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PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE
PERSONAL STUDY GUIDE EPHESIANS BOOKLET
A B I B L Eof S T U DY
EPHESIANS Knowin Who You Ar in Christ nd L rnin How to Liv in Him
FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF BATTLEFIELD OF THE MIND
One of the things that most impacted my life is studying the Bible. I have spent more than 40 yea rs studying Go d’s Word, and I c an honestly say it has totally changed everything! Romans 12:2 says, … Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. T hen you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect (NLT). This scripture explains why I’m so passionate about teaching t he Word of God: It ’s literally the key to experiencing the abunda nt life Jesus died to give us! Over the years I’ve focused on helping people l earn how to practica lly apply the truth in the Bible to their lives in areas we all struggle with, like the m ind, mouth, moods a nd attitudes. But I’m so excited to do something I’ve never done before—study a specific book of the Bible in great detail w ith you. In this study of Ephesians, I’ve included material that wi ll help you walk through each chapter and sometimes, verse by verse. With this approach, it’s like we’re doing a personal Bible study together. I chose the book of Ephesians because I love that it is ea sily broken down into two distinct sections. The first th ree chapters explain our relationship with God and how much He loves us, while the last t hree chapters focus on our behavior as Christians. When we know who we are in Ch rist and how much He loves us, we will fall deeper in love with Him. And when we fall deeper in love with Him, changin g our behavior is some thing we want to do because of His great love for us. As you watch a nd listen to the CDs and DVDs in t his Bible study, I encourage you to use the pages of the study guide as a n added benefit in your personal study time. Ans wer the questions, ta ke notes and journal about what God shows you through this study. My prayer is that th is will encourage you to spend mo re time w ith God, both in prayer and by studying His Word. He loves you and wants a deep, intimate relationship with you. And I ca n tell you from my own experience that if you commit to studyi ng the Word of God, you’ll see amazing changes in your life too!
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HISTORY
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER ONE
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EPHESIANS
CHAPTER TWO
17
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER THREE
25
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER FOUR
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6
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER FIVE
46
EPHESIANS
CHAPTER SIX
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A B I B L E S T U DY of
EPHESIANS HISTORY
This letter was wr itten by Paul. In al l likelihood, he wrote it during h is two-year i mprisonment in Rome (about 60 A.D). This may have been a ci rcula r letter intended for a large number of churches. The apostle Paul addresses two classes of people in his letter. He writes to the saints who are at Ephesus and the faithful in Christ Jesus. A ll believers are referred to as “saints” because it is a position given them by virtue of being in Christ; but being faithful is something we choose, and it brings great glory to God. Not all saints are faithful! The first three chapters of Ephesians are about our relationship with God through Jesus Chr ist, and what that means to us. They deal with God’s unconditional love, and what it means to be “in Christ.” They also cover salvation by grace rather than works, the mercy of God and other subjects. The last three chapters deal more with what our behavior should or should not be as believers in Chr ist. It is import ant to have a solid foundation of who we are in Christ before dealing with b ehavior!
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CHAPTERS 1-3
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
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— EP HES IA NS —
CHAPTER 1 VERSE 1
| B th Will of God
Paul, an apostle by the will of God EPHESIANS 1:1
Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the divine will (the purpose and the choice of God) to the saints (the consecrated, set-apart ones) at Ephesus who are also faithful and loyal and steadfast in Christ Jesus. It is important for us to be in God’s will if we want to be successful at what we do. How much time do you sp end seeking the w ill of God? How convinced are you that you are in the will of God?
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VERSE 2
| Enjo in God’s Gr c & P
c
Paul often greeted the people with “grace and peace be to you.” EPHESIANS 1:2
May grace (God’s unmerited favor) and spiritual peace [which means peace with God and harmony, unity, and undisturbedness] be yours from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We will not enjoy peace unless we understand God’s grace, which is His undeserved favor and His enabling power! Grace is God enabling us to do with ease what we could never do on our own with any amount of struggle or fleshly effort. How is God's grace helping you enjoy a l ife of peace?
Life cannot be enjoyed without an understanding of God’s grace!
VERSE 3
| R c ivin b F ith
EPHESIANS 1:3
May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!
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We should believe (receive) by faith that God has already supplied us with everything we need to live a blessed life. In God’s kingdom, we must always believe before we see lasting change! We have wisdom, righteousness, peace, power, etc. We are far richer than we realize! God has provided everything we need. List some of the things God has provided for you.
VERSE 4-5
| God’s Lov
God chose us before the world began to be holy and consecrated (set apart for His use), and to stand before Him blameless and above reproach. This is all made available not by our merit, but by the grace of God. EPHESIANS 1:4–5
Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will [ because it pleased Him and was His kind intent].
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VERSE 6
| God’s Acc pt nc
We are made accepted in the Beloved. EPHESIANS 1:6
[So that we might be] to the praise and the commendation of His glorious grace (favor and mercy), which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. How has God ma de you feel accepted? Cherish ed? Special?
