Eph 6:19-24

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Prayer- It is interesting that Paul doesn't put prayer as part of the soldier's equipment. He does define it by being alert. Your senses are very necessary in battle. You can have best armor in the world but you need to be able to identify what is happening. Prayer does that.

Look at How Paul defines Prayer-

• In the Spirit- Involves Right relationship with God. Your heart has to be right (not just going through the motions, asking based on self and not on God; see Isa 1:15) The Holy Spirit has tremendous power in prayer see Rom 8:26-27. It works even when we don't know exactly what to pray for!

• Pray in all situations and circumstances- Too often we just use God like Superman. We seek Him only when we get to a point that we cannot help ourselves. But God wants to more than that. Pray to Him when things are going well, when things go poorly. All the time.

• All kinds of Prayers- Prayer is simply having an honest conversation with God. Expressing what you feel, what you see, what excites you, what troubles you, what hurts you. Sometimes you will praise God and sometimes you will ask, "Where are You? Have You left Me?" see Ps 10, 13. God wants you to be honest with Him. He will work from there! Sometimes you should pray the Lord's Prayer, sometimes you will just call out for help.

• Be Alert! - Look for opportunities to pray. Remember Luke 11:9-10. There is power in prayer that cannot be underestimated.

• For all the saints- Don't just be self focused. Pray for Christians you know. Paul did in this letter (1:18, 3:16-17) Pray for all Christians, not just the ones you know, Have you ever prayed for a christian undergoing persecution in Iraq or Pakistan? Have you pray for a christian who has publicly failed in their faith?

• Paul in vs 19-20 put what he just said in practice. Pray for me and states what he wants the Ephesians to pray for. How about you? Do you ask for people to pray for where you are in your life?

vs 21-24 Paul sends his letters through people he knows and trusts. This way people will know they are authentic (really do come from Paul) .

Paul ends expressing four very important words- Peace, Love Faith, Grace. Remember what Paul said in 1 Cor 13:13 would remain when all the "fancy" gifts were gone? Faith Hope and Love. The hope part one can see expressed by the Grace given to us that gives us peace eternally with God. Remember and do the basics of the faith Paul says as a last exhortation to the people he loves.

A better translation of vs 24 is incorruptible love. Point is it is a love that places Christ first always.

Eph 6:14-19

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage. Read the Passage at least twice. Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind.

Paul uses a Roman soldiers uniform to share the uniform we should wear when we face this enemy of evil that is not flesh and blood. The key is what areas Paul tells us to seek and develop. By wearing the pieces listed we are able to stand the attacks of forces of evil. To fight against forces that are not flesh and blood we need equipment made not by us but by God Himself

Truth

Righteousness

Readiness from gospel of Peace

Faith

Salvation

Word of God

Pray

Look at these terms- What do they mean? Where do they come from? How do we get them? Why do we need them?

I think sometimes we get too caught up in the metaphors of these terms instead of looking at what Paul says is important to the faith.

First all begin with God. They do not come from what we start. For example truth is God originated. Even faith begins by God coming to us to give us something to trust in. Prayer also starts with God even wanting to have a conversation with us.

Second while all start with God we must either respond to it, like salvation, or continually develop it, like faith. They are qualities that we build on. Even salvation is built on. Phil 2:12.

Truth- Source is God, 4:21 says it comes from Jesus. With the truth we then interact with each other. The truth is key in 4:14-15. Without the focus of God we are tossed around by schemes. With the truth we can build the body of Christ.

Righteousness - Paul in is writings looks at this two ways. First we cannot make ourselves righteousness. 4:24 says we have to have a new self to have righteousness. See Phil 1:11, 3:9. In Romans 3:21--22 Righteousness cannot come by following the law (because no one is perfect) only through faith in Jesus.

Yet once you are put in right relationship with Christ we are called to seek to live a righteous life. Not because it will earn us salvation but because it is the right response to what God has done in our lives. see 5:9 and 2 Tim 3:16-17.

Readiness from Gospel of Peace. Christ is our peace (2:14-15) But we need to use this peace. As a soldier must be quick to respond so should a Christ follower. Quick to act in life in accordance with the good news of peace. It reminds me of 1 Pet 3:15-17 An important scripture to remember in the world we live in. (Also see Col 4:5-6) Being prepared to know how to respond in a way that honors God and also proclaims the truth. Being able to defend your faith both in words and how you live. It is the good news of peace that allows us to endure even when attacked.

Faith- Paul clearly sees faith as our response to what God has done in Jesus Christ. See 1:15, 2:8, 3:12,17. Paul in Romans says it is by our faith in Jesus removing our sins that we have a relationship with God (Roms 1:16-17) . With strong faith we can withstand the attacks of the evil forces. Jesus talked about the need for faith many times. It is why He is able to work in our lives (Luke 5:20, Luke 17:5-6) Without faith we lose the impact of God in our lives. Luke 22:32 shows Jesus praying for Peter's faith when Peter is attacked by Satan. The problem for Peter (and us) is not God's forgiveness; rather it is our acceptance of it. The belief that God can use us and would even want to.

Salvation - As Paul has already made clear of salvation is of God Eph 2:8-9. It is complete. It is the basis of our faith. Without God's salvation we are nothing. Rom 5:8 states God's care for us well. The reminder that God loves us so much allows us to fight the battle. The confidence in knowing that nothing can separate us from God gives us the bravery we need to fight with faith. See Rom 8:38-39.

