Please join us as we begin a bible study on Ephesians. I believe that anyone interested in following along in this in-depth look at Ephesians will come out at the other end a new person, charged up and much stronger in our faith! As He did in Paul's letter to the Romans, Jesus lays out a beautiful and challenging view of life here in this world for the Christian. In most other of Paul's writings, we deal with specific problems, and they are very helpful when we are involved with those same problems.
In Ephesians, Paul lays out the whole quilt of life... the great canvas of God's painting of reality. We'll see how the body of Christ functions. Our study of Ephesians will help us to find our ministries and to prepare each of us to function within them, and to discover the excitement of living as Christians right where we are. We will learn how to handle the sex drive which God has given us, and how to live properly in a sexually perverse society.
This letter, written to Christians of Paul's day, teaches us, here, today, how to come to grips with life as it is even now. If you are struggling as a Christian in your marriage and in matters of everyday family life, there is a powerful word for you today. If you need help understanding the strange turbulence often found in our own hearts and the spiritual attacks we encounter, there is a powerful word for you today.
Ephesians helps us to deal with our fears, anxieties, and depressions... teaches us where they're coming from, and what to do about them. I encourage you, my friends and loved ones, to allow these passages to pour over our hearts... allow the "Love for us", which is in and behind the Word of God, to change the way we think, see, and respond to the challenges in life. I pray we can stop and feel the powerful healing work within these passages as they pass through our intellect and reside in our hearts. Amen?
I love you.
For the rest of the study follow the links to the next verse beginning with 1:1-3.
Clicking on Ephesians will bring you back here.
For a specific Chapter follow the links below:
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Showing posts with label Ephesians Bible Study. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ephesians Bible Study. Show all posts
Ephesians 6:23-24
"Peace be to the brethren, and love joined with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." Ephesians 6:23
Looking back at all the amazing building blocks for our lives that Christ has given us in this beautiful letter from Paul... it easier for us (the brethren) to be at peace. Reminding us of God's eternity-long plan to save the "outsiders"... joining us equally with the Jews. Assuring us of the permanence of our salvation, and the work of Christ, to change us. We can be at peace.
We can see and understand much clearer now, the manifestation of God's love which comes from our faith in all of the Gospel... just as Paul bids now to his loved ones in Ephesus. Believing in the things that Jesus explained to Paul, as well as exemplified right in front of him concerning the life-changing power of God's love is what unlocks this "peace" inside that the world cannot know. And by believing, we mean that we TRUST what Jesus says of LOVE... and we RELY upon Him to manifest it within us. We look for His love to grow more within us and to rise back up to God... and spill out on everyone who comes into contact with us. Amen?
24. "Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be)."
The Amplified translation of God's Grace, reminds us again, that we don't deserve God's favor which Paul has explained to us so lovingly in this letter. By the time Paul's church family gets what Paul has written about God's Grace in this letter, into their hearts and minds... "like us", they will feel God's Grace, which he now bids. They, like us, will know of loves undying and incorruptible power.
Thank you for walking with me in this study of Ephesians from the context of God's love. I pray that you will go through this study again some time soon and share it with a loved one. I pray that you will go through all of God's word with the knowledge that God loves His creation so very much... and that it was for His love that He had Paul and others to put down into Word what His love for us means, and how we CAN love Him and one another as we allow Christ Jesus to manifest Himself through us. Praise God.
I love you.
Looking back at all the amazing building blocks for our lives that Christ has given us in this beautiful letter from Paul... it easier for us (the brethren) to be at peace. Reminding us of God's eternity-long plan to save the "outsiders"... joining us equally with the Jews. Assuring us of the permanence of our salvation, and the work of Christ, to change us. We can be at peace.
We can see and understand much clearer now, the manifestation of God's love which comes from our faith in all of the Gospel... just as Paul bids now to his loved ones in Ephesus. Believing in the things that Jesus explained to Paul, as well as exemplified right in front of him concerning the life-changing power of God's love is what unlocks this "peace" inside that the world cannot know. And by believing, we mean that we TRUST what Jesus says of LOVE... and we RELY upon Him to manifest it within us. We look for His love to grow more within us and to rise back up to God... and spill out on everyone who comes into contact with us. Amen?
24. "Grace (God's undeserved favor) be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with undying and incorruptible [love]. Amen (so let it be)."
The Amplified translation of God's Grace, reminds us again, that we don't deserve God's favor which Paul has explained to us so lovingly in this letter. By the time Paul's church family gets what Paul has written about God's Grace in this letter, into their hearts and minds... "like us", they will feel God's Grace, which he now bids. They, like us, will know of loves undying and incorruptible power.
Thank you for walking with me in this study of Ephesians from the context of God's love. I pray that you will go through this study again some time soon and share it with a loved one. I pray that you will go through all of God's word with the knowledge that God loves His creation so very much... and that it was for His love that He had Paul and others to put down into Word what His love for us means, and how we CAN love Him and one another as we allow Christ Jesus to manifest Himself through us. Praise God.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:21-22
"Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything." Ephesians 6:21
I struggled communicating with other Christians after I got saved. I had received a new-found heart for "ya'll, but the Lord really had to deal with me about "feeling" one with the body. For one thing... I had to get over years of not being accepted by "Christians". That's a whole nother lesson, but Christians are now our family... and many with Christ's love, do love us. And so they care and even worry over us. We ask them to pray for us; but we forget to let them know how we're doing, later... and they worry! You could say that Paul is not teaching anymore, but just writing his closing paragraph... or is he? Even in his closing, Paul is such an example of a considerate soul for his fellow body of Christ, to send word, always, about what was going on.
It's no surprise either, that Paul had faithful "too-kee-kos" right there by his side. God always delicately places someone perfect in "His" eyes to help us. It may seem unlikely who He sends, but you will know they are from God and you should not fight it. Very important!
22. "I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may console and cheer and encourage and strengthen your hearts."
Man... If I had Paul's situation to deal with... I wonder... has God had enough influence upon our heart... or, has enough of the "old nature" been replaced with "Christs' likeness", to care about others the way Paul reveals here in closing? The world says, "hey... I got problems of my own here," but Paul sends his own helper to take this communication (which we now live by) to his fellow Christians. Praise God!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:23 next time.
I love you.
I struggled communicating with other Christians after I got saved. I had received a new-found heart for "ya'll, but the Lord really had to deal with me about "feeling" one with the body. For one thing... I had to get over years of not being accepted by "Christians". That's a whole nother lesson, but Christians are now our family... and many with Christ's love, do love us. And so they care and even worry over us. We ask them to pray for us; but we forget to let them know how we're doing, later... and they worry! You could say that Paul is not teaching anymore, but just writing his closing paragraph... or is he? Even in his closing, Paul is such an example of a considerate soul for his fellow body of Christ, to send word, always, about what was going on.
