ENRICHMENT IN EPHESIANS
How our WEALTH affects our WALK
KEY VERSE:
Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.
INTRO: Since I cannot give a better introduction to Ephesians than Dr. Warren Wiersbe, I am going to appeal to His book called WITH THE WORD, which is an excellent devotional book on every chapter of the Bible. In my opinion, Wiersbe is as good as it gets.
“On his second missionary journey, Paul visited Ephesus and left Aquila and Priscilla there (Acts 18:19-21). He returned to Ephesus two years later and ministered for three years, reaching the whole province of Asia with the gospel (Acts 19). Some years later when Paul was a prisoner in Rome (3:1; 4:1; 6:20), he wrote this letter to the believers in Ephesus.
One major theme of Ephesians is that God is at work in this world, through His church, putting things together (1:10). In the first three chapters, Paul explains this as a work of redemption (chap. 1), resurrection (2:1-10), and reconciliation (2:11-3:21). In chapters 4-6, Paul states the responsibilities of believers in the light of God’s great purpose. Note the emphasis on the word walk.
Ephesus was an important city and boasted of being custodian of the temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city was devoted to idolatry, which explains why Paul had so much to say about defeating the devil (6:10ff.).
The Ephesian letter shows the balance in the Christian life between doctrine (chaps. 1-3) and duty (chaps. 4-6), divine sovereignty and human responsibility. We do not obey God so that He will give us His grace; we obey Him in response to grace already given.”
There is another great book that I read many years ago by Ruth Paxson, called, THE WEALTH, WALK AND WARFARE OF THE BELIEVER. She was a missionary and a great woman of God. Still one other favorite of mine is another book I read years ago, by Watchman Nee, and if I can remember the title it is, SIT, WALK, & STAND. These books reveal so beautifully the riches of Ephesians. As we begin this short and brief journey to further enrichment in Christ, let us pray together that God will open our hearts that we may behold wondrous things out of God’s great instruction book (Psalm 119:18).
“Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.” (Psalm 119:18 NLT)
Dear Lord, even though many of us have read this wonderful book of the Bible numerous times, I know there are always more riches there yet to be found. I pray you will open my heart to help others to see just where our true worth is. The most important part of me has nothing to do with how I look on the outside. It has everything to do with what is going on within. Since Jesus lives with me and in me, then only as I express his beauty through me, can I really shine for your glory. Help me to do that as I explore this portion of the riches of your holy Word. In Jesus name, Amen.
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ENRICHMENT IN EPHESIANS
How our WEALTH affects our WALK
2. What is one of the most complimentary terms that God could ever say to his people? (Eph 1:1-2)
From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints [in Ephesus], the faithful in Christ Jesus. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! (Ephesians 1:1-2 NETP).
In the apostle Paul’s greeting to believers, you might notice how the words “in Ephesus” is italicized in your Bible, and in the translation I chose to quote from it is in brackets. The reason for this, is that these words are not in the orginal Greek texts. It is not that Paul was not writing them specifically, but we do know that back then letters were passed from one assembly to another, as much of what Paul wrote would at least have an indirect message for all the assemblies. The same can be said for us today. Though you and I were not its intended target as far as Paul was concerned, it certainly was God’s intention that all generations benefit from it. It is certainly in a general sense for every one who knows Christ as their Savior.
The most important identification mark of any child of God is used in this greeting. Paul tells us that he is addressing, “the faithful in Christ Jesus.” I cannot think of a more important quality for God’s people to be known by. God wants us to be reliable in our service to our Majesty and King, Jesus Christ. Proverbs tells us that we need be careful in our associations with unfaithful and unreliable people.
Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. Proverbs 25:19 (NLT)
We all have been in this position where we have been told by the mechanic, “I will be getting to your car first thing in the morning,” and when you get ready to pick it up, they never even started working on it. Or maybe, someone promised to meet you at a certain place and time, and they failed to show up and didn’t even have the courtesy to call you to let you know. It is sad, but I am afraid many Christians have no better record on this one than those who do not know Christ. Christians ought to be the most reliable people in the workplace. We have been called to be faithful (Eph 1:1-2; 1 Cor 4:2). Jesus knows how bad things would get in this area prior to his return, because He predicted that there would be a lack of “faithful” people when he comes back (Luke 18:8).
“…how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns?” (Luke 18:8b MSG)
Dear Lord, I pray that you will help me in this area of being consistent and persistent in my walk with you. I don’t want to have one day when I am walking close to you and the next day I am so distant and unreliable. Help me to have a brokenness about these things Lord. I want to walk close to you every day, from now on. I know you could come at any moment, or you could just come for me, at any time. If this should happen I want to be found occupying until you come (Luke 19:11-27). Help me Lord, to have a moment by moment walk with you. In Jesus name, Amen.
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ENRICHMENT IN EPHESIANS
How our WEALTH affects our WALK
3. What is the “password” that gets us access to God? (Eph 1:3)
“Blessed be God…” (means SPEAK WELL OF GOD)
As I contemplate on what I believe to be the key verse for the book of Ephesians, I think the first three words may be the most significant of all. This is the first Divine imperative in Ephesians. Paul is telling us how we should begin our day in worship of God. These first three words, “Blessed be God” echo exactly what the Psalmist uttered when He said, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” (Psalm 100:4 NKJV) I even like how the message paraphrase says it, because this really shows the culture of our day just how significant this phrase, “Blessed be God” really is. When these words come from our lips out of a pure heart, this truly is the way to gain access to the throne of God, and gain an audience with the King. This is how Psalm 100:4 reads in the Message.
“Enter with the password: “Thank you!” Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.”
We all know that if we cannot remember our password, then we just don’t have access to where we want to go. Well, the password into this glorious book of Ephesians is, “Blessed be God!” The key to remembering this password is to contemplate on all the many blessings God has already bestowed on you as a child of the King. If we really took the time to do what the song says, “Count your many blessings, and name them one by one…” then we truly would find it easy to remember this password into the worship of the Most High God. This might in fact be a great exercise for all of us before we pray. Just take a few minutes, and close your eyes and ask God to help you reflect on the top ten blessings of your life. I just bet that will put you in a spirit of worship.
Dear Lord, I thank you for allowing me the blessing of beginning this day, by reflecting upon the many blessings of God in my life. You are such an awesome God! I know that the blessings that Paul mentions can never be taken away from me, because the gifts you give are forever. Help me to share your praises today, with any who will have a listening ear to hear just how rich a person is “in Christ” and just how rich a person can be the moment they receive Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.
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ENRICHMENT IN EPHESIANS
How our WEALTH affects our WALK
4. Once I receive Christ as my Savior, how soon can I claim my inheritance? (Eph 1:3)
Ephesians 1:3 (KJV)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 1:3 is kind of like an opening statement that explains what the rest of the book is all about. Eph 1:4-14 is the longest sentence in the Greek Bible. If we cut this sentence short, we would only have a fragmented theology of God’s Great Salvation “in Christ.” I don’t think that Paul is actually listing all the blessings, but I do believe he is giving us an excellent summary of them as he unfolds for us the blessings of each person of the Godhead.
I like how missionary Ruth Paxson explains the importance of the most significant two words in the whole Bible, which are the word, “in Christ.” These words are the key to everything in this book and in the Christian life, because if you are not “in Christ” you get none of the good things Paul is talking about. If, on the other hand, you are “in Christ” you get “all” the blessings he is talking about, and you get them the moment you believe in Christ.
The following thoughts come from Ruth Paxson’s book on, THE WEALTH, WALK & WARFARE OF THE CHRISTIAN.
The explanations in brackets are my additions.
“IN CHRIST”
1. denotes our POSITION — where He is, we are (I am “in Christ” 2 Cor 5:17 & He is “in me” Gal 2:20)
2. defines our PRIVILEGES — what He is, we are (Jesus is “the Son of God” [Matthew 16:13-18] & we are “sons of [& daughters] of God” John 1:12)
3. describes our POSSESSIONS — what He has, we share (we have an inheritance “in Him” [Eph 1:11] and He has an inheritance in us [Eph 1:18]. Note these two great verses. Psalm 16:5 “The Lord is the PORTION of mine inheritance..” & Deuteronomy 32:9 “The Lord’s PORTION is his people…” Even though the text uses the word “portion” what it really means “in Christ” is that EACH OF US GETS THE WHOLE PIE!!!