Word of God- many make much of this being listed as an offensive attack weapon. In Hebrews it is said that it penetrates into our very soul. (Heb 4:12) Jesus used it as a reply to Satan's attacks when He was tested in the wilderness. Luke 4:4, 8, 12. The word of God helps us to discern the attacks of evil and reply to them. This word could also be talking about the words God promises to give those who stand trial for their faith (Matt 10:17-20) . Either way it takes developing a relationship with God to allow the Holy Spirit to work in the situations we find ourselves.

While knowing the basics of the Bible is important, Scripture memory can make a world of difference as we face life and the forces of evil.

Eph 6:10-13

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Paul moves from living in unity with others by submitting to then saying who we should never submit to.

Paul has been about telling us to live in unity with each other from early in his letter. 2:19-22. A unity that comes through Jesus alone. He has just told how to live in harmony in the relationship in our lives. Now he switches to the battle that rages to destroy that unity and our purpose in Christ.

First step in warfare- Know your enemy so you can know how to defeat them.

It is a battle not with humans (flesh and blood) but with spiritual forces that seek to destroy what God builds up. It reminds me of preschoolers playing with building blocks. One child spends a great deal of time building a tower of blocks as tall as she can only to have another child come and knock it down. The forces that Paul describes are powerful. (you cannot withstand them in your own strength) See Jesus' prayer for Peter in Luke 22:31-32.

The behind the scenes story of how these evil forces came into being is not given. But they do exist. Jesus dealt with demons throughout his ministry. Satan himself came to tempt Jesus to break from God the Father. (Luke 4) . Satan in that attack on Jesus states that he does have the authority to give the kingdoms of earth. (Luke 4:6) Jesus doesn't deny Satan having that authority. Rather Jesus stands on the higher authority of serving God. That is now what Paul asks us to do. It is relying on that tremendous power of God that we stand against Evil. In 1:18-23 Paul has already laid out his argument of God's conquering power. Now he wants us to rely on it. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to us.

vs 10 the call is for us to strengthen ourselves through God. Trusting Him is a matter of faith. Do we believe that God is stronger than the forces Paul next speaks of? Then the question is do we rely on that strength. We are an active part of this war. It is our choice on what we rely on.

vs 11 part of our involvement in this war is to realize there is a battlefield and be prepared for battle. The equipment we need to fight with is available. We must decide to wear it. It is easy to forget we are in a battle and relax (that one of the devil's schemes) When we are unprepared then we can be taken advantage of.

Satan is no fool. He seeks a foothold and takes advantage of it in our lives. (4:2) In 2 Cor 2:10-11 Paul talks of how Satan will use an unforgiving person to his advantage. Satan seeks to outwit us.

vs 12 Paul means to scare us. This is not a game. This is a war. The most violent and unrelenting enemy seeks to destroy. While Satan is the supreme evil he is not alone. The worst evil on earth is not our ultimate enemy. It is the evil spiritual powers that aren't human.

vs 13 if you go out in the world unprotected you will face the consequences. Evil will come to you. So you need the full armor of God. Just part will not do. You need everything God has prepared for you so you can stand the evil schemes of the enemy and do His purpose. Satan wants to keep us from being a God follower. If he loses that battle then he wants to make us ineffective in helping others for God. (see 1:10)

Eph 6:5-9

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

To understand this section we must understand the life of ancient times. Slavery was everywhere. Jesus talks of it in terms of being freed from sin. (John 8:34-36) . But he also uses the terms of servants and Masters (Luke 12:36-38) . Yet Jesus also very clearly shows that ones position in this life does not effect how God sees the individual. In John 13 Jesus washes the disciples feet then says If I your Master do this then you should do it also (John 13:12-14) Also in John 15:15 Jesus breaks the cycle of Master and servant in terms of how the disciples are viewed. They are placed on equal footing as friends not servants.

Paul himself takes slavery as a given in how society works. Yet he also understands that slaves should be treated very differently than they way the world did. Slaves were property and as such could be treated by their Master in any way. Paul rejects this notion. While the Slave is to treat his master with respect so to is the master to treat the slave (vs 9) They are not to use their position to threaten the slave.

For Paul your position in this life is far less important than your position in heaven. Christians should base how they treat each other solely from God's point of view. (Gal 3:28) This is perhaps most clearly seen in Paul's letter to Philemon where Paul writes a friend concerning an escaped slave, Onesimus, who Paul is now sending back. Paul tells Philemon to receive him as a brother not a slave. Philemon 16.

Yet Paul also tells slaves here and other places to serve their masters well. Titus 2:9-10 gives us the reason why. It is all about being an example that will cause the teaching of Christ to be appealing. For Paul everything we do should reflect well on our God.

While Paul does not say get rid of slavery he does say a slave should be treated as a human and with the respect that you treat yourself. These ideas over the years finally did away with slavery in many parts of the world. Would Paul had said something different if he didn't believe that Christ was coming back soon? We do not know.

vs 5-8 Paul uses the term earthly master - Why? It is his way of saying they are Masters only temporarily. The true Master of all is what our focus should be on (vs 9)

Even though they are only short-term Masters they should be respected. Even beyond that the slave should do the best job possible not only when the master is looking but also when he is not. Act like you are serving God! Why? First your heavenly reward is partly based on how you treat others. Therefore what you do is not as important as your attitude as you do it. The other reason is the witness you give of your faith. The way you do your job reflects on the God you serve. It is a way of pointing out to people that you are different not because of something in you but because you have been changed by Christ. This is something to think about as we work today. Do we give our best or do we just do enough to keep our job? How does that reflect on our God?

vs 9 Masters treat your slaves the same way. This is even more of a radical statement than the treatment of husband to wives. Remember the first statement of this section is vs 5:21. IT IS ABOUT SUBMITTING TO ONE ANOTHER!