It's no surprise either, that Paul had faithful "too-kee-kos" right there by his side. God always delicately places someone perfect in "His" eyes to help us. It may seem unlikely who He sends, but you will know they are from God and you should not fight it. Very important!
22. "I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may console and cheer and encourage and strengthen your hearts."
Man... If I had Paul's situation to deal with... I wonder... has God had enough influence upon our heart... or, has enough of the "old nature" been replaced with "Christs' likeness", to care about others the way Paul reveals here in closing? The world says, "hey... I got problems of my own here," but Paul sends his own helper to take this communication (which we now live by) to his fellow Christians. Praise God!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:23 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:20
"For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly and courageously, as I ought to do." Ephesians 6:20
Referring to his prayer request in the last verse, for boldness to share the Gospel... Paul says here, "for which he is an envoy"... a special messenger of... and he also points out here, "one, whom is being held prisoner for doing just what he has asked the church to pray for - bold and courageous". Do you see anything strange about this? We know Paul was an educated man and practically speaking, it makes no sense to pray for something that keeps getting you in trouble. So why would he do this. I ask this question because of my own experience with the things of God. Those of us that have been Christians a while know that often we are lead by the Holy Spirit to ask for things that don't always make sense.
We know that Paul is under house arrest as he is writing this (Acts 28:30) and could easily "proclaim" his way right back into harsher imprisonment "again", yet, he is lead to pray for courage to continue in this same boldness. Well, the opposite of what any rational mind would suspect to happen actually happens. Paul is released as a prisoner again and continues spreading the Gospel.
Paul TRUSTED IN AND RELIED UPON the leading of the Holy Spirit. That is what the word we know today as BELIEVE, really means... "trusting in, and relying upon". You see, dear friends... many people believe there is a god and therefore believe, subsequently that they will enter into heaven. They do not go to church or study the bible... in fact, they have pieced together their own idea of what God is like. Satan believes in God... yet, he is not heaven bound. NO, we must stress to our loved ones that to say we believe in God means to Trust in what He says... and further, that we live each day Relying upon Him in ALL things.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:21 next time.
I love you.
Referring to his prayer request in the last verse, for boldness to share the Gospel... Paul says here, "for which he is an envoy"... a special messenger of... and he also points out here, "one, whom is being held prisoner for doing just what he has asked the church to pray for - bold and courageous". Do you see anything strange about this? We know Paul was an educated man and practically speaking, it makes no sense to pray for something that keeps getting you in trouble. So why would he do this. I ask this question because of my own experience with the things of God. Those of us that have been Christians a while know that often we are lead by the Holy Spirit to ask for things that don't always make sense.
We know that Paul is under house arrest as he is writing this (Acts 28:30) and could easily "proclaim" his way right back into harsher imprisonment "again", yet, he is lead to pray for courage to continue in this same boldness. Well, the opposite of what any rational mind would suspect to happen actually happens. Paul is released as a prisoner again and continues spreading the Gospel.
Paul TRUSTED IN AND RELIED UPON the leading of the Holy Spirit. That is what the word we know today as BELIEVE, really means... "trusting in, and relying upon". You see, dear friends... many people believe there is a god and therefore believe, subsequently that they will enter into heaven. They do not go to church or study the bible... in fact, they have pieced together their own idea of what God is like. Satan believes in God... yet, he is not heaven bound. NO, we must stress to our loved ones that to say we believe in God means to Trust in what He says... and further, that we live each day Relying upon Him in ALL things.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:21 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:19
"And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel)." Ephesians 6:19
Paul teaches us in the gospel to pray for our spiritual leaders, and certainly we should... but here, Paul is truly asking for his fellow Christians to pray for him, The last verse was about praying about all things, and for others... and here Paul is reminding us that whoever you are, we must ask others to pray for us too. You can study where Paul is when he says this and even get a feel for what he might have endured, but the point of the matter is that here, a mighty man of God is asking for prayer, and so I think some of us may need to force ourselves to ask others to pray for us.
I feel I have a very strong relationship with God. I also pray about everything... and I certainly pray for others. However, this verse really reminded me that God has a purpose for us asking others to pray for us also.
Paul was specific about what he wanted prayer for too. Held in prison under a very powerful and often cruel force... you can imagine the fear and intimidation surrounding Paul to mention the very thing that was the reason for his incarceration in the first place. So, he asked for prayer... Amen? Our message is the same message to the world Paul was compelled to speak boldly. Our world is just as hateful and resentful as Paul's prison was to the message... the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. Prayers from all of us for those boldly speaking the Word of God is VITAL.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:20 next time.
I love you.
Paul teaches us in the gospel to pray for our spiritual leaders, and certainly we should... but here, Paul is truly asking for his fellow Christians to pray for him, The last verse was about praying about all things, and for others... and here Paul is reminding us that whoever you are, we must ask others to pray for us too. You can study where Paul is when he says this and even get a feel for what he might have endured, but the point of the matter is that here, a mighty man of God is asking for prayer, and so I think some of us may need to force ourselves to ask others to pray for us.
I feel I have a very strong relationship with God. I also pray about everything... and I certainly pray for others. However, this verse really reminded me that God has a purpose for us asking others to pray for us also.
Paul was specific about what he wanted prayer for too. Held in prison under a very powerful and often cruel force... you can imagine the fear and intimidation surrounding Paul to mention the very thing that was the reason for his incarceration in the first place. So, he asked for prayer... Amen? Our message is the same message to the world Paul was compelled to speak boldly. Our world is just as hateful and resentful as Paul's prison was to the message... the Gospel Of Jesus Christ. Prayers from all of us for those boldly speaking the Word of God is VITAL.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:20 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:18
"Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit, with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty. To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)." Ephesians 6:18
Paul has left the discussion of armor, however, we are still in the context of war-fighting and being prepared to stand in "the evil day". Still in this war-fighting thought, we can consider how vital the lines of communication have always been in war-fighting, and how perfect this verse fits with being armed of God, standing, and fighting the enemy. Smoke signals, Pony Express, Radios, and today's cell phone and many other forms of communication play a critical role in the success of battle. Prayer is our channel to The Great Commander and Chief. But, notice, Paul says to pray at all times, "in the Spirit". Capitalized, referring to The Holy Spirit.
Praying in the Spirit can be praying in "tongues"... but it is more about being "one" in spirit with God through the Holy Spirit. The church is split on the meaning of praying in the Spirit, though we are reminded that God's ways are not our ways, and that we cannot control God, or manipulate the things of God. Praying in the Spirit can be deep groaning... intense weeping, complete silence, and unexplainable passing of communications... but it is about being able to hear and speak with God "IN SPIRIT". Praying in the Spirit comes with great passion. The LOST CAN REACH THE SPIRIT IN PRAYER OUT OF A SINCERE PASSION TO RECEIVE GOD. The new Christian can pray now in the Spirit out of a new-found PASSION... But, ultimately our love for God and desire enough to meet with Him in Spirit, will make it easier to pray in the Spirit, as Paul refers to here. Praying in the spirit is not widely taught like it should be in the church, but a with Passion for God, He will teach us. Amen?