4. determines our PRACTICE — what He does, we do [Though none of us are WORTHY of salvation, once we recognize all we have “in Christ” we can then WALK WORTHY [Eph 4:1), which means we can walk with God in a manner that compliments who we now are “in Christ.”
Dear Lord, it is no wonder why I consider this book my favorite in the Bible. There is no other portion of scripture that so magnifies you in such a way that brings me to such moments of delight and praise, as are found in this goldmine of scripture. Help us all today to rejoice in the marvelous inheritance that every saved sinner has “in Christ.” I pray for those who are not yet in the fold, as Jesus prayed for such himself (John 10:16; John 17:20). This is why I get so excited when someone first trusts in Christ. I have so much to share with them about just how GOOD, this “Good News” really is. In Jesus name, Amen.
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ENRICHMENT IN EPHESIANS
How our WEALTH affects our WALK
5. WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT “ELECTION” EVER? (Eph 1:4)
Every election year I am told by the candidates that this is the most important election ever! I think God would disagree with all the candidates on that one. The most important election of all is the election by God of sinners to come to Christ and enjoy life in God’s Kingdom. It is true that there is a lot of mystery and controversy over this word and this thought. Theologians have been arguing over the doctrine of election for years. Perhaps the reason for this is that we humans try too hard to figure out the mind of God. The Bible says that, “the secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” This verse should help us a bit on this subject. I think we should focus mainly on what is our responsibility and much less on what’s in God’s mind on the matter. As long as we know that God always does what is HOLY and JUST, I don’t think anyone will have a problem with what God is up to. D. L. Moody had a simple way of stating the truth of election. He said, “The whosoever wills are the elect, and the whosoever-won’t are the non-elect.” I know some think this is a way too simplistic, but as I read verses like John 6:37 & Acts 13:46-48 I can see that there is the Side of Divine Sovereignty to this doctrine, yet we also must balance it with HUMAN RESPONSIBILITY too.
Here in Eph 1:4 the believers and “faithful in Christ Jesus” (vs 1:1) are being informed about the
“Who? What? Whom? How? When? & Why? of the doctrine of God’s “choosing.” I am going to briefly mention these and then I will leave it up to my readers to meditate on it, and contemplate what useful application God has in this verse for them.
1. Who? –“He” — “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”
2. What? — “Hath chosen” — (picked out for Himself a people to be his own peculiar treasure (cp. 1 Peter 2:9)
3. Whom? — “us” –the “saints” (Eph 1:1,3)
4. How? — “in him” (God has not only ordained the “who” but also the “how” that one enters into God’s eternal blessings”)
5. When? — “from before the foundation of the world” (This is how we know that the choice of God had nothing to do with something inherent in us)
6. Why? –“that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (God’s elect are saved from the penalty of sin, but they also experience an ongoing journey toward holiness which leads them to victory over the power and pollution of sin. This is the destination for all who are truly God’s chosen).
I must say, once again, that our concentration should not be to focus on what we do not know and cannot know about this doctrine. We should all make sure we do what WE ARE COMMANDED TO DO, regarding entrance into God’s Kingdom.
John 6:37 (MSG)
Every person the Father gives me eventually comes running to me. And once that person is with me, I hold on and don’t let go.
In light of this verse our focus should not be on the phrase, “every person the Father gives me,” but it should be on the phrase, “comes running to me” because that is the only way you or anyone else will ever know whether they are God’s elect or not.
I can promise you that if you never “run to Jesus” for salvation in this life, you may know the doctrine of election well, but if you die without Christ, you will spend eternity without Christ.
Dear Lord, I know this is a difficult doctrine that confuses many, but it is in the Bible and must not be ignored. I pray that some will have received more clarity from today’s reading. I pray for anyone who is lost right now that they will settle in their hearts that they are “chosen of God” by repenting of their sins and believing upon the Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.
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6. What does “predestination” have to do with my salvation “in Christ?” (Eph 1:5)
Ephesians 1:5 (NETP)
He did this by predestining us to adoption as his sons through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of his will –
Some may wonder what the connection is with the words “chosen” and “predestination.” The first thing I would like to say is that while these two words are related, and go together, they are not one and the same. As I understand it, “election” has to do with the people God chose to salvation, whereas “predestination” encompasses all that God has planned for those He has chosen. The very word “predestined” means “to have the boundaries marked out beforehand.” Studying this doctrine will help believers to experience right now the enjoyment of God’s kingdom. We should learn to order our lives around God’s eternal purpose and will for his elect. The whole book of Ephesians will help us to do that, but just looking at this verse should help a whole lot too.
Some translations believe that the last two word of verse 4 actually belong at the beginning of verse 5. If so, we would read it as saying that “In love he did this by predestining us to adoption…” We certainly know that all that God does for us flows out of His Great love!
So, if predestination means to be “marked out by boundaries beforehand” what then are the boundaries that I can stay within to help maintain a healthy relationship with God? The “holiness” that Paul mentioned in the previous verse is certainly part of if. All God’s people are already POSITIONALLY speaking Holy “in Christ,” in the sense we are as Holy as Jesus and God, and therefore cannot be any more holy than we already are. But, what is true POSITIONALLY, we all know is not where we are at in PRACTICE. That does not mean that we should not strive for it. Even Peter, quoted Leviticus saying to the believers he was addressing, “But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16 AMP) [Lev. 11:44; Lev. 11:45]
The final statement in the section on the blessings of the Father, in verse 6 also helps us to understand what God’s chosen people have been called to, which is to live their lives in light of God’s purpose by doing all things, “to the praise of his glorious grace” (see also, 1:12-14).
Dear Lord, I thank you that you have marked out for me how I am to live my life while I am down here. I pray that you will help me to live a life that compliments who I am “in Christ.” I know that means that I must live my life in “holiness” and “to the praise of the glory of (your) grace.” I also know that just trying to be more Holy will never get me there. I will only be Holy in so far as I am willing to spend time in the presence of the Holy One, Jesus. So I pray that the one who lives in me will also shine through me. In Jesus name, Amen.
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7. How does Jesus Christ fit into God’s plan of salvation? (vs 7-12)
Ephesians 1:7 (NKJV)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.
I really love the richness of a translation that retains some of the beautiful doctrinal words of scripture. While I like it, others prefer to have these words broken down for them, to make things a little clearer. For that reason, I would like to take the words, “redemption,” “forgiveness,” and “grace” and see what words or phrases are used in other translations to help give us a quick sense of what the blessings of the Son of God are all about.
“redemption” (The Amplified says “deliverance and salvation” whereas the NLT uses the word “purchased” to get the sense of what redemption means). The word “redeem” in the context of this verse means to be purchased and set free by the blood of Christ. This is a certainty for all sinners who place their faith in Christ.
So, this is the connection Jesus Christ has with the plan of the Father regarding our salvation. The Father planned the work of our salvation and Jesus Christ worked the plan, by living a sinless life, and then dying on the cross so that we could experience free and full deliverance from sin, self, and Satan. Satan had us bound (2 Timothy 2:25-26; Eph 2:2-3), but Jesus unbound us through the blood of his cross.
“forgiveness” (where the NKJV has “forgiveness” the KJV has the word “remission” and the Message tries to explain the word more by saying, “free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds”). The essence of what Christ did on the cross for repentant sinners was to wipe the slate clean, so that we could have no stains of sin anymore on our record. On the cross He dealt with that one obstacle that would prevent a Holy God from ever being able to fellowship with sinners (Isa 59:1-2). Because of his love He desired to save us, but because of His Holy Justice, He had to deal with the problem of sin. Jesus volunteered to ACCOMPLISH redemption so that you and I could obtain “forgiveness of sins.” In this sense we could say that “forgiveness” is the fruit or by-product of the Redemption that Jesus accomplished.
All of this happened “according to” the riches of his grace.
I think it is very important to understand the significance of the word “according to” as opposed to something like “out of.” If our salvation was “out of,” it would mean that God’s grace was dispensed in portions, where there was a portion for me and a portion for you. The text however says, “according to” which means our salvation is as secure as the fulness of all of God’s grace. Praise be to God for this unspeakable gift of salvation “in Christ.”
Dear Jesus, I thank you for your role in bringing me and many others into the place of “acceptance” with God. I thank you for remission of sins, for a clean slate, for forgiveness forever, and the fulness of your grace. I thank you for the wisdom to understand and appreciate these things. Help me to live my life today out of gratitude for what you have done for me, In Jesus name, Amen.
