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This commentary will be the first of many verse-by-verse bible studies in order to provide believers with another resource for their personal study of the word of God! From time to time, I will inject audio clips as another resource which will be indicated as such. Nothing here is copy written so feel free to use and share with anyone! Text in red indicate the Greek definitions and numerical references of the words highlighted from the STRONG'S CONCORDANCE. The text in green is God's Word from Ephesians.
Directions: This particular page will be an all inclusive study so just click on the chapter of interest!
| Ephesians 1 | Ephesians 2 | Ephesians 3 | Ephesians 4 | Ephesians 5 | Ephesians 6 |
It is my hope and prayer that believers will be enlightened, encouraged and edified as they learn about the distinctive message of grace according to the revelation of the mystery which was "hid in God" but now revealed to us, through Paul, by the risen, Great God and Lord of Glories, Jesus Christ!
Who wrote Ephesians, and who was it to?
Written by Paul an apostle of Jesus Christ by
the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in
Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord
Jesus Christ!
When was Ephesians written?
Ephesians was written from Rome in 64 A.D.
What is this book about? Main themes include: The position of the Body
of Christ,
The possessions of the Body of Christ and The personal walk of The Body of
Christ
1 Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints, which are at Ephesus, and to the
faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us
with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: {places: or, things}
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world,
that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in
the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good
pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in
one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even
in him: {heaven: Gr. the heavens}
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according
to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
{trusted: or, hoped}
13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel
of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that
holy Spirit of promise,
14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
I.) OUR BLESSING IN CHRIST (verses 1 through 14):
The Father has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in
Christ:
-Adopted as His children (verse 5)
-Accepted in the beloved (verse 6)
-Highly favored
-Compassed with blessings
-Redeemed: Redemption through His blood (verse 7)
-Releasing effected by a payment of ransom
-Deliverance
-Liberation procured by the payment of a ransom
1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a
price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
1 Corinthians 7:23 Ye are bought with a
price; be not ye the servants of men.
Forgiven: Forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace (verse
7)
Abounded: He has abounded toward us all wisdom and prudence (verse
8)
-exceeding a fixed number of measure
-abundantly excel
-wisdom and prudence
Notice here that Paul doesn’t use “epiginosis” or "knowledge" here because I
believe that he simply wants us to understand the Love of God at the 10,000 foot
level first!
Educated: The University of Holy Spirit (verse 9) “having
made known”
1) to make known
1a) to become known, be recognized
2) to know, to gain knowledge of, have thorough knowledge of
2a) in earlier Greek it means "to gain a knowledge of" or "have thorough
knowledge of"
3) musterion or the mystery of His will
-hidden thing, secret, mystery
1a) generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and
not to ordinary mortals
1b) a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding
1c) a hidden purpose or counsel
1c1) secret will
1c1a) of men
1c1b) of God: the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with
the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but
plain to the godly
2 Corinthians 8:6
Insomuch
that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the
same grace also.
2 Corinthians 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and
utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that
ye abound in this grace also.
Entrusted: That we might know His eternal purpose in the heavens and the
in the earth, when He gathers all things together. (verses 10 through 13)
God has entrusted to us His “roadmap” for this age so that we would understand
all things in Christ. It is no
longer a mystery! This presents no conflict since we are in Christ and this is part of our
inheritance as believers of “the faith”. Christ has entrusted to us knowledge (complete and perfect) of what he intends
to do. It is there for us to find out if we want to study! We are to study in order
to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman, that does not need to be
ashamed by correctly partitioning or dividing God’s counsel from our Lord’s
previous instructions to mankind! God has pre-determined (before Genesis 1:1) to do this according to His
counsel.
Sealed: with the Holy Spirit as proof positive (verse 14)
God’s pledge or promise to us, is not a covenant of something to come, it is God
Himself, The Holy Spirit in us. This verse indicates that we are marked as "His
possession" according to God's word. This "sealing" is eternal for since we did
nothing to earn it, we could certainly do nothing to remove it! The only thing
we can do to assure salvation is to simply take God at His word concerning the
accomplishments of His Son Jesus Christ on our sinful behalf!
II.) OUR KNOWLEDGE IN CHRIST (VERSES 15 THROUGH 22):
15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love
unto all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto
you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: {in...: or, for
the acknowledgement}
18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is
the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in
the saints,
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power, {his mighty power: Gr. the might
of his power}
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at
his own right hand in the heavenly places,
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.
OUR KNOWLEDGE:
Paul was thankful for the opportunity to fellowship and to teach these dear
Ephesians. He ceased not to give thanks to God for them, instead of “fruit
inspecting” them. His prayer was that "The Father of Glory" would give us the spirit of wisdom and revelation
(apokalupsis disclosure of truth) in the full and complete knowledge of
Him!
Note: Why would Paul ask The Father of glory to give us the
spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him? Shouldn’t we already
have that? I believe that God answered Paul’s prayer and that we do indeed
possess the capability of understanding the full complete knowledge of Him.
However, God the Holy Spirit will only deploy knowledge and wisdom when we have
put aside our pride and show ourselves approved to receive His counsel versus man’s
counsel in regards to the
mystery. God in all of His dispensings to mankind will never violate his free
will.
On a more personal note, whenever someone asks me to
pray for them (or someone else) about a particular issue or problem I take a
quick inventory. If I perceive that this person does not understand what Christ
calls "the mystery" I quickly think of these verses. My prayer then is verses 15
through 22; nothing more, nothing less! Without a solid understanding of what
these verses mean to believers under this marvelous dispensing of grace any
other prayer really doesn't seem to make much sense....
Paul also prayed:
What kind of power??
Exceeding power:
Huperballo
1) to surpass in throwing, to throw over or beyond any thing (Just like the
PowerAde commercial with Michael Vick throwing the football out of the stadium!)
2) to transcend, surpass, exceed, excel
3) excelling, exceeding
HIS GREATNESS:
1. Christ’s mighty power has been demonstrated to all mankind through the
resurrection.
2. Christ is currently seated at the right hand of the Father in the heavenlies.
3. In this seating, Christ is far above all principality, might, and dominion in
every name that is named in this world and in the world that is to come!
4. Christ is the head of all things including the church of this dispensation
called “The Body” which is identified as His body, which completes all things!
Far above: above a thing or place; of rank or power.
Principality: origin, beginnings (implies prior to the creation of angels both
demonic and angelic…)
Power: total power, judicially, by choice, by authority, by rule
Might: Dunamis - inherent power, moral power, the power to influence, strength
in numbers.
Dominion: government, lordship
In all of His power, dominion, might and position,
we are placed in Him! Paul as instructed by the risen Christ tells us about His
glory for our edification.
