Unpacking Ephesians: Chapter 6

This is the final chapter in the Book of Ephesians and is thus the last article in the series ‘Unpacking Ephesians’.

Note: The verses from Ephesians are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

In this chapter in verses 1-9 Paul directly addresses Children, Fathers, Slaves and Masters, instructing them on how to behave in a Godly way in four different relationship scenarios, firstly in the Child/Parent relationship, secondly in the Father/Child relationship, thirdly in the Slave/Master relationship and fourthly in the Master/Slave relationship.

And in verses 10-20 he tells us how to spiritually clothe ourselves in order protect ourselves from Satan’s attacks.

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”

In verse one above, Paul’s first instruction to children is to obey your parents in the Lord as it is the right thing to do in the eyes of God.

Here it is important to know that the parents are to be in the Lord, that is they must be born again. Now this does not mean that if the parents are not born again, their children don’t have to obey them! On the contrary you should always obey even your unsaved parents, but if your unsaved parents are telling or advising you to do something ungodly then you should not obey them but rather tell them in a loving way the reason why you cannot obey an ungodly instruction from them. This will be a witness to them in your commitment to follow Jesus.

In verse two the instruction to children is to honour your father and mother. Paul does not insert the words ‘in the Lord’ here as the instruction for children to honour their parents applies to both the believing and the unbelieving parents.

What does honouring your parents mean?

In verse 2 the Greek word for ‘honour’ is ‘timaó’ (pronounced tim-ah’-o, Srong’s 5091) and its literal meaning is to put a value on something that belongs to you. In the Biblical sense of the word, it means to hold something or someone in high esteem or of high value to you and to have a high reverence for someone, and to venerate someone, venerate meaning to have a high respect for them.

Honour your parents is the first command that has a promise from God attached to it (“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth”). The promise is that when you do this all will go well for you throughout your life on this earth! This is a guarantee from God as all his promises for those in Christ Jesus are yes and amen! This doesn’t mean that you will have a trouble free life that you will just breeze through. It means in Christ Jesus you will be able to stand firm through the storms of life and still be standing at the end!

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (AMP)

Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong.

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

In verse 4 above fathers are instructed not to exasperate their children and if we read this scripture in the Amplified Bible, we see that it brings out the full meaning of what exasperating your children is!

Paul also strongly reminds fathers to bring up their children in the training, discipline and instruction of the Lord found in the scriptures.

Ephesians 6:4 (AMP)

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],

Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

In verses 5-8 above Paul instructs slaves on how to conduct themselves for their masters. In these modern times when slavery has supposedly been abolished, we can relate this to our work lives where we have bosses in the form of managers and supervisors and such like people in authority over us. This section refers to Christians working for Christians but of course there are many Christians that are not employed by Christians and Christian organisations, and in these cases, Christians are to still act in a Godly manner that will bring glory to Jesus!

As born again Christians how do we need to behave in the workplace? Paul, in verse 5 gives us instructions on how to be a good employee and to work as if serving the Lord himself!

Verse 5:

• Be obedient and follow the instructions and regulations of the company.

• Have respect for your superiors and work colleagues.

• Be afraid with a Godly reverence to deliberately do things wrong.

• Do your work with sincerity.

In verses 6-8 we are told why we should comply with the instructions in verse 5.

• When we are obedient in doing them, we will be doing the will of God and Jesus will be glorified.

• When we are wholeheartedly obedient in this, we are serving the Lord and not people.

• And most importantly our ultimate reward will come from Jesus when we are obedient and prove ourselves do be Godly employees.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

In verse nine above Paul is referring to Christian employers and bosses. They are to treat their employees with respect and in a reverent fear of God. They are not to threaten their employees or subordinates or Lord it over them in any way, both Christian and non-Christian employees alike, because the overall master of all people is Jesus. Every employee is to be treated with fairness and love and without favouritism.

The Armor of God

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

In the four verses above Paul is giving us a pre-battle pep talk. He knows what battles we’re going to face in our daily walk because he’s been there and done it. He’s been whipped, stoned, left for dead, bitten by a poisonous snake and for good measure, whipped some more and left for dead. He tells us to clothe ourselves in the full armour of God so that we will be able to withstand the evil spiritual forces that the devil musters against each and every born again Christian in the heavenly realms.

He knows we’re facing a spiritual battle, a battle that is not against flesh and blood and he tells us to be prepared, to be strong in the Lord to and make sure that we clothe ourselves in God’s protection – the full Armour of God. When we do this, we will be able to stand firm and strong in the Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit. We will then be fully equipped to defeat the enemy in our daily walk in Christ Jesus!

When we put on the full Armour of God, and are fully submitted to God and are walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to withstand and resist the evil forces that come against us.

James 4:7 (AMP)

So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

In his writing of verses 14-17 below, I think we need to understand that Paul would have been very familiar with the Roman soldier dressed in full battle armour, after all he was escorted by Roman soldiers on more than a few occasions. He uses the analogy of a soldier’s armour to describe how we should be spiritually dressed and prepared to do battle with the devil as part of God’s army!

Paul also knew that no Roman soldier would ever dream of going into battle without putting on his full battle armour. The Roman soldier was probably the best protected soldier of the time, and his armour was designed to be effective against most enemy weapons of the time.

In the verses below we can examine each part of the Armour of God that Paul mentions:

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

On a Roman soldier it is the belt that holds the other pieces of body armour in place, and it is on the belt that the sword is hung. When a Roman soldier had finished putting on his body armour, he would gird his loins with a belt as described above. This meant that he was now ready for service and to go into battle. So what Paul is saying here is that we need to gird ourselves to do battle with the belt of truth which is our integrity and right standing (being born again) in Christ Jesus and our walking in the Spirit together with our knowledge of the Bible.

The breastplate of a soldier’s armour does as it says it covers the breast, the area between the waist and the shoulders. It protects the soldier’s vital organs and most significantly it protects the heart. For the soldier of the flesh the breastplate is made of iron. For us, the spiritual soldier, our breastplate is made of our righteousness in Christ Jesus, our righteousness protects our hearts and minds from the attack of the evil one!