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8. If “Jesus paid it all, and all to Him I owe” what need is there for the Holy Spirit in carrying out God’s plan of redemption? (Eph 1:13-14)
Part of the answer to this question is actually found in the next chapter, in Ephesians 2:1, where we are told that sinners are spiritually dead and need to be “made alive” in order be saved. It is due to “man’s depravity” that the Holy Spirit is needed to bring every sinner to their senses in order for them to even want Christ to be in their life at all (John 6:44,63).
In these two verses of scripture we see how the benefits of everything the Father and Son has done for us are brought to completion as salvation is brought to the believing sinner’s heart. Something very special happens “when” a person believes in Christ. Let us take a look at the text.
Eph 1:13-14 (AMP) In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit.
That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it-to the praise of His glory.
The Holy Spirit has come to take up permanent residence in every child of God as was promised “long ago” (Joel 2:28; Acts 1:4; John 16:7). This is another one of the many proofs in the Bible of the “eternal security of the believer.” Ephesians 4:30 tells us that believers are “sealed for the day of redemption.” If believers did not have eternal security, the sealing could not truly be unto the day of redemption, but only to the day of sinning, apostasy, or disbelief. John 3:15-16 tells us that whoever believes in Jesus Christ will “have eternal life.” If a person were to be promised eternal life, but then have it taken away, it was never “eternal” to begin with. If eternal security is not true, the promises of eternal life in the Bible would be in error.
The moment one truly trusts in Christ they are “sealed with the Holy Spirit.” The indwelling Spirit brands us as God’s property (1Co 6:19-20), and guarantees our preservation until the day of redemption (Eph 4:30). The word “seal” has a wide variety of uses in this world, and they all have significance regarding our salvation. Let us consider some examples.
(1) a stamp is a seal that is placed on a letter and once deposited in the mailbox, the US postal service guarantees it to be delivered to its intended destination. This certainly pictures our salvation “in Christ.” God the Father wrote the letter saying to us, ” For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life (John 3:16 AMP).
God the Son, paid the redemption price for our salvation by laying down his life for us, as is stated in 1 John 3:16 (MSG) “This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us.”
Now, the Holy Spirit has come to apply all these benefits to us by “sealing” us to secure our arrival at God’s intended destination for us. This is how all three persons of the trinity work together, to produce this glorious result.
(2) A seal is also and impression made on documents to affirm its authenticity. This too is a great thing, especially for those caught in the trap of trying to live up to certain people’s expectations. We need the approval of only one to get to heaven and that “acceptance” is found in Christ (Eph 1:6), and the Holy Spirit has made God’s impression upon us, as proof of it.
(3) A seal signifies that a final transaction has taken place. The moment Jesus defeated death and paid for our sins, and then ascended to heaven, the Holy Spirit went to work to awaken “dead sinners” (Eph 2:1), draw them to Christ (John 6:44), and to “quicken them” through the Word (John 6:63; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 1:16). Once that sinner truly trusts in Christ the seal of God’s ownership has marked them for life. Praise be to God for His unspeakable gifts. Amen!
(4) This seal is an “earnest” or downpayment, of the purchased possession. The best equivalent to this to me is an engagement ring. This ring is a promise to marry. We are the “espoused bride” of Christ, and are awaiting to be brought into the bridal chambers where the grand wedding and wedding feast will take place in the future.
Dear Lord, I want to thank you for these two precious verses of the Bible. I know that if any one person of the Godhead would have decided to not do their part, then none would be saved. No wonder the only “unforgivable sin” in the Bible is the “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.” It is the Holy Spirit’s role through the preaching of the Word to point out the need for us all to trust in Christ, for redemption from sin. I thank you Dear God, for pointing out that need in my own life. In Jesus name, Amen.
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9. How should Christian’s pray for one another? (Eph 1:15-23)
Ephesians 1:13-20 (MSG)
[13] It’s in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. [14] This signet from God is the first installment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.
[15] That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the Christians, [16] I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. [17] But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, [18] your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, [19] oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!
[20] All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven,
I included verses 13-14 once again, to get the complete context for this prayer of the apostle Paul. He just completed the longest run on sentence I have ever seen. It is the longest sentence in the Greek language from vs 4-14. These verses tell of all about what is involved in getting sinners saved. This is why the Triune God is to be “well spoken of” or praised. We should praise God the Father for his election and predestination of sinners such as we all are. We should praise the Son for his redemption in buying us out of the slave market of sin, and setting us free through his accomplished redemption at Calvary and subsequent resurrection. Finally, we should praise the Holy Spirit for carrying on the work of Jesus throughout the whole world and not be just confined to one geographical area of the globe. The Holy Spirit now resides in every believer and all believers collectively are “his body” and there is a special spiritual and mystical union with all saints everywhere whether we ever meet this side of heaven or not. It is through this body that God intends to carry out his work in this world.
If we read verse 13-14 in the Message it is a fitting place to begin a prayer for enlightenment. After reading about how rich every saint is “in Christ” and after knowing that the Holy Spirit is merely, “the first installment” of better things to come, we have good reason to get excited about glory.
In this prayer Paul prays the following things.
(1) First he expresses his thanksgiving for the “faith” the believer’s had in God, and the “love” they had for other believer’s. The faith and the love are not passive either, or just in word, but also in deed and truth. In Thessalonians Paul talks about a “work of faith” and a “labor of love.” If faith has no action with it, James says it is not real. It is a counterfeit faith (James 2:14-26). If love is without meaningful and tangible ways of expression then John says, “how dwelleth the love of God in him…” (1 John 3:17).
(2) Paul then prays to God asking him to open the believer’s minds to a greater knowledge and practical understanding of God, along with a greater intimacy as well.
(3) Paul prays that each believer individually and all collectively will know what they are called to do.
(4) He also prays that they may abound with endless energy as they are infused with Christ’s power to enable to do what they are called to do. God promised long ago to infuse the church with his power (Joel 2:28-29; Luke 24:49; Acts 2:17-21), and that power needs to be accessed in order to fulfill God’s Mighty Mission for the church (Matthew 28:18-20).
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 MSG)
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10. Who runs the church? (Eph 1:22-23)
[22] God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. [23] And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself. (Ephesians 1:22-23 NLT)
According to the apostle Paul, Jesus Christ is the one who runs the church. Now, I know that Paul also gave instructions in his pastoral letters about ordaining elders and deacons etc. to help “manage” things, so that all the gifted people in the church will be able to work together in a cooperative way to fulfill the Great Commission. We must never forget however, who is really in charge. Jesus must be in charge, and being held accountable to Him is the highest calling in the land. God has ordained all Kingdom work to be done by his church, which is His body, of which He is “the Head.”
Dear Lord, I pray that you will help me to follow you and your directives in my calling. Though I have rules to follow and people to answer to in the discharging of the duties of my office, my ultimate allegiance must be to you and you alone. Give me always the grace to do this Lord, I pray, in Jesus name, Amen.
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11. What is the spiritual state of everyone prior to coming to know Christ as Savior? (Eph 2:1-3)
If a “spiritual autopsy could be performed on each of us prior to coming to Christ, the results would not look too good. The scriptures do not paint a very good picture for any of us. This is what a “spiritual coroners report” might look like after a full examination.
Body “totally destroyed by sin” Phil 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Head “totally destroyed by sin” Isa 1:5 Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.
Throat “totally destroyed by sin” Rom 3:13 Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:
Tongue “totally destroyed by sin” James 3:6 And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Mouth “totally destroyed by sin” Rom 3:14 Whose mouth [is] full of cursing and bitterness:
Lips “totally destroyed by sin” Rom 3:13 with their tongues they have used deceit;
Feet “totally destroyed by sin” Rom 3:15 Their feet [are] swift to shed blood:
Ears “totally destroyed by sin” Mark 8:18b…having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember?
Eyes “totally destroyed by sin” Mark 8:18 Having eyes, see ye not? (see also John 3:3)
Hands “totally destroyed by sin” James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.
Heart “totally destroyed by sin” Jer 17:9 The heart [is] deceitful above all [things], and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Thoughts “totally destroyed by sin” Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
I know this is “bad news,” but it is so necessary to see ourselves for what we are before a righteous and holy God so that we will be ready to embrace the life changing “Good News” of Jesus Christ. After all, what good is it to hear that Christ died for sinners if you do not think that you are one. This is why Jesus uttered the words recorded in Luke 5:30b-32.
Jesus was hanging out with “tax collectors” which were the most hated people of all, and the religious Pharisees were so angry about it that they said, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum?” (Luke 5:30b)
Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” (Luke 5:31-32)
Paul tells us here in Ephesians just how bad our state was before coming to Christ, and I especially like the way the MESSAGE paraphrases it.