1 And you hath he quickened,
who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now
worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our
flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature
the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by
grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places
in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in
his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is
the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
III.) OUR STANDING IN CHRIST
(VERSES 1 THROUGH 10):
In verse 1, the authors of the KJV
have “hath he quickened” in italicized. This translation differs from
verse 5. The above “hath he quickened” emphasizes simply "our being"
which scripture says, “that we were dead in trespasses and sins”.
Death as described here suggests we were like
corpses and we were incapable of doing anything right or inactive as respects to
doing right! However, this does not imply that we are unable to exercise our God
given free will.
Verse 2 shows us:
-The “time past’ of verse 2 would seem to imply only to us. But
the phrase “the course” is the GR. for “eon” to imply the state of the human
race also. This only confirms what Paul said in Romans 1 in regards to the utter
depravity of the human race. The “spirit” in verse 2 refers to:
Verse 3 tells us that the word
"conversation" means to live, to turn upside down or overturn. We by nature were
the children of wrath:
Romans 5:12 –14
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
13 (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is
no law.
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not
sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him
that was to come.
Verses 4 and 5
-In these verses, we have been "quickened together
with Christ" which comes from the Greek (suzoopoieo – to make one alive)! This
differs from verse 1 in which it states we were quickened unto death. But now,
believers have been quickened unto life!
-But God who is wealthy (in mercy) and abounding
in material resources (including Christian virtues and eternal possessions)
loved us! God loved us even in our separated sinful state. This love does not
preclude His justice for He will always love the sinner.
Romans 5:6 –10
6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the
ungodly.
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good
man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners,
Christ died for us.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his
Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
-Quickened here is to make one alive TOGETHER with
Christ. Here our apostle begins to expound upon the oneness we have in Christ.
Verse 6
-Raised up together
(sunegeiro - to raise together, to cause to raise together; to raise up together
from mortal death to a new and blessed life dedicated to God with Christ)
-Seated together in heavenly places in Christ
(sugkathizo – to cause to sit down together; to sit down together)
REST!
-In Christ and the word “in” denote a relation of rest!
Verse 7
So that in the ages to come He might show us the exceeding riches of his grace,
in his kindness towards, us through Christ Jesus.
Huperballo
1) to surpass in throwing, to throw over or beyond any thing
2) to transcend, surpass, exceed, excel
3) excelling, exceeding
One of the very first truths of my salvation that I took hold of was the
realization that I could do nothing to earn my salvation as described in
verses 8 and 9:
For by grace you have been saved (past tense);
Friends, I have found that it is so easy for us to read
God's word and simply breeze through some awesome foundational truths. I don't
want you to make the same mistake I did with these few verses! I want to point
out that verses 6 and 7 tells us that we have been raised up together with
Christ. Not only are we raised up but we are also "seated in heavenly
places in Christ". Paul goes to great lengths to make sure that readers
understand the accomplishments of Christ. Graces teaches us that we cannot begin
to think about changing our conduct unless we have renewed minds first. In
Paul's letters, the pattern will be the same, doctrine then application. There
is no other way!
GRACE - 5485 carij
charis khar' -ece
AV-grace 130, favour 6, thanks 4, thank 4, thank+2192 3, pleasure 2, misc 7; 156
1) grace
1a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness:
grace of speech
2) good will, loving-kindness, favour
2a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon
souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian
faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian
virtues
3) what is due to grace
3a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace
3b) the token or proof of grace, benefit
3b1) a gift of grace
3b2) benefit, bounty
4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward
GIFT - 1435 dwron doron do' –ron
AV-gift 18, offering 1; 19
1) a gift, present
1a) gifts offered in expression of honour
1a1) of sacrifices and other gifts offered to God
1a2) of money cast into the treasury for the purposes of the temple and for the
support of the poor
2) the offering of a gift or of gifts
WORK - 2041 ergon ergon er' -gon
from a primary (but obsolete) ergo (to work);
TDNT-2:635,251; n n
AV-work 152, deed 22, doing 1, labour 1; 176
1) business, employment, that which any one is occupied
1a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking
2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind
3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasized in opp. to that
which is less than work
Which best represents you?
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Verse 10
We are the workmanship of The Father (ktizo)! Literally this means that we are
manufactured in Christ
Jesus
for the purpose of good works (indicating service) that was before ordained that
we should walk in them! If we do not understand our completeness in Christ
Jesus, our motivation to serve Him will be skewed to say the least. Our
motivation will then be from "duty" and not out of love. This is partly the
reason why many Christians lose their zeal, their purpose and their drive for
life. Law wears you down, grace empowers you!
IV.) OUR ONENESS IN CHRIST (VERSES
11 THROUGH 22):
A.) Our oneness “to those far off
(unrighteous)”
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being
in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which
is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth
of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and
without God in the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the
blood of Christ.
-Paul reminds us of God’s dealings with mankind in prior
centuries. (verse 11)
-At that time, Gentiles (us!) were without Christ, with no hope and we were
aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel. (verse 12)
aliens
-to be shut out from one’s fellowship and intimacy
-to alienate, to estrange commonwealth of Israel
politeia
1) the administration of civil affairs
2) a state or commonwealth
3) citizenship, the rights of a citizen, strangers without knowledge of,
without a share in
-But now in Christ, those of us that were in times past far off (a great way
off), are made near (of place and position…to make a proselyte of) by the blood
of Christ!
B.) Our oneness “to them that were
near (self-righteous)”
14 For he is our peace, who hath made
both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making
peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having
slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were
nigh.
-For He (Christ) is our peace (verses 14-16)
having made both Jew and Gentile one with Christ. One of the many
things that amazes me about God's special dispensing of grace is that both Jew
and Gentile are one in Him. With the nation of Israel on hold until a future
time, God no longer recognizes national distinction. All men: race, color or
creed can be saved should they just simply take God the Father at His word
concerning Jesus Christ and His atoning cross-work!
-Christ made inactive, inoperable the “law of commandments” by His flesh.
These “law of commandments” were contained in “ordinances” or
dogma
1) doctrine, decree, ordinance
1a) of public decrees
1b) of the Roman Senate
1c) of rulers
2) the rules and requirements of the law of Moses; carrying a suggestion of
severity and of threatened judgment
3) of certain decrees of the apostles relative to right living
-Christ destroyed these same ordinances (Colossians
2:13-15) that our religious and “fundamental” bible teachers attempt to
revive every day.
