Category: Ephesians

The Armor of God

2/6/2017

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

And so we come to the end of our study on Ephesians. Throughout the book of Ephesians Paul has encouraged and warned the new pagan converts on several issues. He has shown them the spiritual blessings they now have in Christ and the meaning of spiritual wisdom. He has explained to them why good works will not save them, and how Jesus' sacrifice unites humanity. He showed them how they should live in light of their salvation. He also explained to them the importance of Spiritual Gifts and what it means tosubmit to one another. So far, it would seem, everything Paul has shared in this letter is to help the Ephesians understand who they are now in Christ and what their lives should look like in light of that. But he has one final word of warning for them.

To put on the full armor of God.

And like a commander calling his soldiers to war, Paul uses a Roman soldier's armor as a tool to help them remember how important it is to always be on their guard, ready to do battle with the evil one.

With that in mind, the first thing Paul exhorts the Ephesians (and us) to do, is to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." What does that mean exactly? Being "strong in the Lord" is all about how much we trust Him and how much we will obey Him and resist the devil. Taking every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) to make it obedient to Christ. Without that basic trust and obedience we have no armor to put on! Being strong in the Lord means our faith and obedience to God reside solely in His power, His might, and the knowledge that He is God. He is our strength. He is our power. He is our Saviour. He is the one who is most trustworthy in all the universe, who deserves our allegiance - our obedience. So we are to be strong in Him. Rest and abide in Him. Trust Him!

So the first important step for the Ephesians and us is to remember who we have placed our trust in and why. The why, Paul explains, is so that we can "stand against the wiles of the devil." Keep in mind who Paul is talking to - Gentile converts from the idol capital of the ancient world. Where the dreaded Nicolaitans (Revelations 2:6) had snuck in and were preaching a false doctrine that promoted the belief that you could worship God and idols at the same time. Keeping the entire letter of Ephesians in context we see that once again Paul is emphasizing the struggle the Ephesians had to face in regards to their new faith in Christ - the lure of idol worship and the temptation to sin.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12, KJV).

In the NIV the above verse takes on a completely different meaning and reads: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." In the NIV the reader is lead to believe that our battle is with evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. This idea of doing battle with invisible evil forces is where we get the concept of Spiritual Warfare. A topic I will not touch here today as it needs its own book! But if we take the above verse in context with the rest of Ephesians and the Torah (Old Testament), it is my belief that the "high places" (Leviticus 26:30; Numbers 22:41; Numbers 33:52; Deuteronomy 12:2; 1 Kings 3:3) referred to here are more likely not in reference to anything in heaven, but are instead in reference to the places of idol worship that were scattered throughout Ephesus and around the ancient world. In fact, most temples sat in high places where they could be seen by the populace. The temple of Artemis (Diana) was one such place in Ephesus. It's structure was large enough and high enough that it could be seen from any vantage point in Ephesus. Even the temple of God in Jerusalem was built in this manner - on a high place for all to see. So in my opinion the verse above is not in reference to evil forces in heaven, but in reference to the wickedness that took place in the high places. This makes even more sense when we think of the temple in Jerusalem and the wicked acts of the Roman emperors who tried to install their own idols there, as Caligula did when he tried to install a statue of himself in the temple in 40 A.D.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13, NKJV).

The word "day" in Greek is hēmera and is a reference to time as opposed to a specific day. So it could be translated as "hour, time or season". Again, this makes sense when we look at the surrounding context. Paul is urging the Ephesians to be ready for those times when the adversary will deceive, tempt them to sin, or try to destroy their trust and faith in God.

How to Dress for War

With each piece of armor Paul reminds the Ephesians what he has discussed with them and why. The first piece of armor he encourages them to take up is the belt of truth.

"Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness" (Ephesians 6:14).

A Roman soldier strapped a belt around his waist that was sometimes made of leather and sometimes made of metal. It protected his lower regions, but it was also used to hold his sword and other weapons. Basically, this belt held everything in place. This is an excellent analogy Paul uses for the Ephesians because it drives home the point that they must "gird" themselves with the truth. If their faith is not founded on the truth that eternal life and salvation can be found in no one else but Jesus Christ, then they will falter in their faith. That basic truth holds all the other pieces of armor in place.

It is followed with the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate protected the heart and internal organs of the soldier. This piece of armor was crucial to staying alive and because of its weight and how it was put together, Roman soldiers had to help each other put these breastplates on.

Our righteousness comes from Jesus Christ and Him alone. We cannot be good enough, or do good enough to attain this righteousness on our own. The analogy of the breastplate is crucial then as it helped to cement in the mind of the Ephesians that they were forgiven of their sins and were now made righteous in God's sight - but only because of Jesus. His "armor" now protected them from a life separated from God.

'...and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15).

Hetoimasia means preparation or readiness in Greek, but it also has the meaning of "firm footing" as in foundation. What an excellent example Paul uses here, to show the Ephesians once again how to withstand the wiles of the devil - by being prepared - at the ready - with the Gospel of peace. Giving the believer a firm footing that he (or she) might walk in a worthy manner.

"...above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one" (Ephesians 6:16).

