How do we do it? (Ephesians 6:10-20)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

COMMENT

How do we do it? (See yesterday) How do we graciously accept our place in life, which may even include such things as being slave to a less than compassionate master? And the answer is found here. Be strong in the Lord, out on the armor of God. Satan has his schemes, his limited control of the kingdom of earth. For it is not these unjust rulers or masters that we stand against, but the spiritual forces of evil. Hold to the truth. Act righteously, even when others don't. Walk in the way of the gospel, which is to live in peace and not fear. Hold on to your faith, which will protect you from the weapons of evil. The helmet of salvation protects you, even in death. Yet do not be afraid to take the offensive using the sword of the Spirit. In other words, do not fear explaining the how and why of your actions. And pray. Pray for yourself, and for those of the faith who fight with you. Pray that they will be strong and faithful, as they proclaim the Gospel.

I think these words may become very timely soon. Time will tell. 

When It Is Easy, and When It Is Hard (Ephesians 6:1-9)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 6:1-9

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

COMMENT

I put these section together not because I think children are servants, or servants are children, but because I think they have a principle in common. You don't choose your parents, nor do slaves choose their masters. Whatever your lot, and this includes work, where you live, etc., there are things that you have to deal with that maybe you did not have a partial or even any choice in. But deal with them you must, and dealing with them righteously is how a Christian should react.

Children, obey your parents, honor them. Do we even know what it means to honor someone anymore? Now parents are not without responsibility in this, but not all parents, even Christian parents, do a good job at this. That does not relieve the children from honoring and obeying. Servants also are to obey. Masters are told how to treat servants, but again, not all will follow this, and that does not seem to release the servant from his obligation.

What I take away from this is that you are given a code of how to respond. Not a code of telling others how to respond, or a release from that obligation if things do not go you way. Obey, honor...those can be difficult things to do even under good circumstances, let alone when you feel it is not deserved or appreciated. I think the next section gives some ideas as to the "how" of accomplishing this, so I will stop here for today.

Marriage (Ephesians 5:22-33)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

COMMENT

Just some observations about this passage...

• I believe these 2 paragraphs should be treated together, as they are interlocking and dependent on one another
• I come to this passage knowing that I am not a perfect person or husband. I imagine that for this reason, this passage is very intimidating to many preachers to take on.
• Gender issues aside, I have to believe that if the average were taken, males are stronger than females. Sure there are women stronger than some men, and men weaker than most women. But if the average of each were to be compared, in strength, size, and height, it would not be a fair contest. That is why we have an NBA and a WNBA. You don't see women playing quarterback for the Bears or Packers. Etc. It is why there is outrage when a man who identifies as a women wants to complete against women. So when this passage states that husbands are the head of the wife, it is a statement of placement, and not superiority. God decided this, and both in physical ability and God's plan, then man is the head. Wives should understand this and honor it.
• Headship in God's plan is not the same as headship as the world sees it. Consider Jesus, who as the head of the church sacrificed Himself for the church. 
• Therefore, while the head of the wife, it is in the realm of having the desire for the best possible world for the wife that the husband exists. As Christ is the protector of the church, so that the church might appear before God as whole and blameless, the husband should have to same desire. 
• A break down in one side or the other is very damaging to the relationship. If the wife does not submit to the husband, if she does not trust or honor him, it makes is very difficult for the husband to effectively function in his role as protector and provider. Think of it as the church not trusting in Jesus. No matter what He might do, the relationship suffers harm and is not what it could and should be. The same is true for the husband. If the husband abuses his role as head, it also damages the relationship, and it is not what it could or should be.

So I am off, seems I have some work to do...

Focus on YOU! (Ephesians 5:15-21)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

COMMENT

The first thing that really sticks out here is the idea that you should look carefully how YOU walk, and not how others walk. I believe Jesus covered this with the log and speck idea in Matthew 7, but it bears repeating (as many of the concepts of Scripture do, because we are so slow to listen.) The days are evil, and that is out of our hands. Yet we must focus on our behavior, for that is what we can control. Simple concept, but so hard to accept and practice sometimes!