We all know that the Devil constantly attacks our hearts and minds with lies, accusations, and reminders of our past sin. If we do not clothe ourselves with the breastplate of righteousness the Devil’s lying arrows will penetrate our hearts and render us null and void. Be aware of who you are in Christ Jesus and come boldly into His presence and he will fill you with his Holy Spirit who will cement your righteousness in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

Don’t try and take on the enemy without first praying and then being led by the Holy Spirit with all your armour on!

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Now, keeping the Roman soldier in mind, what did he wear on his feet when marching and going into battle? He wore heavy duty, hobnailed boots called Caligae – no Roman soldier marched or went into battle without them! They were the strongest footwear going in that time – military Doc Martens!

For the battle shoes of the Church, the spiritual soldier, we need to put on the peace that comes from the Good News of the Gospel in Christ Jesus so that you will be fully prepared. Our spiritual shoes (our peace in Christ Jesus) allows us to step freely, in the Spirit, and without fear while we turn our full attention to the battle at hand.

Physical battle shoes aid the soldier in his movement and defence. For us as spiritual soldiers in Christ’s army, when our feet are ready to march, the peace that God gives us in Christ Jesus will propel us onward to proclaim the victory over the enemy. The peace that surpasses all understanding. We need to prepare ourselves to follow the Lord no matter what.

John 14:27 (NIV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

The shield not only defends the Roman soldier’s whole body but also His armour. The shield of faith has a very specific function, which the Bible makes abundantly clear, and that is it will quench all the fiery darts of the evil one and all his wicked followers. Not some, not most, but all of them.

The shield moves with the attack no matter what direction it is coming from. This is the kind of faith that Moses had when he confronted Pharaoh to let Israel go. It is the kind of faith that Elijah had when he confronted the prophets of Baal, the faith David had when he fought Goliath, the kind of faith Jesus had in his Father when he walked on earth, and this faith is made available to us today through the Holy Spirit! Without faith it is impossible to please God!

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The Roman soldier’s helmet was made of iron and was strong enough to withstand several hefty sword or spiked battle club blows. It covered the whole head and the back of the neck with just slits for the eyes and for the mouth. It even had an iron piece to protect the bridge of the nose and the cheeks.

Satan's favourite target is our mind. We have often heard it said that our minds are the devil’s playground. Satan's weapons are lies and false accusations. The enemy wants to make us doubt God and our salvation.

The helmet of salvation protects our minds from doubting the truth of God's saving work in us. The assurance of salvation is in Christ Jesus and the truth of the Word!

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)

But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

The Roman soldier’s sword was light and short and ideal for hand-to-hand combat where short, stabbing motions were required. It was not only a weapon of offence but was also ideal for defense as well.

The believer as a spiritual soldier needs to be prepared to go head to head and toe to toe with the devil at all times.

The sword of the Spirit – the Bible, the Word of God, is not only a weapon of offense in the armour, but also a tool for defence. Strongholds, arguments and thoughts are all weapons the enemy uses against us. With the Sword of the Spirit, God's word, the Church is equipped to deal with them all. We need to trust in the truth of God's Word.

Have confidence in the value of God's word and develop a hunger and desire to know it and study it. When Jesus went head to head with the devil in the dessert – Matt 4:10-11 – he used the Word to defeat him and resist temptation. We need to be prepared to battle the enemy in the same way. By the Word of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 4:10-11

10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

And last but not by any means least, prayer! Every believer and the Church corporately, needs to be constantly in prayer. Praying in the Spirit in tongues and praying in the Spirit in our understanding.

We need to be constantly praying the Word into our lives and into the lives of others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, Eph 6:12, and so we always need to be in the Spirit – walking in the Spirit. The battle is won in the heavenly realms. Prayer is an integral part of our worship of God – it should never be neglected. Praying in the Spirit in our understanding and praying in the Spirit in tongues always!

Matt 18:18 (KJV)

Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Praying in the Spirit is mentioned three times in Scripture.

1 Corinthians 14:14-15 (AMP)

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unproductive [because it does not understand what my spirit is praying]. 15 Then what am I to do? I will pray with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will pray with the mind [using words I understand]; I will sing with the spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me] and I will sing with the mind [using words I understand].

The Greek word translated “pray in” can have several different meanings. It can mean “by means of,” “with the help of,” “in the sphere of,” and “in connection to.” Praying in the Spirit does not refer to the words we are saying. Rather, it refers to how we are praying. Praying in the Spirit is praying according to the Spirit’s leading. It is praying for things the Spirit leads us to pray for. In this way it is praying in the will of the Father!

Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

Some believers, based on 1 Corinthians 14:15, equate praying in the Spirit with praying in tongues only, but this is not the case.

In teaching about the gift of tongues, Paul mentions “pray with my spirit.” First Corinthians 14:14 states that when a person prays in tongues, he does not know what he is saying, since it is spoken in a language he does not know. Further, no one else can understand what is being said, unless there is an interpreter, interpretation of tongues being another gift of the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:27-28 (NKJV)

27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God.

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul instructs us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” How are we to pray with all kinds of prayers and requests and pray for the saints in agreement, if no one, including the person praying, understands what is being said?

Therefore, praying in the Spirit should be understood as praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, and according to His will (the Father’s), not solely as praying in tongues.

1 Corinthians 14:4 (NIV)

4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

In verses 19-20 above Paul asks the Ephesian Church to also pray for him. Everybody needs prayer especially in the body of believers. It is just as important for the Church to pray for our pastors and other leaders, as it is for them to pray for us. Those within the body that hold leadership roles are in the direct firing line of Satan and his dominions and need a solid and continual prayer covering.

In verse 19 Paul is specifically asking the Church to pray that he will be given the right words, by the Holy Spirit, so that he will fearlessly proclaim the gospel of salvation in Christ Jesus. This is something that we should all be praying for each other on a daily basis as we are all called to proclaim the gospel to the world and to make disciples.