A Roman soldier's shield was about four feet long and two feet wide. When held in front of their body it protected them a great deal. It was their first source of protection against actual fiery arrows. Likewise, our faith in Jesus is our first line of defence against fiery darts from the evil one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17)

Each piece of armor had a purpose in protecting the soldier and Paul uses them to show us how to protect ourselves from the enemy. The helmet of salvation protects our minds from deceit, temptation, worry and doubt that the devil loves to throw at us. We bear it like a crown or seal upon our heads that we receive because of Jesus. Without it our minds are unprotected. When we put on the helmet of salvation it reminds us to "take every thought captive" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The Sword of the Spirit, Paul points out, is the Word of God. And it is the Word of God that Jesus used against any arrows the devil flung at him, so we should always be learning it.

Paul finishes by reminding the Ephesians of the importance of prayer.

"...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18)

Supplication means making your needs known and we do this for not only ourselves but for the needs of others as well. When we pray, we are conversing with God and so our entire being is insulated and protected from head to foot as we clothe ourselves in Christ, ready to face the day.

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How to Have Peace At Home and at Work

1/30/2017

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Read Ephesians 6:1-9

And now we come to the last chapter of Ephesians. After instilling in the Ephesians the importance of submission and what that looks like for married couples, Paul then continues to instruct these new Christians on how they should treat their children and their servants, and how children and servants should respond to those in authority over them.

Interesting to note is that Paul's underlying theme of submission can still be seen in his instructions by three little words, "in the Lord." For it is in the Lord we abide and it is through our reverence for Him that we submit to one another and learn to live in peace with each other.

For children, this meant obeying their parents and it came with a promise from God, "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." Their act of submission in the Lord, was by obeying their parents. But there was an added warning from Paul when dealing with children. It is specifically addressed to the fathers, "Do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." In the pagan world of Paul's day most men ruled their families with rigid and domineering authority. The feelings of wives and children were seldom considered. But Paul is showing them a new way to raise children. The word "admonition" is nouthesia and means "the training by word," whether of encouragement, or, if necessary, by reproof, so Paul is showing the fathers the importance once again of being the spiritual head of the home. For it is through the Word of God that we find our peace. This act of putting God first above all in the home had a "trickle down" affect. Women would submit to their husbands, out of reverence for God and children would obey their parents out of reverence for God.

The same principle was put into practice for those with servants. Servants were to serve their masters as they would serve Christ and masters were to do the same thing. The only exception being in regard to a command that involves clear disobedience of God’s Word as illustrated in Acts 4:19, 20.

In today's world we are to serve our bosses (however disagreeable they may be) as we would serve Christ and vice-versa. Submission to each other "in the fear of the Lord" (reverence for God) is how peace within the body of Christ is established and the only way the church will survive in this turbulent world.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. - Colossians 3:15

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How Submission Really Works

1/23/2017

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Read Ephesians 5:22-33

This is going to be a long post but stick with me because in the end you will never have a problem with the word "submission" again.

Today we will carefully examine a section of Scripture that most women have struggled with for centuries. The modern woman of today finds it extremely offensive and some Christian men who have misinterpreted it, use it as an abusive form of control over their wives. It all stems from this one verse: "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." Let's look into the Word of God and find out exactly what it means to submit to our husbands.

Before we begin, please grab a coloured pencil or highlighter and open your Bibles to Ephesians 5:22-33. Every time you see the word "own" colour it in, or underline it. Do something to make it stand out. You will see why in a minute. Don't have your Bible handy? Visit Biblegateway.com and highlight the word "own" there. It is an excellent site for Bible study as they not only allow you to highlight, but you can take notes that are saved for you as well. So, go highlight the word "own" and then come back here. I'll wait...I'm not going anywhere.

Now, that you have done that, let's look at these verses in context. At the beginning of Ephesians chapter five, Paul encourages the Ephesian converts to be "imitators of God" and so he lays out several keys and examples on how a Christian should live and what is expected of them. Last week, we looked at the Eight Keys to Godly Living and one of the last keys precedes the verses for today. But before we look at that, let's look at the entire section which says:

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:17-21, NKJV).

As you can see, Paul is setting the context on how we should live for the Lord, and what that should look like in how we relate to each other as members of Christ's body. Last week I shared the meaning on what it meant to submit to one another "in the fear of God". Here it is again: "The word fear in Hebrew is yirah and means "awe or reverence". The "fear of the Lord" means to have an overwhelming sense of His glory or worth. Submitting to one another in the "fear of God" therefore, means we submit out of reverence for God and His holiness. This kind of submission means we do not try to use our wealth, gender or position to "bulldoze" someone into doing what we want. Instead, this kind of submission is done with respect and love for each other and our unity in Christ, out of reverence for God."

Now, with that in mind, let's look at the first few verses and the word "own" that I had you highlight.

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything (Ephesians 5:22-24).

Ever wonder why that word "own" is there? Or why Paul had to make such a big deal about wives submitting to their own husbands? The Ephesian converts were a particular concern for the Apostle Paul because Ephesus was the capital of idol worship in the Roman world. It is here where most idols were made and sold. And it is here where the acts of idol worship involved prostitution, orgies, and other sexually immoral acts. This is the culture the Ephesian converts came out of, but it still went on around them every day. These immoral acts did not stop because some became Christians. Every day they struggled with reverting back to their old ways. But, the early believers were torn because of two false doctrines that were sweeping through the church.

The first false doctrine spread was antinomianism. Antinomianism is the belief that you could sin all you want and still be saved because of grace This doctrine, is something that is still promoted today in churches, through leaders like Joseph Prince. The other false doctrine being spread was by the Nicolaitans. They put themselves forward as believers in Jesus Christ and, at the same time, practiced black magic, offered sacrifices to numerous idols and were sexually immoral, all while teaching new believers that all these things were okay with God. In Revelation 2:6 Jesus commended the Ephesians for hating the practices of the Nicolaitans.