Paul places a warning into the statement as well. You may be able to beat and threaten your slaves here with cost but don't think God is going to let that go. With God all are treated the same whether slave or master. Applying it today means treating your employees fairly and with respect. It isn't just about the bottom line. It is also how you treat those that serve under you. You are no better than the lowest person of the Corporation.

Eph 6:1-4

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

The family relationship between children and parents is explored if somewhat briefly. I wonder if Paul would have talked about it more if he had children.

The passage is similar to the one in Col 3:20-21. Both reflect the Jewish view of the day other than the direction to "bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" and the word to the children of obeying the parents "in the Lord"

vs 1, 2 The focus on the Lord Christ makes this different from the Jewish view in the sense that Paul now places the commands in the view of Christ. In doing this the parent is suppose to teach the children who Jesus is (vs 4) and how to live for Him. But it also places a provision in the command to obey your parents. Do it through the Lord. The focus is on obeying through the eyes of Jesus. Therefore if your parents did not believe in Jesus being the Christ it does not mean that you then also give up your belief in Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate. But it also means loving them as Jesus calls us to. The role of forgiveness that Jesus taught comes to mind. This love is a sacrificial love as we have already seen expressed in the husband and wife relationship and the directive in vs 21. That sacrificial love is also expected in children and parents.

The role of family in the character and upbringing of children has been well studied. The influence of a good home cannot be denied in terms of life itself. The truth of the commandment with a promise in vs 3 has been validated over and over again. Family is a key factor in how life will come out. One can break the cycle of a bad family but it is much easier to come from the backing of a good family life.

vs 3 The promise of vs 3 is Paul view of Deut 5:16 and Ex 20:12. He has left off the land promise. It is interesting to think about why the land promise failed. The prophets told time and time again of why God had removed the Jews from Israel. Their failure in community was one of the reasons as well as their drifting away from God. But family relationships seem to be overall a good quality of Jewish life. The prophets many times compare the Jewish people to children who rebel against a parent (Isa 1:4). While the Jews were back in their homeland it was occupied by Rome. Many Jews also lived outside of the area. So Paul does not focus on the land promise but rather the life promise.

vs 4 Exasperate- great word. Fathers do not abuse your authority over the children. You have children to bring them up in the knowledge of God; not to make your life easier by having them do all the work. Remember we are dealing with a largely rural society. Children were needed to farm , shepherd etc. Love your children! Teach them how to live in a way that honors God. Part of that process is them learning how to honor their parents.

Training and instruction- whose place is it to bring up the children to know God? Here Paul places the emphasis on the fathers.

Ephesians 5:21-33

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

vs 21- Starts a new section looking at the relationships they dealt with everyday and how a Christian should live in them. Key point in all relationships is for each to submit to the other.

Wife role

• Submit in everything

• Respect

• seek to be one flesh

Husband role

• Give himself up for his wife as Christ did for us

• love as yourself

• seek to be one flesh

• Husband head of wife as Christ head of the church

Paul's statements are radical for their day. Everyone in the culture would have agreed with wife submitting to the man but for the man "to give himself up" to care for the wife "just as himself" was radical. No question a husband was to be a provider but to stay she was an equal to himself was unheard of whether Jewish or Greek.

vs 23 Paul still says the man is the head of the wife but not in a way that is out for his best interest but rather is out for her best interest. (two are one vs 31) She is thought of first before him. (Isn't that what Christ did for us? Was willing to die for us?) The man is responsible for the decisions of marriage being made. There is an accountability between God and the man. But never was this accountability meant to be used to the man's advantage. The key is for the for the two becoming one. Just as the goal of Christ is for the good of us so the the goal of the man is for the good of the couple. This doesn't mean the man has to decide everything but rather he is responsible for making sure the issues of marriage are dealt with.

vs 27 Paul gets carried away with what Jesus did for us. He uses the example of the pre wedding activities to show what Jesus did for us. Normally a bride would have a premarriage bath to be presented to her bridegroom as clean as possible. Paul takes this idea and tells how Jesus makes the church (his bride so to speak) as clean and pure as possible. The bride (ie the church) would be made perfect not by her doing but by His. (2:8-9 also see Ezek 16:6-14 where God tells how He prepared Israel) The mystery of this is what Paul talks about in vs 32

vs 31 Paul goes back to Gen 2:22-25 to sum it all up. Woman to the man is bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh. Two shall become one. That is the goal of marriage. Both willingly submitting to the other so they can become one.

Ephesians 5:8-20

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see?What other words stick out in your mind

Paul continues to tell how to live in society that is not lovers of God- (see John 17:13-23 for Jesus' perspective on living in the world. It fits very well with what Paul expresses throughout Ephesians.)

vs 8- 14 The darkness and light reference was very common for good verses evil, for true knowledge verses deception in the time that Paul writes. John also uses it the light and dark analogy quite a bit. (John 1:5, 3:19, 1 John 1 :5, 2:8-9)

Paul continues to go back to the fact that when you become a Christian, you change. The old has gone the new has come. He also continues his comparisons of the change.

