has my next car planned. Whatever He blesses me with I will be thankful! I will bless the Lord at ALL times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth...Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! I say all this not to bring attention to me or for you to feel sorry for me, but rather to be amazed and rejoice in the Lord's provision and love. I didn't deserve any of the blessing above, just like I didn't deserve to be redeemed by Christ! I have Christ, what else do I need?!! I can't help but rejoice!!!
Back to the passage and sorry for being long sharing that on here. Eph. 4:1-16, is filled with many wonderful truths. Scott did a great job exhorting us along with Paul to "be who we are called to be." Excellent encouragement, something we need to be reminded of everyday. I wanted to focus my attention on verse 11-16:
11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
I am extremely grateful for those in the faith that have gone before us and show that we might be built up in Christ. But I am also grateful for those that lead us now. We are so blessed to have the pastors and leaders we do! They constantly spur us on to grow and mature. Also, our Church is filled loving believers who care and build one another up.
Verse 14 begins to talk about what it looks like to mature and what the opposite of that is. How do we not fall into what verse 14 talks about? By studying God's Word and doctrine. I am convicted that really need to study hard and KNOW what I believe. I don't want to be naive like a child in these areas. I need to arm myself and be who I am called to be! I need to continue to grow up, so that I can speak the truth in love and also be one who builds up the body of Christ. I know that I need to encourage more, especially biblical encouragement, so that it will make others in the Church stronger. Let us be a mature people who constantly seek His absolute truths and be able to shift through the trash that is thrown at us each day. May His Word inform everything we do! And there is so much more to be said...!
Ephesians 4:1-16
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." It's pretty straightforward: do what you've been called to do. This reminds me of Al Pino's message from Celebration South Florida, "Be Who You Are" (I highly recommend this sermon. It can be found here: http://www.gccc.net/celebration2008/sermons.html). Only after recognizing who we are in Christ can we do excellent things for Christ. There is one Spirit, who resides in each one who believes. Therefore, we are all connected by that same Spirit. We must live in the unity of the Spirit. It is simply by recognizing the truth of the gospel that we can walk in such a way. We are called to see the wisdom of God in giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Our attention is drawn to them so that we might thank God for them, for they are quite beneficial. God uses them to "equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." What kindness is shown to us through the gift of these people.
I am unable to continue writing at this time, but will make an effort to continue later in the day.
I am unable to continue writing at this time, but will make an effort to continue later in the day.
Monday, September 22, 2008
How high and how wide...
Wow. This passage is just amazing. The promises are unending! Really – they stretch on for an eternity!
The first thing that struck me in this passage was in verse 16 Paul describes our being strengthened with power through His Spirit…and it just astounds me all over that I have THIS Spirit – the Spirit of the Living God strengthening me! Whom, then shall I fear? What sin can I not overcome? What trial can I not walk through with faithfulness, steadfastness and trusting in Him?
The second thing that stuck out to me was in verse 17 – that we are, “rooted and grounded in love.” Am I? Or a better question would be – do I live as if I am? How many times a day do my words, actions and thoughts declare that I am rebelling against the Love I have been rooted and grounded in? Where do my words, actions and thoughts become evidence of being rooted and grounded in Him? Am I aware of where this disconnect takes place? Oh Lord, open my eyes to see where what I am living does not line up to what You say I am!!! May I live a life worthy of Your calling!
Finally, I was stumped in verse 18 with the phrase “to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth.” Um…I can barely think on it let alone COMPREHEND it!!! This will be what we do for all eternity!! Can you see us then? Sitting around and interrupting each other to share more on the lengths of His love we have experienced?? Oh, happy day! Why do I not long for it even more? So while here on earth, it is a privilege to be able to scratch the surface – like in this study on Ephesians! What will the Spirit uncover tomorrow? How will He open our eyes to see more of His unfathomable love?
Oh, I found out that Covenant Life is doing a series on Ephesians! They’re in chapter one, but I can’t wait to listen to them! Click here.
The first thing that struck me in this passage was in verse 16 Paul describes our being strengthened with power through His Spirit…and it just astounds me all over that I have THIS Spirit – the Spirit of the Living God strengthening me! Whom, then shall I fear? What sin can I not overcome? What trial can I not walk through with faithfulness, steadfastness and trusting in Him?
The second thing that stuck out to me was in verse 17 – that we are, “rooted and grounded in love.” Am I? Or a better question would be – do I live as if I am? How many times a day do my words, actions and thoughts declare that I am rebelling against the Love I have been rooted and grounded in? Where do my words, actions and thoughts become evidence of being rooted and grounded in Him? Am I aware of where this disconnect takes place? Oh Lord, open my eyes to see where what I am living does not line up to what You say I am!!! May I live a life worthy of Your calling!
Finally, I was stumped in verse 18 with the phrase “to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth.” Um…I can barely think on it let alone COMPREHEND it!!! This will be what we do for all eternity!! Can you see us then? Sitting around and interrupting each other to share more on the lengths of His love we have experienced?? Oh, happy day! Why do I not long for it even more? So while here on earth, it is a privilege to be able to scratch the surface – like in this study on Ephesians! What will the Spirit uncover tomorrow? How will He open our eyes to see more of His unfathomable love?
Oh, I found out that Covenant Life is doing a series on Ephesians! They’re in chapter one, but I can’t wait to listen to them! Click here.
Back in Business! Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul's love for others provokes me. This passage is entirely about him sharing his heart for the church in Ephesus. He cared so much that he bowed his knees (vs 14), when Jews typically prayed whilst standing. Let us evaluate each request that Paul has. Notice how each request builds on the next. He asks that 1. He may grant you to be strengthened, so that 2. Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that 3. You may be rooted and grounded in love, so that you may 4. Have strength to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth, and Know the love of Christ, so that 5. You may be filled with all the fullness of God.