He has adopted us to be His own children because it pleased Him. He has done all of this that we might be examples of His glorious grace, favor and mercy.
VERSE 7-13
| In Christ
We have been offered an amazing life, and few realize what is ours in Christ! When we believe in Him, we are “in Him” as far as the way God v iews us. That means that we receiv e freely what He purchased with His death a nd resurrection.
IN HIM we have redemption – we are bought back from the dominion of darkness with the blood of Jesus Christ.
IN HIM we have the forgiveness of our sins – (not according to our merit) but in accordance with the riches of His generosity.
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IN HIM we have wisdom and understanding – (intelligence) in natural and divine things. We are given the grace to understand things that were hidden from other generations who have desired to know about the mystery of Christ. Even angels desired to know what has been revealed to us and they did not. H.A. Ironside stated that the divine revelation of Christ, and the things that are to come, should so grip our souls as to lead us to live here as pilgrims and strangers, knowing this is not our home. We should look forward at all times to the return of Christ!
MYSTERIES GOD SPEAKS ABOUT IN HIS WORD:
1. The mystery of Christ
(See Ephesians 3:4.)
2. The mystery of the kingdom of God
(See Matthew 13:1 1.)
3. The mystery of the ages that is Christ in us, the hope of glory (See Colossians 1:26-27.)
4. The mystery of God’s will
(See Ephesians 1:9.)
5. The mystery of the rapture of the church (See 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 .)
6. The mystery of lawlessness
(See 2 Thessalonians 2:7.)
7. The mystery of Christ and the church
(See Ephesians 5:31-32.)
8. And many others NOTE:
Sometimes I think about what I believe, and it amazes me that I
believe so many things that I have never seen! Truly God gives us g race to believe!!
God has a purpose and He has a plan! He is going to unify all things. Chr ist will be the head of all things. No more division! Every thing “unchristian” wil l be put down. Everyone and everyth ing will recognize the auth ority of Christ.
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What are some ways you are enjoying true unity in your life?
IN HIM we obtain an inheritance! Jesus paid for what we are freely given!
IN HIM we are stamped with the seal of the Holy Spirit. We are owned and approved of by God! Products we purchase have a little seal that tells us the product is good. The manufacturer stands behind it and says that he approves of it! This sealing is only mentioned two times in Ephesians and once in Corinthians. These were two centers of the lumber industry in Paul’s day. When logs were brought in on the Black Sea and held on rafts in the harbor, lumber firms sent their representative to choose and mark (seal as their own) the logs they had chosen.
They might sit in harbor long periods time, and yet for everyone knew tothe whom theyfor belonged. Theyof were separated that specific lumber company. A small fee had been paid as earnest money. The Holy Spirit that we have is our earnest deposit of the good things to come. On the great day of our final redemption when Christ returns, He will take out of this world all who have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. He will know they belong to Him.
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VERSE 14
| God’s Gu r nt
The Holy Spirit is the gua rantee of our inheritance. His presence in our lives is the down payment of the good things to come in happy anticipation of its full redemption. EPHESIANS 1:14
That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the first fruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it—to the praise of His glory. How often do you think about your i nher itance and the day of the Lord’s return?
Paul encouraged the church to think of it often as an exercise in hope! What we have now is not all that there is, and we should not behave as if it were. VERSE 15-20
| P ul’s Pr
r
1. That we might know God 2. That we might know the hope of our inheritance and our calling, or that we might know who we are “in Him”
3. That we might know the power available to those who believe The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us. (See Romans 8:11 and Luke 10:19.) 16
Do you know these things o r merely know about the m?
We will know if we desire to know and study. God said that if we would seek Him, we would find Him.
VERSE 21-23
| Christ’s Authorit
Christ is far above all other authority or rule, not only in this age, but in the world and age that are to come. Every thing is u nder His feet. He is the Head of all things and we are His body; therefore, all things are also under our feet. We have the wonderful gift of authority and power, and we certainly need to learn to use it. We are His body, and in that body lives the full measure of Him! The church is the completeness of Christ! Each of us has a par t, a responsibility, a function, a gif t and ability; and as we employ them for the good and benefit of all, Christ is complete in the earth. He said, “You will do what I have done and greater things shall you do.” (See John 14:12.)
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The Good Dinosaur movie—The baby dinosaur lost his father and lived in fear. He was being chased by “critters” and he wanted his dad to come back and take care of him. But his dad wanted him to know that he already had inside of him what he needed to meet any challenge. There was one statement in the movie toward the end that I took for myself! “Son (daughter), you have me in you and much more—go get that critter!” In what ways do you feel strong in God? How are you experiencing the power that is yours in Christ?
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— EP HES IA NS —
CHAPTER 2 You might say that Ephesians, Chapter 2, reveals the Christian’s past, present and future. It speaks of who we were before accepting Christ, who we are now in Christ, and who we are foreordained to become as we continue growing spiritually and walking in the good plan of God.