Mark 16:15 (NIV)

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.

In verse 20 Paul goes on to say that for the gospel he is an “ambassador in chains”. Now, what he means by this is that he is the representative of Jesus to the world and in particular to the gentiles and as His representative he is spiritually bound as if by chains to proclaim the gospel wherever he goes. Remember his opening statement in Ephesians 3 where he says he is a prisoner of Christ!

Acts 9:15-16 (NKJV)

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Remember, dear readers, that we who are born again Christians are all disciples of Jesus and what was given to Paul to teach, was given to him by the Holy Spirit and his teachings still apply to us today and beyond until Christ’s return. Paul encourages us to imitate him as he imitates Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV)

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

All believers are commissioned to preach the gospel everywhere – at home, at work, at play and wherever we go!

Final Greetings

21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

And finally in verses 21-24 Paul ends with a final greeting to the Ephesian Church with a message of love, peace, faith and grace to all who love Jesus. This is the message that we should all leave with our brothers and sisters in Christ when we are apart and also when we are together.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven
I pray in the name of Jesus that you would fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in love, to walk in your light and to become an imitator of Jesus in every way. I pray too that you would bless my marriage and help me to become the husband/wife, Mother/Father, Employer/Employee, Manager/Subordinate that your Word instructs me to be. I pray too Lord that you would remind me to be clothed in the full Armour of God. I recognise that I can only do this with your help Lord Jesus! Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking Ephesians: Chapter 5

 

In this Chapter the Apostle Paul from verse 1-21 exhorts us to walk in love and be imitators of God and following His example – the example of Jesus on earth. He then adds to this that we should walk in the light and in wisdom – again the example of Jesus!

And to close the Chapter in verses 22-33 he gives us instructions on family life and focuses on how husbands and wives in a Christian marriage should act towards each other. The onus being on the husband to lead the way! How to have a Spirit filled marriage.

Note: The verses from Ephesians are in italics, the explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

In verses 1-2 above Paul tells us to follow God’s example or as some Bible versions put it, be imitators of God.

The Greek word for “imitator” in verse one is “mimétés” (pronounced mim-ay-tace' – Strong’s 3402) and from this word we get the English word ‘mimic’. It’s expanded meaning from the Greek word is a follower (of what somebody else does) or to emulate someone who is worthy of following.

In other words, we need be conformed more and more into Christ’s image as we progress on our walk to Christian maturity! Christ is the only person worth following for a Christian.

Romans 8:29 (NKJV)

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

And in verse 2 he instructs us to walk in the way of love (agapé) just as Christ did and be willing to give up our lives for others just as Christ did for us. In other words, we, in true Christlike humility, must put the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ before our own! This is a true servant heart just as Christ’s is!

John 15:13 (NKJV)

Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

Philippians 2:3 (AMP)

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.

Matthew 20:26-28 (NKJV)

26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

In verses 3-7 above we are instructed on how to live as imitators of Christ which is in stark contrast to the way the majority of unbelievers live. Paul gives us a number of examples of the things that a true born again Christian should not be doing.

These are the examples he mentions in verse 4 that we should not be involved in, in any way:

• Sexual immorality – fornication (sex outside of marriage), homosexuality, adultery, pornography etc.

• Any kind of impurity – immoral, licentious, and lustful living, the cravings of the flesh in any form.

• Greed – the insatiable craving of wanting more and more of ‘things’, including food – gluttony.

• Obscenity – filthiness, baseness, indecency.

• Foolish talk - babbling without saying anything meaningful or just saying silly things.

• Coarse joking – dirty and vulgar joking.

All these things are not permissible for a born again Christian to be doing as they are contrary to the character of Christ and against the Word of God. They are sinful and need to be repented from and stopped! We are told to rather use our speech to give thanks to God and for building each other up.

Colossians 3:8 (NIV)

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)

Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

Don’t let your tongue become a destructive force or you will be consumed by it!

James 3:5-6 (NIV)

5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

In verses 5-7 of Ephesians 5 Paul warns us that if we are still doing the things he describes in verse 4, we are immoral, impure and greedy and we are thus IDOLATERS! And as such we will not go to heaven but will be consigned to hell for eternity! God’s wrath comes upon these people, and we should have nothing to do with them!

1 John 5:21 (AMP)

Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].

And in verse 7 of Chapter 5 we are told that we are not even to be partners with such people. To have no close links or affiliations with such people. What has light to do with darkness? We are not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (NKJV)

14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

In verses 8-10 above Paul reminds us that we used to live in darkness but now that we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we are now children of the light. Jesus refers to himself as the light of the world and as such we should imitate him and be light in the darkness of the world!

John 8:12 (NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

We are told to live as children of the light in other words be imitators of Christ in all we do. We should be allowing the fruit of the light to be evident in us and through us. That is our lifestyle needs to be reflective of Jesus in “all goodness, righteousness and truth”!

And verse 10 commands us to find out what pleases God!

What pleases God? Well, once we are born again, we need to walk in faith for without faith it is impossible to please God!

Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)

But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.

What is faith for a born again Christian?

Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)

Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

Faith is our assurance or substance of the things we hope for, and as our hope is in Christ Jesus, we are divinely guaranteed to receive all the promises that God has for us, the most significant being everlasting life in Jesus! And what is more all God’s promises for the born again believer are, “Yes and Amen”. We have to believe this by faith! We are to live by faith and not by sight.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP)

for we walk by faith, not by sight [living our lives in a manner consistent with our confident belief in God’s promises]—

There are many other things that we can do that will please God but to put them all in this article would make it too long for easy reading so I will just touch on one more very significant one and that is living life according to the Spirit and not in the flesh. I would recommend that you search the Bible yourself to uncover the others.

Romans 8:8-9 (AMP)

8 and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.

9 However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God].

In the two verses from Romans 8 above we are told that if we are living in the flesh (our old sinful self) we cannot please God. But if we are living a life that is in the Spirit it is pleasing to God!