• vs 9 fruit of light vs 11 fruitlessness of darkness

• vs 13 visible vs 12 hidden or secret

• vs 15 wise unwise

• vs 17 understanding foolish

• vs 18 Drunk on wine filled with the Spirit

vs 8-9 key is to live the fruit of the light (same idea as the list of the fruit of the Spirit from Gal 5:22)

vs 10, 15-17 Finding the Lord's will- To find the Lord's will you do what you know pleases Him. Making the most of opportunities even in the midst of evil. Then you will continue to understand what God's will is. The key for knowing God's will is living a changed life. Doing what we know God wants us to do. Looking for the opportunities to share and expose the world to the light of God's love in Jesus. (being an imitator vs 1) Then there is an opportunity for others to to rise up from their death (vs. 14) Knowing God's will is also about staying away from evil (vs 11, 18)

To sum up knowing God's will is really quite simple. Live what you know God would have you do. Stay away from what is not of Him. Make the most of the places and situations God places you.

vs 14b- could be one of the first choruses of the church

vs 19, 20 Part of what we are always called to do is to encourage one another and give thanks to God for everything. (think about the story of Joseph when he was sold as a slave by his brothers. He endured a great deal but God in turn used it for good Gen 45:5. Joseph thanks God in spite of what he went through)

Interesting Words

vs 11 - expose- we are called not only to avoid evil but to expose it.

vs 19 - make music in your heart to the Lord- When I am closest to God there is a joy that often expresses itself in music from my soul. It is not about how well you sing or play it is about meaning to be joyful before God (Ps 100:1-2) Joy can often be best expressed through music.

Ephesians 5:1-7

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Now Paul starts talking about how to live as Christians in the society you find yourself in.

vs 1-2 Imitate God as dearly loved children. - think about that a minute. The first key is the Child (us) is dearly loved. It does no good and is in fact bad if a child imitates a unloving parent. Second think about how a child does look up to a parent for an example of how to live. How to deal with life. What better role model than God! What should an imitator of God produce? -vs 2 says we live a life of love. - Just like Christ who is the human model of God living on this earth. He was willing to give himself as a sacrifice for the good of us. (See Phil 2:5-11) His sacrifice pleased God. Why? not because of the act, but because of the reason behind the act of dying. (see 1 Cor 13:13) . It was an act of pure love! We are called to do the same. (see Rom 12:1-2) Remember the verse just before- Forgive each other as God forgave you.

vs 3 Paul goes back to name the opposite of what it is to be an imitator of God. As Holy People we are to be different than the world around us. As imitators of God there is only one way to live this life of love. The three areas mentioned Sexual immorality (note: in the Roman world it was not very different than today. Actually it was worse. Having sex with a temple prostitute was a away of worshipping some of the pagan gods. Adultery was tolerated in circles for men. Homosexuality was in some places a rite of passage to adulthood) all kinds of impurity, and greed all have to do with a self centered focus. What is best for me without the concern of what is best for others. It is the opposite of what God is about.

vs 4 - how we operate in our daily lives should show the difference God has made in us. Don't get caught up in what society says is appropriate. What those you work with or live with do. The obscene, coarse joking. foolish talk do not show God as the priority of your life. These ways of talking belittle people and God. They do not show the urgency of spreading the message of Christ.

(Note: foolish talk- talking about things of no consequence) I am guilty of that one.

Instead we should speak words of thanksgiving for what God has done. We should be about encouraging each other (4:12)

vs 5- 7 There are consequences for living this way. You can not pretend to love God and still live doing these things. Living this way is saying you can play God. You get to decide what is right and wrong based on what you desire, forgetting God and others. That is idolatry and will not allow you into God's kingdom (see Luke 13:24-27) Don't allow anybody to tell you it is okay to be religious but still live the old lifestyle. (old has gone new has come) These are empty words. They are untrue. Stay away from people like this! God will judge them accordingly.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Paul now gets specific about what to put on and put off. All has to do with how you treat others, especially believers. If we are to live in the unity that Paul has talked about throughout Ephesians then these steps are critical. Note: you cannot just put off something. That still leaves a void that can later be filled with more evil. (see Luke 11:26) Rather we are called to put off one thing and put a positive in its place. We are a new creation , the old has gone the new has come.

Put off - Put on

vs 25 falsehood, lying -      Truth

vs 26 anger with sin -  Anger that is dealt with

vs 28 stealing -  Doing something to help others

vs 29 unwholesome talk  - Helpful encouragement

vs 30 Grieve Holy Spirit -    Remember your seal of redemption (1:14)

vs 31 Bitterness, rage, anger -  Kind, Compassion, forgiving

Brawling, slander, malice

Paul is talking about how we interact with believers ( this doesn't mean we do not do the same with non-believers) so as to show the world that the church is different because of what Christ has done and the Holy Spirit living in us.

In dealing with anger Paul's states that it must not lead to sin (see vs 31) that it must be dealt with quickly (don't let it fester), and it should not allow Satan a place of control in your life. You can be angry but not sin (see 1 Cor 13:5) It is important that the anger does not bring about an attack but allows issues to be settled. Again Paul is speaking to how we relate to one another as a body of believers.

vs 25- the falsehood is not just lying it is living a lie. In other words still believing in false gods or saying adultery is ok etc..

vs 27 - devil a foothold. Once Satan enters he takes full advantage (see John 10:10)

vs 30 To grieve the Holy Spirit is to Choose to do wrong, to ignore God, to not build up the body of Christ (see 1 Cor 6:19, 2 Cor 7:1 )

vs 31-32 Malice covers the full range of seeking to hurt someone. living seeking revenge is not allowed. Forgiveness is the key. (Luke 11:4)

Do I live to build the body up or tear it down?