Focus (Ephesians 5:15-21)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

COMMENT

Watch yourself! This is not telling us to look at others, monitor their behavior, and report to the authorities when warranted. It is telling us to watch our own walk. Be smart. Make good use of your time and effort. Why? Because we live in an evil time. Don't be stupid! Understand what God's will is, and it is to do exactly what Paul just wrote, check your own behavior, motivations, and lifestyle. 

Don't get drunk with wine. Don't try to escape the issues that surround you, but do it in a manner that is spirit led. Focus on God at all times, and in all manner of communication. Give thanks in all circumstance, remembering what Christ did on your behalf!

Batteries Not Included (Ephesians 5:3-14)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:3-14

But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine on you.”

COMMENT 

In verses 1 and 2, Paul tells us that we should be imitators of God, and why we should do that. Now he turns his attention to what that should look like. He is dealing with a specific audience, so he is going to talk about what misconceptions they might have. This is not the the conversion of your neighborhood garden club. This is the conversion of people whose religion involved temple prostitutes and other vile behaviors. It was their RELIGION, so might not they think it appropriate to transfer some of these actions to their new faith? Paul wants to nip this in the bud! (Makes me wonder what Paul would say to those who have been converted to faith today from a stale, bland, life-draining religion that could not and would not save them.)

So make no mistake, this is not a list of "to-dos" or a legalistic behavioral approach to belief in Christ. It is a description of what this new life entails, and one that is without apology. It should and likely did cut these people to the heart. It also likely weeded some of those who we not ready or able to make such a commitment. Like the rich young ruler before Jesus, Paul seems to be willing to let some walk away. (Oh, that we would have such strength of faith today!)

I think my favorite part of this section is this: try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

It is not about me, what I think faith should look like, my comfort, ease, prosperity, etc. It is about God. To live is Christ, to die is gain.

Worthy of Imitation (Ephesians 5:1-2)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 5:1-2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

COMMENT

First, let me begin by saying that I do not believe it is possible to imitate God, however, it is a great goal for those who love Him.

I still admire my dad. He was not perfect, but was an incredible human being, at least for what I know about him. And that is a lot, having had the opportunity to work with him for a year, as an apprentice mechanic, before changing paths and going to college. I got to see first hand, what he had to put up with to bring a decent paycheck home to care for his family. I often feel that I fall so short of the example that he set. But that doesn't mean that I do not attempt to imitate him. 

Growing up, I didn't always understand why my dad made some of the choices he did. But because I knew him, and I could see his heart, I trusted him. I think about my own children. They don't always know why I make the decisions that I do, but my hope is that they trust me. That deep down, they know I have their best interests at heart.

Just as I know that God loves me. He is worthy of being idolized. He is worthy of being imitated. He is my Abba Father.

Impact of Anger (Ephesians 4:25-32)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 4:25-32

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

COMMENT

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another

The lie has been put away, the lie that we can live as we once did, in darkness. The lie that God does not exist or that worship is some kind of carnal game. Now we speak truth. We speak Jesus. Not a list of rules or commandments, but a life that results in change. We speak this truth not just for ourselves, but within a community of believers. As part of a body, and as part of a body, we seek the good of the whole rather than just the individual.

Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil

Yes, there will be times we disagree. But do not let your anger or bitterness get the best of you. Holding on to anger only increases the fact that you will not act in accordance with the gospel.

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear

Change. Repent. That is the summary of how we should behave. Don't take this as a list of to-dos, but rather as examples of what repentance might look like.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption

Do not allow your actions to be outside of what repentance demands of you.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you

Forgive. Whether 70 times 7 or 77 times, the idea is do not keep track. God did not give up on you!