Paul, then adds, "To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)." Along with prayer there must be a heightened sense of expectancy... God is listening to us and we need to expect to see Him answer those prayers. Strong purpose and perseverance, again come from a compassionate prayer. Our prayers cannot always be for ourselves, but for "all the saints". We are not a bunch of ones... but "An Army Of One". Amen?
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:19 next time.
I love you.
Paul has left the discussion of armor, however, we are still in the context of war-fighting and being prepared to stand in "the evil day". Still in this war-fighting thought, we can consider how vital the lines of communication have always been in war-fighting, and how perfect this verse fits with being armed of God, standing, and fighting the enemy. Smoke signals, Pony Express, Radios, and today's cell phone and many other forms of communication play a critical role in the success of battle. Prayer is our channel to The Great Commander and Chief. But, notice, Paul says to pray at all times, "in the Spirit". Capitalized, referring to The Holy Spirit.
Praying in the Spirit can be praying in "tongues"... but it is more about being "one" in spirit with God through the Holy Spirit. The church is split on the meaning of praying in the Spirit, though we are reminded that God's ways are not our ways, and that we cannot control God, or manipulate the things of God. Praying in the Spirit can be deep groaning... intense weeping, complete silence, and unexplainable passing of communications... but it is about being able to hear and speak with God "IN SPIRIT". Praying in the Spirit comes with great passion. The LOST CAN REACH THE SPIRIT IN PRAYER OUT OF A SINCERE PASSION TO RECEIVE GOD. The new Christian can pray now in the Spirit out of a new-found PASSION... But, ultimately our love for God and desire enough to meet with Him in Spirit, will make it easier to pray in the Spirit, as Paul refers to here. Praying in the spirit is not widely taught like it should be in the church, but a with Passion for God, He will teach us. Amen?
Paul, then adds, "To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance, interceding in behalf of all the saints (God's consecrated people)." Along with prayer there must be a heightened sense of expectancy... God is listening to us and we need to expect to see Him answer those prayers. Strong purpose and perseverance, again come from a compassionate prayer. Our prayers cannot always be for ourselves, but for "all the saints". We are not a bunch of ones... but "An Army Of One". Amen?
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:19 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:17b
"...and take the sword that the Spirit wields, which is the Word of God." Ephesians 6:17b
Trying to compare what "taking" the Word of God, which the "Holy Spirit" wields, is very hard to do. I thought of being tied onto a wild horse, which we have no control over... pulling right on the reins, yet it jumps to the left... spurring it to "go", yet it stays, or pulling back on the reins and it keeps going... so much power we've become "part" of, yet so little control over. But I can't compare the Holy Spirit to... "anything". Unlike anything else that might be uncontrollable, the Holy Spirit has order in what He is doing... a perfect plan behind what He does, great reasoning... In fact, He (The Holy Spirit) is God, The Word (Christ) He is wielding is God also. As difficult as that seems to imagine, one thing that is NOT difficult to understand is that NOWHERE does the Bible say that "WE" wield God's Word. Knowing in my heart that I've received the Holy Spirit, "still try to"wield" God's Word as though I know what I am doing. This strikes me odd, because one of the things that brought me to Christ was, "my being tired of the tragedy in my life from "me" doing what "I" thought was needed". So how do we "take" something that's uncontrollable?
Well, I remember being lead to write a prayer for someone who was sick once. I felt in my heart that God had both put the need on my heart, and given me the word to say in prayer... ok? So far, it seems that I had "taken" what the Holy Spirit was wielding... right? Well, because it was so effective and spiritual, I thought, "Hey, I will save it and use it again later"... wrong! The Holy Spirit said, "NO... it's dead now". I asked why, and I was lead to the teaching of Manna. God's people in the desert were sustained daily by this manna. Some would try to save it for the next day, yet it would spoil. God's Word is for Him alone to wield... He alone knows the timing, the purpose, and to what end. Any control we take in the "wielding" of His Word is "SIN"... we spoil it... It will not sustain. In relationship to war-fighting, it is powerless because it will be in our own power and NOT in God's power.
Taking it, therefore is also waiting for "His" leading in "His" Word. Our "reasoning" toward what would be the right word and being led by the Holy Spirit are night and day apart. It takes time and practice to live by the Spirit. Making mistakes in deciding between the two can be a learning process... but well worth the effort. Even in error, I have seen God's grace on the side of error because He knew I really thought it was His leading. It still caused pain... but I also felt His grace.
Taking the Word of God as the Holy Spirit wields, also means accepting it... not being afraid to do what His Word has spoken. It means putting it into action even if you don't understand. Finally, Soldiers... the more of God's Word that we have hidden in our hearts, the easier and quicker we can "move out" in His Word when The Commander says, "Charge".
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:18 next time.
I love you.
Trying to compare what "taking" the Word of God, which the "Holy Spirit" wields, is very hard to do. I thought of being tied onto a wild horse, which we have no control over... pulling right on the reins, yet it jumps to the left... spurring it to "go", yet it stays, or pulling back on the reins and it keeps going... so much power we've become "part" of, yet so little control over. But I can't compare the Holy Spirit to... "anything". Unlike anything else that might be uncontrollable, the Holy Spirit has order in what He is doing... a perfect plan behind what He does, great reasoning... In fact, He (The Holy Spirit) is God, The Word (Christ) He is wielding is God also. As difficult as that seems to imagine, one thing that is NOT difficult to understand is that NOWHERE does the Bible say that "WE" wield God's Word. Knowing in my heart that I've received the Holy Spirit, "still try to"wield" God's Word as though I know what I am doing. This strikes me odd, because one of the things that brought me to Christ was, "my being tired of the tragedy in my life from "me" doing what "I" thought was needed". So how do we "take" something that's uncontrollable?
Well, I remember being lead to write a prayer for someone who was sick once. I felt in my heart that God had both put the need on my heart, and given me the word to say in prayer... ok? So far, it seems that I had "taken" what the Holy Spirit was wielding... right? Well, because it was so effective and spiritual, I thought, "Hey, I will save it and use it again later"... wrong! The Holy Spirit said, "NO... it's dead now". I asked why, and I was lead to the teaching of Manna. God's people in the desert were sustained daily by this manna. Some would try to save it for the next day, yet it would spoil. God's Word is for Him alone to wield... He alone knows the timing, the purpose, and to what end. Any control we take in the "wielding" of His Word is "SIN"... we spoil it... It will not sustain. In relationship to war-fighting, it is powerless because it will be in our own power and NOT in God's power.
Taking it, therefore is also waiting for "His" leading in "His" Word. Our "reasoning" toward what would be the right word and being led by the Holy Spirit are night and day apart. It takes time and practice to live by the Spirit. Making mistakes in deciding between the two can be a learning process... but well worth the effort. Even in error, I have seen God's grace on the side of error because He knew I really thought it was His leading. It still caused pain... but I also felt His grace.