1. That He may grant you to be strengthened.
This implies that we are need of strengthening. It also shares with us from where this strength comes. We are unable to be strengthened without the Father allowing it. Also, all of Paul's following requests hinge on us being granted strength by God. So, if Paul had no faith that one could be strengthened by God, he would have no cause to continue on in his petitions. First and foremost, we must believe that God not only can, but will grant us to be strengthened. How are we strengthened? "With power through his Spirit." We see the activity of the Spirit. When the Father grants us to be strengthened, the Spirit is the means by which we are indeed strengthened. And we are not strengthened in our mortal bodies (I'm living proof of that), but in our inner beings.
2. That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
A great reminder of the necessity of faith. Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. Without faith, everything else falls to dust.
3. That you may be rooted and grounded in love.
What does it mean to be rooted and grounded in love? It means that everything flows from love. The roots of a plant, when strong, cause the plant to thrive and grow. When we are rooted in love, we thrive and grow in godliness. Everything in our lives must start with love. After all, we have experienced the benefits of the most powerful demonstration of love ever shown in the gospel. We are rooted and grounded in love when we are rooted and grounded in lofty thoughts of God, for that is one of his attributes. In fact, it is everybody's favorite attribute to name. God is love. (I won't get into the fact that we neglect God's justice or holiness as a culture, though I am greatly tempted to do so)
4. That you may have strength to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth, and know the love of Christ.
This is why Paul petitions that we would be strengthened in verse 16. If we are given the strength to know the breadth, length, height, and depth of the love of Christ, we will know it quite well. The Lord grants us eyes to see the love of Christ from many different angles, so that we might appreciate it more fully. The end result is emulating that love, which happens when we are rooted and grounded in love (Paul previous request to God).
5. That you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
This is the final prayer of Paul for the church in Ephesus. It is also the culmination of his previous prayers in this passage. Once the previous four requests are granted, this one follows. Paul's prayers set us up that we may be filled.
How are all of these things able to be granted to us? Verse 16 gives us that answer. "According to the riches of his glory."
To conclude this section, Paul recognizes again the power of kindness of God. "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." There is not a better way to conclude this post, so I shall leave it at that.
1. That He may grant you to be strengthened.
This implies that we are need of strengthening. It also shares with us from where this strength comes. We are unable to be strengthened without the Father allowing it. Also, all of Paul's following requests hinge on us being granted strength by God. So, if Paul had no faith that one could be strengthened by God, he would have no cause to continue on in his petitions. First and foremost, we must believe that God not only can, but will grant us to be strengthened. How are we strengthened? "With power through his Spirit." We see the activity of the Spirit. When the Father grants us to be strengthened, the Spirit is the means by which we are indeed strengthened. And we are not strengthened in our mortal bodies (I'm living proof of that), but in our inner beings.
2. That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
A great reminder of the necessity of faith. Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. Without faith, everything else falls to dust.
3. That you may be rooted and grounded in love.
What does it mean to be rooted and grounded in love? It means that everything flows from love. The roots of a plant, when strong, cause the plant to thrive and grow. When we are rooted in love, we thrive and grow in godliness. Everything in our lives must start with love. After all, we have experienced the benefits of the most powerful demonstration of love ever shown in the gospel. We are rooted and grounded in love when we are rooted and grounded in lofty thoughts of God, for that is one of his attributes. In fact, it is everybody's favorite attribute to name. God is love. (I won't get into the fact that we neglect God's justice or holiness as a culture, though I am greatly tempted to do so)
4. That you may have strength to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth, and know the love of Christ.
This is why Paul petitions that we would be strengthened in verse 16. If we are given the strength to know the breadth, length, height, and depth of the love of Christ, we will know it quite well. The Lord grants us eyes to see the love of Christ from many different angles, so that we might appreciate it more fully. The end result is emulating that love, which happens when we are rooted and grounded in love (Paul previous request to God).
5. That you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
This is the final prayer of Paul for the church in Ephesus. It is also the culmination of his previous prayers in this passage. Once the previous four requests are granted, this one follows. Paul's prayers set us up that we may be filled.
How are all of these things able to be granted to us? Verse 16 gives us that answer. "According to the riches of his glory."
To conclude this section, Paul recognizes again the power of kindness of God. "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." There is not a better way to conclude this post, so I shall leave it at that.
Prayer for Spiritual Strength
This passage is yet another example of what our prayers should consist of. It is filled with humble boasting in God. I love verse 20: "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us." Our God is able to do FAR more than we can ever ask or think to ask. How amazing and exciting! He knows us better than we know ourselves and knows how limited and finite our minds are. In His love for us He goes beyond what we could imagine, so that we might bring glory to His name and love Him more. We can't fully comprehend the work and love of Christ and we never could have conjured up the idea of a savior that would/could do what Christ did. Our God is a GREAT God and He gives us the strength to live worthy of His calling. Christ is interceding on our behalf perfecting our praise and prayers! Lord, may I pray in faith and with hope. May I be earnest and seek with all my heart knowing that you are Great and in Your steadfast love with strengthen me and do more than I ask, because You are good! I will boast in Your Great Name! There is nothing that compares to Your love for me. May I never lose the awe and wonder of that marvelous truth. Let not my sin cloud my vision, but let me daily reflect on power that is at work in me! Amen.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Everybody's Doing the Bump!
Greetings. I had a tough time trying to make a post today and anticipate the same difficulty tomorrow, so I propose that we bump our schedule a bit. If all of you are on board, we'll resume our study on Monday.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Ephesians 3:1-13
"For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus..."