Having slain
apokteino ap-ok-ti' -no
from 575 and kteino (to slay); v
AV-kill 55, slay 14, put to death 6; 75
1) to kill in any way whatever
1a) to destroy, to allow to perish
2) metaph. to extinguish, abolish
2a) to inflict mortal death
2b) to deprive of spiritual life and procure eternal misery in hell
Verse 17
is the summary and “10,000 foot view” objective showing that Christ did the work
and gave us His most current instructions through the apostle Paul. This news is
to be communicated to others as opportunity arises!
Paul instructs men concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation:
-About the kingdom of God (the earth)
-About salvation through Christ (the heavens)
-Christ’s finished work brought completion to both programs
independently.
-Leaders across most denominations attempt to uncover yesterday’s news (the
law) and re-broadcast it as grace!
Paul’s instructions from Christ encourage us to:
-Seek those things that are above the heavens (Col. 3:1,2)
-Forget those things, which were behind (the earth), while reaching forth those
which are before (Phil. 3:13)
-Press toward the high mark for the prize of the high calling of God (Phil 3:14)
C.) Our oneness unto salvation.
18 For through him we both have
access by one Spirit unto the Father.
-For through (denoting the channel of an act) Him, (Christ) we (Jew and Gentile)
have access by one Spirit
unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
-With these things being so and while drawing to the conclusion of this fact,
not only are we no longer strangers and foreigners but we (those near off and
far off) now have the same citizenship as consecrated unto God a most holy
thing.
1) We are no longer: strangers
-without knowledge of, without a share in, foreigners
-living in a place without the right of citizenship,
2) We have the same citizenship as the previous saints that belong to the
household of God.
-Paul does not say here, we have the same commission, or the same instructions
as previous saints, we have the same citizenship as unto the family of God
3) What is this commonality in the household?
-Belonging to one’s household because of a blood relationship…..Christ’s!!
4) We are same in citizenship with the saints throughout the economies of God,
yet distinct in the instruction that we receive:
-Unto salvation – how we are saved according to God’s revealed (or latest news)
Word
-Unto service – how we are to serve others according to God’s revealed (or
latest news) Word
D.) Our oneness unto service.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and
foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ
himself being the chief corner stone;
21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple
in the Lord:
22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the
Spirit.
- To finish the structure of which the foundation has already been laid, to give
constant increase in Christian knowledge and in a life conformed thereto.
Apostolos 652 apostoloj apostolos ap-os' -tol-os
AV-apostle 78, messenger 2, he that is sent 1; 81
1) a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders
1a) specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ
1b) in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers
1b1) of Barnabas
1b2) of Timothy and Silvanus
Prophets in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things
It would appear that verse 20
could bring controversy to those defending the position of grace since apostles
and prophets are mentioned and identified as "the 12" in the Greek. However,
since context defines the meaning of a word and "apostle" means simply delegate,
one that is sent etc... (from above), the verse clearly is talking about
apostles and prophets of the dispensing of grace.
-In whom, Christ, (all the building) “which is joined closely together as
members of one body” (unity) would grow as a holy temple of God.
-Verse 22 states our position and who we are through Christ.
Again, Paul encourages us to act as we are, not act so that we can attain (Law
vs. Grace)
AV-grow 12, increase 7, give the increase 2, grow up 1; 22
1) to cause to grow, augment
2) to increase, become greater
3) to grow, increase
3a) of plants
3b) of infants
3c) of a multitude of people
3d) of inward Christian growth
SPECIAL NOTE!!!!
It is in verses 21 and 22 where the Body
of Christ fails miserably. The fact is today across the world, the Body
of Christ is not growing the way it should. Of course the number of churches are
growing as well as the number of people in them! Besides, that is the way man
measures success. But that is not the growth I am talking about. Here, I am
referring to growth in the sense of the maturity of the believer:
1 Cornthians 3:1-3 1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
What happens when you don’t grow?
Satan can cause division according to 2 Timothy 2, so that the
body doesn’t fit together SO THAT IT DOESN’T GROW. That’s the adversary’s
objective friends and he has been very successful. Several years back, a well
known, popular bible scholar confronted me on bringing the message of grace into
the assembly I pastored at. He said: "Rick, don't let the Devil into the
church with that type of doctrine." I said: Jim-Bob, not only is the Devil
already in the church, but he's in an arm chair with a cigar, newspaper and
slippers".
2 Timothy 2:16-26
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will
increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past
already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord
knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ
depart from iniquity.
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but
also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto
honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good
work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender
strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt
to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure
will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are
taken captive by him at his will.
I. THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY
(verses 1 through 3)
1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner
of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to
you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in
few words,
Friends, I can't tell you about the number of times I have read
these verses and glossed over them without really understanding what Paul was
trying to say. I pray that you read these verses and consider what the apostle
is trying to say. Understanding that Paul's ministry and doctrine was
separate from the 12 apostles magnifies the message of grace (which we must
remember was received directly from Jesus Christ)!
Who is telling us? Paul, a prisoner of Jesus
Christ for you Gentiles.
What is this about? The issue at hand concerns the
dispensation of the grace of God and its comprehension by believers.
ironic thing about this fact is that he is so truthful! Hardly anyone has
clearly understood about God's special dispensing of grace committed solely
to Paul. This "mystery" was made known unto Paul by the risen, glorified
Christ!-ak-oo: to
give audience, to hearken
-to attend to, to consider what has been said
-to understand, to perceive the sense of what was said
-to perceive by ear what is announced in one’s presence
-to get by hearing learn
The apostle is provoking believers to think about, consider
or give understanding to God's special dispensing or administration of grace.
The word "dispensation" may confuse many believers while others are angered
at the dissention it seems to bring. However, the bible is God's inspired
word and this word is in there for a reason! The Greek meaning and its
definitions are below:
-the management of a household,
oversight, administration, of other’s property.
-the office of a manager or overseer
How was it revealed to you? What has not
changed over the last 2,000 years is the fact that Paul's credibility is still
challenged in regards to the distinct message he received from Jesus Christ!
Most teachers and leaders believe that Paul received an "extension" of an
existing gospel (good news) from the 12. Others believe that Paul is the
12th apostle. But friends, take note at what is being said! What Paul heard was
directly from the risen, glorified Christ! He received it by revelation
starting on the road to Damascus and ending just before his death.
-By revelation, He (Jesus) made known unto me "the
mystery" as before I wrote in a few words.
-By revelation or apokalupsis
-to lighten, be revealed
-laying bear, making naked
-a disclosure of truth, instruction
-concerning things before unknown
-used by events by which things or states or persons hitherto
withdrawn from view are made visible to all
-manifestation, appearance
-By disclosing truth concerning things unknown before, Jesus made known unto
me the mystery or musterion.
Musterion:
-a secret thing not obvious to
understanding, a hidden counsel
-the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the
righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men,
butplain to the godly.