“It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us.” (Eph 2:1-3 MSG)
I am so grateful the chapter does not end at verse three, because if it were not for the mercy and grace of God, that could very well be the case. Jeremiah said it well in Lamentations 3:22-24 where he says, “GOD’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up. They’re created new every morning. How great your faithfulness! I’m sticking with GOD (I say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left.”
Dear Lord, I am so grateful that you love me with an “everlasting love” (Jer 31:3), and that your love “never fails” (1 Cor 13:8). Help me to have the grace to love others who have wronged me, in the same way that you exercise grace and mercy toward me everyday. In Jesus name, Amen.
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12. What is the only hope for those walking around in spiritual death? (Eph 2:4-9)
After reading this wonderful passage in Eph 2:4-9, what comes to mind is Paul’s words, “where sin abounds, grace does much more abound” (Romans 5:20). The word for “abound” actually means to “superabound.” It is much like an Indian rubber ball, or the inside of a golf ball. If I drop such a ball to the ground, it will bounce back up twice as far. That’s what grace does, it takes us much further up, than sin took us down.
Let us begin to enumerate the wonderful, marvelous, matchless grace of Jesus, and see what God can do for sinners such as you and I, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
(1) His mercy is rich (Eph 2:4).
(2) His love is great (Eph 2:4).
(3) His power is immeasurable (Eph 2:5).
(4) His resurection is Mighty (Eph 2:5).
(6) His Kingdom is heavenly (Eph 2:6; Romans 14:17; John 3:3).
(7) His plans are wonderful (Eph 2:7; Jer 29:11).
(8) His grace is amazing (Eph 2:8-9)
Dear Lord, I want to thank you for the wonderful benefits of a free, and full salvation in Christ. I know I have a long ways to go in this journey called life, and there is a lot of room for spiritual growth. In many ways, I think I am still “a babe,” but I am grateful that my salvation does not rest in my ability to perform well. I thank you for your amazing grace. In Jesus name, Amen.
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13. Why does God not immediately take us to heaven after being saved? (Eph 2:10)
Ephesians 2:10 (AMP)
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].
I think there is not a Christian alive that has not had that thought cross thier mind. As we study the scriptures it soon becomes clear that God still has some work to do on our “souls.” Our “spirit” connected with God’s Spirit, the day we first trusted in Christ (1 John 4:13; Romans 8:16; Hebrews 4:12), but the process of our “souls salvation” is ongoing. Peter talked about it in terms of it being a process (1 Peter 1:5,9) that is one day going to be revealed, in the end times. This he calls the “salvation of our souls.”
In the wonderful verse in our text in Ephesians 2:10 this ongoing work is referred to as God’s “Masterpiece.”
“The English word “poem” comes from this Greek term (poiēma). This is the believers’ position in grace. They are paradoxically His finished product which is still in process!” (Bob Utley)
Most Bibles have translated this word as “workmanship” which literally means, “a thing of His making”; Other bibles use the word “handiwork,” which I like because it brings to my mind (Psalm 19:1), which says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the earth shows his handiwork. There are so many places on this earth that one can travel and see God’s beautiful “handiwork,”
The most important Masterpiece of all however is the one He is building now. This verse applies to the believer individually and to the church collectively. I know the church gets a lot of criticism, and there is a lot wrong with it, but you should have seen us before God got His hands on us. We are not yet what we should be, but thank God we are not now, where we used to be either. Jesus said a long time ago that He would build his church and He himself would be the Rock foundation which it would be built upon. Jesus said that the, “gates of Hell would not prevail against the church.” The church is storming “the gates of hell” every time the gospel is shared and someone comes to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, I thank you for the awesome work you are continuing to do in the lives of those you have redeemed for yourself. Help God’s people everywhere to cooperate with you , as you reshape us into Christlikeness. In Jesus name, Amen!
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14. So what does Paul mean by “good works?” (Eph 2:10)
“Good works” = Acts designed specifically to benefit others, which are characteristic of God. He requires and enables his people to do good, although such is contrary to their sinful human nature. Salvation does not depend on good works, but leads to them.
1. Good works are unnatural for sinful human beings.
Jer 13:23 (NLT) Can an Ethiopian change the color of his skin? Can a leopard take away its spots? Neither can you start doing good, for you have always done evil.
Romans 3:12b (GWT) …No one does anything good, not even one person.
2. Good works are characteristic of God.
Acts 10: 37-38 (NIV) You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
3. God’s people are encouraged to do good works.
Gal 6:9-10 (NIV) Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
4. God is pleased with the good works of his people.
Heb 13:16 (ESV) Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
5. Good works are evidence of God’s grace in the lives of believers.
Philip. 2:12-13 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
6. Good works are the purpose of the new creation.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Dear Lord, help me to live out my faith in such a way that you will be glorified in all I say and do, and that others will be encouraged to get on board with God as well (Matthew 5:16).
Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
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15. What is the one and only thing that can break down the walls of hostility between man and God and between different people groups? (Eph 2:11-23)
Eph 2:15b (NLT) He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.
I know because of the depravity of mankind laws have to be made to force certain people to do right by others. We have tenant laws, to help keep landlords honest, and we could go on and on. I am not from the USA but, I am now proud to be an American. I do believe however, that a lot of terrible mistreatments have taken place over the years. The stories I hear about what happened just a decade before I came into this country in 1976 startle me to think that a so called civilized people could actually treat people the way they did. I remember one time visiting a plantation in Louisiana of a Frenchman. The guide was telling the story about how the French were driven out of Northeast Canada and mistreated so badly that they had to go somewhere to establish a new homeland. That’s why we have a large french culture in Louisiana. I couldn’t help but think, why would a Frenchman that was so mistreated by the English prejudice, turn around and have slaves that he could mistreat himself?
I think there will always be prejudices and hatred among people groups, even within the church, until Jesus comes. Jesus will one day right the wrongs that have been done in this world. Laws can bring restraint, and even contain certain unruly behaviors, but it can never change people’s hearts. Only one thing could do that, and that is the CROSS of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. What Jesus did on the cross brought down the walls of hostility between man and God, and between Jew and Gentile in that day. The cross today does the exact same thing. I know some Christians don’t get it, but they are wrong for being that way. Nobody deserves to be prejudged by another person based on their accent or the color of their skin. The variety of color is a beautiful thing in my opinion, that just shows the handiwork of God. If one person criticizes and judges another person because they do not look like them, then they really are offending God who made that person in his own image.
I always am so blessed to meet other believers for the very first time. It is amazing how there is this instant connection once you both find out that Jesus is the most important thing in each others lives. I know if “religion” or “legalism” gets a stronghold on a believer, that fellowship will be hindered. That is typical of what “religion” might do, but Jesus came to bring peace to people’s hearts and when reconciliation takes place between God and man, it opens the door for reconciliation to each other.
Dear Lord, I want to thank you for the unity that Christ brings to our lives if we let Him reign supreme in our life. I pray that you will liberate all Christians who have any stereotypical prejudices in their lives. Help us to understand there is one thing we all have in common before coming to know Christ regardless of who we are or where we came from. We all are sinners in need of a Savior. After we come to know Christ we are in a glorious way united to together “in Christ” through the “unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). The norm for Christians should be that they get along and love each other. That can be interrupted through sin, but it is still the cross that will in the end reunite them.
Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace. (Ephesians 4:3 (AMP)
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16. What does Paul mean by saying, “we are all one body, in Christ?” (Eph 3:1-7)
Eph 3:6 (NLT) And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.
I know that it is difficult for some people to see how there could be any kind of “oneness” with other believers half way around the other side of the world, who we may have not even met, and we may never meet this side of heaven. I can assure you however there is a “oneness” in it that is miraculous. I remember not too long ago watching some Chinese Christians singing on a video from their house churches all throughout that land. Though I could not understand their words, I clearly could see into their hearts, the wonderful love of the Lord Jesus. They moved my soul in a very special way. Jesus prayed a long time ago for a kind of “oneness” to exist within the body of Christ (John 17: I believe that prayer is being answered. It is not answered in “an organization” because the church is a “living organism.” It is alive, and the same Holy Spirit that dwells in me, also dwells in the hearts of believers everywhere. I praise God for this “new man” that God has created and is still constructing “stone by stone.” Notice I said “stone by stone” and not “brick by brick.” There are a lot of “brick by brick” constructions that are built by some man, but a “stone by stone” structure is of God’s doing. Of course, I am talking in a figurative sense when I say that. Lot’s of powerful and persuadable people can draw a large crowd, but the church’s goal should always be to help draw sinners and saints to Christ. It is never the “crowd” that makes a worship service meaningful, it is always the Christ!