Real Change (Ephesians 4:17-24)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 4:17-24

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

COMMENT

Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity

We must no longer walk in ignorance. To do so indicates an alienation from God. Paul talks about the darkness that they live in, and of their understanding. Yes, this makes sense. When we think of talking to someone who does not have all the facts, or who has skewed facts or been lied to, yet they believe in their heart what they know to be true, it is almost if not completely impossible to convince them of the truth. Their beliefs constrain them to living in a way that is does not conform with reality, because they are living in a reality of their own. Even when presented with proof, these folks are hard to convince because this new truth conflicts with their perceived truth, and they do not want to entertain the reality that they might be wrong. So, in a sense, they surrender themselves to what they believe to be true. As the gentiles of Paul's time did this meant belief in idols and worshipping with temple prostitutes.

But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness

But Jesus is more that just a means to salvation, He is our Savior in the here and now. The truth demands a response. Christians call it repentance. Not just turning your back on sin, but putting off your old self. Not one foot in heaven an one on earth, but two feet planted firmly in the gospel's life changing message, now and from this day forward.

Jesus Loves Me (Ephesians 4:9-16)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 4:9-16

(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

COMMENT

(In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

I believe that Paul, being led by the Spirit, is making a clarifying statement here. There were those who did not believe in the humanity of Jesus, or the fact that Jesus came from heaven to earth. But how could Jesus return to heaven, unless He had first came down to earth, and how could He return, unless He was here?

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ

Jesus did not leave us alone once He returned to heaven. He gave us the equipment needed to be able to mature. Apostles, evangelists, shepherds, teachers all helped fulfill that need. Eventually the New Testament would be added to that list. 

But not all prophets, evangelists, etc. are genuine. I believe that is where Scripture comes in. It is the measure against deception and the deceptive practices of Satan. Problem is, how many people really know enough about the Scriptures to use them as a basis for deception prevention? Scripture even speaks of those who only hear what their itching ears want to hear. Therefore, the blame lies with both the speaker and the audience. 

until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes

See, there is the element of "human cunning" that we must be aware of. The immature will not only believe such people, they will pursue them. 

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love

Love, the L word. I think that many have misinterpreted this word. Some think it means giving only good things. But parents who only give good things, and never discipline their children, those children do not grow up to be the kind of people that others want to be with. No one likes to hang around with spoiled, selfish people. Speaking the truth in love sometimes means saying things that others might not want to hear. But if it is done in love, it is not done to harm them, but rather for their good. Telling someone that they are saved when they are not is probably one of the cruelest things a person could do. Just look at how the body grows and develops. If all you ever did was feed a body, and did not ever let that body experience exercise or work of any kind, it would not be a very strong body. If we want to grow into Christ, we need food, but also exercise. We need the love of a parent who awakens their child and sends them off to school, not the false love of one who lets the child go back to bed because they don't like school. We need to teach and be aware of that kind of love.

Same, Yet Different (Ephesians 4:1-8)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 4:1-8

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

COMMENT

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord

Literally a prisoner and figuratively as well. A prisoner by force, and a prisoner by choice.

urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called

Paul's calling is not your calling. But whatever you have been called to do, do it in a worthy manner, fitting for a prisoner of God.

with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace

Bearing with one another. Understanding that there are different callings, different manifestations of the Spirit, different understandings of God and His plans.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all

But with all of the differences we have, God is one. His plans call for different gifts, different callings, different personalities, etc., but one God so one purpose. One faith, faith in Christ. One baptism, immersion into His Son, one Father, God Himself.

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says,

“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

The grace by which you stand did not come through your effort, but the work of Christ. It is finished. The measure of that grace comes from the riches of God's grace. Gifts vary according to God's purposes. As does calling. 

He Can Do All This and More (Ephesians 3:20-21)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

COMMENT

I could have easily tacked these verses on to the last post, since they are in keeping with the train of thought in those verses, but decided to do otherwise. 

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think

I believe that the "him" in these section refers to God the Father. Just how powerful is God? ALL powerful. To think that God is too busy dealing with larger, perhaps even world problems to bother Him with our issues is to under estimate God power. God is the ultimate multi-tasker, able to keep the planets in motion, the stars in place, and still had time to count the hairs on your head. In fact, this verse seems to say that no matter how much we ask, He could to more. Much more. Not that we should twist this into some kind of prosperity-minded theology, but God is able to take care of our needs, whatever they are. 

according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

No, this is not saying that our faith can limit His power, but I believe that is saying that the miracles God works when He does choose to show Himself, reveal His glory, and confirm the glory of His Son Jesus, and this will continue throughout the ages. 