-in OT times, a dream, vision or image.
II. THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MYSTERY
(verses 4 through 7)
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may
understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now
revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers
of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given
unto me by the effectual working of his power.
-Literally, Paul is saying when you distinguish between,
recognize or know accurately about my knowledge in the mystery, it will
flow together with what you already know!
-In other ages, my knowledge in the mystery was not made known unto man (verse
5)
as it is NOW revealed by His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.
-It is NOW revealed to His holy apostles and prophets (me, Barnabas, Silas,
Luke). It is NOW revealed by the Spirit for us to learn:
-That the Gentiles who were strangers and aliens from the things of God should
be made (verse 6):
III. THE MINISTRY OF THE MYSTERY
(verses 7 through 12)
The Minister
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given
unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that
I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
The apostle spends much time in his ministry defending what
he received from Jesus Christ. Paul was made a minister (one who executes the commands of another) by the
“eneregia” or working efficiency used by one with supernatural powers.
Here Paul testifies of the person, operation and work of God The Holy Spirit.
-Paul qualifies himself as “less than the least of all saints”.
-He distinctly mentions:
-Grace is given
-He should preach among the Gentiles The UNSEARCHABLE riches of Christ
-UNSEARCHABLE
anexichniastos
AV-past finding out 1, unsearchable 1; 2
1) that cannot be searched out, that cannot be comprehended
Many leaders, teachers and scholars contend that what Paul received was preached before. Some argue that the 12 apostles, Peter or other Old Testament saints spoke of "the mystery" in times past. This teaching or belief is in error! Jesus Christ Himself revealed to Paul what was unsearchable. In other words, no one could find it because it was hid in God through Christ Jesus!
Romans 16:25-27
25Now to him that is of power to stablish you
according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the
revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the
world began, 26 But now is made manifest,
and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the
everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God
only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Colossians 1:25-29
25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the
dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26
Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from
generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom
God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the
Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning
every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man
perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his
working, which worketh in me mightily.
Acts 9
1 Timothy 1:1-20
The Mission
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the
beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus
Christ:
To say we want to be like Jesus according to WWJD, is no different than Israel
telling God we will match you
“step by step” by our keeping of the law!
I know that this will draw some anger in many believers but Jesus Christ came to
earth to pay the penalty of our sins through His vicarious death, burial and
resurrection. He did not want to frustrate us in order to "walk His walk",
but instead believe that He "walked" it for us! It is only through
Him that we can accomplish greatness, but this comes through a renewing of the
mind first. Many Christians, tattoo themselves with WWJD through clothing,
wristbands and the like. I wore a black WWJD wristband myself for about a year
and secretly convinced myself that I was holier than the next person in doing
it! Friends, doing this does not make you any less "spiritual". However, a
WWJD perspective and belief is based on Christ's earthly ministry and His work
on behalf of Israel. Moreover, the focus here is on a past dealing with
mankind which attempts to de-emphasize the message of grace. Follow the example
below:
Deuteronomy 6:17-25
17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his
testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.
18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD:
that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good
land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,
19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the LORD hath spoken.
20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the
testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath
commanded you?
21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh's bondmen in Egypt; and
the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:
22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon
Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:
23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the
land which he sware unto our fathers.
24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our
God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.
25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments
before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.
In these verses, God because of His great powers and miracles performed in
Egypt and in the exodus, wanted Israel to trust in His grace and sufficiency.
Their obedience of the commandments would be their expression of faith to the
pagan nations and was required of God to be a witness to these same pagan
gentiles. NEVER DID HE SAY, THAT THEIR OBEDIENCE SHOULD BE THEIR
RIGHTEOUSNESS!!!
However, Paul does say:
Our victory over sin must first come from the
recognition of Christ's accomplishments on our behalf as well as understanding
our position in Him as a result! As we grow in understanding our sin and failure
in the light of His completeness and greatness, we will have no choice but to
relay on His sufficiency for our Christian living. Any other way is self-righteousness.
-We are to be like our apostle Paul and follow him as he was instructed to
follow Christ.
-Paul’s mission which was given to us, was to make all men see what is the fellowship of
the mystery.
photizo fo-tid'–zo
make men see
AV-give light 2, bring to light 2, lighten 2, enlighten 2, light 1, illuminate
1, make to see 1; 11
1) to give light, to shine
2) to enlighten, light up, illumine
3) to bring to light, render evident
3a) to cause something to exist and thus come to light and become clear to all
4) to enlighten, spiritually, imbue with saving knowledge
4a) to instruct, to inform, teach
4b) to give understanding to
koinonia koy-nohn-ee'–ah is the fellowship
AV-fellowship 12, communion 4, communication 1, distribution 1, contribution 1,
to communicate 1; 20
1) fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation,
intercourse
1a) the share which one has in anything, participation
1b) intercourse, fellowship, intimacy
1b1) the right hand as a sign and pledge of fellowship (in fulfilling the
apostolic office)
1c) a gift jointly contributed, a
collection, a contribution, as exhibiting an embodiment & proof of fellowship
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the
beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus
Christ:
This plan committed to Paul was in view by God since the beginning of the
world, before Genesis 1:1 but was not revealed until….
10 To the intent now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might
be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
What cause? (Verses 10 through 12) Those who of the earthly and heavenly people
of God, bare the name or represent The Father….
III. THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE MYSTERY (verses 13 through 21)
13 Herefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your
glory.
Wherefore? Because of what may be known by “the principalities and powers in
heavenly places”, I beg you or call you that you not grow weary of the pressure
and stress to come, for your cause, what is for your glory!
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts BY FAITH; that ye, being rooted and
grounded in love,
To be established in the faith, rooted like a firm tree and to lay the
foundation.
18
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length,
and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be
filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do
exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen.
Under Gods'
special dispensing of grace, believers are challenged to comprehend the vastness
of Christ's love for us. Through Jesus Christ and His finished work, God has
performed "exceedingly abundantly" above all that we ask or think. Verses 18
through 20 imply that God has done something, great, different and unexpected!
The "unexpected" part is the "mystery" which God has now revealed for over two
millennium through Paul on our behalf.
Paul closes his thoughts and insights as concerning our position in Christ. He takes three chapters to discuss our completeness in Christ so that in Chapters 4 through 6, we can read about how to apply this doctrine to our conduct and application of this faith to our lives!
The
apostle Paul begins chapter four with a resounding request. Notice friends how
he does this after he has established our position in Christ in the first
three chapters. By this time, there should be no doubt as concerning where we
came from, our past sin, God's great love for us, and the riches we have in
Christ to prove it! Brother McGee used to speak of our ability to apply
our understanding of God's grace while using the terminology "when the rubber
hits the road". Believers should now be able to demonstrate Christ's love as His
ambassadors in a cold, confusing world. I don't know about you, but I still have
a difficult time doing this....