Earlier in chapter 1, Paul was rejoicing with those who were rejoicing, even though he was in a Roman prison. This verse can help answer why he was. Paul did not see himself bound to a physical prison, but saw himself a prisoner for Christ. Christ was his Lord even in a Roman prison. NO matter what happened he belonged to Christ! Seeing ourselves as prisoners to Christ, should cause us to rejoice and remember who we serve. If we feel "bound" or "weighed down" by our circumstances, lets remember to whom we are really with. Christ never complained when He was on the cross paying my ransom, how then can I complain when faced with something hard? He saw this as a gift to be able to serve the gentiles. The focus was never on himself, always on the cross.
13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Again even as he was suffering, he was using it to proclaim loudly the gospel. Sam Storms says it well:
"Paul's arrest and imprisonment and the hardships he suffered appeared to be a terrible setback to the gospel and the proclamation of Gentile equality with Jewish believers. It was understandable that Paul's readers might be disheartened to hear of his plight. But Paul viewed his suffering in an entirely different light. He saw it as actually contributing to their "glory (doxa)!" How so? Elsewhere Paul speaks of his suffering leading to salvation (2 Cor. 1:6) and life (2 Cor. 4:12) for others. In other words, his suffering provides a platform on which God's grace in Christ can be more loudly and visibly proclaimed; it serves notice to the world that there is something, indeed someone, who is greater and more worthy than worldly and physical comfort. As Paul said in 2 Tim. 2:10, "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."
I pray that I would gladly be a "suffering" servant for the furtherance of the gospel! And rejoice that I am a prisoner for Christ!
Earlier in chapter 1, Paul was rejoicing with those who were rejoicing, even though he was in a Roman prison. This verse can help answer why he was. Paul did not see himself bound to a physical prison, but saw himself a prisoner for Christ. Christ was his Lord even in a Roman prison. NO matter what happened he belonged to Christ! Seeing ourselves as prisoners to Christ, should cause us to rejoice and remember who we serve. If we feel "bound" or "weighed down" by our circumstances, lets remember to whom we are really with. Christ never complained when He was on the cross paying my ransom, how then can I complain when faced with something hard? He saw this as a gift to be able to serve the gentiles. The focus was never on himself, always on the cross.
13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. Again even as he was suffering, he was using it to proclaim loudly the gospel. Sam Storms says it well:
"Paul's arrest and imprisonment and the hardships he suffered appeared to be a terrible setback to the gospel and the proclamation of Gentile equality with Jewish believers. It was understandable that Paul's readers might be disheartened to hear of his plight. But Paul viewed his suffering in an entirely different light. He saw it as actually contributing to their "glory (doxa)!" How so? Elsewhere Paul speaks of his suffering leading to salvation (2 Cor. 1:6) and life (2 Cor. 4:12) for others. In other words, his suffering provides a platform on which God's grace in Christ can be more loudly and visibly proclaimed; it serves notice to the world that there is something, indeed someone, who is greater and more worthy than worldly and physical comfort. As Paul said in 2 Tim. 2:10, "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."
I pray that I would gladly be a "suffering" servant for the furtherance of the gospel! And rejoice that I am a prisoner for Christ!
Ephesians 3:1-13
We see once again Paul reminding us that the gospel was revealed to us. "The mystery was made known to me by revelation." The words "made known to me" imply that he was without knowledge, such that it was necessary for said knowledge to be made known to him. "Made known to me" is a term of action, in this case, one causing truth to be known by another. We see in his phrasing that we were unable to know such a mystery on our own. It had to be made known for us, because we had not the ability to discover it for ourselves. We are also told how such a mystery was made known. By revelation it was made known to Paul. But how did this revelation take place? We see the answer in verse five. "It has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." We also see hintings of election in verse five. "The mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." God chose who to reveal the mystery of Christ to. He revealed it to some, and not to others. It is my contention that this truth gives us the ability to appreciate this revelation as we should. I shall explain. We know that we are not worthy of such revelation being made known to us, but nevertheless, it has been revealed to those who God has chosen. This should humble us, and make us more appreciative of the mercy and love that has been shown to us. If all have this great gift, it is not as special as it had been if this grace was shown to only a select few. And these select few are not chosen of their own merit, but solely by God's specific grace towards those individuals. This makes the doctrine of election so very precious to those who embrace it. You see Paul's amazement that he was chosen later in the passage.
"Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach the to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."
I will attempt to make a post later discussing the remainder of today's section.
"Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach the to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."
I will attempt to make a post later discussing the remainder of today's section.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Ephesians 2:11-22
As Jordan mentioned, it is helpful to be reminded of our state before Christ's initiating our redemption. The words "at one time" and "you were at that time" point towards something past; something that was, but is not any longer. It is helpful to remember our condition before conversion. It makes it possible to appreciate the grace we are freely given. "Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world." This is who we were. But we do not lose hope when reading verses eleven and twelve. When seeing those words "at one time" and "you were at that time" in the text, one cannot help but see hope; because what is mentioned in those verses is not the case any longer, for we were "created in Christ" (2:10). The words "in Christ" and other similar phrases have already been used many times in just the first two chapters of Ephesians. Paul repeats this thought constantly throughout the book because it is one that can quickly depart from us, leaving us subject to pride. We also see the contrast of the old and the new covenant. "at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called 'the circumcision' by what is called circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands." We see a glimpse of the old covenant here. Now, let us look at the new covenant in Christ. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." Verse 15-16 also discusses it. "abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility." Again in verse 18. "For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father." I found it quite exciting to see the old and new covenant discussed briefly here.
Just as this encouraged and excited my soul,I hope and pray that this encourages you in some way. I look forward to tomorrow.