Dear Lord, I thank you for that “one body” that Paul talks about here and in many other places in the word as well. I cannot do without any of my body parts. I function best with two hands, two feet, ten toes and ten fingers, one heart, two lungs and two kidneys etc. I pray that you will help the church body to see the need for “one another” today so that we will understand our real value and worth in Christ. Each believer has been equipped by you in a special way to help build up the body and so advance the cause of Christ. Help me Lord, to be all about doing these things. Help me to be a person who strives to “build up” and not “tear down.” In Jesus name, Amen.
John 17:11b (NIV) Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name-the name you gave me-so that they may be one as we are one.
John 17:21 (NIV) I pray …that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.
John 17:22,23 (NIV) I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
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17. What does it mean to be humble? (Eph 3:7-11)
Some years ago there was a country and western song titled, “It’s so hard to be humble, when you are perfect in every way.” I guess if that is how you feel about yourself, that would be true. The person being portrayed in that song certainly didn’t know the first thing about true humility. I think the apostle Paul, in the passage before us demonstrates by his words what true humility is. It certainly is not a feeling of uselessness or weakness. God does not want his people to see themselves that way at all. Outside of Christ, we are for sure (Romans 3:12), but “in Christ” it is a far different matter. I don’t think it is being humble to say, I have no gifts, abilities or talents. There is nothing wrong with recognizing these particular positive qualities in your life. After all, these things are all gifts from God (James 1:17; 1 Cor 12:7-8). It is clear from scripture that whatever gifts you may have to contribute to the spiritual health and welfare of the body of Christ was given to you by the Holy Spirit. Not to recognize and use those gifts from him is irresponsible at the very least. James would just call it sin (James 4:17).
So you may wonder what I see in this passage of scripture that shows us the humility of the apostle Paul? Let us take a brief look at a portion of the text cited in our question.
Eph 3:7-8 (KJV) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
In these two verses the apostle Paul teaches us how to have a “sane” or balanced understanding of our life in God’s kingdom. I think Paul is stating here what he taught us to do in Romans 12:3, just before he began to enumerate some of the serving gifts that were to be operational in the body of Christ. I especially like how this reads in the Phillips translation of the New Testament.
“Don’t cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities by the light of the faith that God had given to you all.” (Romans 12:3b JBP).
I see three things in the passage in Ephesians that teach us how to have a “sane estimate of ourselves.”
1. Paul knew exactly what his calling from God was. This is very important. I see on the popular reality singing shows lately that some people don’t make it to the finals not because they are not good, but purely because they may not know whether they want to be a pop singer or a country singer. They seem to waver about who they are as a singer. Until they find their way they may never get to where they hope to in the future. The apostle Paul knew exactly what He was put on this earth to do, which was to “preach the unsearchable riches of Christ.”
2. Another thing that Paul says here is that God gave him the enabling grace to carry out what God had called him to do. This way it becomes clear that there is no room for bragging about our gifts, since they are not the product of our own making anyway.
3. Finally, there is this statement where Paul says, “I am less than the least of all saints.” I think this statement along with two others in Paul’s writings really show us his humility. Let us ponder these three together and then ask the Lord to help us to have a spirit of humility that will cause us to use all our talents, gifts and abilities given by God, for His glory.
1 Corinthians 15:9 (NKJV)
For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Eph 3:8 (NKJV) To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given…
1 Timothy 1:15 (NLT)
This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”-and I am the worst of them all.
As we look at these statements together in this order it is like a progression of seeing ourselves always in the light of God’s grace. We know what we are called to do, and we know God is equipping us to do it, but we never forget for one moment that it all comes from God and all of what we do must be for the glory of God. As we grow in humility we grow to greater awareness of how weak we are and how great He is.
Dear Lord, Help me to never become puffed up with pride about who I am and what you have called me to do. Help me to be like Paul, always seeing these things as a matter of grace. Help me to be thankful for my gifts and rejoice in the unique gifts that you have given others in the body of Christ too. In Jesus name, Amen.
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18. How has “access” to God changed since Jesus went to the cross? (Eph 3:12)
Eph 3:12 (NKJV) in whom (Christ) we have boldness and ACCESS with confidence through faith in Him.
Under the Old economy of law, only the High priest could enter into the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle to make sacrifices for the sins of both himself and the people. He had to do this year after year. That was the closest to real access to God most people had back then. There were individual visitations from God, but the norm was that everything was done through the priests being “mediators” on behalf of the people. The High priest wore a garment that had stones on the chest portion that represented the twelve tribes that made up the Hebrew nation. What we have today however is so much greater. We have a Great High Priest that has made a one time all sufficient sacrifice for the sins of sinners such as you and I. The Old economy priests had to do this year after year because the best the sacrifices could do then, was to have sins rolled back, but what Jesus accomplished for us was “eternal redemption” and that is why no more sacrifice is ever needed (Hebrews 9:12). He did not need to make sacrifices first for His own sins, because in Him there was no sin (2 Cor 5:21). Because of the sacrifice of Christ any sinner that acknowledges, first their need for Christ, and that they will perish without Him, and turns to Christ for salvation will have from that moment free access to God, through Christ. This is what Paul tells us in this verse, and in other places in the New Testament as well.
The word “access” is found only 3 times in the N.T. (Rom. 5:1-2 ; Eph. 2:18 , Eph. 3:12). These 3 passages teach us 4 things about access.
1. We have access into GRACE (Rom. 5:2) and God’s throne is the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16).
2. We have access unto the FATHER (Eph. 2:18). Though He is sovereign, we can still approach Him as a child does a father (Luke 11:11-13 , Rom. 8:15).
3. We have access through JESUS CHRIST (1 Tim. 2:5).
4. We have access by our FAITH (Rom. 5:2 ; Eph. 3:12).
Dear Jesus, I want to thank you for what you accomplished for me. I am so grateful that my God is not unapproachable, but is always accessible, because of your work on the cross, I know that my God is too Holy to look upon sin (Isa 59:1-2), and the only hope for me was for you to “become sin” for me and anyone else who would ever trust you as their Savior (2 Cor 5:21). I am so thankful that I can come everyday to a “throne of grace” and not a throne of condemnation or judgement. This truly is Amazing Grace. In Jesus name, Amen.
Hebrews 4:16 (AMP)
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
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19. What can Paul teach me about prayer? Eph 3:14-19)
Eph 3:14-19 (NKJV) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
I love to read Paul’s prayers. I believe Paul really knew how to connect with God in a real way. It seems that most prayer requests in church today are requests for healing of our bodies. I do think this is important, but I do believe we should express more emphasis on the needs of our souls as well as the body. This is what Paul is doing here. Not only that but what I see Paul doing here is that he is making a direct correlation with the subject matter that He just spoke of in his letter. Paul was grateful for the opportunity to preach the “unsearchable riches of Christ” to lost sinners, and reveal the wonderful mystery of the new work that God is doing by creating a brand new body of people where the emphasis is not on being Jew or Gentile, or male and female, but rather that we are “one body” in Christ. In light of this revelation Paul prays that these believers will really grasp just how rich and wealthy they really are “in Christ.”
Paul wants the following things for these believers, that we should be praying for too.
(1) That they would tap into God’s strength, out of his glorious riches, through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(2) That glorious thoughts of Christ may constantly be in their hearts through the faith they have in Him.
(3) That they would come to a complete understanding of the four dimensions of God’s love.
(4) That their lives would be “filled with the fullness of God.”
If you have difficulty knowing what this should look like, then think of what it would look like if your life was filled with rage, or jealousy etc. We all know what that looks like. Here we see that our lives are to be filled with God. When this happens we will demonstrate the qualities of God that He has chosen to impart to us. We will never be “omniscient” (all knowing), or “omnipresent” (everywhere present), or omnipotent (all powerful), but we can express the love of God, mercy of God, forgiveness of God etc. When we are filled with God, others will recognize it when life squeezes us. When I squeeze a lemon, lemon juice comes oozing out, so when life squeezes me I hope that more of God will come oozing out of my life.
Dear Lord, Help the members of Christ’s body today to find strength and power in you, and the ever increasing faith, and understanding of your love for us, and those around us. May we all leave our homes each morning prepared for the work you have called us to do, by being filled with the fullness of our Great God.