Despite that, these false doctrines were spreading throughout the early church because of the practice of idol worship. This is why Paul stressed in Ephesians 5:11, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." He was earnestly trying to help the Ephesians understand what life in Christ was supposed to look like - and it didn't involve the occult and sexually immoral practices of idol worship. Keep this bit of history in mind as you read this section of Ephesians.

Getting back to the word "own" - because of the sexual immorality involved in idol worship, Ephesian wives (and their husbands) thought nothing about sleeping with other people, hence the reason why Paul needed to stress the importance of wives submitting to their own husbands, as to the Lord.

Now, did you notice that last part - as to the Lord? It goes back to submitting to one another (Eph. 5:21) in the fear of God. So we submit to our husbands because we have reverence (fear - yirah) for God. Why? Because the husband is the head, as Christ is the head of the church and Jesus is the Saviour of that church. So the church as a whole is subject to Christ. We are under his authority. Not in a dogmatic "you do what I say" way, but because His ways (His authority) are for our benefit, that we might become like Him, sanctified, ready to serve Him not only in this world but in the one to come.

Now here is the kicker - we submit to our husbands not because they are superior in any way, but because God has placed upon them a huge responsibility for our spiritual welfare.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. (Ephesians 5:25-27, NKJV).

Again, keep the history of Ephesus in mind. As wives are to be subject to their own husbands (no longer submitting to other men), husbands were to love their own wives. How? As Christ loved the church. And how did Jesus love the church? He gave Himself up for her! And this is what husbands must do for their wives. Why? For one purpose - to sanctify and cleanse them. Jesus is counting on husbands to see that their wives are properly loved and washed (the Greek word is "loutron" and means bathed) in the Word, so that when Jesus comes again, both husband and wife will stand before Him holy and without blemish.

Submission therefore, has nothing to do with women meekly doing whatever they are told, or being subject to the whims of other men. Submission is solely in relation to the husband and wife partnership that is entered upon marriage. Women submit to their husbands out of reverence for God, with the knowledge that the husband is responsible to do everything in his power (give himself up for her) to ensure she will be loved and washed (or bathed) in the Word of God.

Ultimately, we are each responsible for our relationship with the Lord. Single women answer to Jesus alone. He is their head. But those who are married enter into a unique covenant with God. The two become one (Ephesians 5:31) just as Christ and the church are one. And their relationship as Christians is made stronger because of this.

I want to make one thing very clear before I finish. This doesn't always mean the man is right in every circumstance. It also doesn't mean the woman is always right. God's Holy Spirit resides in each of us and He leads and guides each of us equally. So a husband and wife who read the Bible together and pray together will be so much stronger in the Lord and in hearing His voice, then they would be if they ignored this aspect of their marriage. Therefore, if you keep Christ as your head in your marriage submission will come easily.

“The woman was made out of Adam’s side. She was not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved.” - Matthew Henry

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Eight Keys to Godly Living

1/16/2017

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Read Ephesians 5:8-21

Paul has been laying out the basics for the converted Ephesians on how a Christian should live and behave. Today he instills in them again who they are now in Christ. He seems to be really trying to get this concept of who they are now across to them. It must have been very hard for the Ephesians converts because their former lifestyles were so completely and utterly dark. Yet, Paul assures them again and again, that's not who they are now.

Sometimes I think we all need to be reminded that what we were is not who we are now. Some new Christians are so hard on themselves that they find forgiveness for their former lifestyle a hard thing to accept. They have a hard time forgiving themselves, so they reason Jesus must have a hard time doing it as well. We come out of the darkness, yet it somehow still clings to us in the form of regrets. Paul's words in today's verses remind us and encourage us to not only walk in the light of Christ, but to walk in reverence of Him.

Paul begins by reminding us that we "were once darkness". Notice that he doesn't say "we once walked in darkness", he says we were darkness. Think about that for a minute. We didn't walk or live in darkness - we were darkness. This is why it is so easy for Christians to fall into sin. Our sin nature (that darkness) will never leave us. Yes, we've been forgiven of our sins because of Jesus, but the ability to sin, the desire to sin will always be there. This is why it is so important for Christians to be in the Word daily. When we abide in the Word, Jesus abides in us, because He is the Word!

But notice what Paul says now of those who have Jesus - "You are light in the Lord." He doesn't say "you are light" for that would be impossible in and of ourselves. No. He says, "You are light in the Lord." We are cleansed, forgiven, and we have been filled with God's Shekinah glory - His Holy Spirit. We are light only because of Jesus. Our bodies house His Holy Spirit, therefore we must do everything in our power to walk and live for His glory.