Just as this encouraged and excited my soul,I hope and pray that this encourages you in some way. I look forward to tomorrow.
Unity with Christ
I am thankful of how Paul starts this passage out by reminding of us of who we were. It is very sobering and scary knowing that once I was separated from Christ. I was hopeless, having nothing! Then in verse 13 Paul states "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." I love those two words together "But now" when used in scripture. The majority of the time is used to help communicate who we once were and who we have become as a result of Christ. I was dead but now alive! I know we use that phrase a lot, but it never gets old, nor should it. It reminds me of who my master is, I am no longer a slave to sin, but a slave to righteousness, since I am united with Christ! This is an amazing truth! What a marvelous Savior we have!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Ephesians 2:1-10
I love the way that the first three verses set up the few that follow them. They cause one to see the hopelessness of their situation. It gets very personal. "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked... we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." Our situation is one common to all men. It's in our nature to provoke the wrath of the holy God. What a hopeless situation we stand in if we do not continue on into verses 4-10. I believe that it is healthy, though, for us to dwell here for a little longer. Stephen Charnock, in his sermon entitled "The Chief of Sinners Saved," (I highly recommend this sermon. It can be found at the following link: http://www.puritansermons.com/charnock/charnoc2.htm) said the following:
"They has sprouted from a wicked stock; they had corrupted one another by their society and example, as rotten apples putrefy the sound ones that be near them. They had been incorrigible under judgments; God had used the rod again and again; but seeing there was no reformation, he was even weary of whipping them any longer; "Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more (Isaiah 1:5 KJV). They were so universally infected, that there was no sound part about them, but running sores all over; both head and heart were infected; corrupt notions in the one, and corrupt affections in the other."
With this being thoroughly engraved into our minds, what hope do we have? I believe that when this thought process is reached, it is quite appropriate to continue on into verses 4-10, seeing the hope we have that starts off with two delightful words: "but God."
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places (remember Ephesians 1:20-21) in Christ Jesus (Why would God do such a thing for a people described in the first three verses? The answer follows), so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us (foul sinners, who "were by nature children of wrath") in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works (why? Answer follows), so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand (notice the divine plan of God), that we should walk in them."
There is so very much packed into those few verses. What challenges you about this ten verses? Myself, I am challenged to re-evaluate how zealous I am for good works, because after all, that is why I was created afresh in Christ. God in is infinitely wise plan, decided that I should be created in Christ for good works, so I should take it quite seriously, and devote myself to them and be zealous for good works, as it says in Titus 2:14. "Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
I'm so very encouraged by our study thus far, and am very much looking forward to the coming days of this study.
"They has sprouted from a wicked stock; they had corrupted one another by their society and example, as rotten apples putrefy the sound ones that be near them. They had been incorrigible under judgments; God had used the rod again and again; but seeing there was no reformation, he was even weary of whipping them any longer; "Why should ye be stricken any more? Ye will revolt more and more (Isaiah 1:5 KJV). They were so universally infected, that there was no sound part about them, but running sores all over; both head and heart were infected; corrupt notions in the one, and corrupt affections in the other."
With this being thoroughly engraved into our minds, what hope do we have? I believe that when this thought process is reached, it is quite appropriate to continue on into verses 4-10, seeing the hope we have that starts off with two delightful words: "but God."
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places (remember Ephesians 1:20-21) in Christ Jesus (Why would God do such a thing for a people described in the first three verses? The answer follows), so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us (foul sinners, who "were by nature children of wrath") in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works (why? Answer follows), so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand (notice the divine plan of God), that we should walk in them."
There is so very much packed into those few verses. What challenges you about this ten verses? Myself, I am challenged to re-evaluate how zealous I am for good works, because after all, that is why I was created afresh in Christ. God in is infinitely wise plan, decided that I should be created in Christ for good works, so I should take it quite seriously, and devote myself to them and be zealous for good works, as it says in Titus 2:14. "Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."
I'm so very encouraged by our study thus far, and am very much looking forward to the coming days of this study.
By Grace Through Faith!
PRAISE THE LORD!!! This passage causes me to overflow with rejoicing! I love being able to do this on my lunch break. There is so much here in just these 10 verses, I can't begin to touch all of it. Paul is reiterating what he said in Romans 5-8. This passage answers "What does it mean to be saved?" "What did I need saving from?" "How?"
We once had an old master and we served him, following him blindly. "God, being rich in mercy..." shows us again that He was the initiator. He did it because of His GREAT love. I think Paul may be trying to not only remind us that God's love is greater than our sins, but also how much He does truly love us. Any love from God is "great" and undeserved. And it is amazing that a GREAT God would show GREAT love to us. What a loving God to love me a great sinner!!! I am blown away by this, it is making me lose my train of thought :)
It reminds me of Genesis 19 when God sent his angels to rescue Lot and his family from the destruction of the city. Lot and his family lingered, still allured by the worldly things, but here is what I love Genesis 19:6 ..."So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city." What a picture of what Lord did for us years later! He picked us up out of the mire and set us free!
He gave us the power to have faith and trust in His saving grace. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." May I be faith to do the good works to which I have been called. May I walk in accordance to His Word and plan. May I make my boast only in Him. I have nothing to boast of in myself and everything to boast of in Him. I once was dead, but now I am alive in Him!!! AMEN!!!!!!!
We once had an old master and we served him, following him blindly. "God, being rich in mercy..." shows us again that He was the initiator. He did it because of His GREAT love. I think Paul may be trying to not only remind us that God's love is greater than our sins, but also how much He does truly love us. Any love from God is "great" and undeserved. And it is amazing that a GREAT God would show GREAT love to us. What a loving God to love me a great sinner!!! I am blown away by this, it is making me lose my train of thought :)
It reminds me of Genesis 19 when God sent his angels to rescue Lot and his family from the destruction of the city. Lot and his family lingered, still allured by the worldly things, but here is what I love Genesis 19:6 ..."So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city." What a picture of what Lord did for us years later! He picked us up out of the mire and set us free!