Ephesians 4:17-24

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Paul now turns to his purpose in saying all that he has. The people he is in charge of reaching "the Gentiles" is who he now addresses. They as part of God's family are to change from the old way to a new way. The new way is being part of God's family through the message taught to them about Jesus. That message is life changing. This turn of topic is where what Paul says echos the message asked by the Jewish Christian leaders to be told to the Gentiles. (Acts 15:24-29)

vs 17 Paul gets serious here. He has set up the fact that he and more importantly God do not see Gentiles different than Jews. But he now says you cannot live the way you use to. The Gentile lifestyle is wrong (note Paul would also say the legalistic way of Judaism is also wrong Rom 2:17-29) see Rom 1:18-32. It leads to a way that is far from God.

vs 18 (see John 1:5) The ignorance of lostness causes people to go farther away from God.

vs 19 Lost all sensitivity- (skin becomes so calloused that one cannot feel pain, don't realize when you are being hurt) Three types of sin that are progressive. Move from sexual sin to further sins of all kinds to being addicted to sin to the point you constantly lust for more.

vs 20- 21 But Paul says that has changed for you. When you came to know Christ the truth came to you. (no longer being deceived) You heard of Christ and accepted him. Now you are being taught the way of Christ (3:14-19)

vs 22- 24 that teaching is about change. (see Gal 5:16-26, Col 3:5-17, 2 Cor 5:17) It is a change that is the work of God (vs 23 made new, vs 24 created, God's workmanship 2:10) but also is a decision by us. (vs 22 put off, vs 24 put on) Our choice is to get rid of the old and allow God to work in adding the new. It is a new attitude, a new way of thinking.

vs 24- created to be like God (see Gen 1:26) The way God intended is now being done. The righteousness and holiness of God is not fake, not pretend (that is what many Jews had been guilty of) . It is real because it comes from God himself.

(see 3:16-19)

Eph 4:14-16

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

vs 14- the idea of growing in your faith through the practical teaching. Appling the teaching to your thought process and allowing the Holy Spirit to bring discernment through the teaching. Idea of infants- ok for a short time but you need to grow beyond that. (see 1 Cor 3:1, Heb 5 :13)

The key to withstanding schemes and cunning of those who would pull you away from your faith is to grow. How do you know if you are an infant? Do you believe what someone says because of them being a So called expert or can you ask the question of how this relates to scripture. How do you discern whether someone is telling a truth or not? Can you relate it to scripture or do you not know enough to do so. If you can't you will find yourself moving from one belief to another and being used by those who use religion for their benefit.

vs 15- Teaching should allow us to deal with the world and each other by telling the truth in love. To be able to discern hat God would have me do in the situatuions I face.

Truth without love can become "I am better than you" attitude. Love without truth can allow things to happen that should not be allowed. Putting both together allows the building up of the body of Christ even if it means discipling. The key is it is not to destroy a person but to help them when they mess up.

When growth happens this way then we draw closer to Jesus, He becomes more a part of us (3:17) We work together for a common purpose given to us by Christ ( who also gives us what we need to do the work) We support each other, encourage each other, strengthen each other, love each other. Love is what brings us together and helps us bear one another. (4:2) The key is for all to "grow up" so you can do your work for the good of the body.

Eph 4:7-13

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

vs 7 Grace comes back to be again more than salvation but also how we live and work for God. The Apportionment of grace isn't about salvation but about what God has called us to do. Paul's grace was to preach to the Gentiles (3:2,7-8)

vs 8 comes from Ps 68:18. It talks about God being victorious. He comes to his throne as a conqueror. In the Psalm He receives the gifts from men (as would happen as a way of honoring the victory won) but Paul changes it to God winning through Jesus and now He shares the His gifts with us. (idea of Isa 53:12) Those gifts are intended to make an impact today for the church (vs 13)

vs 9-10 The question is raised as to what part of earth did Paul mean Jesus decended to? Some say it means Hades (thought to be below earth) but I believe Paul would have said that if that is what he meant. Rather I take it to be similar to Phil 2:8. Jesus gave up His rightful place in heaven to come to earth and die on a cross and now comes back to His throne victorious in the battle over freeing us from sin. (again see Isa 53:12)

vs 11-13 The purpose of His giving the gifts is to

• reach a unity in faith that he talked about in beginning of Chapter 4 and 2:14-18

• Knowledge of Jesus Christ- applied knowledge not just head knowledge -A knowledge of His grace that saves and His grace that gifts us to work for God. Also goes back to 3:14-19. To use the gift properly you must be able to know the depth of Jesus' love.

• become mature - again goes back to 3:19 - to be able to understand what God has given us and how gracioous He has been. Believing that God does dwell in us (3:17) and exploring and living the riches he has for us. (2:7,3:16)

Whole measure- God has an abundance He wants to give. It is not limited. (Eph 2:7, Luke 6:38) Question for us is do we desire the whole measure? God gives out of His abundance through His grace. How generous He is and promises to be!

God has given a variety of gifts to different people all to obtain His goal. It isn't to make a name for yourself it it to bring each other to the fullness of God available to each of us.