So how do we do that? How do we walk in the light? What are the eight keys to Godly living? Paul tells us:

Find out what is acceptable to the Lord (Ephesians 5:10). You will know immediately when you have done something wrong or are entertaining the idea of doing something that goes against God's Word, for the Holy Spirit that lives within you will convict you of your sin. When we listen to the Holy Spirit and stay true to the Word of God, our walk with the Lord will be strong and steady. For the fruit of the Spirit is found in goodness, righteousness and truth. When we keep those three attributes central in our lives, we will know what is acceptable to God.
Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11). When I was a teenager I joined a church after accepting Jesus as my Saviour. It was my hope that the youth group I was involved in would teach me how to live as a Christian. I did not grow up in a Christian home so I had no idea how to live as one. Unfortunately, I saw no difference in the lifestyles and choices of these "Christian" kids than my unsaved friends. These Christians (and their youth leaders) continued to drink until they were drunk, they had premarital sex (one even got pregnant), they took drugs, smoked, swore like sailors and basically acted no different then my unsaved friends. So because the youth leaders at that church encouraged this type of behaviour, with the line "everything is acceptable in Christ" it would be many, many years before I would be mature enough in my faith to realize they were not honouring God at all and that most of them never knew God in the first place. They were still living in darkness. Jesus was not abiding in them (or me) because He was not Lord of our lives. When we have fellowship with "the unfruitful works of darkness" there is no light in our lives at all. We have effectively doused the flame of the Holy Spirit. Paul warned the Ephesians (and us) not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). There has to come a time when we make a choice to continue to live in darkness or to live in the light of the Lord. It is one thing to reach out to those still trapped in darkness to bring them to Jesus. It is another thing entirely to join them in the darkness to try to reach them. Trust me. As someone who lived it, It doesn't work.
Expose the darkness. If someone had simply said to me as a young teenage Christian, "You should not be swearing or drinking now that you are a Christian and here is why..." I might have learned to walk in the light a lot sooner. But no one pointed out my sins to me, except one man, who cringed everytime I took God's name in vain. He called me out on it and explained very clearly why it was wrong and I had a lightbulb moment from that day forward. It kept me from using God's name inappropriately, or as a swear word ever again. He exposed the darkness in me and guided me toward the light of Christ and how to abide in Jesus. Something no other church leader or Christian had ever done for me. To this day I am so incredibly thankful God cared enough about me to bring someone into my life, who honestly and lovingly showed me how I was sinning and why. So if you see a fellow Christian walking in darkness, don't be afraid to say something to them. You may be bringing them to the light of the Lord for the very first time.
Redeem your time. The NKJV says to walk "circumspectly". The word in Greek is akribōs and means to walk "exactly, accurately, or diligently." In other words, mind how you live, not as a fool, but with wisdom, because the days are evil. Examine your life - how are you spending your days?
Understand the Lord's will. The best way to understand God's will is by reading His Word. It is our handbook for life. Use it.
Be filled with the Spirit. How? Paul tells us: by, "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19-21). Does this mean we are to go around quoting Scripture at each other and singing all the time? Of course not! Remember who Paul is talking to - former idol worshippers, whose deeds were very dark indeed. He is contrasting their former lifestyle to their new one. And the same applies to us. When we lift each other up we are edifying the entire church. Come out of the darkness and rejoice in the light of Jesus!
Give thanks for all things. Ephesians 5:20 reminds us to be thankful for all things to God the Father in the name of Jesus. The Greek word used for "all things" is pas and it actually means "every" so we are to be thankful for everything that comes our way. Yep, even the bad stuff. Why? Because none of it gets past God. And while we may think what's happening to us is the worst possible thing that could ever happen to us, we must trust that God has a plan. I've had skin cancer, a 22-pound tumour in my stomach, an emergency surgery that resulted in the permanent loss of my singing voice (aka my career); a fall down a flight of stairs that left me partially disabled, and to top it all off I was diagnosed with an incurable disease that will one day kill me. Did God know all this was going to happen to me? Yes. Should I be thankful? Yes! Why? Because He is working all these things into my life for my good. For example, I would never have taken up writing as a career choice or even as a ministry if I was still singing. But being forced to sit all day because I can't get up and move like I used to keeps me in my Bible, studying it and sharing what I learn with you. And so I am very thankful to be able to have the time to do that.
Submit to one another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21), What does that mean? Does it mean we submit to each other because we're afraid of what God will do if we don't? Not at all! In fact, the word fear in Hebrew is yirah and means "awe or reverence". The "fear of the Lord" means to have an overwhelming sense of His glory or worth. Much like you would experience if you were seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time. That "wow" feeling. Submitting to one another in the "fear of God" therefore, means we submit out of reverence for God and His holiness. This kind of submission means we do not try to use our wealth, gender or position to "bulldoze" someone into doing what we want. Instead, this kind of submission is done with respect and love for each other and our unity in Christ out of reverence for God.

We all were once darkness, but now we are light in Jesus Christ. Meditate on that and rejoice, for you are part of the body of Christ.

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Six Behaviours Christians Should Avoid

1/9/2017

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Read Ephesians 5:1-7

Last week we talked about how Christians should live in light of their faith in Christ. In today's reading, Paul continues to instill in the Ephesian Gentiles the importance of how they behaved in regards to their new found faith.

Again, the Ephesian believers Paul was talking to were coming out of idol worship and paganism that employed some of the most lewd and detestable acts you could ever imagine. It was, therefore, imperative that Paul drove home the fact that their previous behaviour of "devotion" (lewd acts, drinking blood, debauchery, orgies, etc.) towards their former gods, was not acceptable to the one true God. He continues on from Ephesians chapter four with more advice for them on how they were to behave and begins with an appropriate admonishment - Be imitators of God, as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

The significance of this verse was not lost on the Ephesians. They knew what Paul was referring to, for they often burned incense and gave offerings to their former gods that were sweet-smelling. Paul is impressing upon them this one true fact - Christ was now the sacrifice and final offering. A truly sweet-smelling aroma before the one true God. Jesus' gift of his life to save them from their sinful lifestyles was not lost on the Ephesians. Let it never be lost to us!