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20. What are the dimensions of Christ’s love? Eph 3:16-19
Eph 3:16-19 (MSG) I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit–not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength– that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all Christians the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.
There have been many great sermons preached on this subject, and many different approaches to it. I know many like to merge the thoughts of this verse along with John 3:16. Back in my early days, most young preachers would see an outline like that and say, “That will preach!”
What I would like to do as we look at the dimensions of Christ’s love is to consider it in light of the context of this one book, called Ephesians.
(1) The Breadth of Christ’s love (2:11-22)
It is quite clear that Paul is addressing mostly Gentile (non Jewish believers), but the church then and now is made up of both Jews and Gentiles. In the New Testament anyone who was not a Jew was just called a Gentile. So, much of the New Testament gospel message is about tellling everyone, whether Jew or non Jew that Christ loves them and died for the salvation of the whole world. What is often meant by the term “world” is “not just Jews, but Gentiles too.” If we read though the New Testament it becomes clear, especially in Paul’s writings that the gospel is not to be limited to just one race of people. If you are not Jewish born, I know you can be thankful for that. This is the breadth of God’s love and this is why missionaries go throughout the whole world to preach the gospel. This is the very reason for the singing of praises to God in Rev 5:9.
Revelation 5:9 (NIV)
And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.
(2) The Length of Christ’s love (1:4; 2:7)
The length of God’s love takes us back a long time before we were ever born, and extends all the way into eternity. We often think our beginning with God took place the day we first trusted in Christ. That was the beginning of “new life” for you with Christ, but this is not when God began to love you, because God’s love for His people is an “everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3).
(3) The Depth of Christ’s love (2:1-3)
When I think of the depth of God’s love, it reminds me of how far God must reach down to save sinners (Jer 17:9; Isa 64:6). Some of the preachers of yesteryear use to say that God saves from the, “gutter-most to the uttermost” (Psalm 40:1-3; Hebrews 7:25). I believe that is true. No one can be too bad for God not to save (1 Timothy 1:15). He specializes in hard cases and dirty sinners. He spent a good portion of his time reaching such people with the gospel. I know by experience that God reaches way down to save sinners, because He had to reach way down to save me. Oh, what a Savior!
(4) The Height of Christ’s love (2:4-6; 1:21)
The Height of Christ’s love is seen in the number of times we see phrases like “in Christ,” “in the heavenlies” and “far above all.” This is the kind of language you use when you know that there really are no words to describe how good it really is.
Dear Lord, Help every Christian to so bathe themselves in your love today that the love of God is spilling over and reaching out to others and bringing them into your Kingdom. This truly is the power of love. Every Christian already has experienced God’s love being poured out into their hearts by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), and therefore we must do what you do, and pour out the love you have given us for you and the lost in all our Christian service (2 Cor 5:14,15).
2 Cor 5:14-15 (AMP) For the love of Christ controls and urges and impels us, because we are of the opinion and conviction that [if] One died for all, then all died; And He died for all, so that all those who live might live no longer to and for themselves, but to and for Him Who died and was raised again for their sake.
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21. What is God’s purpose for the Christian church and every believer? (Eph 3:20-21)
Eph 3:20-21 (NIV) Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
Have you ever experienced what Paul is talking about? I know every Christian at least once in awhile gets blown away by what God does in and through them. I cannot count the number of times someone has approached me about a problem, and as they begin to unfold to me what it is all about, I am thinking, “What am I going to tell this person?” “Help me Lord, to help them!” So often God comes through by giving me the right word at just the right time. Not only have I been able to help the person, but we are both blown away by what I said. I know when I leave that person that it wasn’t me doing the work, it was God that was at work within me. There have been so many times and ways that God shows how amazing He is in my life, and I must never forget what Paul said when He uttered the words, “yet not I, but Christ that liveth in me.” This is a marvelous thing, and we spoil the moment if we begin to take credit for it. God should get the glory in all we do. God is to be glorified in every Christian and in every church. The church is God’s ordained institution to bring Him glory.
Dear Lord, Help each believer and the corporate body of Christ to give you the glory for any good thing that comes from our lives. You are such an amazing God, always doing amazing things. I see you everyday at work in the lives of so many people. Thanks for once in awhile including me in your work and allowing me to participate in your work in this world. In Jesus name, Amen.
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22. How do I “walk worthy” if I am not worthy? (Eph 4:1)
Ephesians 4:1 (AMP)
I THEREFORE, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service.
I think there is an important balance that all of us need to have when it comes to our “worth” in the Kingdom of God. It is true that outside of knowing Christ, none of us are worthy of anything from God. We are “born in sin” (with a sin nature) Psalm 51:5. The Psalmist said that, “man at his best state is altogether vanity,” and Isaiah tells us that, “all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). So, we know that none are worthy of salvation. But, there is a very significant difference between where we were with God prior to knowing Christ, and our life now “in Christ.” Paul tells us we are called to “walk worthy.” What this means, is to walk in a manner that compliments who we are in Christ.
This first verse of chapter four marks a new beginning of the second half of the book. Paul is about to show us how our WEALTH determines our WALK, how our BELIEF affects our BEHAVIOR, and how DOCTRINE leads to DUTY. In these things Paul and James are so much alike. Both of them teach us that, “if you have nothing to show for your Christian life, then you really have nothing at all.” It is not that we work for our salvation, for it is by grace through faith, but true saving faith will always be accompanied with works. In Paul’s letters he often talks about things like, “a work of faith,” “a labor of love,” and “patience of hope.” All Paul’s letters emphasize a PRACTICE that corresponds to our POSITION “in Christ.”
Dear Lord, Help all God’s people today to reflect on what it means to live a life that corresponds to what we profess to believe. Help us to have the courage to tell you and others what parts of our speech and conduct had nothing to do with God at all. This is how we repent of the behavior that is unbecoming a child of God. Then help us to be to like you Lord Jesus, like the moon is to the sun. The moon gets all its light from the sun as it reflects it, and we can reflect your light for your glory, if we are willing to walk worthy of this “high calling of God, in Christ Jesus.” In Jesus name, Amen.
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23. How should fellow believers work together for unity in the body of Christ? (Eph 4:1-16)
Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Here we are now, in the second half of this great book of Ephesians. There are so many key phrases throughout the book. In the first half, we run into phrases like, “in Him,” “in whom” “in Christ.” Then there is the word “rich” or “riches” used at least 4 times, where Paul talks about the “riches of His grace,” (1:7), “mercy” (2:4), “glory” (3:16) and “the unsearchable riches of Christ (3:8). There are so many things about the first three chapters that demonstrate how RICH & WEALTHY the people of God are in Christ. Under the Old Covenant (Deut 28-29) Israel was promised “physical blessings in earthly places in Joshua” and in the New Testament the Christian is promised “spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” This is the essence of the first three chapters in Ephesians.
Now, in chapter 4-6 the emphasis is How to WALK with God in light of the WEALTH we already have in Christ. I think many Christians have never tapped into this, and consequently live such defeated lives. They are like a person driving a car that is not automatic, and never taking it out of first gear. Driving in first gear might get you where you want to go, but why not use all the gears that are available and enjoy a better ride? In chapters 4-6 Paul talks about How to walk in;
1. in unity 4:1-16
2. in holiness 4:17-32
3. in love 5:1-7
4. in light 5:7-14
5. in wisdom 5:15-6:9
This section in 4:1-16 teaches us how to walk in unity in the body of Christ. There is a difference between a union and unity. You can tie two cats tails together and have a union, but I promise you that you will not have unity.
Here in 4:1-16 a good outline to follow as you read it is;
I. THE GRACES OF UNITY (VS 1-3)
II. THE GROUNDS FOR UNITY (VS 4-6)
III. THE GIFTS THAT ASSIST IN UNITY (VS 7-12)
IV. THE GOAL OF UNITY (VS 13-16)
Carefully read through the first 16 verses in light of this outline, then ask the Lord to help you to take an active role in being obedient to the command of Eph 4:3. I also like the way that verse is paraphrased by Eugene Peterson in the Message. He says we need to be, “alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.”
Dear Lord, I know when my ugly old self rises up it is so easy for me to forget that life is not all about me, and that it is really about you, and your will, and me conforming to it. Help me not to be a hindrance to the cause of Christ, in my local church or in the world where we live our life each day. Help me Lord, to be a peacemaker and not a troublemaker, in the church of Jesus Christ. Help us all to set our affections on things above, not on what is down here, where we can so easily lose sight of what life is really all about. In Jesus name, Amen.