God is not only the Father of Jesus, He is our Father as well. And as a father, He is the one who makes the decisions about what He will do for us. We have to trust that. Some fathers spoil their children, and those children have an unrealistic expectation of what a father should do. A good father does not give in to the every whim of their child or children. In fact, a good father might even allow His child to suffer in order that the child might know and understand things. This is the challenging part of being a father. God has the resources to do all we ask and more. Doesn't mean He is bound by some cosmic obligation to do so. Look at what He has already done. Give Him the praise He is due. Know that in the end, His love will provide for us. That is what we need.

Spirit verses Flesh (Ephesians 3:14-19)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 3:14-19

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

COMMENT

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named

What reason? Perhaps the things he was just speaking of. That God is in charge. That all that Paul has and is comes from the grace of God. That Paul is the least of all of the saints. That God is now choosing to reveal His plan, That we not lose heart because of the circumstances we are in... Paul bows before God, because he know both, who God is and who he (Paul) is. 

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith

Paul's prayer is for strength in the inner being, our spirit. No promises of prosperity, perhaps even speaking of the difficulties that must be endured. Not overcome, endured. Like Jesus had to endure the cross. That in our spirit, we may find strength in Christ.

that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Maybe lacking in material possessions, which can and will pass away, but rather be filled with the fullness of God, which cannot be taken and will not pass away. And God is love. But do we even understand that word today? Seems that many think that love is a weak thing, that just gives with no thought of the consequence of the gift to the one who receives it. Or that love demands that we get what is coming to us. How many commercials use the words, "You deserve...?" Like, get all the benefits you deserve. You deserve a nicer, newer car. And so on. So we have a mentality that we deserve anything and everything, just because. But this kind of thinking ends when we can't pay the credit card or make the house or car payment. Try telling the bank you should get to keep something just because you deserve it. But that is the mentality in America today. 

I can't help but hear the words of Matthew 18:8. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?

God's Way (Ephesians 3:7-13)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 3:7-13

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

COMMENT

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.

Paul was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace. Don't know why, but today is strikes me, who chooses who receives a gift? It is not the recipient, but the donor. Not sure if that is part of the intent of Paul's teaching here, but if so, it seems to lend toward the idea that it is God, not man, who chooses salvation, since it also is referred to as a gift. One thing that Paul seems to be evidently stating, is that his gift in ministry was by God's doing, and a show of God's power, not his own. Goes right along with his teaching about no one having a reason to boast.

To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given

This reinforces Paul's idea regarding humility. Anyone think it strange that God chose the least of all saints to write so much of the New Testament? I don't, seeing as how that is a pattern that God tends to follow, that of using the humble and weak to get the job done.

to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things

God had a plan. Man could not see it, and God was not ready to reveal it. Man was blinded by his desire for comfort, ease, blessing. God knew what needed to be done. Even today, so many yearn for comfort, ease, blessing, and are blinded by that so that when things don't go their way they assume God has forgotten them. Or maybe they just don't have enough faith. But perhaps the truth is that God is hiding his plan because either we are not ready to see it or He just needs us to trust Him. If God created all things, are our circumstances really out of His awareness or control?

so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places

I wonder if the church is fulfilling this responsibility today. I know that it is, but is it doing so in the full measure of what it is capable of? I doubt it. Is it doing it up to the measure that God sets forth? Absolutely.

The problem is not God, it is the church's response to the gospel. When some churches follow a message that is really not the gospel can we expect those churches to fulfill their responsibility to make God known to others, whether rulers or just neighbors? 

Also, who are the "authorities in the heavenly places?" Is the true church also testifying to the demons and angels, making God known to them? Yes, I know that the demons believe, but making God known would also seem to involve making His character known to them, something I believe they miss entirely.