Gifts are to build up not tear down.

Eph 4:1-6

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

vs 1 Paul in stating his situation as a prisioner is not boasting. Rather he is showing he is has been willing to pay the price for His calling. He has not given in, He has not allowed cunning and craftiness of men (vs 14) to take him from his call that was given to him by God. He isn't a prisioner for himself, it is the cause of Christ. Paul is saying you to have a call that God has given you. Live your life based on that call no matter where it may take you.

vs 3-6 In living out the call we need to understand several things. First we have received the calling as a gift by God for us to make a difference in the body of Christ. It is not about us. It is about God! So to excersise this gift you have to be:

• Humble (not your ability, it is God's rich gift (2:8-10)

• Gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love - our motivation is the building of the body of Christ (vs 12). To do this means working and ministering among others. It takes the qualities listed to do this well. For we all have faults, hurts and can be selfish. We must remember the common purpose of reaching the fullness of Christ together.

• Remember what we have in common

• One Body- not Jew and Gentile (2:14-15)

• One Spirit- at work in us to reach the goal of the fullness of God (1:14, 17)

• One Hope- (1:12, 18) the trust that our answering God's call in Christ is the right way

• One Lord- there aren't many ways only one Christ(1:21-23)

• one faith- saved through belief in what Jesus did (2:8)

• one baptism- Made alive by Christ - we were died (2:1, now we are alive 2:5 through Christ (see Col 2:12)

• One God and Father- all for His glory (3:14-15)

vs 6- There is nothing that has been or will be that does not have God as its creator. Therefore He is over all. He is Through all in the sense there is no area He does not touch. In all through His Spirit that dwells in us (2:22)

Unity comes from realizing you aren't in control, God is. He has brought us peace and we should live for Him in that peace. (Col 3:15)

Eph 3:14-21

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Paul sums up the first 3 chapters in these verses.

The sum is

• Recognizing Paul's place vs 14 (bow, not worthy)

• God bringing unity and peace to all mankind vs 15

• Richness of God's gift vs 16, 18, 20

• Work of God the Father through Christ and the Spirit vs 16, 17, 19, 21

• God dwells in you through love to do His work vs 16, 17, 19, 20

• Paul recognizing Who God is vs 14, 15, 21

Notice again the actions of the Trinity. Paul prays to the Father of us all, His power in his is shown through His spirit that lives in us through Christ. The spirit reveals the love of Christ

vs 14 Paul reflecting on the mystery revealed in Christ, the work of God to bring peace to all people and reflecting on his call, can do nothing but bow on his knees (Normal prayer stature was standing for Jews unless truely troubled or in awe Luke 22:41, Acts 7:60, Ezra 9:5) Paul is humble before God for his call for he is the least worthy (Vs 8) to share the message of God. Yet God has chiosen Him to do it. And that grace filled call stirs a passion in Paul for those (the Gentiles) he is called to show Christ. (vs 3:1,2)

vs 15 Paul has been talking about the unity that God brings to Jew and gentile so it makes sense to see God as the head of all people. (3:6)

vs 16 Paul can not stop talking about the riches avaialble to us.

• Rcihes to be strengthen with power

• Riches to have Christ DWELL in us through His Spirit

• Riches to see the love of God that is extrordinary

• Riches to be filled with God

• Riches that go beyond our ability to even ask for Vs 20

• Riches to see His power at work in us

vs 17 The word translated dwell does not mean for a short time. But it is the place you live a place of permanance. We get that through faith (Think of Jesus' words about faith)

vs 18 the understanding of God's love is not just for one but for all. Paul wants us to explore (since Christ dwells in us through His Spirit) the love of God. A love better than any knowledge (1 Cor 13:2) A love that will over fill us (1 John 4:7-11)

vs 20 Think how far short I fall in this area. It is easy to wonder if God will work (goes back to faith in Him Matt 8:23-27) The truth is God can do more than we ever dreamed. (Luke 11:10)

vs 21 The glory of the church just like the glory of Christ reflects back to the Father. The head and the body, the bride and the bridegroom, the Savior and the saved (2:19-22)

Eph 3:1-13

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Paul describes his ministry and calling. You can tell his excitement to the call but also his understanding that It is God's work through Him (vs 7). While Paul is diffintely faithful, it is the power of God carrying out the ministry. It is a ministry that Paul (who was Saul) would have never dreamed of before the call of God on the road to Damascus. (Acts 9, also Gal 1:11-18)

God is amazing in what He can call us to do. Before believing in Christ Paul sought to keep what he thought was God's people "pure" by getting rid of those Jews who believed Jesus was the Christ. After his conversion Paul was called to expand the call of Christ way beyond what even the disciples thought it would be after the resurrection of Christ. Now even those who were not Jews could be counted among the followers of God. And Paul has been appointed the one to spread that message as well as make sure Jewish believers understood these Gentiles are heirs of God just like Jewish believers.

vs 1 Paul describes himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. Now Nero was the one who had earthly authority over Paul. But Paul recognizes that it is part of God's purpose for him to be in jail. God is sovrern, not Rome. It is the cause of preaching the message to the Gentiles that has put him in jail. Note being an apostle of Jesus Christ (1:1) does not take Paul out of harm's way. (see Acts 9:15-16) Paul while being attacked for his faith understands God is in control. (see Paul descritpion of his trials in 2 Cor 23-29) If even Paul who is faithful faces trials we need to understand that we too may face trials. But no matter what the situation God is in control!