I would recommend, my dear Readers, that you study Romans 8 for yourself – it will change your life!

11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

In verses 11-12 above we are instructed to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness (sin in any shape or form) but to expose them. It is shameful for us to even talk about what the unbeliever does in secret.

And in verse 13 we are told that when sin is exposed by the light it becomes visible and should be repented from and receive God’s forgiveness which will allow Jesus to shine the light of salvation upon us. The light of Jesus allows us to be reconciled to God!

In verse 14 I believe that the quote “Wake up, sleeper………..”, although not from the Bible, is used to communicate the concept that when we turn from our sins to the Lord, Christ brings us to life and "shines" on us, again connecting us to Jesus as the light of the world.

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

In verses 15-17 above Paul encourages us to live our lives very carefully and not as the unbelievers do but as a true believer does – that is in the truth of the Word and our obedience to it (doers of the Word) by the leading of the Holy Spirit. He goes on to tell us not to be foolish but to think about what we do and say by aligning ourselves with the Word of God and the leading of the holy Spirit. In this way we will know what the Lord’s will is.

John 16:12-15 (NIV)

12 “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 14 He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

James 1:22-25 (NKJV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

Romans 5:5-8 (NIV)

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In verse 18 above Paul commands us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He says, “Be filled with the Spirit,….” This is not a recommendation but an instruction because he knows that without the leading of the Holy Spirit, we will not be overcomers of the flesh and the evil one! Being filled with the Spirit is part and parcel of our spiritual walk to maturity in Christ Jesus and is all part of our sanctification process – a renewing of ourselves by the Holy Spirit that enables us to gradually have victory over our old selves – the flesh!

The command here to “be filled” is in the present continuous tense, therefore it speaks of something that is continuing, not something that happened just once and stopped. It is something on going. To bring out this sense more accurately we could say: “be being filled,” “keep on being filled,” or “continue being filled.”

The “be filled with the Spirit” in Ephesians and the Baptism of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 are not the same, though a person is filled with the Spirit when they are baptized by Him.

The Baptism of the Spirit enfolds the believer into Christ’s Body (His Church) and comes at the point of our salvation; it marks that point in which the Spirit indwells the believer. Every person who is saved (born again) was placed into the Body of Christ by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. All true Christians are crated to drink of the one Spirit. There are no exceptions to this, and it occurs only once at salvation.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (AMP)

For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit [since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].

In verse 19 Paul gives us two further instructions, firstly we should be speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit and secondly to sing and make music from our hearts to the Lord.

Now, why does Paul say we should be speaking to each other in psalms, hymns and songs?

Well, it is my belief that Paul, being a true scholar of the law and the Old Testament as well as being born again, is fully aware of the important role the Psalms played in the life of King David and the other psalm writers. The psalms were sung in the synagogues all the time. There is also the song of Moses sung by Miriam – a song of praise for the great things God has done.

Exodus 15:20 (NIV)

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord:

“I will sing to the Lord,

for he is highly exalted.

Both horse and driver

he has hurled into the sea.

Music should play an important role in the worship life of a Christian, as it is the response of the heart over the joy of our salvation in Christ Jesus and the wonderful blessing we receive from God. We find it as a part of worship from early in both the Old and New Testaments. Many of the Psalms for example were written to music to be sung to God.

Music to a Christian should be our primary response of joy of our salvation in Christ Jesus and to all the blessings we receive because of it. The Israelites sang after their escape from Egypt. The various Psalmists sing about a wide range of subjects – the majesty of God, His grace and mercy, and His mighty works. Petitions are brought to Him in song, as well as thanksgiving for answered prayer. It has been part of the church from its foundation, and it will be part of our activities in heaven for eternity where we will join in the chorus of praise singing the songs of the Lamb.

Revelation 15:3-4 (NKJV)

3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:

“Great and marvelous are Your works,

Lord God Almighty!

Just and true are Your ways,

O King of the saints!

4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?

For You alone are holy.

For all nations shall come and worship before You,

For Your judgments have been manifested.”

One of the most thrilling aspects of what Paul says here about music is that there is no mention about the quality of our voices. Every believer is to be involved in this. Even if you cannot carry a tune, you can make music that pleases God because He looks at the heart. That is why the Psalms say on several different occasions to “make a joyful noise unto the Lord.” God’s primary interest is the heart of the person singing as the song is to be a response in the worship of God of a person filled with the Spirit.

Note here as well that songs are also be sung to from one believer to another. The music of believers should be focused on God and is therefore done to build up and edify each other. It is part of our celebration of worship and to God together.

And finally in verse 20, Paul's instructs us to always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We should always come before God in a humble attitude of gratitude!

Instructions for Christian Marriage

From verses 21-33 Paul instructs us (every born again believer) on how we are to conduct ourselves when we are married.

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

In verse 21 Paul starts off by addressing both husbands and wives in saying that we should submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

This is a short but very powerful verse that every Christian as well as husbands and wives need to fully understand and fully embrace and never let go of!

Let’s examine the word ‘submit’. The Greek word for this in the original text is ‘hupotassó’ (pronounced hoop-ot-as'-so, Strong’s 5293) which in itself is made up of two words ‘hupo’, meaning to arrange yourself under or to be under the authority of someone and ‘tasso’ which means to place in a certain order. At the time Paul wrote this letter ‘hupo’ was used primarily as a military term placing someone in a rank, subordinate to a higher rank.

So, from this we are told to submit to one another out of a reverent and deep respect for Christ as He is not only our Lord and Saviour but also the head of the Church. Husbands and wives should have this same respect for each other, not wanting to do any harm to each other in any way.

This submission is a willing submission and not a submission that is born out of ungodly fear and/or manipulation.