He gave us the power to have faith and trust in His saving grace. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." May I be faith to do the good works to which I have been called. May I walk in accordance to His Word and plan. May I make my boast only in Him. I have nothing to boast of in myself and everything to boast of in Him. I once was dead, but now I am alive in Him!!! AMEN!!!!!!!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Thanksgiving and Prayer!
"For this reason" (v. 15a) most likely points back to vv. 3-14, and especially vv. 13-14, just as Scott alluded to. Paul is rejoicing with those who are rejoicing. Paul was excited and encouraged with how the Ephesians were prospering and growing in their faith. While at the very time he was under arrest! Will that be my attitude when I am under "persecution" or facing trials? Will I rejoice with others that are rejoicing around me or prospering? Paul is able to because he knows where is hope is found and what his inheritance is!
Also in verse 15 he talks about faith and love in Christ. He does not mention hope at this point. Why? Faith and love are some times thought of as things we believers "do" Calvin answers this:
"Now, with all this, he shows that faith and love are the very gifts of God and do not come from ourselves, as men always imagine through a devilish pride. . . . If every man was able to believe and have faith of his own accord, or could get it by some power of his own, the praise for it ought not to be given to God. For it would be but mockery to acknowledge ourselves indebted to him for what we have obtained, not from him, but from elsewhere. But here St. Paul blesses God's name for enlightening the Ephesians in the faith and for framing their hearts to make them loving. It is to be concluded, therefore that everything comes from God (Sermons)."
Our ability to have faith to love like this is only the result of God placing it there or making us capable to, or even having the desire for these things! What a blessing. How should that effect us?
Scott also mentioned what the content of Paul's prayer's were. I thought this quote from Sam Storms was helpful:
It's important that we be imitators of Paul not simply in the fact that he prayed for others but also in what he prayed for them. His content is no less normative than his constancy (at the same time we acknowledge that on occasion Paul's prayers are uniquely related to the circumstances of his readers). Be it also noted that Paul evidently believed that the spiritual growth of his readers was wholly dependent on God who gives generously to his people when they call upon him in prayer. Furthermore, although they had already received 'wisdom (1:8), Paul knows there is always an ongoing need for more! - Sam Storms
There is so much more that can be looked at. 1. The Hope of His Calling. 2. the blessings of his inheritance in the saints. 3. The surpassing greatness of His power. That is what I love about God's Word, you can read passages over and over and get something new out it EVERY time! It never gets old!
Also in verse 15 he talks about faith and love in Christ. He does not mention hope at this point. Why? Faith and love are some times thought of as things we believers "do" Calvin answers this:
"Now, with all this, he shows that faith and love are the very gifts of God and do not come from ourselves, as men always imagine through a devilish pride. . . . If every man was able to believe and have faith of his own accord, or could get it by some power of his own, the praise for it ought not to be given to God. For it would be but mockery to acknowledge ourselves indebted to him for what we have obtained, not from him, but from elsewhere. But here St. Paul blesses God's name for enlightening the Ephesians in the faith and for framing their hearts to make them loving. It is to be concluded, therefore that everything comes from God (Sermons)."
Our ability to have faith to love like this is only the result of God placing it there or making us capable to, or even having the desire for these things! What a blessing. How should that effect us?
Scott also mentioned what the content of Paul's prayer's were. I thought this quote from Sam Storms was helpful:
It's important that we be imitators of Paul not simply in the fact that he prayed for others but also in what he prayed for them. His content is no less normative than his constancy (at the same time we acknowledge that on occasion Paul's prayers are uniquely related to the circumstances of his readers). Be it also noted that Paul evidently believed that the spiritual growth of his readers was wholly dependent on God who gives generously to his people when they call upon him in prayer. Furthermore, although they had already received 'wisdom (1:8), Paul knows there is always an ongoing need for more! - Sam Storms
There is so much more that can be looked at. 1. The Hope of His Calling. 2. the blessings of his inheritance in the saints. 3. The surpassing greatness of His power. That is what I love about God's Word, you can read passages over and over and get something new out it EVERY time! It never gets old!
Ephesians 1:15-23
In verse 15, we see why Paul is thanking God. "Because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love towards all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you." Then he steps into describing one of his prayers. I'm provoked when I see how detailed this prayer is. It makes me want to rethink how I pray (good opportunity to look back at our last study on prayer found in the heart). "remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (remember verses 13 and 14 here), and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe." I find it so very helpful that Paul described what his prayer was for the Ephesians. I want to pray like this! This prayer is filled with truth. He lays the foundation of his prayer through the rest of the chapter. The rest of the chapter is him describing his reasoning for why this prayer would be granted. It would be granted because there is a great hope to which we are called! I'm simply blown away at this section. It's too awesome for me to add anything to. So read it many times.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Blessings...undeserved!
(Wow. This is already amazing! I am so excited!)
In reading through this passage last night I was struck by two things: 1) the spiritual blessings heaped upon us and 2) what they point to - the fact that we are the recipients means we have been forgiven of our sins!!! Oh this is so good for my soul! How quickly both turn my gaze off of myself and the temporal to recounting both how much I have been blessed (and so undeservedly!) and to the blood that was shed for me (also so very undeseverdly!).