VERSE 1
| Who W W r — Our P st
These verses talk about who we were when we were following the ways of the world and were under the control of Satan. We obeyed the passions of the flesh and the impulses of the mind. We followed our own thoughts. 2 Corinthia ns 10:4-5 Satan does battle with us on the battlefield of the mind! For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds.
[Inasmuch as we]and refute arguments reasonings and every proud lofty thing thatand sets theories itself up and against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 19
Our lives were filled with every k ind of misery. Describe a tim e before receiving Chri st that you were miserable. As you do, you wil l be very t hankfu l that you have a new life in Him.
I was unhappy, had no peace, drifting through one day after another, finding fault with everyone and everything. I was filled with bitterness and resentment because of the difficulties of my life. NOTE: I actually had received Christ
, attended church regularly and
followed the rules of “Christianity” as I was taught them, but I was living in who I “was” instead of who I “am” in Christ.
VERSE 4
| But God!
EPHESIANS 2:4
But God—so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us. BUT GOD! He graciously and freely interrupted our misery and fallen state. Acts 7:9 Joseph’s brothers hated him, BUT GOD was with Him. And the patriarchs [Jacob’s sons], boiling with envy and hatred and anger, sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt;but God was with him. Genesis 50:20 Joseph’s brothers meant evil in their treatment
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of him, BUT GOD meant it for good. As for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day. John 10:10 The devil comes to kill, steal and destroy, BUT JESUS came that we might have and enjoy life. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). What situation do you have in your life that you need to trust God to interrupt and work it out for good?
Prayer is an interruption into the plan of Satan!
VERSE 5- 6
| S v d b His Gr c
EPHESIANS 2:5-6
Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation). And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
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We have been given the very life of Christ! Now we are saved by His grace. He has raised us with Him and seated us in heavenly places. God’s rest is ours! How would you say you are livin g in the reality of who you are now in Chr ist? Have you entered into God’s rest?
VERSE 7-9
| Th Gift of God
EPHESIANS 2:7
He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable (limitless, surpassing) riches of His free grace (His unmerited favor) in [His] kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. He did this to clearly show that His grace has no limits! God will go to any extreme to redeem His children. EPHESIANS 2:8-9
For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God.
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Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] We are saved only by grace, not by our own works or striving! Are you still try ing to earn and dese rve what God ha s given freely? Explain .
VERSE 10
| God’s M st rpi c
EPHESIANS 2:10
For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. God recreated us in Christ that we may do the good works that He has predestined (planned). He desires us to take the paths that He laid out. We walk in them and live the good life that He has made ready for us.
1. God created us. Satan, sin and the world damaged us, but God recreated us and made us new! We are partners with God. He has provided a good life for 2. us and we are told to choose to live in it.
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Are you making cho ices that all ow you to live the good life? Are there any choices you need to make r ight now that w ill help you do more good works and live a better life?
VERSE 11-12
| R m mb r...
EPHESIANS 2:11-12
Therefore, remember that at one time you were Gentiles (heathens) in the flesh, called Uncircumcision by those who called themselves Circumcision, [itself a mere mark] in the flesh made by human hands. [Remember] that you were at that time separated (living apart) from Christ [excluded from all part in Him], utterly estranged and outlawed from the rights of Israel as a nation, and strangers with no share in the sacred compacts of the [Messianic] promise [with no knowledge of or right in God’s agreements, His covenants]. And you had no hope (no promise); you were in the world without God.
We are reminded again of what we were.
1.
Separated from God
2. Walking in the flesh 3. Rejected and criticized 4. We had no knowledge of God’s promises, and no share in them.
5. We had no hope and were in the world without God!
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(Think about what a terrible condition we were in, and many are still in.)
VERSE 13-16
| But Now!
But NOW in Christ, we have been brought near. Christ is our peace. Dividing wal ls have been broken down in Him. No one is above us or beneath us. We are all equal in Christ. No need to compare or compete. Galatians 3:28 No one is superior. No male or female, Jew or Greek, slave or free. There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Do you feel inferio r to anyone? Do you suffer with in security or a lack of confi dence? If so, keep growing in knowing who you are in Christ!
VERSE 17-20
| W B lon to Go d’s Hous hold
Paul expounds more on what is ours now in Christ. The people of God, collectively and individually, are a temple for God to dwell in. That temple is continually being built up and is rising higher and higher.
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Matthew 18:20 Where two or three are gathered, there I am in the midst of them. For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I Am in the midst of them. You are special, set apart for God’s use! All believers in Christ are your family! We are being built up for a temple in the Lord! Jesus was a carpenter by trade and He is building you into His image. What are you doing to grow? How are you growing spiritually? Do you realize that you are the home of God, and that you are part of something absolutely amazing?
You are part of God’s temple, and He is the chief cornerstone!