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24. Are Christians perfect? (Eph 4:17-32)
I know this may seem like a dumb question, but I have run into a few “Christians” who really do think they are perfect. A pastor once was trying to make a strong point about this to his congregation, so He asked the question. “Does anyone here, know of a perfect person?” It was working pretty good, but after about twenty seconds went by, finally a hand went up. A lady spoke up and said, “I know of a perfect person. I mean, I have never met her, but I hear about her all the time. It is my husband’s first wife.” Well, the truth is, she wasn’t perfect either.
The ugly truth is that the church of Jesus Christ is not perfect, and far from it. I always tell people if you are looking for a perfect church please don’t join it, because you will ruin it.
It is clear from reading Ephesians 4:17-32 that these believers were not in a state of perfection at the moment they first trusted in Christ. There is a lot of work to be done, and a lot of learning to do, and a lot of cooperation on our part with God, to living a life that pleases Christ. God brought the children of Israel out of Egypt in one day, but it took a long, long time to get Egypt out of them. The same is true of all of us. That is why we need the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, the fellowship of other believers etc. in order to get trained in how to be holy. The text before us reveals some practical advice on how to get to where you want to go. We might call this, “a spiritual GPS to holiness.”
(1) Get rid of “stinkin thinkin.” (vs 17-19; cp. Romans 12:2).
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
(2) Get your attitude adjusted by studying the truth about Jesus (vs 20-24; Matthew 11:29b).
Matthew 11:29 (NLT)
… Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
(3) Get rid of all the lies that we have believed about ourself and others, so that our minds can be filled with God’s truth (vs 25; John 8:44; Romans 3:4). Remember lies come from Satan, and truth comes from God.
John 8:44 (MSG)
You’re from your father, the Devil, and all you want to do is please him. He was a killer from the very start. He couldn’t stand the truth because there wasn’t a shred of truth in him. When the Liar speaks, he makes it up out of his lying nature and fills the world with lies.
Romans 3:4b (MSG) God keeps his word even when the whole world is lying through its teeth.
(4) Get rid of unhealthy anger. It is okay to be angry at sin, and we should be, but it is not okay to sin by being angry (vs 26). This is just one way the Devil can get a foothold in our lives. He has many ways to get our minds off of Christ and onto “things.” (see Philippians 4:8)
Philippians 4:8 (MSG)
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious–the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
(5) Get rid of laziness. Get a job, and don’t be greedy with what you have. Giving to others in need is being like God who is always giving. We can never out give God. Some people seem to have the gift of getting, but don’t have the gift of giving. These are people whose lives are all about them. Everything revolves around them, and that is not Christlike at all (vs 28).
(6) Get rid of ugly speech and replace it with words that build others up in the REALITY OF CHRIST, and don’t tear people down with words intended to hurt. Ugly words with intention to hurt only grieve the Holy Spirit. You won’t go to hell for it, but your life on earth will be miserable until you make things right. This is how the Holy Spirit works in our hearts (vs 29-31).
(7) Forgive like Christ forgives. This may be the most powerful exercise of the Christian life, that really demonstrates how Christians differ from the people of this world, There should be nothing that a Christian would not be willing to forgive another person for having done. I know forigiveness may not always lead to reconciliation, but it needs to take place in order for our lives to grow spiritually (vs 32).
Dear God, everyone needs this, but mostly me. In Jesus name, Amen.
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25. What does “true love” look like? (Eph 5:1-2)
This whole idea of “imitating God” sounds quite intimidating if it were not for the fact that whenever God commands us to do something He also equips us to be able to do what He commands. In my “flesh” (my old self) I could never do what this passage demands of me, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, which I have, I can (Acts 1:8; Romans 5:5). Just as children bear a physical resemblance to their parents, and even certain personality traits as well, the same should be said of those who are “born of God.” Consider the following verses from 1 John as an example of what Paul is talking about here in Ephesians.
1 John 2:6 (KJV)
He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, EVEN AS HE walked.
1 John 3:3 (KJV)
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, EVEN AS HE is pure.
1 John 3:7 (KJV)
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, EVEN AS HE is righteous.
The Greek word that is translated in our text “imitators” means “to mimic.” That means since we have God’s nature in our hearts we should mimic God’s characteristics, such as mercy, love, and holiness etc. The kind of “love” Paul is referring to is a selfless love that causes one to love even the unlovely. It is a sacrificial love, like Christ (Eph 5:2b). Christ is the greatest example of God’s love in the whole Bible. He should be our PURPOSE, our PATTERN, our PRIZE and our POWER to carry out this glorious command.
I just got my yearly car wash, and I had the guys put new car smell back in my car. When I got back in the car, that smell made me smile. Think of how God smiles at the frangrance of a Christian who walks in the love of God.
Dear Lord, Help me to love like Jesus. Help me to be one who gives off a fragrance that others will be able to quickly trace it to its source. May that source be God the Father, and my Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.
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26. What one thing can we do, that will help combat all the evil things that we could be doing? (Eph 5:1-14)
In this passage of scripture where Paul tells us to “walk in love” and “walk in light” he lists a lot of things that Christians should not be doing. These are things that are just not part of the new nature we have “in Christ.” Things like “sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, and coarse joking.” Though God’s people are capable of such things, God has called his people to rebuke these lifestyles by living in contrast to those who live this way.
There is one positive thing that Christians can replace all these things with that will help combat these things from taking place in our lives. This one thing will help us to “walk in love” and “walk in light.” This one thing is “giving of thanks” (Eph 5:4). Have you ever thought about the power of a thankful heart. If we have a thankful heart, we will be thankful for the love of God in our l life, and we will want to return that love with gratitude. If we are thankful, then we will want to walk in purity (1 John 3:1-4). It is hard for a negative person to hang around a thankful person, because the negative minded person will have nothing in common with the one who has a thankful heart. Of the many things God’s people are called to, one of these is to “be thankful”
(1 Thess 5:18).
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (MSG)
thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
Dear Lord, Remind me when I have a sour attitude, just how much harm I can cause, and just how unlike Christ I am when I am this way. Help me to always have a thankful heart in all circumstances. I have a long way to go in this area of spiritual growth. I want to flourish in this Godlike quality Lord, and with your help, I shall surely get there. May others see how I can glorify you with a thankful heart. In Jesus name, Amen.
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27. How can I “make the most of every opportunity?” (Eph 5:15-21)
As I read this passage of scripture what seems to be the bottom line, where God wants me to be is to, “make the most of every opportunity.” Every other thing He tells me to do or not do, leads to helping me to be able to make the most of every opportunity. If I submit to learn all I can from others in the body of Christ, it will lead to helping me to make the most of every opportunity (vs 21). Once again, the giving of thanks in every circumstance would be a way to make the most of the moment at hand. Make sure I am filled with the Spirit, and always yield to the Spirit’s leading in my life. If I live that out by singing and making melody in my heart to the Lord, I will be making the most of my opportunity. On the other hand, if I am foolish, and I get drunk, and and do not care about what God’s will is, then I will miss the mark every time. If I do these things I am living a very careless life, which is the exact opposite of what God wants. Let us all, ask the Lord today to help us to make the most of the opportunity that today brings. If our attitude is right, we might be surprised at how much better our day may actually go.
Dear Lord, I really thank you for ministering to me through this passage of scripture. In it you helped turn my attitude around. I needed this Lord, because I surely would have easily missed the mark today without it. I have many more days in my life behind me than I do ahead of me. I really need to make the best of today for your glory and man’s good. In Jesus name, I ask for these things, Amen.
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28. What is the best way for husbands and wives to demonstrate Christ-likeness? (Eph 5:22-31)
Eph 5:22-33 (MSG) Wives, understand and support your husbands in ways that show your support for Christ. 23 The husband provides leadership to his wife the way Christ does to his church, not by domineering but by cherishing. 24 So just as the church submits to Christ as he exercises such leadership, wives should likewise submit to their husbands.
25 Husbands, go all out in your love for your wives, exactly as Christ did for the church–a love marked by giving, not getting. 26 Christ’s love makes the church whole. His words evoke her beauty. Everything he does and says is designed to bring the best out of her, 27 dressing her in dazzling white silk, radiant with holiness. 28 And that is how husbands ought to love their wives. They’re really doing themselves a favor–since they’re already “one” in marriage.