While the examples Paul sets forth in Ephesians 5 are geared toward the pagan attitudes and beliefs of the new converts, it is clear they are excellent examples for this generation as well. To the young person reading this, pay attention to how you behave with your friends. Remember, you are emulating Christ to them. As Paul says, we are to "imitate" God (Jesus). So pay attention to this list of behaviours you must put aside as you grow in the Lord.

Six Behaviours to Do Away With

Fornication - The Greek word used for sexual immorality in the original text is porneia. It is translated in some Bibles as fornication. It means illicit sexual intercourse. Now fornication in modern terms has been watered down to simply mean sex before marriage. But Paul is talking about all forms of fornication (sexual immorality), because the Ephesians were heavily involved in it because of how they worshipped their idols. This included: adultery, sex before marriage, homosexuality, lesbianism, sex with animals, incest, prostitution and orgies, etc.
Uncleanness - The word used in the Greek is akatharsia and is a general term for physical uncleanness, but also it is used when referring to impure motives as well as the impurity of lustful, debased living.
Greed - The NKJV uses the word "covetousness" and it fits in line with the Ephesian's lifestyle. They had insatiable appetites for more and their greediness often lead them to steal, to extort money, to use sex for gain, whatever they had to do to get what they wanted, was okay with them, as long as the end result was that their desires were fulfilled. In today's society covetous living is the norm, with people always wanting more and the best. We only have to look at Black Friday sales to see how how destructive greed can be. Paul is telling the Ephesians to put away this horrible aspect of their former lifestyle. Advice that is still relevant today.
Filthiness - This is different than uncleanness. The word in Greek is aischrotēs and means obscenity, shame, or disgrace. Anything that is contrary to purity.
Foolish Talking - The Greek word used is mōrologia and comes from the word mōros, and legō meaning "to say". Generally speaking "foolish talking" is idle chatter.
Coarse Jesting - This is exactly how it sounds - dirty jokes, sarcasm, ribald remarks do not emulate the heart of Christ.

The beginning of Ephesians 5 is clearly geared to the licentious behaviours the Ephesian converts formerly indulged in. As Paul says, "no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God" (Ephesians 5:5). He made it very clear, these behaviours would not be tolerated. He finished by reminding them not to be swayed by "empty words". In other words, he was warning them not to listen to those in Ephesus who would make them believe that they could still worship their idols and God at the same time. Remember, Ephesus was the major idol capital of the ancient world. In fact, at one point, those merchants who profited off the sale of idols were enraged at Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s travelling companions from Macedonia. A mob formed and dragged them into the theatre to exact vengeance because too many people were believing in Jesus and their businesses were suffering because of it (Acts 19:23-41). Paul therefore, urged the Ephesians not to be swayed by their "empty" words.

This is, of course, something today's Christian must also take to heart. We often hear of well-known Christians who are putting aside scripture and listening to the voices of the world instead. Particularly in regards to homosexuality and same-sex marriage. The Bible is clear where God stands on these issues, but some Christians are being swayed by "empty words" and turning from God's ways to the world's ways. But it isn't just in regards to homosexuality and same-sex marriage, it is sexual immorality in general.

According to Focus on the Family, an estimated one-third of men and one-quarter of women have admitted to engaging in an extramarital affair (adultery). And according to the "2014 State of Dating in America" report published by Christian Mingle and JDate (dating websites for Christians and Jews), 61 percent of Christians said they would have sex before marriage. Even homosexuality is a problem in the church today, for there are gays who call themselves Christians and believe wholeheartedly that homosexuality is not a sin and they promote that message as much as possible.

Sadly, parts of the church today are behaving as the pagan believers in Ephesus. Their commitment to God is superficial at best. They are unrepentant sinners swayed by "empty words".

Some of my post today came from a previous post on living a sanctified life. It seems appropriate to finish with it today:

"1 Thessalonians 4:8 makes it very clear: 'Anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.' In other words, if you are not willing to say no to sexual immorality or "deeds done in the flesh" you are ultimately rejecting God. This is a very sobering thought and one our young people (and maybe some in the older generation as well), need to take to heart. If you are going to live for Jesus, then live the sanctified life He called you to.

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How A Christian Should Live

1/2/2017

8 Comments

Read Ephesians 4:17-32

If you have been following along with me in Ephesians then you will have begun to notice a theme Paul had with this letter - one of unity within the body of Christ. Last week we learned how the Spiritual Gifts each Christian is given are to be properly used - to equip us for ministry and to edify each other in the Lord. With the theme of unity and spiritual gifts in mind, Paul now tells the Ephesians (and us) how we should be "walking the walk" as followers of Jesus Christ.

How a Christian Should Behave

Keep in mind that Paul is very concerned about the Gentile converts in Ephesians who were coming out of paganism. They had indulged in idol worship, which consisted of all kinds of bizarre practices, from sexual immorality (which involved orgies and temple prostitutes), to drinking blood. But now they were coming out of that lifestyle and so Paul wanted to make it clear to them, how they were now expected to live and it was quite a contrast. Even though Paul's mindset was focused on this problem with the Gentile converts, his examples on how a Christian should live and behave, still apply to us today.