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— EP HES IA NS —
CHAPTER 3 VERSE 1- 5
| Suff rin fo r Christ
The apostle Paul mentions again that he is a prisoner for the Lord, for the sake of t he Gentiles. He was cal led to preach to them, and he was willing to suffer any type of persecution in order to fulfill his cal l! How much would you be wil ling to su ffer in order to f ulfi ll the call of God on your life?
In our western culture, we are not good at being uncomfortable or even inconvenienced. Perhaps we need a new mindset—“I will suffer rather than fail to please God.” 1 Peter 4:1 So, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, for you, arm yourselves with the same thought and purpose [patiently to suffer rather than fail to please God]…. The reason why people walk in the flesh is because of an unwillingness to suffer (be uncomfortable). Colossians 3:1-5 – Ki ll the flesh! (Ouch!) 27
VERSE 6
| F llow H irs
The Gentiles are to be fellow heirs with the Jews. EPHESIANS 3:6
[It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel).
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The Gentiles becoming fello w heirs with the Jews wa s a cu ltural shock to Jew and Gentile—more than we can even imagine! The Jews had worked hard and followed the rules for centuries, and now the Gentiles who had never done that were to be given the same benefits as the Jews. Example: The oldest child in a family often feels this way about the baby who has it easier than the oldest child ever did! They frequently say, “He gets everything handed to him, but I had to work for everything I got!” Matthew 20:1-15 The parable of the master who hired workers at various times of the day, but paid them all the same amount. John 1:17 The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus! For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Chri st. Why give the law? Why not just start with grace? The dispensation of the law/The dispensation of grace—Both were long periods of time in which God interacts with His people in different ways. 28
NOTE: The law had to be given so man could discover that he could never
keep it! He needed God and His h elp.
Man had to face that he was a sinner in order to accept a Savior! Jesus came full of grace and truth.
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES
Roman s 5:6 While we were yet in weakness [powerless to help ourselves], at the fitting time Christ died for (in behalf of) the ungodly. Roman s 5:20 But then Law came in, [only] to expand and increase the trespass [making it more apparent and exciting opposition]. But where sin increased and abounded, grace (God’s unmerited favor) has surpassed it and increased the more and superabounded. Galatians 3:10 All those who seek to be justified through depending on the law are doomed to disappointment! And all who depend on the Law [who are seeking to be justified by obedience to the Law of rituals] are under a curse and doomed to disappointment and destruction, for it is written in the Scriptures, Cursed (accursed, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment) be everyone who does not continue to abide (live and remain) by all the precepts and commands written in the Book of the Law and to practice them.
THE LONG-RANGE PLAN OF GOD
After Adam and Eve sinned, God waited to find someone to work through in order to return things to His srcinal plan. He planned to get His man back and restore His authority. See Luke 4:6 The devil told Jesus that power had been turned over to him, but he was unaware that Jesus was prepared to take it back!
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1 John 3:8 The reason Jesus came was to destroy the works of the devil!! [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen,and dissolve) the works the devil [has done]. God works through people. We are partners with God! He worked through Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Esther, Ruth, Daniel, the prophets, etc. See Genesis 1 2:1-3 He found Abraham and made a covenant of faith with him that in essence said, “You trust me (believe) and I will make you great.” If God spoke to you, woul d you be willin g to leave all and follow Him, e ven if you di d not know where you were going?
We cannot always follow what seems reasonable and experience God’s best for our lives. Abraham experienced extreme blessings, but he had no heir to leave them to. (See Genesis 15:1-6.) Describe a s ituatio n in which you are willin g to believe what is impossible with man, but possible with God.
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Ultimately, Abraham and Sarah had Isaac, Isaac had Jacob, and Jacob had Joseph who through a seemingly very unfair circumstance, ended up in Egypt. Severe famine was in the land, but God had Joseph (His man) uniquely positioned where the food was to make sure His people were taken care of. God arranged circumstances in such a way that He had Joseph positioned right where He needed him at a crucial time in history! Joseph had a dream. His brothers hated him, and pretended he had been killed and sold him to slave traders. He was sold to Potiphar, whose wife tried to seduce him. He resisted even though he went to prison. Would you su ffer rather than compromise your morals or integrity ? Explain.
Eventually the king had a disturbing dream and was told of Joseph, who had ability to interpret dreams. The dream revealed years of famine coming, and a plan to store up grain to make sure there was enough food. Joseph was put in charge of the plan. When his brothers who had abused him came to Egypt for help, they had no idea they would be asking Joseph for help. Joseph helped them without reproach or faultfinding. 31
Joseph foretold before his death that the Israelites would be delivered from Egypt, and gave a commandment that they should carr y his bones with them. Once again, we see that God finds people to work through. Moses enters the scene some 400 years after Joseph. He was destined by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Many miraculous things took place in order for Moses to be positioned to do that at just the right time in history. The Israelites were growing in number, and there were more of them than there were of the Egyptians. The k ing of Egypt gave orders to the midwives that if a boy child was born, they were to kill him. But the midwives feared God more than the king, a nd they hid Moses when he was born. The Pharaoh’s daughter found him and raised him a s her own in the king’ s palace. When it was God’s time for the Jews to be delivered, Moses was in the right place at the right time, and God had already prepared his heart. John 1:17 The law came through Moses, but grace and t ruth came through Jesus Christ! For while the Law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. Describe a ti me when God ha d you in the right pl ace at the right time?