Taking the Word of God as the Holy Spirit wields, also means accepting it... not being afraid to do what His Word has spoken. It means putting it into action even if you don't understand. Finally, Soldiers... the more of God's Word that we have hidden in our hearts, the easier and quicker we can "move out" in His Word when The Commander says, "Charge".
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:18 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:17a
"And take the helmet of salvation..." Ephesians 6:17aYou can say that helmets protect the head, and generally speaking you're right. But the brain is the central organ in the head that is really what is being protected... and as we look back through Paul's letter (Chapt 2:3; 3:9; 4:2,17, and 23), you'll see that more specifically it is the mind that he is referring to. Thus, we are talking about "Salvation" as the thing that is protecting the "Mind". How salvation protects the mind and from what, is the focus then as we look at what Paul says in relation to all of this letter. Starting in Eph 2:8, Paul says....
"For it is by free grace (God's unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ's salvation) through [your] faith."
Now right here we find both "bad and good news" relating to salvation and protecting the mind! The very fact that you have been saved, is bad news to the enemy, because you have just become a soldier "against" the enemy, where before, you were a "victim" of war. The good news is that, you have also cheated the enemy of a huge victory (your eternal fate). But in keeping to this thought of salvation protecting our minds... before we allow our-self to become a legion in our own mind, by this victory... let's finish the verse...
"And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God."
How quick the enemy tries to rush in on the new convert to make them feel like they have done something great. It sounds stupid, at first... but underneath this feeling that "you or I" have done something "saving" is: 1. a lie... and 2. Pride! But if we have truly been saved, then "salvation" will protect our mind from the lie, because truth... which comes with salvation will guard our mind. We will see this in the next contextual verse, Eph 3:9...
"Also to enlighten all men and make plain to them what is the plan..."
The rest of verse 3:9 refers to God having kept mystery the salvation for Gentiles, BUT, notice the fruit of salvation as "Enlightenment" for our minds... making plain in our minds, the "truth" which protects from the "lies". So, it is "Salvation" that protects the "mind" with the truth it brings... and truth that is what will be very victorious to combating the lies! Praise God.
One last note: Notice Paul says to, "take"... You have to reach out to God and take this salvation, which He has "freely" offered. Mmmm... dear soul... do not be a "victim" of this war, another day longer. Join The Army of God, and start suiting up, today.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:17b next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:16
"Lift up over all the [covering] shield of saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]." Ephesians 6:16
Soldiers of Christ, we've seen from many key verses during this teaching of the armor, which prove that it is not a holy pretending of putting something on... but is literally an internal strengthening process of mind, body, and soul, which comes from daily study of the Gospel... staying alert to the leading of the Holy Spirit, walking in a spirit of love, communicating directly with God in all our daily activity, and many other things... all associated with being "in Christ". And so if this is true, then we must ask, how do you lift up faith as though it were a shield?
Remember in chapter two, Paul talked about us being at one time "dead in trespasses". It was our natural bend to go out with the world and do as they do. Today, the temptation is still there and when an old friend asks, "Hey, you want to stay the night with me", and you know it violates even one of the things God says not to do... "RIGHT THERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LIFT UP YOUR FAITH". You can just say no, and that would be very wise... however, is that really lifting up anything? No.
The fact is, is that we've already missed an opportunity to lift up our faith and if we don't tell our friend "why" we can't stay the night, we will miss another opportunity. In fact, the attacks will keep coming and coming, because we have not done what Paul is suggesting. Too often, we introduce ourselves to others and never mention whom we are in Christ. If we lifted our faith high over ourselves, the truth is the enemy's attacks would "all" (Paul says) be quenched. In fact, the one writing this letter himself, lived a perfect example of this way of life. A careful study of Paul's writing reveals right up front of every letter, "who he was in Christ". Paul lived his life walking far away from the line between holy and unholy. Even in the area of pride, Paul used reverse boasting... I mean, he let you know that he was a sinner, a nothing without Christ Jesus... he immediately pushes himself far away from even being able to boast. Paul raised his faith like a huge banner. Study the history of shields and one thing you will see consistently is that all across the front of a shield was painted "who you belonged to".
In addition to the other armor (training, development, and covering) that we dawn now... Lift up your faith so that the enemy is already on the offense, the moment they see you coming. Thank You for this Word today, Father!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:17a next time.
I love you.
Soldiers of Christ, we've seen from many key verses during this teaching of the armor, which prove that it is not a holy pretending of putting something on... but is literally an internal strengthening process of mind, body, and soul, which comes from daily study of the Gospel... staying alert to the leading of the Holy Spirit, walking in a spirit of love, communicating directly with God in all our daily activity, and many other things... all associated with being "in Christ". And so if this is true, then we must ask, how do you lift up faith as though it were a shield?
Remember in chapter two, Paul talked about us being at one time "dead in trespasses". It was our natural bend to go out with the world and do as they do. Today, the temptation is still there and when an old friend asks, "Hey, you want to stay the night with me", and you know it violates even one of the things God says not to do... "RIGHT THERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO LIFT UP YOUR FAITH". You can just say no, and that would be very wise... however, is that really lifting up anything? No.
The fact is, is that we've already missed an opportunity to lift up our faith and if we don't tell our friend "why" we can't stay the night, we will miss another opportunity. In fact, the attacks will keep coming and coming, because we have not done what Paul is suggesting. Too often, we introduce ourselves to others and never mention whom we are in Christ. If we lifted our faith high over ourselves, the truth is the enemy's attacks would "all" (Paul says) be quenched. In fact, the one writing this letter himself, lived a perfect example of this way of life. A careful study of Paul's writing reveals right up front of every letter, "who he was in Christ". Paul lived his life walking far away from the line between holy and unholy. Even in the area of pride, Paul used reverse boasting... I mean, he let you know that he was a sinner, a nothing without Christ Jesus... he immediately pushes himself far away from even being able to boast. Paul raised his faith like a huge banner. Study the history of shields and one thing you will see consistently is that all across the front of a shield was painted "who you belonged to".
In addition to the other armor (training, development, and covering) that we dawn now... Lift up your faith so that the enemy is already on the offense, the moment they see you coming. Thank You for this Word today, Father!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:17a next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:15
"And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:15
From my study of history around the period Paul used the correlation between the Roman warrior's armor and being firmly grounded in the gospel, is this. Having shoes in that period was between the haves and the have-nots, that's simply the truth! Shoes were a luxury and Rome during that period was considered world-round as "the have's... and so was it's soldier. I'm sure it was impressive to see, not only the armor of the Roman Guard, but the whole uniform, down to the leather sandals. Generals, during that period even wore the earliest form of the boot, but the real issue here is that for a Christian to fight against the lies and deceiving evil that has been loosed in this world... we have to understand all that Jesus came to teach us... His Gospel!