vs 4-6 The mystery of the gospel, that God would use Jesus for salvation not only to the jews but also the the Gentiles. Goes back to the promise of to Abraham the first Jew (Gen 12:1-3)

vs 5 - notice the work of the Spirit again- the revealer of the great mystery and the one who carries it out by using people!

vs 7- Paul sees his call as a part of God's grace. In spite of his past God not only redeemed him but gave him the opportunity to be involved in the minsitry of the Gospel! (no one can claim that God cannot use them because of their past, see 2:10)

vs 8- notice how often Paul has talk about the riches of God (1:7, 18, 2:4,7, 3:8, 16) and how indescribalbe they are and will continue to be

vs 10 The church (that includes us) is also a part of this ministry (see 2 Cor 5:16-20). Note The spiritual world (which doesn't know everything that God plans to do, would this point to Satan and demons also not knowing God's mystery in Christ coming to earth?) also is amazed by the work of God through Christ in reconciling all people to Him.

vs 11-12 want to know why Paul isn't afraid to preach the gospel even though it gets him in trouble? It is because of what God has done! God's eternal purpose is far greater than anything this world can throw at us. So Paul says don't be sad for me. I am doing the will of God, you should rejoice for me that I am allowed to suffer for His sake! God gives Paul strength to do his work

Eph 2:11-22

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage Read the Passage at least twice Who is in the passage? What action verbs do you see? What other words stick out in your mind

Paul continues to talk about the former life that has been changed. This time the former life of a gentile. The difference between Jew and Gentile has been removed. This sounds very much like a letter Paul would have written in response to the meeting in Jerusalem about the Gentiles or perhaps the cause of such a meeting(Acts 11:17-18 or Acts 15) This is a new way and causes much division between Judaism and Christianity. and much debate between Jewish Christians and those who came to the faith from outside of Judism. ( see Gal, esp 5:1-15, 3:28-29) The Question is do you have to follow the cerimonally law of Judaism (inculding circumsion) in order to be a Christian? Paul says that barrior has been destroyed (vs 14).

vs 11- "Uncircumcised" was a derogatory term the Jews used against the Gentiles.

vs 12- the truth about the Gentiles was they were far away from God, foreigners without hope, without God. Think about being a foreigner in a land where you do not speak the language, where you don't know anyone. Think how isolated you would be. How out of place you would feel. That is where the Gentiles were before Christ.

vs 13 but Christ Changed that. No longer far away or the foreigner; you are brought near. Think of Pentecost and the disciples having the ability to speak the different languages of the people through the power of the Holy Spirit. Was that a symbol of the barriors being broken? (Acts 2:4-12)

Christ Death was for all people, the promise to Abraham being fullfilled (Gen 12:1-3)

vs 14-17 Peace between us and God becomes the emphasis. A peace that is available whether you are Jewish or Gentile. Both groups need it. And now both groups have access to it. IT is the purpose of God! It is part of the work of the Cross, "put to death their hostility" And now the two groups become one. (Gal 3:28) The barriors to the access of God are gone. And we should live this way. (Do we put up barriors that keep people from God?)

The Gentile used to be far away but now they are near. As near as any Jew to the peace of God (luke 2:14) Access to God the Father through the blood of Jesus (vs 13). The life we now live together (Jew and Greek) is through the Spirit of God. (Again notice the trinity aspect)

vs 19-22 Paul's conclusion in case you didn't get it the first time. (this is a big change in how Jews and Greeks looked at each other and therefore Paul wants to make it very clear) He also wants the Gentiles to understand that they are not second class citizens to God.

vs 19 They are aliens no longer (think of how illegal aliens are treated in US) but citizens with God's people. Not only citizens but members of God's household. (what if an illegal alien was made not only a citizen but also a member of the President's family. That is what Paul is talking about)

vs 20-21 The old testament covenant was not without pupose. The teaching of the prophets and the apostles shows the need all have for God (Matt 5:17-18, it also pointed to this day -Isa :56:3-8) It was part of God's plan, part of God's Building. But the centerpiece of everything is Christ. Every aspect of God's new holy temple comes from Chirst. Without Him there is no way to worship God. We (Jew and Greek together) are part of that temple. (see 1 Cor 3:16) It is where God lives through his Spirit. Again notice the Trinity

Paul emphasis is on the "we" of the church; no divisions! (see John 17:22-23)

Am I in the business of being a part of God's temple or trying to destroy it through divisions that should never be?

Eph 2:1-10

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passageRead the Passage at least twiceWho is in the passage?What action verbs do you see?What other words stick out in your mind

Four things stand out

• We were dead- Walking zombies, different desires

• Made alive by God through Christ

• How Rich is God's grace

• Look at how Christ changes our life

1. Made alive with Christ

2. Raised up with Christ

3. Seated with Christ in heavenly realms b/c of Chirst

4. God kindness to us displayed in Christ

5. We are created in Chirst to do good works

It is not about us at all. The only thing we do is have faith (vs 8) and do what God has prepared us to do. The path to slavation is through Jesus. There is no other way!

vs 1- 3 even though we lived; we were really dead. Why b/c we followed the "ruler of the air" (Satan). Interesting that paul acknowledges Satan does have a kingdom. But like all earthly kingdoms it will also pass away. (see Luke 4:6-7, Rev 17:14, Rev 20:10)

We lived to gratify ourselves (so we thought, really just pawns of Satan see 6:11-12) disobedient to the one who created us (vs 10) . It is our nature, our makeup to be disobedient and therefore we deserve the wrath of God

4-7 In spite of what we desevere God steps in b/c of His great love and rich mercy and gives us life through Christ. We are made alive through God's work in Christ. Better yet we are given the privledge of being at the table with Christ (adoption as children of God 1:5) and it is not just for a time; it is forever. It is a love and mercy that is continially shown forever! By the power of God this happens (1:19-20) The power of God to raise Christ can also raise us through forgiveness.