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Do you believe that God h as a plan for your p rotection and deliverance, even though you don’t know what it is? Explain.
VERSE 7-8
| Gifts, T l nts & Abiliti s
Paul expresses that grace alone made him a minister, and that God’s power gave him the gift. He says with humility that he is the least of all t he saints, mak ing it clear that he does not think himself to be better tha n anyone else because of the revelations God has given him. Do you ful ly realize that al l of your gif ts, talent s and abil ities are gifts from God and should in no way make you feel superior to anyone else?
It is very important that we never see ourselves as better than others just because we can do things they cannot do. Romans 12:3 Reminds us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to, but each one according to the grace of God given to us.
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VERSE 12
| Ap p ro c hi n Go d
EPHESIANS 3:12
In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved approach to God with freedom and without fear). What good news it is that we have free access to God. We can approach Him at any time without fear, and boldly and confidently talk with Him about anything and everything. God is interested in everything about us! Write a bold, courageous prayer to God.
VERSE 13
| Pr ss On
EPHESIANS 3:13
So I ask you not to lose heart [not to faint or become despondent through fear] at what I am suffering in your behalf. [Rather glory in it] for it is an honor to you. When things get difficult in life, keep these things i n mind and it will encourage you and enable you to press on boldly!
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VERSE 14-19
1.
| P ul’s Pr
r
Paul prayed, “May you be strengthened with mighty power in the inner man, by the Holy Spirit indwelling your innermost being and personality!” Wow! A spirit-filled personality!
2.
That we would be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. Knowing the love of God makes us secure in a world filled with insecurity.
3. Paul wanted us to experience the love of God rather than merely having knowledge of it.
4. He prayed that we would be filled with God, and become bodies wholly filled and flooded with Him.
These are the types of things we should be praying for instead of simply asking for more and more things, or relief from our troubles. How are your prayers like Paul’s? Should you perhaps pray more for your inward life and less for your outer (circumstances)?
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VERSE 20-21
| Gr
t r Thin s
EPHESIANS 3:20-21
Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] — To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
NOW, (after we know the love of God and the strength of God that is ours)… He is able to do more than we could ever dare to hope, ask, think or imagine according to His power that works in us. Unconditional love gives us courage to pray boldly! God intends to do greater things than you could imagine through you —not just for you, but through you. Think big, hope aggressively, ask for the impossible, and let your imagination run wild w ith the things that a re possible with God! Do you pray, plan, a sk, think an d imagi ne big? Expl ain.
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RECAP
One of the keys to experiencing God’s great plan for our life is knowing who we are in Christ and how much He loves us. Studying t hese first three chapters of Ep hesians has shown us what that truth looks like and how to put it into action in our own life. We also learned about the importance of God’s grace and peace in our life. When we know how to receive God’s grace, it will help us experience God’s peace. We cannot enjoy the life Christ died to give us until we understand and accept God’s grace.
“But because of his
great love for us,
God, who is r ich in mercy , made us alive with Christ e ven when we were dead in transgressions—it
is by grace
you have been saved.” — EPHESIANS 2:4-5
( N I V)
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CHAPTERS 4-6
OUR BEHAVIOR AS BELIEVERS IN CHRIST
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— EP HES IA NS —
CHAPTER 4 VERSE 1
| A n Ap p
l to B l i v rs
Paul appeals to (begs) the believers to live with behavior that wil l be a credit to God! EPHESIANS 4:1
I therefore, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to and beg you to walk (lead a life) worthy of the [divine] calling to which you have been called [with behavior that is a credit to the summons to God’s service. If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we should purpose to behave as He did. The fig tree with only leaves and no fruit. Matthew 21:18-19 In the early dawn the next morning, as He was coming back to the city, He was hungry. And as He saw one single leafy fig tree above the roadside, He went to it but He found nothing but leaves on it [seeing that in the fig tree the fruit appears at the same time as the leaves]. And He said to it, Never again shall fruit grow on you! And the fig tree withered up at once.
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What fr uit of the spirit is evide nt in your life that backs up your claim to be a Christian (Christ follower)?
Do you examine the f ruit of othe r people, or are you me rely impressed by what they say? Explain.