I.) THE CAPTIVITY OF THE
BELIEVER (verses 1 through 3)
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you
that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another
in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Who?
Paul uses a double meaning when he talks about being a prisoner of the Lord. He
was physically in bonds while being held captive by the Son of God.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:30
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. - John
8:32
I find it amazing how Paul goes on begging us to walk worthy of the vocation that God has called us to.
How?
Paul makes it clear with all distinction to walk
worthy of the calling that we are called.
-With all lowliness – having a humble opinion of one’s self
- a deep sense of one’s (moral) littleness
- modesty, humility, lowliness of mind
-Meekness – gentleness or mildness
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all
men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure
will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are
taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26
-Longsuffering – patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance,
slowness in avenging wrongs
-Forbearance in love – to sustain, bear, to endure
-Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
-Make haste or give diligence to stay unified in the bond of peace
II.) THE CHARITY OF GOD (verses 4 through 7)
Why?
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are
called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift
of Christ.
There is one Body of Christ (Ephesians 2:12-22), One Spirit and distinct
ministry of the Spirit (even as you are called in one hope of your calling).
One Lord, One faith
-Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. -
1
Corinthians 16:13
-Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates? - 2 Corinthians 13:5 --If ye continue in the faith
grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which
ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven;
whereof I Paul am made a minister; - Colossians 1:23
-Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been
taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. -
Colossians 2:7
-Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God
our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. - 1 Timothy 1:2
-For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to
themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ
Jesus. - 1 Timothy 3:13
-This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be
sound in the faith; -Titus 1:13
-All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith.
Grace be with you all. Amen. - Titus 3:15
One baptism
I can't tell you about the number of pastor's, teachers and leaders that get these verses wrong. Many will read these verses (especially verse 5) and make a defense for water baptism. Clearly, the text here has nothing to do with water friends. I suppose you can make a defense on any verse or two, that's how cults start. If water baptism is the main thrust here then this belief attempts to eliminate the work of the Holy Spirit and His indwelling baptism!
Several years back, I had a discussion with an elderly pastor about Romans 6 (below). At one time I admired this man until I realized he was full of pride and arrogance. Later, I found out he was to me as Alexander was to Paul.... The main topic of this discussion was that these verses pertained to water baptism. I vehemently disagreed with that position stating that if these verses were talking about water, then we are saved by being baptized in someone's pool. If you read these verses with that erroneous thought in mind, you will see what I mean. In the verses in Ephesians and in Romans below, God is talking about the Holy Spirit.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in
sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live
any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus
Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism
into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. -
Romans 6:1-4
IV.) THE CAPTIVITY OF GOD (verses 7 through 10)
In this next set of verses, there are interesting commentaries, which discuss
the whereabouts and ministry of Christ while he was dead for three days prior to
His glorious resurrection.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according
to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity (a prisoner
of war) captive ( to capture), and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the
lower (inferior as in Hades) parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens,
that he might fill ALL THINGS.)
-Verse 8 seems to imply that Jesus told Paul that when He ascended
up on high, some things occurred. Literally, Jesus Christ led those in captivity
(GRK; prisoners of war) captive under Christ while giving gifts unto men in
doing so.
-In verse 9, since the risen glorified Christ ascended and
conquered death, what is it that He first descended into the lower parts of the
earth (inferior AS IN Hades)? Here in these verses many bible scholars focus on
what happened to Christ during the time between His death and glorious
resurrection.
-Verse 10 gives us what Paul was really trying to say as to why
Jesus Christ came to this miserable planet and lowered Himself to die, be buried
and rise again. That HE, Jesus, might fulfill all things! I believe in chapter
two of the Book of Hebrews a wonderful principle concerning this matter is given
to us:
8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he
put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But
now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the
suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God
should taste death for every man.
10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in
bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect
through sufferings.
11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for
which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church
will I sing praise unto thee.
13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children
which God hath given me.
14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also
himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him
that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject
to bondage.
1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full
1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally
1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied
2) to render full, i.e. to complete
2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill
to the brim
2b) to consummate: a number
2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect
2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking)
2c) to carry into effect, bring to realization, realize
2c1) of matters of duty: to perform, execute
2c2) of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish
2c3) to fulfill, i.e. to cause God's will (as made known in the law) to be
obeyed as it should be, and God's promises (given through the prophets) to
receive fulfillment
V.) THE CONSIDERATION OF THE BELIEVER (verses 11
through 16)
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets;
and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which
every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of
every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
It has been my experience to witness the failure of many believers to recognize their distinct gifts that they have received from God. Not all gifts are the same as each believer is unique and "brings something different to the table" in order to harmonize the Body of Christ. I have seen pastors who have no business preaching or teaching and people who are extremely gifted in a particular ministry and do nothing. Here, Paul is clear in what he received from God in that apostles, pastors, teachers and others are raised up for the perfecting of the church and the edifying of Christ's Body!
Apostles:
apostolos ap-os' -tol-os
AV-apostle 78, messenger 2, he that is sent 1; 81
1) a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders
1a) specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ
1b) in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers
1b1) of Barnabas
1b2) of Timothy and Silvanus
Prophets:
4396 profhthj prophetes prof-ay' -tace
1) in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things
2) one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman,
solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially
concerning future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and
kingdom of God and to human salvation
2a) the OT prophets, having foretold the kingdom, deeds and death, of Jesus the
Messiah.
2b) of John the Baptist, the herald of Jesus the Messiah
2c) of the illustrious prophet, the Jews expected before the advent of the
Messiah
2d) the Messiah
2e) of men filled with the Spirit of God, who by God's authority and command
in words of weight pleads the cause of God and urges salvation of men
2f) of prophets that appeared in the apostolic age among Christians
2f1) they are associated with the apostles
2f2) they discerned and did what is best for the Christian cause, foretelling
certain future events. (#Ac11:27)
2f3) in the religious assemblies of the Christians, they were moved by the
Holy Spirit to speak, having power to instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke,
convict, and stimulate, their hearers
Evangelists:
2099 euaggelisthj euaggelistes yoo-ang-ghel-is-tace'
AV-evangelist 3; 3
1) a bringer of good tidings, an evangelist
1) the name given to the NT heralds of salvation through Christ who are not
apostles
Pastors:
4166 poimhn poimen poy-mane'
of uncertain affinity; TDNT-6:485,901; n m
AV-shepherd 15, Shepherd 2, pastor 1; 18
1) a herdsman, esp. a shepherd
1a) in the parable, he to whose care and control others have committed
themselves, and whose precepts they follow
2) metaph.