It's hard to not instantly be filled with wonder and awe and gratitude! Stott begins his commentary on Ephesians with this: "In the original Greek these twelve verses [3-14] constitute a single complex sentence. As Paul dictates, his speech pours out of his mouth in a continuous cascade. He neither pauses for breath, nor punctuates his words with full stops. Commentators have searched for metaphors vivid enough to convey the impact of this opening outburst of adoration." Wow. Besides giving an incredible picture of the emotion with which Paul desired to communicate with the Ephesians, it is convicting that I can READ those words with any less passion! Phrases like "He CHOSE us in Him BEFORE the foundation of the world," "redemption through His blood," "forgiveness of our trespasses," "obtained an inheritance," and "in Him you...were SEALED with the promised Holy Spirit" instantly evoke gratefulness for things of which I am the beneficiary.
But obviously emotion isn't what we strive for =) so I am challenged by questions Kayla, Jordan and Scott ask.
What are the spritual blessings He has given us in the heavenly places? Besides eternal life? And access to His throne here on earth? And the Holy Spirit - Comforter and Helper? This is plenty but He really doesn't stop there. It's beyond imaginable to think of all the blessings I have received in Him...so undeserving.
Do I live with the realization that Christ does not withhold anything good from me? Verse 3 states this...and I know it to be true...but does my life reflect this? Sadly, so often it does not. I find myself living with the expectation that I deserve more. More! How can that thought cross my mind when I have been given EVERYTHING?? What love is conveyed in the very fact that Christ chose ME before the world was formed? That He gave His life so that through His blood I might be redeemed!!! He has lavished (yay Scott for defining sweet words! =) on us the RICHES of His grace. What? I complain???
Do I practically recognize that I had nothing to do with my being saved? Ugh. So often I do not. So often I live as though I had a hand in my salvation - that I was NOT unlovely or filthy in sin and that God wanted me so badly that He felt He could do nothing but save me. In reality, the craziness of it all is that I was filthy in sin, blatantly rebelling against Him and He chose me. He knew what I was. He still chose me. He redeemed me, bought me, purchased me! He gave His life for me and then CONTINUES to lavish blessing upon blessing on me. What of that could I possibly have helped with???!!!
Oh, this is going to be a great 10 days...
In reading through this passage last night I was struck by two things: 1) the spiritual blessings heaped upon us and 2) what they point to - the fact that we are the recipients means we have been forgiven of our sins!!! Oh this is so good for my soul! How quickly both turn my gaze off of myself and the temporal to recounting both how much I have been blessed (and so undeservedly!) and to the blood that was shed for me (also so very undeseverdly!).
It's hard to not instantly be filled with wonder and awe and gratitude! Stott begins his commentary on Ephesians with this: "In the original Greek these twelve verses [3-14] constitute a single complex sentence. As Paul dictates, his speech pours out of his mouth in a continuous cascade. He neither pauses for breath, nor punctuates his words with full stops. Commentators have searched for metaphors vivid enough to convey the impact of this opening outburst of adoration." Wow. Besides giving an incredible picture of the emotion with which Paul desired to communicate with the Ephesians, it is convicting that I can READ those words with any less passion! Phrases like "He CHOSE us in Him BEFORE the foundation of the world," "redemption through His blood," "forgiveness of our trespasses," "obtained an inheritance," and "in Him you...were SEALED with the promised Holy Spirit" instantly evoke gratefulness for things of which I am the beneficiary.
But obviously emotion isn't what we strive for =) so I am challenged by questions Kayla, Jordan and Scott ask.
What are the spritual blessings He has given us in the heavenly places? Besides eternal life? And access to His throne here on earth? And the Holy Spirit - Comforter and Helper? This is plenty but He really doesn't stop there. It's beyond imaginable to think of all the blessings I have received in Him...so undeserving.
Do I live with the realization that Christ does not withhold anything good from me? Verse 3 states this...and I know it to be true...but does my life reflect this? Sadly, so often it does not. I find myself living with the expectation that I deserve more. More! How can that thought cross my mind when I have been given EVERYTHING?? What love is conveyed in the very fact that Christ chose ME before the world was formed? That He gave His life so that through His blood I might be redeemed!!! He has lavished (yay Scott for defining sweet words! =) on us the RICHES of His grace. What? I complain???
Do I practically recognize that I had nothing to do with my being saved? Ugh. So often I do not. So often I live as though I had a hand in my salvation - that I was NOT unlovely or filthy in sin and that God wanted me so badly that He felt He could do nothing but save me. In reality, the craziness of it all is that I was filthy in sin, blatantly rebelling against Him and He chose me. He knew what I was. He still chose me. He redeemed me, bought me, purchased me! He gave His life for me and then CONTINUES to lavish blessing upon blessing on me. What of that could I possibly have helped with???!!!
Oh, this is going to be a great 10 days...
No mere thought
He has blessed us with EVERY SPIRTUAL BLESSING in the heavenly places, even as HE CHOSE us IN HIM BEFORE the foundations of the world, that we should be HOLY and BLAMELESS before HIM.- Ephesians 1: 3,4 (emphasis mine)
What are the spritual blessings he has given us in the heavenly places?
Why would such a wonderful and loving God choose me...? To be in Christ?
Before time existed? (millineas ago?)
So that I would be HOLY (completely pure, perfect, without flaw, completely righteous) and BLAMELESS (with out any guilt) before Him? (whom no one can gaze on his face and live)
Surely this is nothing meager...
How can I even comprehend these truths?
What are the spritual blessings he has given us in the heavenly places?
Why would such a wonderful and loving God choose me...? To be in Christ?
Before time existed? (millineas ago?)
So that I would be HOLY (completely pure, perfect, without flaw, completely righteous) and BLAMELESS (with out any guilt) before Him? (whom no one can gaze on his face and live)
Surely this is nothing meager...