VERSE 2
| At t it ud s Th t A r Pr o p r fo r C hr i st i n s
EPHESIANS 4:2
Living as becomes you] with complete lowliness of mind (humility) and meekness (unselfishness, gentleness, mildness), with patience, bearing with one another and making allowances because you love one another. HUMILITY
MEEKNESS
(unselfishness, gentleness, mildness)
Matthew 11:29 The reason Jesus came was to destroy the works of the devil! Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and youwill find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your soul s. Philippi ans 2:5 Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]. 41
He willingly laid aside His divinity and took on humanity. He made Himself a ser vant. He washed His disciples’ feet! Example: The CEO should at times lay aside the importance connected to his position and identif y with the factory worker! PATIENCE
Patience means putting up with (enduring) some things in people that you don’t like because of love! Luke 21:19 By your steadfastness and patient endurance you shall win the true life of your souls. Self-control requires having control of your soul! *Being patient with the timing of God in our lives is the foundation for being patient with all other things. Very often bad behavior in our daily lives has roots in a deeper problem! When I am content in my soul, I tend to be more content with life in general. Ecclesia stes 7:8 …the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. The proud man always thinks he deserves more than he has. He does not think he should have to wait. He is too good and too important to wait! James 1:4 But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. The patient man is perfect and entire, lacking in nothing! The patient man has fully developed character.
Do you study and seek the fr uit of the Spir it regularly?
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VERSE 3- 6
| Unit & On n ss
We must seek unity within diversity—we are all very different! Psalm 13 3 Where there is unity, there is anointing and blessing! Therefore, I can assume that where there is no unity, there is no anointing and no blessing! Matthew 5:9 Blessed (enjoying enviable happiness, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they shall be called the sons of God! Makers and maintainers of peace are mature (sons). In what areas of your li fe do you feel peace? Why?
VERSE 7-14
| Gr c for Our Pl c
We all have different gifts, and God gives each of us “grace for our place.” These gifts were given when Christ ascended on high a nd led captivity captive. H.A. Ironside, in h is commentar y on Ephesians, stated: “…our blessed Lord in His triumph over death led captive him who had the power of death up to that time, that He might deliver those ‘who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage’ (Hebrews 2:15). In other words, our mighty enemy, Satan,
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is now a conquered foe. He has been led captive at the chariot wheels of Christ, and our Lord has now ascen ded as Man and taken His place upon the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, and there from His exalted seat in glory He gives these gifts to His church for its edification and blessing.” 1 1. H. A. Ironside,Ephesians: An Ironside Expository Commentary, Kregel Publications, Kegel, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI, 1937, 2007, p. 107.
Apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher are given for the perfecting of the saints that they might do the work of the ministr y, growing into maturity and perfection of character.
VERSE 15-17
| Grow Up!
EPHESIANS 4:15-16
Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love.
Don’t behave like the heathen. EPHESIANS 4:17
So this I say and solemnly testify in [the name of] the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the heathen (the Gentiles) do in their perverseness [in the folly, vanity, and emptiness of their souls and the futility] of their minds.
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VERSE 22-24
1.
| Ch n
Strip yourself of your former nature.
2. Be constantly renewed in your mind and attitude. 3. Put on the new nature, created in God’s image. VERSE 26-27
| Controllin Our An
r
EPHESIANS 4:26-27
When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. Anger is an open door for the devil! Don’t give him the opportunity to invade your life. How is your ange r affectin g those around you? Are you allowing deep rooted unforgiveness to remain in your life?
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VERSE 28-29
| Our B h vior
EPHESIANS 4:28-29
Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.
VERSE 30-32
| Don’t Gri v th Hol Spirit
DON’T GRIEVE THE HOLY SPIRIT by whom you were sealed! EPHESIANS 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).
More instructions on how to behave EPHESIANS 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor , contenti on) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). And be come useful and h elpful and ki nd to one anothe r, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one a nother [readi ly and f reely], as Go d in Chri st forgave you. 46
NOTE: If we know who we are i n Christ and understand th
at God views us as
righteous and that Hi s love is not based on our behavior, then we will welcome chastisement in our lives and we will love hearing and studying scriptures that confront our behav ior.
Hebrews 5:12-14 For even though by this time you ought to be teaching others, you actually need someone to teach you over again the very first principles of God’s Word. You have come to need milk, not solid food. For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced and unskilled in the doct rine of righteousness (of conf ormity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Chri
st loved us an d
ga ve h i m s e l f u p fo r u s a s a f ra g ra n t offering and sac rifice to God.” — EPHESIANS 5:1-2
(N I V)
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— EP HES IA NS —
CHAPTER 5 VERSE 1- 9
| Pursu Cl
n Livin !
Because of the great work Christ has done in our behalf, we should be imitators of Him. Don’t compromise! Walk in love. It requires daily vigilance because our flesh is selfish! The Holy Spirit works with us reminding us to choose to walk in the Spirit. 1 Corinthi ans 1 3:1-8 Love can be seen and felt! 1 John 3:14-18 Love is not mere theory or words, but deeds and actions. In what ways could you improve how you treat peopl e? How do you treat people the way you would like to be treated?
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Paul warns against: •
Sexual sin
•
Lustful, rich , wasteful living
•
Greediness
•
Indecency
•
Coarse jesting
•
Foolish, silly, corrupt talk
Instead, be thankfu l and voice your thankful ness. People who practice these things have no inheritance in God’s kingdom! Don’t make excuses or be deceived by them. Don’t associate with people who do behave in this way. You are light, and light is seen in every form of kindly goodness, purity of heart and truth.