We should no longer live or walk as we used to. Paul makes it clear right away to the Ephesians - don't do what you did before! (Ephesians 4:17). That way of life, Paul explains, leads to futile thinking. Why? Because a life lived in continual sin will lead to having our thoughts darkened. Which leads to being alienated from the life of God and to ignorance, because our hearts are blinded. Continuing to live as we did before we came to the Lord will keep us where we were - in perpetual sin and darkness. For the Gentile converts it meant reverting back to giving themselves over to lewdness, uncleanness and greediness. It is one thing to say "I accept Jesus as my Saviour" it is quite another to make Him Lord of your life. That requires abiding in Him and turning from sin on a daily basis.
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind. The "renewal" mentioned in Ephesians 4:23 isn't about improving our memory skills. Nor is it about our judgment or perception in regards to our thinking. It is not about attaining a level of awareness and centering ourselves either, as some New Age T.V. preachers keep telling us to do. But, "the spirit of the mind," which, under the controlling power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, directs its bent and energies Godward so that we may enjoy fellowship with God and with His Son, Jesus Christ. We do that through Bible study and prayer. In other words, we direct our lives away from its former way of doing things and instead find our fulfillment in the will of God. We become "God-focused" rather than being "self-focused." And our thought processes (our minds) become renewed or changed, so that in everything we do, we find ourselves looking to God for approval rather than the world. And so we "put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" (Ephesians 4:24).
Do not lie. Paul says we need to speak the truth with each other. Why? Because we are members of one another. I know that sometimes the truth can hurt, and so we are tempted to "couch" it to make it seem less hurtful. But truth spoken in love is better than letting your friends or family believe in a lie.
Do not sin in your anger. Ephesians 4:26 says "Be angry, but do not sin." Implying that it is okay to get angry, just don't cross over into sinning while angry. When Jesus went into the Temple and drove out the moneychangers, He was angry. He had every right to be, for as He stated, they had made His house (temple) into a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12). Jesus had righteous anger. But there are other kinds of anger. Anger that is caused by a cheating spouse or a disobedient child, or a politician whose every move seems to make our blood boil. Anger from injustice or anger from road-rage. These types of anger can lead us to sin and that happens when we allow them to fester and grow. As we are reminded in 2 Corinthians 10:5, we need to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.
Do not let the sun go down on your wrath. In other words, if you are angry - GET OVER IT and do it quickly, otherwise you will give the devil a foothold and your anger will lead to sin. That guy on the highway may have cut you off and made you angry, but when you begin to plot about how you are going to "make him pay" that is revenge and it is sin. A simple way to get over this type of anger is to remember that not everyone is intentionally meaning to be a jerk. That guy might be trying to get to the hospital to visit his dying mother. That gal, might have just received horrible news and she isn't thinking straight. Forgive, forget, and move on.
Don't steal. Now this seems a rather odd statement to be making to one who has given their lives to Christ. But again, we are reading a letter Paul wrote to Gentile Christians who were coming out of paganism. Stealing was second nature to them. So let's look at the rest of that verse which says, "but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need" (Ephesians 4:28). In other words, use your hands for the good of others. If you used to be involved in illegal practices, stop doing them right now and start thinking about how you can make the lives of others better.
Watch your language! Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." A potty mouth is not becoming of anyone. It shows a lack of self-control, underlying anger issues and disrespect for others. But when a Christian swears or takes God's name in vain, it shows they have not allowed the Holy Spirit to abide within them. It also shows they do not respect God's holiness and authority in their lives.
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. What would grieve the Holy Spirit? Ignoring Him and living as you did before you accepted Jesus as your Saviour. Ephesians 4:31 says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." All these types of behaviour grieve the Holy Spirit, so do away with them.
Be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving toward one another. Why? Because Jesus forgave you and most importantly because we are of one body in Christ. We are knit together in bonds of unity and from our shared bond we have a desire to grow in the Lord and honour Him with our lives.

Living the Christian life is never easy because our sin-nature is still there. Yes, we've been forgiven, but that basic instinct to sin is always present. So it is all about the choices you make. Will you choose to live for Christ? In a way that honours and pleases Him, or will you choose to live as you did before? The choice is yours.

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The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

12/26/2016

2 Comments

Read Ephesians 4:7-16

Last week we read that we have been called to walk in unity with each other. For the Ephesian Christians this was quite a challenge. For not only were these Gentile converts coming out of paganism and idol worship, but they were adopting for themselves the promises God gave to the Jews. This ultimately caused friction between the Gentile converts and the Jewish converts, which the apostles solved by giving them only three rules to obey: that they abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from eating animals that were strangled, and from blood (Acts 15;19). There was wisdom in this edict because what the Gentiles had come out of (idol worship) involved all those sorts of practices.

But Paul reminds them that there is now one Lord, one faith and one baptism. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4:6).

And in today's verses we are shown how God makes that unity possible. We learn in Ephesians 4:7 that to each, "grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift." In order for the church to remain unified, each member was (and still is) bestowed "a measure of grace" or a gift from God, to be used by each individual for the sole purpose of creating unity within the body of Christ. So what gifts of grace were available to the early church and are they still available to us today?

What are Spiritual Gifts
And What is Their Purpose?

All of the gifts were given for the following purposes:

For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry.
For the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).

How long are these gifts supposed to last?

Until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God.
Until we are perfected.
Until we measure up to stature of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).
Until we are no longer children who are tossed to and fro with every kind of doctrine.
Until we speak the truth in love, growing up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ.