8-9 In case you haven't gotten it yet Paul sums it up. It is not about what you can do to get to God. It is about what God did to get to you. Your life is a gift! We have no claim to it being anything we have done.

vs 10 - Because it is God's work, we belong to Him (1:14). We are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17-18) created by God to do good works that seek to reconcile others to Him. God has planned to use us from the beginning. He has lavishly given us what we need to do His plan (1:8) That plan is to bring all things under Christ (1:10, 21, 22) It is in Christ that all things are fullfilled and completed, especially us. (1:23)

Eph 1:15-23

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passageRead the Passage at least twice. Who is in the passage?What action verbs do you see?What other words stick out in your mind

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996 (electronic ed.) (Eph 1:15–23). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Eph 1:15-23

what was said in the beginning of this letter is now in a lot of ways echoed in a prayer that Paul tells them he prays for them. The very blessing avaiable to them is what he prays they will receive. And he prays continually for them (vs 17)

See Acts 18:19? (vs 15) Has already had relationship with the city. Must have gotten new info about the city

Vs 15-17 What Paul praises them for is their faith in Jesus and love for all the staints. They have the vertical relationship with God right and their relationship with believers right. He prays that that will continue and improve as they know God's will for them. Note: Paul not of the opinion you hit a level and stay there (see 4:14, Heb 5:13-14)

Note again the emphasis of the trinity in vs 17. asks God the Father who is our Father through our Lord, Jesus Christ to give us the Spirit of how to live for God and know Him better.

The purpose of the wisdom and revelation is about knowing God better, not making a name for ourselves.

vs 18-20 Eyes of heart (spirtual lives) opened. Pray that we see better the will of God for us "the hope He has called us to, Our rich inheritance. When you know what is in your future you can live today with an abandonment of worrying about your future. You also can live today based on the what you have before you.

But also available to us now is this great power of God. The incomparable great power is what we have right now because we are adopted in to God's family. That power has been shown in it's greatest way through Jesus' death and ressurection. It is available, again not for us to become big headed but for us to bring praise to God (vs 12, vs 14). He is referring to the power of the Spirit to work in us(vs 13-14, 17, John 14:12-14)

vs 20-22 Paul gets caught up in telling who Jesus is. But in that telling He lets us see Jesus' place because he did the will of God the Father. Jesus is an example of what it is to be in the will of God and the benefits that come from that. (see Isa 53:10-12, Luke 22:41-42)

Christ's place

• right hand of God

• far above anyone other authority or power

• has every title that can be given (not titles to make one fell important but more like honors received and true power because of title)

• power both now and forever

• Controls all things,

• head of the church

• Fulfills everything in every way ( all that has importance finds it completion in Him) It all points to Jesus! (Phil 2:10-11, Col 1:15-20)

Eph 1:1-14

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passageRead the Passage at least twiceWho is in the passage?What action verbs do you see?What other words stick out in your mind

:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996 (electronic ed.) (Eph 1:1–14). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

The will of god- God's plan has been from the beginning and I have been chosen to be a part of it. while chosen we have to hear and believe (Vs 13)

The desire to lavish on us good

What we are given

• Grace

• Peace

• blessed with every spiritual blessing

• planned for from beginning

• holiness

• blameless

• adopted as His children

• redemption through blood

• forgiveness of sins

• know the mystery

• chosen

• given word of truth

• salvation

• marked with a seal, Holy Spirit- a deposit

• inheritance

God's will and work (we now know vs 9)

• He chose us through Christ before creation

• In Love He adopted us

• brings praise to His name

• Freely gave Jesus

• His lavish grace brings forgiveness, wisdom, understanding

• Plan from beginning was Christ

• Works all things to the conformity of His purpose (Rom 8:28)

• Goal to bring all things to the feet of Jesus (thy will be done on earth as in heaven)

• We are God's possession (family) to praise of His glory

The balance of Faith- We are predestined very clearly from this passage- 4, 5, 11. Yet we also have choice vs 13- respond to what we hear, and we believe.

vs 1- Paul chosen to be apostle by God, given the job of proclaiming Jesus to Gentiles (3:8)

vs 3 There is nothing lacking in Christ. All we need is in Him He blesses us spiritually (note necessarily in world view, but in what really matters) with everything we need or desire. This inculdes or exudes from the Holy Spirit in our lives

vs 4, 7,8,9- God's desire is to love us. it is what He wants to do (see word pleasure)

We see the work of the Trinty in this passage.

Father is the force behind the plan, Jesus is the carrying out of the plan, Holy Spirit is the guaranteur of what God promised until the plan is completely fullfilled. All to the Glory of God

vs 11- Rom 8:28-30- God's plan is coming together, everything leads to it. Even evil points people in direction of God.

vs 13-14 marked with a seal. We are His, To prove it He gives the Holy Spirit. Our adoption will be completed