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory

Don't lose heart. Two days after an election, and many are frustrated. Perhaps even more so, if their candidate is behind. Fraud and other charges, real or imagined, will be verbalized. But whatever the end result, whether truthful or manipulated, eventually we will have to live with it. So do not lose heart. The same God who created all things is still over all things, and nothing is out of His sight or control. If He knows the number of hairs on your head, He certainly knows what is going on in every aspect of the world. Do not lose heart, even when things do not go you way.

The Mystery (Ephesians 3:1-6)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 3:1-6

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

COMMENT

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles

Paul was literally a prisoner for Christ, but I think that he might be using this as a play on the words, because prisoner means a captive, or one who is bound, and Paul was certainly a captive of Christ.

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

The mystery of Christ was not made known prior to His coming. People were looking for a totally different type of Messiah. They were looking for an earthly ruler, one who would set them free from the oppression of the Romans. God had different plans. He sent a Savior who would set them free from sin, who would demolish the barrier between men and God. I find it ironic that people still look for a Messiah who will set them free in earthly terms, one who will lift them out of poverty, or sickness, etc. Yes, Jesus can and does heal sickness and maybe provides prosperity for some, but first and foremost He is the Savior of my soul.

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Salvation for gentiles? Yes, Jesus came for all who would believe. Some who thought He would be their Messiah rejected Him because the could not or refused to understand. Still true today.

Together (Ephesians 2:11-22)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 2:11-22

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

COMMENT

At one time the Ephesians were separated from the promises of God, which were given to Israel. They had no hope of salvation. But Jesus changed that on the cross. The blood of Christ flowed to the Jews and the gentiles. It was the blood of Christ that changed things, not anything the Ephesians had done themselves. Not only did He bring salvation, but He demolished that wall of hostility. Imagine being in a family where one child was lavished with attention and material gifts, and the other child received nothing. Would there not be hostility between the two? By granting salvation to both Jew and gentile, that wall of hostility falls. So were are no longer strangers or aliens, but are all one, because we have one Father. 

The Gospel According to Paul (Ephesians 2:1-10)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 2:1-10

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

COMMENT

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

We were sinners. All of us, without exception. The degree of our sin did not matter, it was enough to separate us from God. We were dead to Him, but alive to the prince of disobedience, focused on our own desires. Focused on ourselves, we were children of wrath.

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved

But God loves us, and He had a plan. Remember, God is not just merciful, He is rich in mercy. He has an abundance of mercy. So while we were dead to Him, He gave us life by joining us with Christ, the perfect Lamb of God, who thought not of Himself, but of God and of us. This is grace. This is the greatest miracle God has done. 

and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith.

Because of what Jesus did, we can be with God. Because He has taken the consequence, the penalty of our rebellion and selfishness, we can enter heaven. In the coming ages we will see the riches of His grace. It is God's grace that saves us, and nothing else.

And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

If there is any doubt about who is responsible, let me say it again, it is not your doing, it is a gift from God. You have no basis to boast, either before God or before one another. 

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

God is the craftsman, we are the product. God is the potter, we are the clay. God knows us, has crafted us, and has plans for us. 

That is the gospel. That is the love and mercy of God. But God is not just love and mercy. He is also righteous and just. That is why He had to go to such extremes to save us. That is what makes the gospel so beautiful, that is what should drive our worship and response to Him.

Not Without the Spirit (Ephesians 1:15-23)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 1:15-23

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

COMMENT

Have you ever wondered how the early church grew, thrived, or even survived without men who had seminary degrees, without bloggers, without TV evangelists? My only conclusion can be that it was the working of the Holy Spirit in the believers of the early church. Paul sees this and is thankful for this. I love the phrase, "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you." That speaks to me of the fact that no matter what we think or do, God is in control. I fear that we have lost some of this. Not because God is less powerful, but because we place our faith in knowledge over love. The preacher is exalted as the divine orator of God's plans, and we are to fall in line. I think of the millionaire mega-pastors. I think of a pastor in our city who convince his congregation to move to a new site, buy a large parcel of land, and build a mega building. Then, they would attract new businesses to that area, and sell off some of the extra land to pay for it all (at a handsome profit, of course). Then the 2008 recession hit. They ended up having to lay off some of their staff. I am sure that programs had to be altered, and perhaps their giving to missionaries as well. The pastor soon took a position somewhere else. Having been in ministry for a few years, having gone to church for many others, and even working as a teacher in a Christian school, I have other stories I could tell... 