This teaching is sole about taking one thing that Christ has said... pray over it... take it apart... meditate over it... look at what you previously believed about that thing (whatever He says) and REPLACE whatever you believed with what He says... and then BELIEVE IT! THEN... move on to the next thing and do the same thing, again, and again until you have read to the end... and start all over again... continually being GROUNDED in and by ALL that HE says! Obviously, one teaching will add to the strength and illumination of another, but the teachings of Christ will NEVER contradict itself. When two verses seem to contradict one another, you can be certain that you have mis-read... forgot to consider the context... not considered the difference between the two periods the verses were written in, etc... etc.
Bottom line? You cannot fight a lie, unless you know the truth. Do not waist your precious time studying the lie... FOCUS ON THE TRUTH.
The Amplified has not added some "new" Word from God to this verse, but has done what the bible, itself says to do and considered all of the Gospel in what Paul has been saying. So let's look at two things from the Amplified that I feel lead to point out. First, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the Gospel, is such a truth! By KNOWING the truth, it is very easy to pick-up on, or pick-out a LIE whenever it is being presented to you... whispered into your ear... appears before your eyes... and even comes up from deep within yourself (the flesh)!
Finally, it refers to the Gospel as the "Good News"... and, the "Gospel of Peace". Jesus referred to His Word as both. It is Good News to the Christian... which means, IT IS BAD NEWS TO OUR ADVERSARY. The Gospel is the "Gospel of Peace" in an evil world whom seeks peace and cannot find it apart from The PRINCE OF PEACE! (Isaiah 9:5-7) Amen.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:16 next time.
I love you.
From my study of history around the period Paul used the correlation between the Roman warrior's armor and being firmly grounded in the gospel, is this. Having shoes in that period was between the haves and the have-nots, that's simply the truth! Shoes were a luxury and Rome during that period was considered world-round as "the have's... and so was it's soldier. I'm sure it was impressive to see, not only the armor of the Roman Guard, but the whole uniform, down to the leather sandals. Generals, during that period even wore the earliest form of the boot, but the real issue here is that for a Christian to fight against the lies and deceiving evil that has been loosed in this world... we have to understand all that Jesus came to teach us... His Gospel!
This teaching is sole about taking one thing that Christ has said... pray over it... take it apart... meditate over it... look at what you previously believed about that thing (whatever He says) and REPLACE whatever you believed with what He says... and then BELIEVE IT! THEN... move on to the next thing and do the same thing, again, and again until you have read to the end... and start all over again... continually being GROUNDED in and by ALL that HE says! Obviously, one teaching will add to the strength and illumination of another, but the teachings of Christ will NEVER contradict itself. When two verses seem to contradict one another, you can be certain that you have mis-read... forgot to consider the context... not considered the difference between the two periods the verses were written in, etc... etc.
Bottom line? You cannot fight a lie, unless you know the truth. Do not waist your precious time studying the lie... FOCUS ON THE TRUTH.
The Amplified has not added some "new" Word from God to this verse, but has done what the bible, itself says to do and considered all of the Gospel in what Paul has been saying. So let's look at two things from the Amplified that I feel lead to point out. First, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the Gospel, is such a truth! By KNOWING the truth, it is very easy to pick-up on, or pick-out a LIE whenever it is being presented to you... whispered into your ear... appears before your eyes... and even comes up from deep within yourself (the flesh)!
Finally, it refers to the Gospel as the "Good News"... and, the "Gospel of Peace". Jesus referred to His Word as both. It is Good News to the Christian... which means, IT IS BAD NEWS TO OUR ADVERSARY. The Gospel is the "Gospel of Peace" in an evil world whom seeks peace and cannot find it apart from The PRINCE OF PEACE! (Isaiah 9:5-7) Amen.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:16 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:14b
"...and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God." Ephesians 6:14b
Back to the picture of the Roman soldier, the breastplate was to protect the soldier’s vital organs In close hand–to–hand combat and was essential for survival. No trained soldier would venture into battle without it. In Paul's likening this breastplate to "righteousness", we should consider that, believing that our own efforts to righteousness, or good works can afford us protection, the advantage quickly changes to benefit our enemy. Our righteousness is worthless in the battle. Paul has taught us that our righteousness is a covering for now... we are righteous only in the relationship with Christ Jesus. But does this mean what we do does not matter, since we are "clothed in righteousness"?
We talked about this earlier and I said that those things Paul taught earlier would all thread through Eph to here, and so righteousness we learned was not something "we" think-up and then decide to do for God. Righteousness is a result of my surrender to Him and adhering to His truth. It is the integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing that come from that surrender to the Spirit Who then fills and controls me. Adhering to truth is what then becomes "like" a breastplate, protecting the heart of the christian soldier. So, how is integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God going to protect us in battle?
Remember, the weapon of the enemy is a lie... it starts out small, or subtle... it says, "an occasional drink is ok"... or, "you can look, but don't touch"... then, it says, "well, you've drank a little more than you planned, but you're still in control"... or, "all this looking at these bodies, is exciting, but it's not changing the way I respect and value those souls". THAT'S THE LIES OF THE DEVIL. Before you know it, WE, HAVE FALLEN INTO SIN. Now the devil has not only tempted me with lies, but he is now the accuser. He accuses us and we are defeated. But, integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, before and during those attacks combat the lies with the truth... "I know better than to think I could control a substance that takes away our ability, slows down our reason and kills brain cells"... or, "I know you cannot look at inappropriate images of the opposite sex and continue to respect and honor them the way God wants". "I am more than a conqueror"... "He Whom is in me is greater than he who is in the world"... having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:15 next time.
I love you.
Back to the picture of the Roman soldier, the breastplate was to protect the soldier’s vital organs In close hand–to–hand combat and was essential for survival. No trained soldier would venture into battle without it. In Paul's likening this breastplate to "righteousness", we should consider that, believing that our own efforts to righteousness, or good works can afford us protection, the advantage quickly changes to benefit our enemy. Our righteousness is worthless in the battle. Paul has taught us that our righteousness is a covering for now... we are righteous only in the relationship with Christ Jesus. But does this mean what we do does not matter, since we are "clothed in righteousness"?
We talked about this earlier and I said that those things Paul taught earlier would all thread through Eph to here, and so righteousness we learned was not something "we" think-up and then decide to do for God. Righteousness is a result of my surrender to Him and adhering to His truth. It is the integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing that come from that surrender to the Spirit Who then fills and controls me. Adhering to truth is what then becomes "like" a breastplate, protecting the heart of the christian soldier. So, how is integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God going to protect us in battle?