2a) the presiding officer, manager, director, of any assembly: so of Christ the
Head of the church
2a1) of the overseers of the Christian assemblies
2a2) of kings and princes
The tasks of a Near Eastern shepherd were:
to watch for enemies trying to attack the sheep -to defend the sheep from
attackers -to heal the wounded and sick sheep -to find and save lost or trapped
sheep -to love them, sharing their lives and so earning their trust.
(During World War II, a shepherd was a pilot who guided another pilot whose
plane was partially disabled back to the base or carrier by flying alongside him
to maintain visual contact.)
Teachers:
1320 didaskaloj didaskalos did-as' -kal-os
AV-Master (Jesus) 40, teacher 10, master 7, doctor 1; 58
1) a teacher
2) in the NT one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of
man
1a) one who is fitted to teach, or thinks himself so
1b) the teachers of the Jewish religion
1c) of those who by their great power as teachers draw crowds around them i.e.
John the Baptist, Jesus
1d) by preeminence used of Jesus by himself, as one who showed men the way of
salvation
1e) of the apostles, and of Paul
1f) of those who in the religious assemblies of the Christians, undertook the
work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit
Why did Jesus tell Paul that this administration would be set up?
1) For the perfecting of the saints. (equipping)
2) For the work of the ministry (ministration or ADMINISTRATION)
3) For the edifying (or building) of the Body of Christ
-How long?
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son
of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of
Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is
the head, even Christ:
16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which
every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of
every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1) Until will all come into agreement of “the faith”,
4102 pistij pistis pis' -tis
AV-faith 239, assurance 1, believe+1537 1, belief 1, them that believe 1,
fidelity
1) conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or
belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with
the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it
1a) relating to God
1a1) the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things,
the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ
1b) relating to Christ
1b1) a strong and welcome conviction or belief that Jesus is the Messiah,
through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God
1c) the religious beliefs of Christians
2) And of the knowledge (epignosis: complete and perfect) of the Son God.
3) Unto a perfect man;
5046 teleioj teleios tel' -i-os
AV-perfect 17, man 1, of full age 1; 19
1) brought to its end, finished
2) wanting nothing necessary to completeness
3) perfect
4) that which is perfect
4a) consummate human integrity and virtue
4b) of men
4b1) full grown, adult, of full age, mature
4) Unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ!
-Measuring rod
-Full age or maturity
-Completeness as in a ship fully staffed with oarsmen sailors…
The apostle Paul said it another way also!:
Philippians 3:1-16
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to
me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in
Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh
that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin,
an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is
in the law, blameless.
7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law,
but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God
by faith:
10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship
of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I
follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of
Christ Jesus.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things
which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.
15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing
ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule,
let us mind the same thing.
Paul negatively exhorts in verse 14 that we henceforth be no longer children
(infant, minor not of age, little child, untaught, unskilled) who are agitated
mentally concerning who we are in Christ:
-carried about (GK: periphero) to be in doubt and hesitation by this
opinion to the next opinion.
-carried by winds (violent agitation of air from the four corners of the
heavens) teachings, instructions or precepts.
-by the sleight of men (Paul compared these deceivers to dice players
who cheated and defrauded their fellow players.)
-by subtlety and false wisdom.
Galatians 1:6-10
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace
of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert
the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than
that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel
unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet
pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
-Whereby they lie in wait (methodeia) through cunning arts, craft, and trickery
through wrong opinion relative to morals or opinions. Mental straying,
delusions.
In verse 15 we are to instead, speak, tell, teach or profess the truth in love
which would of course be done for the benefit of the other person! We are to
speak the truth in love so that the other person would grow in Christ.
In verse 16 Paul explains what happens when the believer grows in Christ:
-Believers are framed together as members and part of a building;
-Knit together in affection under the same opinion for proof or demonstration
(or a testimony) Instead the Body of Christ does the opposite due to all the
fractions of disagreement.
-We are to be fitly joined together and compacted by every joint (bond or
connection) IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EFFECTUAL WORKING (GK energeia)
who is the Holy Spirit in the measure of every part (which Paul just spoke of,
our gifts…) which grows in Christ within itself in love.
In short, when the church is divided, it’s not growing and if it’s not growing
its dying and the gospel of the grace of God is perverted or made opposite. What
is opposite of grace? Law or legalism, which flourishes in the church today!
VI.) THE CALLING OF THE BELIEVER (verses 17 through 32)
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not
as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to
work all uncleanness with greediness.
-Starting in verse 17, Paul exhorts: “This I now say and testify in Jesus Christ”
(marturomai - to conjure, beseech as in God's name, exhort solemnly) from this
point forward, don’t conduct yourself as other unbelieving Gentiles conduct
themselves in the vanity or emptiness of their minds.
-Verses 18 & 19 say these are the same people who’s understanding is darkened (of
the mind, of the eyes, of understanding) alienated or shut out from the intimacy
and fellowship from God through their own ignorance caused by the blindness of
their heart! They “being past feeling”, (callous, apathetic or insensitive to
pain) have given themselves to another’s power in order to work all moral
impurities to get more!
20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth
is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is
corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness.
Look what Paul says:
But you haven’t learned of Christ in this way, if indeed:
-you have heard Him
-have been taught by Him
According to the truth that is in Jesus!
What is that truth?
That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is
corrupt according to deceitful lusts. This is a past tense statement, which is
not conditional upon your conduct.
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind concerning this matter and realize that you have put
on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness!
Romans 8:1-17
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ
Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the
law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God
sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin
in the flesh:
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not
after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they
that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and
peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the
law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of
God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of
his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is
life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he
that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his
Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the
flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit
do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children
of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if
so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man
truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.
28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with
his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
In Verse 25 Paul continues:
-Now, because of this, put away lying, instead, speak the truth with his
neighbor for we are one body in Christ.
-Don’t be angry so that it causes sin. Don’t let a day be completed like this
because you give opportunity for the devil to work.
-Don’t steal (GR- klepto), but labor with your hands, that which is useful, good
or upright.
Colossians 3:17
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your
mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace
unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of
redemption.
Let no corrupt, putrefied or worn out communication (GR – logos) proceed out of
your mouth, but instead that which is good for edifying that it may administer
grace unto all that hear!
Including: teaching, doctrine, speaking, and discourse.
Don’t make the Holy Spirit grieve
1) to make sorrowful
2) to affect with sadness, cause grief, to throw into sorrow
3) to grieve, offend
4) to make one uneasy, cause him a scruple
In Verses 31 and 32 Paul exhorts:
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and
clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as
God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 5
I. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR
ALL SAINTS (verses 1 through 21)
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us
an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
The apostle Paul continues to “peal the
onion” for believers. In general, we should now be able to begin to
"put into action" conduct in response of the doctrine he spoke of in the first
three chapters. In the first layer, Paul tells us of how we should act from a
social perspective "as dear children".