29 No one abuses his own body, does he? No, he feeds and pampers it. That’s how Christ treats us, the church, 30 since we are part of his body. 31 And this is why a man leaves father and mother and cherishes his wife. No longer two, they become “one flesh.” 32 This is a huge mystery, and I don’t pretend to understand it all. What is clearest to me is the way Christ treats the church. 33 And this provides a good picture of how each husband is to treat his wife, loving himself in loving her, and how each wife is to honor her husband.
There is so much controversy today in the media about the Christian view of the husband and wife relationship. Many that do not have a biblical world view think that Christians are from the dark ages when it comes to how they view the role of the husband and wife in the home. The biggest issue they have is with the idea that wives should have to “submit” to their husbands. The biggest problem is that they don’t understand the context that it is in, and they really don’t understand the word “submit” as it is being used in Ephesians. The very word scares modern women to death. Yet, I don’t know of any Christian women that are married to godly men, that have a problem with this at all. It is so freeing for a wife to know that the greatest responsibility for the household lies with the man in God’s eyes.
The second thing that I would like to point out is that the context here is that the husband and wife are both instructed by God to be like Christ. If the husband, who has the greater responsibility of directly answering to God for his home, loves his wife like Christ loves the church, then her response to that love will be to follow her husband as he follows Christ. Now, what is so bad about that? Actually, I really like the way the Message paraphrase gives the proper sense of the whole passage. The husband loves and cherishes his wife, like Christ does the church, and the wife is very understanding and supportive of her husband taking the lead in guiding his family toward Christlikeness. Any woman that is truly submitted to Christ, longs for the husband to take this loving leadership role. The problem today in many the churches I have been involved with is that almost all the time the women are more dedicated to Christ than the husband, and in many cases more knowledgeable in the scriptures too. I think the biggest problem today is with men who just won’t be courageous followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. When this happens, the family unit fails to portray Christ in the greatest calling that every husband has before God. Even before our evangelism to the world, our first responsibility is the ministry at home. If we don’t have this in order, then how can we ever minister effectively outside the home?
Dear Lord, Help me to be the godly husband you want me to be. Help both men and women in the family see the role that God has given them as an honorable way to follow Christ, and not rebel at these wonderful liberating commands of Christ. In Jesus name, Amen.
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29. What does a Christlike life look like for a child, in relation to parents, fathers in relation to children, employees in relation to emplorers, and employees in relation to employers. (Eph 6:1-9)
God gives us all some very valuable instruction to help us all to know what our responsibilities are in the various relationships that we have with one another in this world. It is one thing to talk about being “Spirit filled,” but quite another to demonstrate what that really looks like. It is much easier to “jump up and down and speak in languages one has never learned” than it is to demonstrate that consistent steady “walking in the Spirit” that is commanded of us in scripture. I am not saying the former is wrong, but it certainly isn’t genuine if we are not obedient in these other things. Children are commanded to obey their parents, knowing that they understand what is right and best for them. In their obedience to their parents they are clearly demonstrating the genuiness of their faith in Christ. Even long after children are grown and have left the home they are still to demonstrate faith in Christ by showing honor to their parents. This is something that ought to be done with joy and delight as if this honor was being directly bestowed to Christ.
Parents too, have a special responsibility not to “provoke their children to wrath (anger).” In my experience, I think the easiest way for parents to do this is by an inconsistent and hypocritical life before their children. No parent is perfect for sure, but we really do not fool our children when we are one way at home and a completely different way at church. This probably drives more children that grew up in a “Christian home” away from church more than anything else.
Finally, there is instruction here for slaves and slave owners, since Paul was addressing the people within that culture and in that time. Today, the best application for this is the responsibility of a Christian employee to his or her employer, and then the Christian employer toward employees. I get to see this as a chaplain everyday in the workplace. To be quite honest, I am honored to be associated with the employers in the locations where I serve as a chaplain. They do look out for the employees and treat the employee as a real person that is valued, and they in so many ways demonstrate to the employees that they are the companies greatest asset. All godly employers know that they didn’t “build it” on their own. It takes a team effort in a company, where everyone works together for the common good of advancing that company forward to be able to excel in the market place of this world. Christian employees have a special responsibility to give employers an honest days work, for an honest days pay. There are other ways to rob from the company you work for without directly taking cash out of your emloyers pocket. I think everyone knows exactly what I am talking about. Christian employees ought to be the best and most reliable and hardest workers any company has. If they do these things they will have a good testimony, and may even earn the right in the eyes of their fellow employees and non Christian employer, to one day at the appropriate time, share with them the “life changing Good News of Jesus Christ, in a non threatening manner.”
Dear Lord, Help me to honor both sets of parents that I have been blessed with the way I should? Help Christians everywhere to be honorable employees? And, please help employers to represent Christ as the true King and boss of their life. In Jesus name, I ask these things, Amen.
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30. So, Why does Paul use such aggressive terms to describe the Christian life? (Eph 6:10-18)
As I reflect on Paul’s writings I notice one of the apostle Paul’s favorite methods for applying and illustrating Christian responsibility was through the use of athletic metaphors. For example he used words for “running” and the “race” on numerous occasions (Acts 13:25; 20:24; Rom. 9:16; 1 Cor. 9:24; Gal. 2:2; 5:7; Phil. 2:16; 2 Thess. 3:1; 2 Tim. 4:7). In addition he referred to other sports such as boxing (1 Cor. 9:26) and wrestling (Eph. 6:12). Paul also used words that would have conjured up images of the games in his readers’ minds. These include “prize” (1 Cor. 9:24), “crown” (v. 25), “goal” (Phil. 3:14), being disqualified (1 Cor. 9:27), “strive lawfully” (2 Tim. 2:5), and the giving of the crown by the righteous Judge (4:8). Paul’s athletic allusions are indeed on the local games with which he and his readers would have been familiar.
Here in Ephesians 6:10-18 the apostle is moving into the section of Ephesians that Ruth Paxson calls WARFARE. The Christians life really is a warfare, but it is a warfare we were never intended to fight alone. Paul does not say, “I wrestle not against flesh and blood…” but He says “WE wrestle not against flesh and blood.” This is why I believe that Christians need never think they can engage in spiritual warfare against the enemy by oneself. This is just more than any one Christian can handle. Jesus said that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church as it marches into battle to overtake enemy territory as it seeks souls for God’s kingdom. This is offensive warfare when we are seeking souls for Christ, through prayer and ministry in the field of this world. To go into battle without the proper armour of God is spiritual suicide.
“Paul explains how we are to equip ourselves for this spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6: 10–12, he reminds us that our struggles with sin and with those people who hate the living God are not battles against flesh and blood but against the Evil One. Before we knew Christ, we were in Adam and enslaved to the powers of sin and death. Having been reconciled to God through Jesus, we no longer have the Devil as our captain but now serve in the army of the Lord (Rom. 5:12–21). Still, the influence of sin does not disappear at once, for the world, the flesh, and the Devil strive to make us forget whose side we are on as servants of the cross (7:7–25; 1 Peter 5:8–9).
The only effective way to keep us from going against the way of Jesus and acting as traitors to His cause is to continually put on the uniform that identifies us as His soldiers (Eph. 6:13–17). Paul uses the analogy of a soldier’s armor to describe the armor of faith. While it is possible to draw some inferences as to the reason why each particular piece of armor is linked to its specific spiritual characteristic, it is more important to see that the roots of Paul’s thinking go back to the Old Testament. In Isaiah 59:15b–17, the prophet speaks of God wearing the same kind of armor as we are to wear in battle against Satan. Putting on spiritual armor simply means that we continually clothe ourselves in the Lord, relying on His gifts and graces to resist temptation and to enable us to risk even our own well-being for the sake of the kingdom.
Continual prayer in the Spirit both for ourselves and for the needs of fellow believers is the means by which we wear this armor (Eph. 6:18–20). Praying in the Spirit is not a mystical experience but rather an alertness to pray, along with a quickness to pray, because, knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes with and for us as we pray, we recognize the power in acknowledging our dependence on God (Rom. 8:26–27).” (Ligioneer Ministries article)
Dear Lord, I thank you for the spiritual enlightenment of this powerful section of Ephesians on spiritual warfare. Help me to embrace this whole book, and especially this lesson for life transformation for me, and the whole body of Christ. I pray that in these last days that the church will triumph for Jesus, through the power of His might, In Jesus name, Amen.
Dan McKenney — Grace, Growth and God’s Word 