Remember, the weapon of the enemy is a lie... it starts out small, or subtle... it says, "an occasional drink is ok"... or, "you can look, but don't touch"... then, it says, "well, you've drank a little more than you planned, but you're still in control"... or, "all this looking at these bodies, is exciting, but it's not changing the way I respect and value those souls". THAT'S THE LIES OF THE DEVIL. Before you know it, WE, HAVE FALLEN INTO SIN. Now the devil has not only tempted me with lies, but he is now the accuser. He accuses us and we are defeated. But, integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, before and during those attacks combat the lies with the truth... "I know better than to think I could control a substance that takes away our ability, slows down our reason and kills brain cells"... or, "I know you cannot look at inappropriate images of the opposite sex and continue to respect and honor them the way God wants". "I am more than a conqueror"... "He Whom is in me is greater than he who is in the world"... having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:15 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:14a
"Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins..."Ephesians 6:14aRoman soldiers wore a heavy belt made of connected bronze plates and leather with a buckle. This belt had one function... it served as the foundation on which the sword, dagger and metal apron were attached. All through history soldiers have worn a similar belt, and do so to this very day. Centrally located, it is fixed securely and makes ready to use whatever combatants may be attached.
For the soldier of God to stand therefore, what does Paul say is the combatant that's on our belt... The Truth! Well, what is the truth? SINCE EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW "ANYTHING" ABOUT - WAS CREATED BY GOD... THEN THE TRUTH CAN ONLY BE WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT EVERYTHING. Please think carefully about those bold words. The bible, contains all that we know God has said about Himself and everything He created, but is the bible itself the truth? Something very important written in the bible, says...
"In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. John 1:1-3
FROM THESE VERSES, THEN, WE SEE THAT GOD SAYS, "JESUS, HIMSELF IS THE TRUTH... THEREFORE, WHILE THE BIBLE MAY CONTAIN THE TRUTH... WITH "IT" ALONE, YOU WILL NOT POSSESS ALL THE TRUTH WITHOUT CHRIST! Christ is the embodiment of truth. So, in relation to WAR-FARE, how is the truth a weapon? Let's look at one thing Jesus says about our enemy... the devil and then we'll see how THE TRUTH will be our weapon. Jesus says to someone controlled by the devil...
"You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false." John 8:44
The enemy, Jesus says, is a liar... it is his natural language. So, what we are fighting against is really boiled down to, or simplified as LIES. So, you see, WE ARE FIGHTING FALSE COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT OUR WORLD AND OURSELVES... AND WHAT PAUL IS SAYING IS THAT WE FIGHT AGAINST THE LIES WITH THE TRUTH... FOUND WITHIN GOD'S WORD (the bible) AND ALL THAT IS IN CHRIST (truth, power, love, peace, authority, just to name a few of His attributes). Not only will we fight with what God says to be the truth, then... but we will also fight only when lead by, and in the authority of, and in a spirit of, in the peace of, and all of the other attributes of being IN CHRIST. Very Important! Our weapon... THE WRITTEN WORD (THE BIBLE) and THE LIVING WORD (CHRIST).
Finally, we should notice Paul says that this belt is "tightened". I'll never forget the yelling and spitting my Drill Sergeant gave one of my fellow soldiers for wearing his belt loosely over his shoulder one day. He demonstrated the importance of keeping what would save our life tightly secured and properly placed where we could get to it it that "evil day". Paul's reference to the mid-section of the belt is because that is literally where the soldier could quickly grab his weapon and use is... but the place for this spiritual weapon of truth is in the heart and mind. First, you must have The Truth - CHRIST in your heart, and stay familiar with The Truth - The Bible, in order to fight the enemy!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:14b next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:13
"Therefore put on God's complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]." Ephesians 6:13Fellow Soldiers... we are going to pull some threads tied to verses all through Paul's instructions thus far... forward, into the use and placement of these pieces of armor he is talking about. "Therefore", kinda sounds like "thread forward", if that will help us to remember this as we get into these next few verses. We are going to pull threads that tie "All" of the training we've learned to help us "suit-up now, in this armor. You will see how wonderful this will all come together. You see, we're not pretending to put on anything... The armor is in YOU... CLOTHED IN CHRIST AND ARMED WITH INSTRUCTION, SEALED IN FAITH.
Paul points out, that we are to put on "the complete armor"... Remember faith is in the belief of all of God's instruction, so the complete armor will require all this instruction put together. It won't be that hard to achieve... you'll see. And then he says, "that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger]". We live in an evil day... it was evil when Paul wrote this and we are still in the period referred to here as 'the evil day.
Finally, Paul's says, "having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]". I really love the Amplified translation here. What all has the crisis we experienced today demanded of us... "spiritually speaking"? That's one of the things we will look at in the days ahead. Amen?
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:14 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:12
"For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere." Ephesians 6:12
Friends, If we could allow Paul to be our drill sergeant for just a moment... he has something to say that needs drilled into our mind right now. We are wrestling with something, and he does mean "A Thing"... it's not of flesh and blood. By saying that it is not flesh and blood is not just so you'll stop fighting with people, but because of the fact that our enemy is "not a thing of flesh and blood" IS EVEN MORE ALARMING!
These "things"... their job is to CONTROL you, to DEFILE you, to HARASS you, to TORMENT you, and to DRIVE you to DO, SAY, THINK, and FEEL things you wish you could eliminate from your life. We know from Col 1:16, that these things (demons) can be, both VISIBLE and INVISIBLE. We know that they are militaristic, in that they rank and set themselves up in structures of THRONES -DOMINIONS -PRINCIPALITIES -POWERS. Contrary to popular belief, they cannot be killed...
But, Paul is about to give us something more powerful than the great power these creatures have over the common man. Yes, Soldiers of Christ... Brothers and Sisters in arms, we are about to suit up and stay suited up, to chase, hold back, regain ground, set fleeing, these we know to be our enemy. Listen, some of these vile things are inside our loved ones, and you will have to eventually deal with them... although it is said that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood... that doesn't mean it won't feel like you are, because the thing inside your loved one is controlling them AGAINST you. You cannot hate them, though you will be tempted to. You will see in the issue of this armor, the nature of our new war-fighting equipment is NOT for the purpose of harming people, no matter if satan himself is within them!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:13 next time.
I love you.
Friends, If we could allow Paul to be our drill sergeant for just a moment... he has something to say that needs drilled into our mind right now. We are wrestling with something, and he does mean "A Thing"... it's not of flesh and blood. By saying that it is not flesh and blood is not just so you'll stop fighting with people, but because of the fact that our enemy is "not a thing of flesh and blood" IS EVEN MORE ALARMING!
These "things"... their job is to CONTROL you, to DEFILE you, to HARASS you, to TORMENT you, and to DRIVE you to DO, SAY, THINK, and FEEL things you wish you could eliminate from your life. We know from Col 1:16, that these things (demons) can be, both VISIBLE and INVISIBLE. We know that they are militaristic, in that they rank and set themselves up in structures of THRONES -DOMINIONS -PRINCIPALITIES -POWERS. Contrary to popular belief, they cannot be killed...