So what are the gifts listen in Ephesians?

Apostles
Prophets
Evangelists
Pastors
Teachers

Are there more gifts than these? Yes! They are listed in 1 Corinthians 12, but for now we are dealing specifically with what is listed in Ephesians. Paul does list in 1 Corinthians 28 the order and importance of the gifts - first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations and varieties of tongues. There is much to discuss on the subject of Spiritual Gifts and it is something I will devote attention to in the New Year. For now, the point of the gifts is clear - they were given to further enhance our unity in Christ. One perfect body (the church) equipped to not only edify and build each other up, but to equip us for the work God has called us to do. So if you are ever doubting that you don't have what it takes to fulfill what God has called you to do, rest in the truth of these words - you have already been equipped for your particular ministry. Now, trust God and go!

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Five Ways God Calls Us to Unity

12/19/2016

5 Comments

Read Ephesians 4:1-6

If you have been following along in my look at Ephesians you will by now have noticed a theme. Paul was trying to instill in the Gentile converts at Ephesus who they now were in Christ. He was also trying (in a not so subtle way) to remind the Jewish converts that because of Christ, the promises given to the Jews also now belonged to the Gentiles. This, of course, could lead to friction and so since Ephesians chapter one, he has expounded on not only who they are in Christ, but the importance of unity within the body of Christ (aka - the church).

In today's verses Paul is urging the Ephesians to walk in a worthy manner befitting their calling (their vocation) to salvation. This is something I think the church as a whole needs to take to heart. So how do we "walk in unity" with our fellow believers, when so many of us have differing opinions on Scripture and what it says? In today's verses Paul explains how.

Five Ways God Shows Us to Walk
In Unity With Each Other

Walk in Humility - The KJV uses the word "lowliness". In other words we are to have a humble opinion of ourselves. The Greek word used is tapeinophrosynē and means "a deep sense of one's moral littleness."

Walk in Gentleness - The Greek word used is praotēs and means "meekness". In today's culture, meekness is not considered a virture, but in the ancient world those who were meek were considered very virtuous. For example, a meek person is one who is guided by God's Spirit and able to accept God's ability to direct events in their lives. Meekness is not a resignation to fate, or a passive submission to life events (there is no virtue in that), but it is more of an ability to see the "larger picture" and is therefore an active and deliberate choice to accept God's sovereignty over all aspects of an individual's life.

Walk in Longsuffering - Longsuffering is an excellent word choice in the KJV because it means patience. This isn't just in reference to someone's personality traits that rub us the wrong way. To practice patience also means that we need to recognize that every individual's spiritual journey is different. Everyone has at some point met that person who insists you are wrong about your beliefs. They question why you go to a certain church and they have "dug in their heels" about what they believe (even if it is contrary to Scripture) to the point where they are more annoying than a mosquito. But what we need to realize and remember when dealing with difficult people, is that God deals with each of us in different ways. What you learned twenty years ago in your walk with God, may take someone else a longer time to learn and accept. But we all get there eventually. We just have to trust the Holy Spirit, who resides in everyone who has accepted Jesus as Saviour, to lead us into all truth, which Scripture has promised He will do (John 16:13). But, that leads us to the next point on keeping unity.

Bearing With One Another in Love - No, this does not mean "putting up with each other". The original Greek uses the word anechō and is translated as "forebear" which means, "to hold up, to sustain, to bear, to endure." In other words, we need to help each other stand firm in our faith in Jesus Christ. So if you see your brother or sister in Christ falling away, or perhaps they have been deceived and are listening to false doctrines like the prosperity gospel for example, don't stand idly by and watch them falter or be deceived, rush in, help them to continue to stand firm on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Help them grow in their faith.

Endeavour to keep unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace - I love the word used for "bond" in Greek. It is syndesmos and it means "that which binds together, a band, a bond." It is the Holy Spirit that unites us. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us peace and because we all share in the same Holy Spirit, we are "banded" together as one. Think about that for a minute! There is no other unity like this on earth in which people are capable of sharing equally. We have different talents, we come in different colours, shapes and sizes, we are some poor and some rich, but it is the Holy Spirit alone that unites us as brother and sister in Christ when we accept Jesus as our Saviour. This peace should be something we all cherish and go out of our way to keep unified.

And so Paul reminds the Ephesians once again (and us) how truly united we are in Christ, with the following words:

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4:4-6, NKJV).

As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas season, let us rejoice together that we are united as one because of Him.

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The Mystery of Christ

12/12/2016

7 Comments

Read Ephesians 3:1-21

Paul talks about a "mystery" in Ephesians three which was revealed to him and the other apostles and prophets of that time, that was hidden from the "sons of men" (children of Israel) that went before them. The mystery of course was that the Gentiles (all those who weren't Jewish) would now, because of Christ, be partakers in the same blessings God had promised the Jews (Ephesians 3:6-7). In Ephesians chapter two, Paul goes into great detail on what that unity for humanity now meant.

Paul believed (and rightly so) that he was called specifically to preach this message of unity to all Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8). This was a unique ministry for him in particular, because he was formerly a very religious, dogmatic Jew. Clearly, his experience of meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus changed his life forever. God had taken the most unlikliest of men to preach a new message of redepemption that was now inclusive. No one was left out of God's plan for humanity. All were now given the same opportunities, the same blessings, the same promises as the Jews. This was the mystery of Christ that was revealed to Paul and the other apostles.