I wonder if the Jews, who did not understand about the true mission of the Messiah, laughed at the Christians when they suffered. Maybe a "How's your Jesus working for you now!" might have been uttered. But these Christians knew that it was not about an earthly kingdom or for our ease and comfort that Jesus bled and died. 

The church, and I mean the real, universal body of true believers is His body, is the fullness of Him. Not the local congregation, although there are some that fulfill this role well. While others put on an impressive show of wealth and piety. I think we would do well to measure our actions against those of the Jewish leaders Jesus constantly had to contend with. I think we would do well to remember that our mission is not to grow or save the church. God has been doing a great job of taking care of that for years. Our mission is to respond to our salvation in love for God and others. Our mission is to reveal His glory through our lives and not our buildings or programs. I think of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

I am not against buildings or programs. But without love, without submission to God' Holy Spirit, it really is in vain.

Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Wow! I really did not see that going there this morning.

So Many Questions... (Ephesians 1:11-14)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 1:11-14

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

COMMENT

In him we have obtained an inheritance

How far does the analogy go? Those who inherit do not decide to take an inheritance, they are given on because they are sons. Or should this analogy only go so far as to mean that those who become sons have the inheritance? 

having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory

There is the "P" word again, predestined. Were we chosen because of His will, or was it our will and then that melds into His will? In either case, it is for His glory that this occurs.

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

What happened when we heard the Gospel? We were sealed with the Holy Spirit, and our inheritance was guaranteed. Again, was it set forth by God's choosing, and sealed by the gospel and our belief, or did we hear the gospel, and then were sealed when we chose to believe? In either case, there is a word there that bears thought. That word is guarantee. Our inheritance is guaranteed. Does that mean that we cannot lose our salvation? If we can, then what does this guarantee mean?

So many questions...

But there are also implications. Implications that include that unless we hear the gospel and believe it, we are not sealed, and therefore not saved. Implications regarding that the gospel we submit to must be the gospel of truth, and not any man's version or any distortion of the gospel. Implications regarding our response, because in the Bible, believe involves change and repentance. 

Amazing Grace, Amazing God (Ephesians 1:3-10)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 1:3-10

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

COMMENT

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world

What does this verse mean when it states that he (God) chose us? Does that mean He individually chose who would be saved and who wouldn't? Or does it mean that God chose those who would choose to believe to be saved? I have my opinions, but only God's opinion matters. I don't like it when people say things like, "Calvinism is the Gospel," or "Calvinism is heresy." There are valid points to both arguments, and also problems with both arguments. It just seems a little arrogant or self-righteous to say such things. And these are the people who usually will not even listen to another's point of view.

that we should be holy and blameless before him.

This is why He redeems us. Not so that we can be right, or so that we can save others. It is so that we can stand before Him, so that one day we can be in His presence. Sure, it is good to be right, it is good to do all kinds of things, but that is not why He redeems us. And you know what that should produce in us? Humility. Worship. Love, both for God and for others. The leaders in Jesus' time lacked these things. They were full of pride, their worship was in vain, and they loved their places and titles more than God. Many today are in a similar boat. Abandon ship!

 according to the riches of his grace

I love that phrase. God is not just merciful, but He is rich in grace. His grace is not something given out with an eye dropper, but poured out abundantly, because God has much grace! And we are blessed according to the riches of His grace, and not the works of our own selves. That is why grace is so amazing. 

which he lavished upon us

He didn't just give us grace, He lavished it upon us. He poured out so much grace because we needed so much grace. We will never run out of grace, He has given us so much!

making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

He did it for our sake, so that heaven and earth can be united. He did not need earth to come to Him to be complete, but we certainly need heaven to come to us to be complete. Praise God for what He does for our sake.