But, Paul is about to give us something more powerful than the great power these creatures have over the common man. Yes, Soldiers of Christ... Brothers and Sisters in arms, we are about to suit up and stay suited up, to chase, hold back, regain ground, set fleeing, these we know to be our enemy. Listen, some of these vile things are inside our loved ones, and you will have to eventually deal with them... although it is said that we don't wrestle against flesh and blood... that doesn't mean it won't feel like you are, because the thing inside your loved one is controlling them AGAINST you. You cannot hate them, though you will be tempted to. You will see in the issue of this armor, the nature of our new war-fighting equipment is NOT for the purpose of harming people, no matter if satan himself is within them!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:13 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:11
"Put on God's whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil." Ephesians 6:11Dear Friends, we know that every scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action), However, when God's Word starts using "Military" terms, the hair on my neck stands up! Having. been a soldier for many years, I am always on alert... only my enemy has changed now that I am a Christian. And so when we hear such terms as armor, we are reminded that we are in a war.
Paul is now speaking to us as soldiers as he says, "Put on God's whole armor... the armor of a heavily-armed soldier which God supplies." He is going to hand us these pieces of this armor in just a few verses from now, but to make sure we study and appreciate the merit of each piece... the life-saving value and purpose of each armor... he's going to talk about "why". This is some very serious military talk for a bunch of well-dressed, group-hugging, pew-warmers... don't you think?
No, Paul is talking to "The Christian"... those whom have rolled up their sleeves, or torn them off to tie-up another battle wound, to fight some more... soldiers, fighting - not for the seats with the best view of the choir... but for those around them walking right into HELL. Soldiers, whom have given up themselves, a scholarship, marriage hopes, taking over the family business, to minister to children, run a soup kitchen, hand out medicine and witness to aides infected, homeless lost souls.
I am not being indignant... I am not angry... but there should be a first aid kit somewhere in the church for carpet burns, boo-boos, and itches... a box of tissues in the pew for sadness of a neighbor not returning your phone call. Paul's about to hand out "war-fighting armor"... and guess who gets war-fighting armor? Now, if you have been following Paul through this whole book of Ephesians, and allowed what he has said to get into your spirit... snip at weak areas, build on strengths, charge up our faith... train-up your spiritual condition... you are ready to put this armor on now. But you are also marked... yes, already the enemy is well aware of the power gained from this training and conditioning we have received. And so before Paul hands us these pieces, listen now to why we will need them.
Paul says, "that you and I may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil." Oh yes... successfully... to stand up... against all. The Amplified takes all the references from God's Word concerning the strategies and deceits mentioned of the devil into consideration here, because there are many, and it can get ugly. Real soldiers rise up under solid bible study and the anointing, yet fall to even obvious strategies, where whole ministries are pulled down. Young Christians, are held back from training because of distracting waves of strategic targeting and lies of the enemy. We'll look into these things a little deeper in our next verse.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:12 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:10
" In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]." Ephesians 6:10
Wives, Husbands, Children, Slaves, Masters... whatever role the Christian is in... whatever instruction God has given us each to live by... there is a strength that is available to endure and achieve these things God has given to us to do. The Amplified adds, be empowered through your union with Him... and certainly, there is a union of some kind in all the relationships we've learned about here, but Paul's says that the power is in the union with Christ, first.
In meditating on the last note, "draw your strength from Him"... we look at how we draw from God. I need an example and God gave me one in my prayer today... the story in 1 Kings 19:1-18. God encourages Elijah to do three things: to draw strength from God's provision, God's presence and God's people. First, we must draw strength from God's provision. God has provided two necessary things for the human body to function well: food, and rest. We need both! Second, we must draw strength from God's presence. God speaks to Elijah in "a still small voice" to remind Elijah that he is there and that he cares for him. And third, we must draw strength from God's people... the rest of our body... Christ's body!
I am from a family who has clearly been oppressed for generations by a spirit of depression. I don't struggle with it like I use to. They're still there... I see them... but I ignore them. You can tell sometimes when they're trying to "get to me", because "you'll" get a Word of encouragement from me. Sound strange? Well, I've learned that, if you want love, you must love... if you want to receive, you must give. God's ways are not our way... and most usually, it's opposite of ours... hehe. So, when I am down to a small amount of encouragement, I start spreading it to anyone that will take it. What happens next, is simply amazing! I start getting comments, messages, and letters back, like, "Preston, you don't know how much your poem (or whatever) encouraged me". THAT, really then, encourages me and I am strengthened beyond measure. Was it God or me... well, it's God's Word that I put into action. Waiting for God to encourage me is not what "Drawing" means. I am drawing on God's strength when I put His Word into ACTION. We better stop here, but you get the idea. Praise God!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:11 next time.
I love you.
Wives, Husbands, Children, Slaves, Masters... whatever role the Christian is in... whatever instruction God has given us each to live by... there is a strength that is available to endure and achieve these things God has given to us to do. The Amplified adds, be empowered through your union with Him... and certainly, there is a union of some kind in all the relationships we've learned about here, but Paul's says that the power is in the union with Christ, first.
In meditating on the last note, "draw your strength from Him"... we look at how we draw from God. I need an example and God gave me one in my prayer today... the story in 1 Kings 19:1-18. God encourages Elijah to do three things: to draw strength from God's provision, God's presence and God's people. First, we must draw strength from God's provision. God has provided two necessary things for the human body to function well: food, and rest. We need both! Second, we must draw strength from God's presence. God speaks to Elijah in "a still small voice" to remind Elijah that he is there and that he cares for him. And third, we must draw strength from God's people... the rest of our body... Christ's body!
I am from a family who has clearly been oppressed for generations by a spirit of depression. I don't struggle with it like I use to. They're still there... I see them... but I ignore them. You can tell sometimes when they're trying to "get to me", because "you'll" get a Word of encouragement from me. Sound strange? Well, I've learned that, if you want love, you must love... if you want to receive, you must give. God's ways are not our way... and most usually, it's opposite of ours... hehe. So, when I am down to a small amount of encouragement, I start spreading it to anyone that will take it. What happens next, is simply amazing! I start getting comments, messages, and letters back, like, "Preston, you don't know how much your poem (or whatever) encouraged me". THAT, really then, encourages me and I am strengthened beyond measure. Was it God or me... well, it's God's Word that I put into action. Waiting for God to encourage me is not what "Drawing" means. I am drawing on God's strength when I put His Word into ACTION. We better stop here, but you get the idea. Praise God!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:11 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:9
"You masters, act on the same [principle] toward them and give up threatening and using violent and abusive words, knowing that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no respect of persons (no partiality) with Him." Ephesians 6:9Christians, whom God has placed another or others under his or her responsibility, authority, and tasking, are to treat them with the same principle of instruction God gave servants, in dealing with masters. Maybe you're not serving them in the same way, but in the way you treat one another, God is no respecter of persons... He holds no more regard for one person over another.