22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

In verses 22-24 above Paul specifically addresses wives. Here he instructs wives to submit themselves to their husbands as they do to the Lord because in the Godly order of things, he is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. Paul goes on to say in verse 24 that as the church submits to Christ so wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

And here I repeat what I said two paragraphs above. This submission is a willing submission and not a submission that is born out of ungodly fear and/or manipulation by the husband. A husband, just as Christ does for the Church, is to provide a Godly and loving environment for his wife and family to enable them to grow in the knowledge and grace of God.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body.

In verses 25-32 Paul turns his attention to specifically addressing husbands.

His first instruction to husbands in verse 25 is to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. This is the agapé love of God that is freely given, is self-sacrificing, expects nothing in return and lasts forever through all circumstances – the good and the bad. You will note that this instruction, to love her as Christ loves the Church, was spoken directly to husbands. Husbands are to set the example of Godly love for the family to follow.

In verse 26 Paul tells us that Christ loved the church in this way to make her (the church) holy and cleansed by the washing of the Word. Husbands are thus charged to ensure this happens with their wives (if they are born again and belong to Jesus), leading their wives by example through the Bible so that both husbands and wives can become holy and blameless before the Lord just as the church should be as described in verse 27.

And in verses 28-29 a husband is instructed to love his wife as he loves his own body and loves himself and ensuring that his wife is cared for in every way just as Christ cares for the His Church as we are on body.

31 “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” 32 This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.

In verse 31 above Paul teaches that as husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves the Church a man shall leave his father and mother and will become one flesh with his wife. This means that a man’s wife will now become his main priority in Christ Jesus.

And in verse 32 Paul admits that this marriage union between a husband and wife becoming on flesh is a mystery to him but he knows that a Christian marriage should be a loving relationship and one that reflects the marriage between Christ and the Church and thus ends off this chapter by saying:

33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Paul's final instruction to husbands is to love their wives as they love themselves and to wives to respect their husbands - each one loving each other as Christ loves the Church in the agape love of God!

Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven
I pray in the name of Jesus that you would fill me with your Holy Spirit and help me to walk in love, to walk in your light and to become an imitator of Jesus in every way. (For those of you that are married). I pray too that you would bless my marriage and help me to become the husband/wife that your Word instructs me to be. I can only do this with your help Lord Jesus! Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking Ephesians: Chapter 4

 

In this chapter the Apostle Paul urges us (the Church) to live our lives in a manner that is worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus and gives us specific instructions on how we can do this. He also insists that the Church should walk on the road to Christian maturity so that we, the Church, can reach unity in the Spirit through the bond of peace! This bond of peace of course is th peace that we have in Christ Jesus!

John 14:27 (NIV)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Note: In this article the verses from Chapter 3 in Ephesians are in italics, my explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures shown in bold italics.

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ through the Holy Spirit

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

In verse 1 above Paul again refers to himself as a prisoner of the Lord just as he did in the first verse of chapter 1. He also urges (or exhorts us or summons us) us to live our lives in a manner worthy of our calling!

Now what does Paul mean by living a life worthy of our calling?

Well, the Amplified Bible puts it so perfectly like this, “that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behaviour—a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation.” In other words, we must be imitators of Christ and His lifestyle!

Ephesians 5:1 (NLT)

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

Paul also says a similar thing in the first chapter of his letter to the Philippians. This emphasises the importance of the Church, as individuals, living our lives in a manner that is worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus – in a manner that is worthy of the price He paid for our sins – death of the cross!

Philippians 1:27 (NIV)

27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel

(For more information to what Paul means by being a prisoner for the Lord, see my blog on Ephesians 2 on the following link: https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2023/05/unpacking-ephesians-chapter-2.html

In verse 2 above Paul instructs us to be humble, gentle, patient and bearing with each other in love. This strongly suggests that we should accept each other in the same way that Jesus accepts us, as we are, with all our flaws. It is the Holy Spirit that will change us to conform to the image of Christ and lead us in our walk to Christian maturity! God gives unlimited grace to the humble but turns his face to the proud!

James 4:6 (AMP)

But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty (Proverbs 3:34), but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].”

And don’t forget that if we do not clothe ourselves with the agapé love of God then we are just empty vessels making an annoying noise!

1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)

Do everything in love.

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

In verses 4-6 above Paul paints us a magnificent picture of the absolute sovereignty of God the Father and the way He is in, and over all things!

• There is one body – the body of Christ, which is the Church, the body of born again believers.

• There is one Spirit – the Holy Spirit.

• There is one hope when we are called – which is our salvation in Christ Jesus – the way to eternal life.

• There is one Lord – Jesus Christ.

• One water baptism (Christening or infant baptism is not Biblical and therefore is not New Testament water baptism) – our public statement of faith in Christ Jesus, a symbolic washing away of our sins.

• There is one God and Father of all – The Lord God Almighty – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Father has given all authority to the Son, Jesus.

Matthew 28:18 (AMP)

Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.

In verse 7 above Paul tells us that each one of us, each born again believer, as God’s children have been given God’s grace or undeserved favour through Christ Jesus. And in verse eight below he tells us why.

8 This is why it says:

“When he ascended on high,

he took many captives

and gave gifts to his people.”(Psalm 68:18)

In verse 8 Paul paraphrases a scripture from Psalm 68:18. This verse is a prophetic reference to Christ’s ascension to heaven after His resurrection.

This verse in Psalm 68 refers to the war culture that was prevalent in King David’s time whereby, after a battle, a victorious king would lead the way home with a trail of captives—soldiers and civilians alike—following behind him. These captives were considered spoils of war. So, the phrase "captives in your train" is symbolic of the line of captives following behind the conquering leader to display before all his subjects.

In the context of Ephesians 8, Paul uses this to illustrate that when Jesus ascended to heaven, he led a host of captives with him. The Lord’s captives of course is His Church and His train is the Holy Spirit who resides in each and every born again Christian. This is why in Ephesians 3 and at the beginning of this Chapter, Paul refers to himself as a prisoner or slave or bondservant of Christ.

The prophet Isaiah tells us of a wonderful vision he had that epitomises the Lord and his train. Train in these cases means something that follows behind someone or something, not a choo, choo train!