As dear children, we are identified as being in Christ and sealed by the
Holy Spirit. We are to be followers of God as demonstrated by our “walk in
love”. Notice here friends that the bible does not say sprint, jog or crawl. Our
"walk" comes from a patient understanding and agreement that
Christ
has also loved us (past tense or has been loving us) and has already given of
Himself as an offering, a sacrifice and a sweet-smelling savour to the Father on
our behalf! I believe many Christians, "sprint" out of the gate, crazed and
ready to tell family, friends and the world about how they are going to hell
rather than first focusing on the riches of the gospel of the grace of Jesus
Christ. This is another instance where the Body of Christ fails to evangelize
the way God would approve of.
-Christ has perfected everything that we have to be according to to the will of
the Father.
-You might say: "But I want to do something!!!!" First, comes the
understanding that Jesus Christ accomplished all and as a result, our response
is that we should not partake in:
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,
let it not be once named among you, as
becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man,
who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, if we have not figured out how depraved, sick and perverted this world is, then we have fallen asleep at the wheel. Paul not only says that we should not partake in fornication, but you should not have anything to do with it that it be once named among you as having anything to do with it! Those are pretty powerful words spoken of in these next few verses. Let's look at this more deeply:
Fornication – GK
porneia (sound familiar???)
1) illicit sexual intercourse
1a) adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals
etc.
1b) sexual intercourse with close relatives; Lev. 18
1c) sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; #Mr 10:11,12
2) metaph. the worship of idols
2a) of the defilement of idolatry, as incurred by eating the sacrifices offered
to idols
Notice the reference to The Law concerning the
principal and definitions of what fornication is, for all scripture is
profitable!
-Uncleanness, physical or in a moral sense.
-The impurity of lustful, luxurious or profligate living
-Covetousness
-A greedy desire to have more
Let these things not even be named even
one time among you as you stand out in your sainthood.
-Filthiness or obscenities should not be
part of the vocabulary of a saint because it associates you with the unsaved
even though we are indeed eternally secure. It causes confusion, the adversary’s
main tactic.
-In verse 4, the bible speaks distinctly of “foolish talking”
which is described as lewdness, corrupt and / or talk that are disgraceful. With
all of the legalism preached and taught today, there is plenty of foolish
talking.
-Jesting is humor in a bad sense such as joking about a serious issue.
These things are not convenient or do not pertain to what is fitting for
believers of God’s grace today! Instead, we are to spend more time giving thanks
to God.
Verse 5 is an interesting
verse and on many occasions is wrongly used by teachers as ammunition to shoot
down believers so that they begin to question their salvation. It is
believed if you are a whoremonger, idolater, etc... that you either do not have
an inheritance in the kingdom of God or (as a well-known southern pastor
teaches) can get to heaven but be in some type of outer existence while there. None
of this is true friend, none of it! What Paul is simply saying here is that
don't you know (rhetorically) that we should not associate in the practice of
those who are not going to heaven? As God wanted Israel, to separate itself from
the heathen and their shameless practices, we are to do the same! The big
difference here is that believers today under God's awesome dispensing of grace
are eternally secure...and thank God for that friend!
Many pastors love to yoke congregations to the thought of "salvation never taking" due to their desire to sin. I am quite frustrated in my desire to dabble in things that I know I shouldn't friend. How about you? But the bible tells us that not only are we in good company with another person who struggled with life, but we have an advocate - Jesus Christ The Sustainer!:
Romans
7:19-25 For the good that I would I do
not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would
not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law,
that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of
God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against
the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in
my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me
from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then
with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
I want to take a moment to discuss a
deceptive killer hard at work these days. The killer is
subtle,
silent and it lurks on the highway, the information highway. It's called
Internet pornography. 25 years ago, you might risk the embarrassment of going to
a "nudie" book store or other such place. But today, with cable, movies and now
the Internet, you can pretty much get whatever it is that your heart desires.
Friends, the Internet is not bad, neither are movies, DVD's, cable, or even
music. As believers, we have to discern between right and wrong just like
anything else in life. If you are addicted to anything, especially Internet
pornography, seek the counsel of someone who loves you and break this habit. I
could go on about the statistics of broken marriages, lost jobs and other
self-destructive circumstances, but I would need an entire site for that. If you
are not addicted, stay focused in life and do good while trusting in Him to
sustain you. Don't be foolish enough to think that these types of addictions
don't happen to me or anyone in my family. Be prepared, be aware and take the
practical, discerning cautions like any danger in life!
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
If you struggle with pornography or any other type of addiction, most importantly of all, do not doubt your salvation! Remember Paul's letters to the Corinthians who were steeped in all sorts of debauchery??Instead, learn more about your position in God for it's the love of Christ and our understanding of our righteousness in Him that will change our minds. Once our minds are changed, then our conduct will follow. Study your bible, talk with someone you know you can trust and has a genuine interest in your well-being. Lastly, please don't think I am over-simplifying any addiction, but the responsibilities of our lives have been entrusted to us by God as managers or stewards for Him. Let us be faithful in doing so.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh
the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as
children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
-Let no man deceive or cheat you with empty
words for it’s because of these things (verses 3 through 5) that
brings the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience!
-Many believers think that it is their conduct that leads to the wrath of God,
when in fact it is their lack of care to find out about the things of God, which
brings wrath. Their conduct demonstrates their ignorance of God. How grieving
it is then to God to have believers act in a way in which you can’t distinguish
their ambassadorship in Christ!
-That’s why Paul says therefore, be not partakers with them. For sometime before
you WERE in darkness (Ephesians 2:2), but NOW you are light! Walk then as
children of light. The message of grace beloved is walk as God sees you in His
Son. The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness, proving what
is acceptable unto the Lord. We should live in “goodness and righteousness” for
the purpose of demonstrating who we already are, not to achieve something from
God! The practical blessings will indeed follow a child of God the closer he or
she aligns himself or herself with who they are in Christ! Yielding to the Holy
Spirit does this.
Romans 6:3-14
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized
into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should
walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall
be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin
might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no
more dominion over him.
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth
unto God.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive
unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in
the lusts thereof.
13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of
unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive
from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are
not under the law, but under grace.