It is so tempting to press upon people under your authority unfair, unethical, and even cruel behavior practices to motivate production output, improved services, sales increases, etc. It is time for Christian values to move from within the church-place and out into the work-place. God has proved that love, encouragement, and respect, just to name a few Christian values, can motivate behavior in others.
I overheard two fellow supervisors talking about their concern for their behavior toward their subordinates being caught on one of the many cameras at work. I thought to myself, what freedom I had from such a concern. I didn't have to worry about what the camera's caught me doing, because I live and work under the ever-present, ever-watchful eyes of My Master!
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:10 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:7-8
"Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men." Ephesians 6:7
We serve someone every moment of life... even if we choose not to serve at all. Whatever we choose to do or not do, ultimately serves one of two rulers... One Whom has supreme rule over all rulers, Jesus Christ... or the other, satan, whom has been temporarily loosed in the world and has access to anyone whom is NOT filled with The Holy Spirit! You may pretend not to serve anyone, when in truth, will serve the devil just fine! This may be hard for some to perceive. It is also true, that serving others without having been lead by God is serving the devil.
Many people are very busy doing religious busy-work because they have seen or heard it said we are to do "this and that" from God's Word... however, it also says in God's Word that, to follow the letter of the law and NOT the Spirit Of The Law is DEATH. Jesus said...
"Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]." Mat 7:21-23
Jesus says He never knew them because their religion was NOT one of a personal, listening, waiting, trusting, relying, obedient relationship with Him. So this is why we do not serve to please men... although in pleasing Christ, yes... many around us may be pleased, but in pleasing the Lord, there will be some that are unpleasantly convicted of heart by what He is doing through us. Some may be angry that God is using us and not them. Some whom are controlled by darkness will be unpleasantly repulsed by the Holy presence of God in you. Only God knows the fruit, or result of what He has us to do. He alone knows what is good at the moment He wills it. There is much the bible says we are to do, and you cannot do them all at the same time... so the religious man decides for himself, what he is to do today. That is nothing more than arrogance and sin. Let's add the next verse to this same thought.
8. "Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free."
Remembering that "good" is only in doing what God leads us to do, we see here that He rewards us. You see... in trying to please man, we also seek the reward of man and those rewards will be eaten by moth, rust away, and burned by fire. In serving God we are rewarded by Him...
"Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal." Mat 6:19-20
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:9 next time.
I love you.
We serve someone every moment of life... even if we choose not to serve at all. Whatever we choose to do or not do, ultimately serves one of two rulers... One Whom has supreme rule over all rulers, Jesus Christ... or the other, satan, whom has been temporarily loosed in the world and has access to anyone whom is NOT filled with The Holy Spirit! You may pretend not to serve anyone, when in truth, will serve the devil just fine! This may be hard for some to perceive. It is also true, that serving others without having been lead by God is serving the devil.
Many people are very busy doing religious busy-work because they have seen or heard it said we are to do "this and that" from God's Word... however, it also says in God's Word that, to follow the letter of the law and NOT the Spirit Of The Law is DEATH. Jesus said...
"Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]." Mat 7:21-23
Jesus says He never knew them because their religion was NOT one of a personal, listening, waiting, trusting, relying, obedient relationship with Him. So this is why we do not serve to please men... although in pleasing Christ, yes... many around us may be pleased, but in pleasing the Lord, there will be some that are unpleasantly convicted of heart by what He is doing through us. Some may be angry that God is using us and not them. Some whom are controlled by darkness will be unpleasantly repulsed by the Holy presence of God in you. Only God knows the fruit, or result of what He has us to do. He alone knows what is good at the moment He wills it. There is much the bible says we are to do, and you cannot do them all at the same time... so the religious man decides for himself, what he is to do today. That is nothing more than arrogance and sin. Let's add the next verse to this same thought.
8. "Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free."
Remembering that "good" is only in doing what God leads us to do, we see here that He rewards us. You see... in trying to please man, we also seek the reward of man and those rewards will be eaten by moth, rust away, and burned by fire. In serving God we are rewarded by Him...
"Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal." Mat 6:19-20
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:9 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:5-6
"Servants (slaves), be obedient to those who are your physical masters, having respect for them and eager concern to please them, in singleness of motive and with all your heart, as [service] to Christ [Himself]." Ephesians 6:5It's hard for many to imagine this Word still applicable today, but not all of the world has stopped using slavery and even our need to make a living for ourselves puts us in a situation similar to relations that Paul describes here, because often we must work "for" and "under" others... a boss, leader, owner... and yes, for some, a master! We aren't trading this verse for the ones we've come through, already... he's said that we are to obey and respect God first... and to obey and respect one another, and now we add to those, "obey and respect" our masters.
Paul is talking to the "Christian" servant, employee, inmate, etc., whom must work for someone who may or may not be a Christian... he doesn't say. Because we must add this thought to what God has already taught us a few verses back, we must continually evaluate how to obey and respect our earthly master, without disobeying and disrespecting our Heavenly Master, or our husbands, wives, and family. This will force us to continue staying very close to God. To also help us achieve this, the next verse is important...
6. "Not in the way of eye-service [as if they were watching you] and only to please men, but as servants (slaves) of Christ, doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul."
We don't labor to please man, although doing what you agreed to do for them should... but, no matter who the Christian finds God has him or her working for, serving, laboring, or enslaved too, "we should remember that God is always watching", and that, ultimately, we are "we are serving God and what He wills for us". If you came to Christ after you started working where you are now... it may be that God's will is for you to go somewhere else... it will be very important for you to obey and respect God first, and say good-bye to your boss. We are doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul... because we "love God with all of our heart and soul"... Amen?
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:7 next time.
I love you.
Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers, do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4I hear too often about "tough love", yet we find no such thing described in God's instructions to parents for raising children. If by tough love, God's wrath is what is meant, then we must examine God's wrath. For one thing... it is just that - His, not man's. Most often He (God) Himself refers to wrath, or punishment as the fruit of what we do wrong. He rarely has to do anything but watch or allow the thing that we were told would happen by our wrong, to happen. What I mean is that the pain and suffering in doing wrong is already in the thing we may do wrong. God's wrath is nothing more than the truth He has said would happen if we do wrong. Our job is to teach our children these things God has said so they will not taste the fruit of wrong doing. For parents to irritate and provoke our children to anger will then come with this same wrath too! It may be that for a child's own protection that some sting may have to be applied to their bottom before they are able to reason, but reason is first required of the parent, which must be sought for from God.
The very first reference in the Bible to teaching has to do with Abraham's responsibility to bring up his own son in the nurture and admonition of the Lord...
"For I have known (chosen, acknowledged) him [as My own], so that he may teach and command his children and the sons of his house after him to keep the way of the Lord and to do what is just and righteous, so that the Lord may bring Abraham what He has promised him" Genesis 18:19
Back to our study verse, the answer to the admonition against provoking, is in the same verse. Christian fathers, following the Holy Spirit, will rear their children [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord.
Let's pick up with Ephesians verse 6:5 next time.
I love you.
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