Isaiah 6:1 (NIV)

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.

In the verse above I believe that Isaiah’s vision shows us today as the Church of the Lord that we are in his train (the Holy Spirit) as his followers and filled with the Holy Spirit. As the train of the Lord’s robe filled the temple in Isaiah’s vision so today, we, His Church, are His temple and are filled with the Holy Spirit when we follow His leading and are actively obedient to His Word and are walking the path to spiritual maturity in Christ Jesus! We are the temple of the Holy Spirit!

1 Corinthians 3:16 (AMP)

16 Do you not know and understand that you [the church] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells [permanently] in you [collectively and individually]?

1 Peter 2:4-5 (AMP)

4 Come to Him [the risen Lord] as to a living Stone which men rejected and threw away, but which is choice and precious in the sight of God. 5 You [believers], like living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.

In Christ Jesus we are chosen people a royal priesthood. He has called us out of darkness (the world) and into His marvelous light – the Kingdom of God!

1 Peter 2:9-10 (AMP)

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people [at all], but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

In verses 9-10 above Paul reminds us that Jesus came down from heaven to earth to do the work of God the Father and after his death and resurrection, He ascended higher than all the heavens and fills the whole universe at the right hand of the Father!

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

In verses 11-13 above Paul explains what the gifts are that Jesus himself gives us. There are five of them, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers, and they are commonly known as the five-fold ministry in many Christian circles today.

These gifts of office were given by Jesus himself to build up and edify His Church to become unified in the Holy Spirit and to enable the body (the local congregation) to reach both individual and corporate maturity and to be more and more conformed to His image!

When we look at verse 13 above, we see that the function of the five-fold ministry is not to stop until the Church reaches full maturity and unity as a body which, in all likelihood, will only be when our Lord returns and we are clothed in our imperishable bodies!

Sadly in most Churches, if not all, today not all these gifts of office are evident within the local body and thus they are not firing on all five cylinders and limp along instead of reaching the fulness of the Spirit in power and harmony! Today’s Church is thus unbalanced and not operating in complete unity with the Spirit!

It is important for us to realise that these gifts are different to the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. These gifts are offices or positions given by Jesus to various people in the local body and should be held by men who are recognised as having these gifts and who are filled with the Holy Spirit. In my opinion, based on the verses below, these men should make up part the eldership of any local body.

Titus 1:5-9 (NIV)

5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.

The gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, however, are given by the Holy Spirit to the Church in general to be used by the members of the local body to build up, edify and encourage each other in our walk to individual spiritual maturity in Christ Jesus.

For a more in depth study of these five gifts please read my blog on the link below:
https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4109531135915361475/5194888534880253601

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

In verses 14-16 above Paul explains to us that when the five-fold ministry is operating within the local congregation in unity with the Holy Spirit and each other, these things will happen which highlight just how Jesus expects His Church to run or operate!

• As individuals and as a body we will move from being infants feeding on the milk of the Word to Christian maturity feeding on the meat of the Word.

(For more information on reaching Christian maturity please read my blog on the link below:
https://rayskilton.blogspot.com/2021/04/from-milk-to-meat-christian-path-to.html)

• We will not be easily deceived by false doctrines and the teachings of false teachers and prophets.

• Speaking the truth in love the Church as individuals and as a body will grow to Christian maturity.

• The Church, each local congregation, will be able to support and build each other up in love to do the works that we were predestined to do in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of Jesus!

Instructions for Christian Living

In verses 17-32 below, Paul instructs us on how we should live our lives as true followers of Christ.

17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

In verse 17-19 above Paul reminds us of who we once were when we were without Christ as our Lord and Saviour. He instructs us to no longer live as the unsaved do who have no concept of who God is because of their own self-indulgence which has hardened their hearts and are thus separated from God because of their sin. They are slaves to sin and are greedy and embrace every form of impure thinking, concepts, and ideologies. The things of the world have become their idols in whom they trust and worship! The sin of idolatry is manifest in every aspect of their lives!

That is what we used to be like until we became born again and new creations in Christ Jesus, our old self has gone.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

In verses 20-24 above Paul clearly states that we are no longer to live like those who are not born again but to live a life that is worthy of our salvation in Christ Jesus – a lifestyle that is taught to us in the Bible and a lifestyle that can only be lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. In this way only will we bring glory to Jesus!

We are commanded to put off the old self, the way we used to act, behave and speak. We are commanded to allow ourselves to be made new in the attitude of our minds.

Romans 12:2 (NIV)

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."

2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."

Psalm 1:2 (AMP)

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

Philippians 4:8-9 (NIV)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Our new self in Christ Jesus is to be clothed in His righteousness – this is being more and more conformed to His image. Jesus alone gives us right standing and reconciliation with God!

1 Corinthians 1:30 (AMP)

But it is from Him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God [revealing His plan of salvation], and righteousness [making us acceptable to God], and sanctification [making us holy and setting us apart for God], and redemption [providing our ransom from the penalty for sin], 31 so then, as it is written [in Scripture], “He who boasts and glories, let him boast and glory in the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

In the book of Genesis, we are told that God created us in His image. This is not a physical likeness as God is Spirit, but a likeness of His character. By His Spirit we are given the ability and power to reproduce His character in ourselves in Christ Jesus. This is why Paul continually exhorts us to live life in the Spirit (Romans 8) and be continually filled with the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:12-16 (AMP

12 So then, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]— 13 for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you are habitually putting to death the sinful deeds of the body, you will [really] live forever. 14 For all who are allowing themselves to be led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies and confirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.

Ephesians 5:18 (AMP)

Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him.

How a born again Christian should live.

In verses 25-32 below Paul commands us to rid ourselves of a number of sinful actions and attitudes. He starts off verse 25 with the word ‘Therefore’ which means because of the things he us told us in the previous verses of this Epistle, we must now live a life fully submitted to God and change our old ways to the ways that will continually conform us to the image of Christ.