How can I even comprehend these truths?
Ephesians 1:1-14
Just as Jordan said, this passage is loaded with great truths! There is so much to be mentioned and yet there is so much that we are missing. So I might as well begin with verse 1.
Paul recognizes multiple times in this section who plays the role of initiator. "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God." Not by Paul's own will, because we remember what Paul did before the Lord captured his heart. He persecuted the church violently. If it was not for the encounter on the road to Damascus, the remaining leaders of the early church would have likely been destroyed, leaving the church to likely wither away. But the will of the Lord is unavoidable. So Paul, who thought he was doing right by persecuting the church, was on his way to destruction. Proverbs 14:12 must have been so real to him. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." We see God's unparalleled love in arresting hearts for his service and glory. One notices why Paul proclaims "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." The next few verses give a more reason as to why Paul proclaims such blessings. "Even as he chose us in him from the foundation of the world, (Why did he choose us? The answer follows) that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." I very much desire to continue, but must stop here to look and see what can be gleaned from these verses before moving on.
What amazing love the Father has for us! One cannot read the book of Ephesians without being thoroughly convinced of the Father's love toward wretched sinners, because it is so clearly evident (throughout all Scripture, but particularly) throughout Ephesians.
"Holy and blameless before him." Another passage that references being holy and blameless is Colossians 1:21-22 (And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him). I am also reminded of Leviticus 19:2 (You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy). 1 Peter 1:15-16 references this passage from Leviticus (But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy"). As far as blamelessness goes, I am reminded of Job 1:8 (And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?"). These two qualities seem to be quite important to God.
Now I can am compelled to press onward in today's text. "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, (how is this done?) according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished (great word; definition to come) upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to the his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and on earth." Frankly, after reading this, there isn't much else that one can do but to worship in amazement. The word lavish, when used as a verb, means the following: to expend or give in great amounts or without limit: to lavish gifts on a person.
"Sealed with the Promised Holy Spirit." Believers, when they have "heard the word of truth, the gospel of [their] salvation, and believed in him, [are] sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until [they] acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." What an amazing promise for God's chosen ones! We have the Holy Spirit, who is our proof that we have an inheritance. The note on the word "guarantee" by R.C. Sproul in my reformation study Bible says the following: "The Spirit is not only a fulfillment of God's promise to indwell His people, but also is a guarantee that He will bring them to their final inheritance. As a down payment or first installment on their full redemption, the Spirit is a foretaste of the glory of the age to come (Romans 8:18-23)." Romans 8:18-23 say the following: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
Clearly there is much contained in these fourteen verses. The big question that I'm asking myself is this: Do I practically recognize that I had nothing to do with my being saved? The second question would be the following: Do I practically recognize that the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of my inheritance? Why or why not? And if not, how can I change my thinking appropriately?
I hope and pray that this encourages you, and I am very much looking forward to how God will reveal Himself through the rest of our study.
Paul recognizes multiple times in this section who plays the role of initiator. "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the will of God." Not by Paul's own will, because we remember what Paul did before the Lord captured his heart. He persecuted the church violently. If it was not for the encounter on the road to Damascus, the remaining leaders of the early church would have likely been destroyed, leaving the church to likely wither away. But the will of the Lord is unavoidable. So Paul, who thought he was doing right by persecuting the church, was on his way to destruction. Proverbs 14:12 must have been so real to him. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death." We see God's unparalleled love in arresting hearts for his service and glory. One notices why Paul proclaims "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." The next few verses give a more reason as to why Paul proclaims such blessings. "Even as he chose us in him from the foundation of the world, (Why did he choose us? The answer follows) that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved." I very much desire to continue, but must stop here to look and see what can be gleaned from these verses before moving on.
What amazing love the Father has for us! One cannot read the book of Ephesians without being thoroughly convinced of the Father's love toward wretched sinners, because it is so clearly evident (throughout all Scripture, but particularly) throughout Ephesians.
"Holy and blameless before him." Another passage that references being holy and blameless is Colossians 1:21-22 (And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him). I am also reminded of Leviticus 19:2 (You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy). 1 Peter 1:15-16 references this passage from Leviticus (But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy"). As far as blamelessness goes, I am reminded of Job 1:8 (And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?"). These two qualities seem to be quite important to God.
Now I can am compelled to press onward in today's text. "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, (how is this done?) according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished (great word; definition to come) upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to the his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and on earth." Frankly, after reading this, there isn't much else that one can do but to worship in amazement. The word lavish, when used as a verb, means the following: to expend or give in great amounts or without limit: to lavish gifts on a person.
"Sealed with the Promised Holy Spirit." Believers, when they have "heard the word of truth, the gospel of [their] salvation, and believed in him, [are] sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until [they] acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." What an amazing promise for God's chosen ones! We have the Holy Spirit, who is our proof that we have an inheritance. The note on the word "guarantee" by R.C. Sproul in my reformation study Bible says the following: "The Spirit is not only a fulfillment of God's promise to indwell His people, but also is a guarantee that He will bring them to their final inheritance. As a down payment or first installment on their full redemption, the Spirit is a foretaste of the glory of the age to come (Romans 8:18-23)." Romans 8:18-23 say the following: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."
Clearly there is much contained in these fourteen verses. The big question that I'm asking myself is this: Do I practically recognize that I had nothing to do with my being saved? The second question would be the following: Do I practically recognize that the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of my inheritance? Why or why not? And if not, how can I change my thinking appropriately?
I hope and pray that this encourages you, and I am very much looking forward to how God will reveal Himself through the rest of our study.
Day 1 - Blessed through Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
There is so much to talk about in this passage about the amazing gift of the gospel! I want to focus on the BLESSING's we have in Christ.