Paul also believed that the mystery of Christ was something that, when accepted, created a unique fellowship or community of believers, who then had a specific responsibility to make the mystery known. Some have implied that Ephesians 3:10 means the church has authority over "rulers and authorities" in heavenly places. But a careful examination of the text reveals something far different. And we also discover once again, how the NIV has distorted scripture. This is what Ephesians 3:10 says in the KJV:

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

This is how the NIV translates Ephesians 3:10:

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.

You can see how the NIV has added words to the text and twisted them to mean something that seems to imply that the church is making the wisdom of God known to "spiritual" beings in the heavenly places. This is just not so and it is inconsistent with the surrounding text.

The word for "principalities" that Paul used is archē which means "a beginning" and the word used for "powers" is exousia and means "authority". In other words, what Paul is saying here is that the manifold wisdom of God that begins and has authority in the heavenly places is now made known to the church. For anyone to translate this as to mean that now the church was teaching heavenly beings or had power over them, would be inconsistent with what Paul has written so far in this letter. For he is trying to stress to the Gentiles the privileges they (all believers) now have in Christ. Imagine! Because of Jesus, we have access not only to God, but He reveals His wisdom and shares it with us. How? Through His Holy Spirit! 1 Corinthians 2:7-16 further illustrates this point. The mystery of God is that we, through His Holy Spirit, now have the mind of Christ, and with that comes knowledge and wisdom to discern Scripture and have deep truths revealed to us, which those without the Holy Spirit are not privy to.

And so Paul ends Ephesians three with a heartfelt prayer for the Ephesians that we can all take to heart - that God would strengthen them, through His Holy Spirit. That Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith and that they would be rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend the extent of God's love for them and to know the love of Christ, so that they may be filled with all the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19). And through the mystery of His Holy Spirit we are all united with the same purpose - to grow in faith and in service to Jesus Christ our Lord.

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How Jesus Unites Humanity

12/5/2016

4 Comments

Read Ephesians 2:11-18

Last Monday we learned through Paul's letter to the Ephesians who we are in Christ and that trying to "work" our way into heaven is a futile task, for our salvation is secured through faith and God's grace alone, not by works.

Paul has driven home the point to the Ephesians who they were in Christ and who they are now. He calls them Gentiles, which in the Old Testament meant anyone who was not Jewish. Which, by implication, meant they were a heathen or pagan nation who did not worship the one true God. Paul used the term "Gentile" with the Ephesians to distinguish between Jews who had converted to Christianity and pagans who had converted to Christianity. It was the pagans (Gentiles) who had the hardest time believing that God would just accept them without them doing something in return. After Paulmakes it clear they were saved through faith he then goes on to remind them how both Jews and Christians are now united because of Jesus.

Paul explains that the promises of the covenant God made with the Jews, now also, because of Jesus, were promises extended to Gentiles as well. But, while the Jews were seen as a holy nation, set apart by God as His prized possession (Exodus 19: 5-6) they still had the same problems the Gentiles had - they continually sinned against God. They needed a Saviour! So Jesus became the mediator for both Jew and Gentile. Jesus, as Paul says, broke the dividing wall between the two groups (Ephesians 2:14) so that the two would become one in Him. And it is through Jesus that we are made whole again, reconciled to God and have His Holy Spirit living within us. Through Jesus we all have access to God. And because His Holy Spirit is available to all, we are united as we grow into a kingdom of priests for God. Imagine the possibilities! The world would actually know peace! This is why it is so important for those of us who know Jesus to share Him with as many people as possible. So that His kindgom will come! And we who believe and trust in Jesus Christ will become a holy nation dedicated in service to the one true God. Come Lord Jesus come!

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22, NKJV).

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Digging Deeper

The Armor of God

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

How to Dress for War

How to Have Peace At Home and at Work

Read Ephesians 6:1-9

How Submission Really Works

Read Ephesians 5:22-33

Eight Keys to Godly Living

Read Ephesians 5:8-21

Six Behaviours Christians Should Avoid

Read Ephesians 5:1-7

Six Behaviours to Do Away With

How A Christian Should Live

Read Ephesians 4:17-32

How a Christian Should Behave

The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Read Ephesians 4:7-16

What are Spiritual Gifts
And What is Their Purpose?

Five Ways God Calls Us to Unity

Read Ephesians 4:1-6

Five Ways God Shows Us to Walk
In Unity With Each Other

The Mystery of Christ

Read Ephesians 3:1-21

How Jesus Unites Humanity

Read Ephesians 2:11-18

Archives

Categories

Digging Deeper

Read Ephesians 6:10-18

How to Dress for War ​

Read Ephesians 6:1-9

Read Ephesians 5:22-33

Read Ephesians 5:8-21

Read Ephesians 5:1-7

Six Behaviours to Do Away With ​

Read Ephesians 4:17-32

How a Christian Should Behave ​

Read Ephesians 4:7-16

What are Spiritual Gifts And What is Their Purpose?​ ​

Read Ephesians 4:1-6

Five Ways God Shows Us to Walk In Unity With Each Other ​

Read Ephesians 3:1-21

Read Ephesians 2:11-18

Archives

Categories

How to Dress for War

Six Behaviours to Do Away With

How a Christian Should Behave

What are Spiritual Gifts
And What is Their Purpose?

Five Ways God Shows Us to Walk
In Unity With Each Other