If we don’t put off the things he mentions below, then we are deliberately and willfully sinning and will grieve the Holy Spirit!

Let’s examine these things verse by verse!

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

We need to stop telling lies generally and in particular stop lying to our ‘neigbour’! Neighbour here means our brothers and sisters in Christ as Paul goes on to say because we are all member of one body – the body of Christ – His Church. The body of born again believers. If we continue to lie to our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we are not only sinning but also grieving the Holy Spirit!

26 “In your anger do not sin”[Psalm 4:4]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,

In verse 26 we are instructed not to sin when we are angry and to let go of anger as soon as we can. Anger is an emotion so strong that it will lead us into sin if we do not deal with it quickly. Allow yourself to calm down before you act or speak in a sinful manner when responding to a situation that has made you angry.

It’s alright to have righteous anger, as Jesus displayed with those that had turned the Temple (my Father’s house) into a den of iniquity, but we are not to sin in our anger! Let go of anger as quick as you can otherwise a root of bitterness could spring up within you and cripple your Christian walk and your relationship with God. Unresolved anger issues that fester within the root of bitterness allows the devil to get his claws into you and destroy your life!

A root of bitterness in you will not only defile you and prevent you from walking to Christian maturity, but it will also defile many of those around you – we are in a spiritual war, we are not up against flesh and blood but the devil’s spiritual power in evil!

Psalm 4:4 (NLT)

Be angry, and do not sin;

ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.

Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)

See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.

Deuteronomy 29:18 (NIV)

Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.

In the verse (Dt 29:18) above we are told that when we turn away from God to go and worship idols it produces a root in us that is a bitter poison to our souls and draws us further and further away from the Lord. Watch out that you don not embrace the idols of today. An idol is something that constantly keeps you away from worshipping God, interferes with your family life and fellowshipping with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Repent of any modern day idols that you have latched onto!

• Sport

• Money

• Celebrity worship

• Excessive working that drives you and consumes your life and comes before God and family.

And I’m sure that you can think of many more modern day idols that we worship by placing them before God in our lives.

27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

Sinful anger that turns into a root of bitterness allows the devil to lead you further and further away from God if you do not deal with it quickly and repent!

28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Verse 28 very much speaks for itself – DO NOT STEAL! Taking something that does not belong to you is stealing. Even a pen or pencil that you take from your employer is stealing – resist the temptation. It may seem a small thing to you, but to God it is stealing and is sinful! A Christian must work and be useful in society so that they are able to share with those who are in need!

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Verse 29 commands us to stop swearing and using foul language and any other words that breaks others down instead of building them up. Do not gossip and break people down with criticism!

In Romans 1:28-32 God places gossips in amongst those that have depraved minds.

Romans 1:28-32 (NIV)

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

The tongue can be a destructive force, use it only to build others up! Your tongue, if not used in a Godly manner, will set you on fire and consume you! We will bear the consequences of what we say – good or bad! Choose GO(O)D!

James 3:6 (NIV)

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Proverbs 18:20-21 (AMP)

20 A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;

He will be satisfied with the consequence of his words.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

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

In verse 30 Paul gives us another command in “do not grieve the Holy Spirit”! What does this mean?

Well, let’s take a look at the original Greek word for “grieve” which is “lupeó” (loo-peh’-o, Strong’s 3076) and its expanded meaning is to deeply distress someone and cause them deep emotional pain (sadness) and severe sorrow (grief). This is something that is way beyond just upsetting someone! The Holy Spirit is a person and when we willfully and continually sin when we know better, it causes him to grieve.

We can relate this to the state of mankind at the time of the flood when God says:

Genesis 6:3a (AMP)

Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive and remain with man forever, because he is indeed flesh [sinful, corrupt—given over to sensual appetites];

It is the Holy Spirit that seals us (every born again Christian) as belonging to God, God as our Father has ownership of us and our lives. We are sealed as belonging to God for the day of redemption when we will be clothed in our imperishable bodies and will be set free from our sinful nature once and for all even though we are born again!

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

In verse 31 Pauls strongly instructs us to rid ourselves of a number of sinful attitudes and the Amplified version of the Bible expands very nicely the full meaning of what is being instructed!

Ephesians 4:31 (AMP)

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

And finally in verse 32 Paul tells us exactly what our attitudes, ways and demeanour should be like as born again Christians – followers of Christ – and being conformed into His image!

And again, the Amplified version of the Bible expands the meaning of this verse very nicely.

Ephesians 4:32 (AMP)

Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.

My dear Readers, let us be doers of the Word and not just readers!

Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven
I pray that you would continually fill me with your Holy Sprit and help me to be more and more conformed to the image of Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. Help me, Lord, to cast off my sinful nature and embrace the fullness of living a life that is filled with the Holy Spirit and to be a blessing to my brothers and siters in Christ and to be a sweet fragrance in the World that will point the lost to Jesus and their salvation. Help me, Lord I pray, to be a doer of the Word and not just a reader. Amen.

To Jesus belongs all glory honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!

Unpacking Ephesians: Chapter 3

 

In this chapter, the Apostle Paul affirms his calling and purpose in Christ Jesus and explains his insight, given to Him by the Holy Spirit, into the mystery of Christ in God’s plan and purpose for the Gentiles – Gentiles being those believers who are not of Jewish birth.

Note: The verses from Ephesians are in italics, my explanation of the verse/s follows in straight text with additional scriptures in bold italics.

God has an Amazing Plan for the Gentiles!

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

In his opening statement to this chapter, Paul refers to himself as the prisoner of Christ. Here the Greek word for prisoner is ‘desmios’ and it signifies a binding of someone so that they are unable to escape.

So what Paul is saying is that he is bound (a prisoner) to Christ of his own choice (when he became born again), just as a prisoner is bound, so that he cannot escape from his calling in Christ Jesus. His calling is for the purpose of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. This is God’s plan for his (Paul’s) life in order to bring glory to Jesus and salvation to the Gentiles! Hence, he says in finishing off verse one, “for the sake of you Gentiles”! As the Word is living and active, he means the Gentiles throughout the ages because Jesus never changes, He is always the same!

Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 13:8 (AMP)

Jesus Christ is [eternally changeless, always] the same yesterday and today and forever.

Paul says a similar thing to this in Romans 1:1 where he calls himself a slave to Christ. Here the Greek word for slave is ‘doulos’ and its expanded meaning is a bond-slave or bondservant. In the time of Paul, a slave or a bondservant was completely owned by his master who paid a price for him – the owner bought him as a possession and he had every right by the law of the time to do what he liked with the slave.

In other words, he is telling us that he has no rights of his own, he completely belongs to Jesus, he is His slave, he is sold-out to Him in love and dedication. This is how each of us needs to view ourselves as born again Christians. This attitude of the born again believer brings glory, honour and praise to Jesus – it is an act ow total worship to the only name that is worthy of glory, honour and praise – the Name of Jesus!

We are not our own! We belong to Jesus, and we relinquish to him every area of our lives so that we can live our lives in accordance with the will of the Father – I say again, we are not our own! Because Jesus paid the price, death on the cross, for our sins it is no longer we that live but Christ that lives in us! We a purchased by the blood of Jesus!

In this way we receive the full blessings of God and our hope and assurance of salvation – everlasting life in Christ Jesus! But for those that do not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and do not believe in him, it is everlasting death (total separation from God) in hell for eternity!

When we become truly born again, it is no longer we that live but Christ who lives in us!

Romans 1:1 (AMP)

Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative), set apart for [preaching] the gospel of God [the good news of salvation],

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Galatians 2:20 (AMP)

I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Galatians 3:13-14 (AMP)

3 Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might also come to the Gentiles, so that we would all receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith.

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.

In verses 2 and 3 above Paul reveals to us that the administration or dispensation or stewardship or the special responsibility of God’s grace was given to him to preach to the Gentiles (you and I) the gospel of salvation in Christ Jesus!

Acts 13:47-48 (NIV)

47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Acts 22:21 (NIV)

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ ”

4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

In verses 4-6 above Paul says that once we have read this letter (the Epistle to the Ephesians) we will only then be able to understand the insight he has into the mystery of Christ which was given to him and the other apostles by Jesus through the Holy Spirit.

This mystery was not made known in the Old Testament but has only now been revealed after the death and resurrection of Christ. This mystery is that through the gospel (the Good News) the Gentiles become co-heirs with Israel (the Jews) and the two now become members of one body (the Church) and share in the promise of salvation and everlasting life in Christ Jesus.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

In verse 7-9 above Paul also refers to himself as a servant of the gospel. The Greek word for servant here is ‘diakonos’ (pron: dee-ak-on-os) and means a servant or minister (of the gospel). Which is what we as his Church should be today – both individually and as a body! From this Greek word we get the English word deacon which is used in the Church today – only deaconship (not the office of Deacon) is not just for some believers but is for all believers as we are all servants of Christ!

Paul humbly (Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people) reminds the Church that he was given the authority and dispensation to preach the gospel - the endless riches of Christ - to the Gentiles by God’s grace!

To the Church today, the endless riches of Christ are taught in the writings of both the New Testament and the Old for Jesus is the Word in its entirety. But because Jesus fulfilled the law, we are no longer bound by the law but are heirs of the new covenant of salvation and everlasting life in Christ Jesus!

John 1:1-5 (AMP)

1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. 2 He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. 3 All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].

John 1:14 (AMP)

And the Word (Christ) became flesh, and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception).

Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

In verses 10-13 above Paul explains to us that God’s intent in all of this is the revealing of the mystery Christ to the Church – the true born again believers in Jesus.

In verse 10 the Greek word for manifold is ‘polupoikilos’ (Pron: pol-oo-poy'-kil-os) and its full meaning is ‘the many and diverse or multitudinous manifestations’ of God’s wisdom. So, this means that it is through His Church (including us today) that the wisdom of God will be made known to the rulers and authorities in the spiritual realms, that is primarily Satan and his cohorts and those humans that serve evil. This is a reminder to the enemies of God that Jesus is above all things and that his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection by the Holy Spirit has defeated the works of the evil one! In Christ Jesus we have the victory.

Scripture tells us quite clearly that if we are not for Him then we are against him and if we are against him, we become pawns of the devil and his cohorts and participants in his evilness!

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:21-23 (KJV)

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Matthew 12:30 (AMP)

He who is not with Me [once and for all on My side] is against Me; and he who does not [unequivocally] gather with Me scatters.

It is only in Christ Jesus that we, his born again believers, can approach God (in prayer and relationship) with complete freedom and confidence. Jesus has set us free from the law of sin and death and through him we are reconciled to God – God sees us as sinless as He looks at us through His son Jesus, the only spotless one, who washed away our sins on the cross at Calvary! Amen!

Romans 5:9-11 (AMP)

9 Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from the wrath of God through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, it is much more certain, having been reconciled, that we will be saved [from the consequences of sin] by His life [that is, we will be saved because Christ lives today]. 11 Not only that, but we also rejoice in God [rejoicing in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received and enjoy our reconciliation [with God].

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (AMP)

18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

A Prayer for the Ephesians and a Prayer for Christ's Church Today.

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

In verses 14-21 we see the true heart of love and caring that Paul has (and is burdened with) for the Church in his closing prayer. This is such a selfless and wonderfully humble prayer that there is nothing that I could give any measure of increase to, spiritual or otherwise, and needs no further explanation from me.

But what I do ask, Dear Readers, is that you pray, with heartfelt sincerity in your love for Jesus, this prayer for the Church congregation that you belong to and for His true Church across the world today.

2 Corinthians 13:14 (NIV)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

To Jesus belongs all glory honour and praise!

Jesus the Name above all names!

Remember: Reading this article is no substitute for reading and studying the Bible for yourself. My word is flawed the Bible is not!