Yield
3936 paristemi par-is' -tay-mee or prolonged paristanw paristano par-is-tan' -o
AV-stand by 13, present 9, yield 5, show 2, stand 2, misc 11; 42
1) to place beside or near
1a)
to set at hand
1a1) to present
1a2) to proffer
1a3) to provide
1a4) to place a person or thing at one's disposal
1a5) to present a person for another to see and question
1a6) to present or show
1a7) to bring to, bring near
1a8) metaph. i.e to bring into one's fellowship or intimacy
1b) to present (show) by argument, to prove
2) to stand beside, stand by or near, to be at hand, be present
2a) to stand by
2a1) to stand beside one, a bystander
2b) to appear
2c) to be at hand, stand ready
2d) to stand by to help, to succour
2e) to be present
2e1) to have come
2e2) of time
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians
5:1-26
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be
not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit
you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to
do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the
law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise
minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer
persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an
occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one
of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the
flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things
that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I
tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such
things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and
lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one
another.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in
secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for
whatsoever doth make
manifest is light.
Paul is instructed to tell us not to have
any participation with unfruitful works of darkness but instead, by far, reprove
them:
AV-reprove 6, rebuke 5,
convince 4, tell (one's) fault 1, convict 1; 17
1) to convict, refute, confute
1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted
1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose
2) to find fault with, correct
2a) by word
2a1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove
2a2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation
2b) by deed, to chasten, to punish
Please understand that the level of
correction would be dependent upon the act.
-In verse 12, Paul would seem to be implying two principals:
1) Don’t speak, affirm or maintain anything concerning these things nor "jest
about them" (verse 4).
2) When you correct don’t let the entire free world know about it “For it is
a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret" (verse
11).
a) So that the believer is not crushed by embarrassment
b) That it doesn’t give ideas for others to do the same.
-Verse 13 speaks the truth of the matter and how God reveals it to
us plainly. (Romans
1) The Greek word used for “all” implies that these verses have a specific
audience in mind (believers). Why would the lost even care about these things
without first taking the Father at His word concerning His Son???
-All things that pertain to believers has been revealed by the light (the
knowledge of God through His Holy Spirit) to us, who Himself is light.
-The phrases “are made manifest” and “doth make manifest” mean to reveal what
was previously hidden or make plainly recognized or understood.
-This fits in perfectly with the truths that lie within the revelation of the
mystery!
-The mystery according to what Christ revealed to Paul to us, is indeed about
things that were never spoken of before!
13 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and
Christ shall give thee light.
Paul says here that we should give account
of (1
Corinthians 4) and awake from you who sleeps!!! Through the idea of
collecting one’s facilities
1) to arouse, cause to rise
1a) to arouse from sleep, to awake
1b) to arouse from the sleep of death, to recall the dead to
life
1c) to cause to rise from a seat or bed etc.
1d) to raise up, produce, cause to appear
1d1) to cause to appear, bring before the
public
1d2) to raise up, stir up, against one
1d3) to raise up i.e. cause to be born
1d4) of buildings, to raise up, construct,
erect
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
To walk:We are to awaken
collect one’s facilities and consider the things of God.
1) to walk
1a) to make one's way, progress; to make due use of opportunities
1b) Hebrew for, to live
1b1) to regulate one's life
1b2) to conduct one's self
1b3) to pass one's life
Circumspectly is to walk exactly, accurately, and diligently. Dr. D. James Kennedy said it best when he described this walk as walking as we would walk through a mine field. In this day and age, life sure seems that dangerous at times! It is important that we are to make use of every opportunity and to be good steward’s of time in regards to communicating the truths of God, primarily the mystery and its components.
Paul tells us that we should "redeem" (Greek
1805) or buy back the time in the sense of making use of every opportunity
with zeal as good mangers for God!
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and
making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
-Submitting here has the idea of a “voluntary attitude of giving in” or
cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden towards one another
in the fear (GK – Phobos) or reverence of God.
-Fear in this sense is the awesome respect, terror and dread towards the power
of God!
II. SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR
ALL MARRIAGES (verses 22 through 33)
A.) Instructions for the
wives (verses 22 through 24)
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the
church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their
own husbands in every thing.
1 Timothy 2:15-19
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp
authority over the man, but to be in silence.
13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the
transgression.
15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in
faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
Titus 2:3-5
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not
false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to
love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
-Wives are to submit to their husbands in
the same attitude of respect as they have towards God (as unto the Lord). In the
same way we are to respect the authority of God unto action, the same is true
for the wife unto the husband.
-This area is usually misunderstood by the wife or taken advantage of by the
husband!
Further, my hair stands up on the back of my neck on especially how the Body of Christ seems to be more critical of the role of the wife than secular standards! It is erroneously believed that women are "at all costs" to attend church at the exclusion of their own home economy. Here Paul says that they are to rather be keepers at home. How can you be a keeper at home while church vipers form an underground movement along with church leadership to pressure mothers on regular attendance??? The church I previously attended enforced this philosophy secretly starting with the original church founders. The pastoral leadership apathetically endorsed it and on may occasions preached this legalism "freely". It was even to the point where sick children, with fevers would attend services as if God would be somehow impressed.
Friends, what is easier; you to stay at home with your sick child or to have someone else do it? The problem here is that families and our children are being neglected in order to deflect what God would approve of for His saints. We would rather listen to man's admonishing than God's. Please see the March / April edition of The Journal for further details on the role of a wife from a biblical perspective.
Paul continues to provide guidance the
marital relationship in verse 23:
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the
church: and he is the saviour of the body.
-Head as a metaphor is anything supreme,
chief, and prominent.
-As we are subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their husbands in
everything!
-As the chief steward or manager of the family, the final decision rests with
the husband after gathering and considering all information (including that
of his helpmate). The wife must then rely on that God given administration
in order to be in God’s will. Obvious anomalies and exceptions include all forms
of abuse including the threat of danger to the wife and / or her children. In
this case, she should seek a brother, father or in-laws for support or in
extreme cases law enforcement. In no way does God want His saints to take a
beating. Here, separation not divorce may be needful as each situation of
potential abuse must given serious consideration.
B.) Instructions for the
husbands (verses 25 through 33)
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave
himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or
wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife
loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it,
even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined
unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as
himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
-Husbands are to love their wives as Christ
loves the church! Is this WWJD???
-Paul tells us how we are to do this.
Notice Paul doesn’t say that husbands should love the church as Christ loves the
church:
1) The husband should love (agapo – much love, to be fond of, to love dearly,
be well pleased with, to be content) his wife!
2) That he might sanctify his wife or to hold her hallowed dedicated to God.
3) The husband should keep his wife clean by keeping her free from defilement of
sins, faults and guilt and keep her clean by the washing of the word.
Are
you resting in Christ and His accomplishments on our behalf?
Are
you working to gain some type of approval or increased positional
standing from God? 