- "blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places:" How gracious of God to give us Christ, His only Son. We can now enjoy the righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:17)! This is very encouraging, we are fully in Christ and are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing! Nothing good does He withhold! Do I live with this realization? I am dead to sin, alive in Christ, God is for me, and filled with the Holy Spirit! I am blessed to say no to sin and also to serve and use the gifting HE has blessed me with.
- "he chose us in him :" He called us His own. I had nothing to do with it. Knowing my pride and selfishness He drew me to Himself when I was running away.
- "predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ:" Romans 8:15, 23 and Gal. 4:5. What a blessing to no longer be objects of God's wrath, but now called His sons through Jesus. He willing and with a purpose adopted me. Now I can praise Him for who he truly is and for what He has lovingly done for me!
- "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will:" Again there was purpose, He had this planned from the beginning of time. My finite mind cannot even comprehend this. How great our God is! In perfect wisdom he for new and brought about our salvation at the perfect time. What a blessing to know that God is control and perfectly sovereign over our lives! My life is in His hands!
- "In him we have obtained an inheritance:" 1 Peter 1:4...We have an inheritance that is imperishable! It will never end or fade. We get to spend the rest of eternity with our Savior! I am challenged to constantly ask myself if "I am living for that day and His glory?" When I have been given so much it is a waste of time (which is also a gift) to be focused on myself and "problems." We have hope, one that is alive through Christ!!! What is there to complain about, nothing we have Christ, who was crucified on a tree and rose from death! Now by Him we can enter in with the Father to Heaven! I am so excited and cannot wait until that day! May I always be joyful and thankful for what the Lord has blessed me with!
- "to the praise of his glory:" We are to praise him for His glory. There is not part we played. We now are blessed to worship!
"who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it:" Our inheritance as mention above is guaranteed through Christ. One day we will acquire possession of it! What a blessing! What a Savior!!!
Ps. 32: 1-2: Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,and in whose spirit there is no deceit...
11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
There is so much to talk about in this passage about the amazing gift of the gospel! I want to focus on the BLESSING's we have in Christ.
- "blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places:" How gracious of God to give us Christ, His only Son. We can now enjoy the righteousness of Christ (Romans 5:17)! This is very encouraging, we are fully in Christ and are blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing! Nothing good does He withhold! Do I live with this realization? I am dead to sin, alive in Christ, God is for me, and filled with the Holy Spirit! I am blessed to say no to sin and also to serve and use the gifting HE has blessed me with.
- "he chose us in him :" He called us His own. I had nothing to do with it. Knowing my pride and selfishness He drew me to Himself when I was running away.
- "predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ:" Romans 8:15, 23 and Gal. 4:5. What a blessing to no longer be objects of God's wrath, but now called His sons through Jesus. He willing and with a purpose adopted me. Now I can praise Him for who he truly is and for what He has lovingly done for me!
- "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will:" Again there was purpose, He had this planned from the beginning of time. My finite mind cannot even comprehend this. How great our God is! In perfect wisdom he for new and brought about our salvation at the perfect time. What a blessing to know that God is control and perfectly sovereign over our lives! My life is in His hands!
- "In him we have obtained an inheritance:" 1 Peter 1:4...We have an inheritance that is imperishable! It will never end or fade. We get to spend the rest of eternity with our Savior! I am challenged to constantly ask myself if "I am living for that day and His glory?" When I have been given so much it is a waste of time (which is also a gift) to be focused on myself and "problems." We have hope, one that is alive through Christ!!! What is there to complain about, nothing we have Christ, who was crucified on a tree and rose from death! Now by Him we can enter in with the Father to Heaven! I am so excited and cannot wait until that day! May I always be joyful and thankful for what the Lord has blessed me with!
- "to the praise of his glory:" We are to praise him for His glory. There is not part we played. We now are blessed to worship!
"who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it:" Our inheritance as mention above is guaranteed through Christ. One day we will acquire possession of it! What a blessing! What a Savior!!!
Ps. 32: 1-2: Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,and in whose spirit there is no deceit...
Friday, September 12, 2008
Ephesians Study to Begin on Monday, September 15, 2008
Greetings friends. We shall begin our study in Ephesians this Monday. We'll break it up just the way the ESV version breaks it up. Details below.
09-15-08: Ephesians 1:1-15
09-16-08: Ephesians 1:16-23
09-17-08: Ephesians 2:1-10
09-18-08: Ephesians 2:11-22
09-19-08: Ephesians 3:1-13
09-20-08: Ephesians 3:14-21
09-21-08: Ephesians 4:1-16
09-22-08: Ephesians 4:17-32
09-23-08: Ephesians 5:1-21
09-24-08: Ephesians 5:22-33
09-24-08: Ephesians 6:1-9
09-25-08: Ephesians 6:10-24
Let's be in prayer that God would further reveal Himself to us and freshly amaze us with the gospel. Be in faith for how God will use this study in your lives. I'm very much looking forward to Monday.
09-15-08: Ephesians 1:1-15
09-16-08: Ephesians 1:16-23
09-17-08: Ephesians 2:1-10
09-18-08: Ephesians 2:11-22
09-19-08: Ephesians 3:1-13
09-20-08: Ephesians 3:14-21
09-21-08: Ephesians 4:1-16
09-22-08: Ephesians 4:17-32
09-23-08: Ephesians 5:1-21
09-24-08: Ephesians 5:22-33
09-24-08: Ephesians 6:1-9
09-25-08: Ephesians 6:10-24
Let's be in prayer that God would further reveal Himself to us and freshly amaze us with the gospel. Be in faith for how God will use this study in your lives. I'm very much looking forward to Monday.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)