VERSE 10-13
| Pl
sin God
Learn in your experience what is pleasing to God and live accordingly. Wanting to please God should be our goal and deep desire! Colossians 1:10 That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition]. 1 Thessa lonia ns 4:1 Furthermore, brethren, we beg and admonish you in [virtue of our union with] the Lord Jesus, that [you follow the instructions which] you learned from us about how you ought to walk so as to please and gratify God, as indeed you are doing, [and] that you do so even more and more abundantly [attaining yet greater perfection in living this life]. 49
When the Lord is pleased, we feel pleasure also because He lives in us; and when He is grieved, we feel grieved! What are some ways you try to be a God-pleaser rather than a man-pleaser?
VERSE 14-17
| M k th Most of Your Tim !
Don’t be a sleepy Christian. Be alert! Be watchful! L ive carefully. Live with pur pose! Don’t be vague! What are some ways you wake up and seize each day? Are you vague or decisive? Do you waste time or are you making the most of it?
VERSE 18-20
| M int inin
H pp H
rt
Don’t get drunk! If you stay filled with the Holy Spirit and maintain a happy heart, you will be happy without that.
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VERSE 21-23
| Husb nds & Wiv s
The relationship between husbands and wives Submit to one another. Wives, submit and adapt to your husbands! That does not mean women should be controlled and ruled by their husbands. However, it does mean that for the sake of order and peace when the two don’t agree, the wife should adapt to her husband. When a husband loves his wife properly, she won’t resist submitting to him. When two are married, they become one! A godly marriage is a great mystery and represents Christ’s relationship with the Church. What are some ways you feel you have submitted to authority when it was dif ficult for you?
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— EP HES IA NS —
CHAPTER 6 VERSE 1- 9
| Honorin Oth rs
Here we have the finish of what began in Ephesians 5:22 regarding the Christian family a nd what their behavior should be toward one another. Honoring our father and mother is the first commandment with a promise! We are promised that things will be well with us and we will live a long life. What is the reverse side of this? If we do not honor our father and mother, it will not be well with us, and our lives could be shortened as a result. What if our parents are dishonorable? Are we then relieved of the need to obey this command? I think we then must do the best we can, and do it for the Lord. VERSES 2 & 7
These verses urge us to do these things as a
service to the Lord. EPHESIANS 6:2
Honor (esteem and value as precious) your father and your mother—this is the first commandment with a promise.
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EPHESIANS 6:7
Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men. VERSES 8
Our reward will come from Him.
EPHESIANS 6:8
Knowing that for whatever good anyone does, he will receive his reward from the Lord, whether he is slave or free. CHAPTERS 5:22-6:9
are pictures of what the Christian
family a nd Christian relationships should look like. When modeled properly, this can be a great example to the world around us. H.A. Ironside, in h is commentar y on Ephesians, stated: “You will notice how intimately verse 22 is linked with verse 21: ‘Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ This is a principle of Christian living which applies to believers in every relationship of lif e, and now that the apostle turns to conside r the Christian family he shows that it applies there. Did you ever stop to think what a wonderful institution the Christian family is? In reading a letter from a missionary in a heathen land I was struck by a paragraph which read something like this: ‘How we wish that some of our Christ ian people could come and settle among us, even if not to engage in missionary work. There are different ways by which one might make his living among this semi-civilized people. For instance, we might have a Christian dentist and his wife, or a Christian worker in leather, a shoemaker, harness maker, and his wife and family. It would mean a great deal to us to have a harmonious family here, for we can conceive of nothing that could so commend Christ ianity to our people as just to see a Chri stian family functioning according to the New Testament. It would be so utterly different from anything our people have ever known. A Christian husband loving and honoring his wife, a Christian wife living in sweet and 53
beautiful subjection and loyalty in her home. Christian children who really delight in obedience to their parents, parents who love their children and seek to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.’” 2 2. H. A. Ironside,Ephesians: An Ironside Expository Commentary, Kregel Publications, Kegel, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI, 1937, 2007, p. 157.
Do your family (relatives and f rie nds) relation ships look lik e this? If not, what can you do to improve those relationships?
VERSE 10
| B Stron in th Lord
EPHESIANS 6:10
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides]. Our strength is found in Christ. Through onen ess with Him a nd time with Him, we are empowered for daily life and all opposition. Do you spen d regular qu ality tim e with God, seeking the strength that is found only in Him?
VERSE 11-13
| Spiritu l B ttl
We are in a spiritual battle. We are soldiers in God’s army. 54
God supplies us with armor to protect us, but we must put it on. Do all each crisis demands and then stand (abide) in Christ. Do what God assigns you to do and then wait, trusting Him to do what only He can do.
VERSE 14-18
| Th Armor of God
We are fighting a real enemy. We don’t see him or his army with our natural eye, but we do see and feel the results of their attack. We are protected from our enemies by putting on the armor that God gives us. Revelati on 16:15 Behold, I am going to come like a thief! Blessed (happy, to be envied) is he who stays awake (alert) and who guards his clothes, so that he may not be naked and [have the shame of being] seen exposed! Spiritual clothing! We don’t see this clothing, but it is clearly seen in the spiritual realm. Put on Christ, love, mercy, and the full armor of God! Judges 6:34 But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with Himself and took possession of him, and he blew a tr umpet, and [the clan of] Abiezer was gathered to him. Job 2 9:14 I put on righteousness , and it clothed me or clothed itself with me; my justice was like a robe and a turban or a diadem or a crown!
THE BELT OF TRUTH
In battle, tighten the belt of truth! Hang on to God’s promises in His Word more strongly than at any other time. Knowing the truth is very valuable.
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What are some things you do to regularly study God’s Word?
If you don’t like your answer, then KEEP GROWING!
THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Roman s 5:17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Knowing who you are in Christ and understanding how God views you is vital to spiritual warfare! What kind of relationship do you have with yourself? Do you love yourself in a balanced and healthy way? Do you feel guilty an d condemn ed or forgiven and r ighteous?
If you don’t like your answer, then KEEP GROWING! EPHESIANS 1:17-19
Paul prayed three very important things for the church.
1.
Know God.
2. Know what your inheritance is and the hope He has called you to.
3. Know the power that is yours as a believer in Christ. 56
THE SHOES OF PEACE
Walk in peace at all times! Philippi ans 4:6-7 Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in e verything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 1 Peter 3:10-11 For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!] 1 Thessa lonia ns 5:6 Accordingly then, let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect). Be on guard to remain calm at all ti mes. How have you used peace as a p owerfu l weapon again st the devil?
KEEP GROWING!
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THE SHIELD OF FAITH
Habakkuk 2:4 Look at the proud; his soul is not straight or right within him, but the [rigidly] just and the [uncompromisingly] righteous man shall live by his faith and in his faithfulness. Let faith be mixed w ith everythi ng you do. Walk in faith. Live by faith. “Lift up the shield” refers to RELEASING your faith! Faith is released by praying, saying and doing (actions and attitudes). EPHESIANS 6:16
Lift up OVER ALL the shield of saving faith!
Take a minute and think about what you are thinking about. In what way(s) could you think more lik e God?
If you don’t like your ans wer, then K EEP GROWING!
THE HELMET OF SALVATION
Think like a Christian. Always be full of hope, especially in battle! 2 Corinthia ns 10:4-5 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds.
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[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)… The mind is the battlefield. Psalm 27:13 [What, what would have become of me ] had I not believed that I would see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living! How many things do you do w ithout faith?
If you don’t like your answer, then KEEP GROWING!
THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT – THE WORD OF GOD
The importance of speaking the Word of God cannot be over-exaggerated! It contains power that is greater than we may ever fully real ize. Hebrews 4:12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judgi ng the very thoughts and purposes of the heart. Revelati on 1:16 In His right hand He held seven stars, and from His mouth there came forth a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full power at midday.
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Revelati on 19:15 From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fi erceness of the wrath and indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent). Do you regularly speak God’s Word over your life and situations? If you don’t, you can start now!
COVER EVERYTHING WITH PRAYER
Prayer is the greatest privilege we have and contains power beyond our imagination! If we really understood the power of prayer, we would pray without ceasing! James 4:2 You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your desires go unfulfilled; [so] you become murderers. [To hate is to murder as far as your hearts are concerned.] You burn with envy and anger and are not able to obtain [the gratification, the contentment, and the happiness that you seek], so you fight and war. You do not have, because you do not ask. John 14:13 -14 And I will do [I Myself will grant] whatever you ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am], so that the Father may be glorified and extolled in (through) the Son. [Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]. John 15:7 If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you. John 16:24 Up to this time you have not asked a [single] thing in My Name [as presenting all that I Am]; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy (gladness, delight) may be full and complete. 60
How committed are you to prayer?
If you don’t like your ans wer, today is the ri ght day to make a change! NOTE: Ephesians gives a f
ull picture of the Christian’s privilege, inheritance
and responsibilities. Study it often. I pray this series of teachings has helped you!
RECAP
In light of who we are i n Christ, t he last th ree chapters of Ephesians teaches us about our behavior. We are made to bring glory to God, so our behaviors are very important. Changing our behavior is not a work of the flesh — something we feel like we have to do to get God to love us, but it’s something we want to do because of our great love for Him. The truth is, you can’t really change your behavior until you know who you are in Christ. And we can’t change ourselves, but we can ask God to change us. It’s only by God’s grace and help that we are able to become who He says we can be in Him.
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For th word of God is liv nd pow rful. It is sh rp r th n th sh rp st two- d d sword, cuttin b tw n soul nd spirit, b tw n joint nd m rrow. It xpos s our inn rmost thou hts nd d sir s. HEBREWS 4:12
(NLT)
