By Grace

Ephesians 6:18-23

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. 19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should. 21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Are you aware of what you have and do not have when it comes to sharing the gospel?

 

Ephesians 6:19-20

19 And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

 

What does Paul’s need for composure and courage say to you? 

 

Will you pray for the work of the gospel?

 

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”

 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

3 I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

 

Watch the lives of those who lead with the gospel.

 

Ephesians 6:21-22

21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

 

1 Corinthians 9:22-27

22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. 24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

 

By God’s amazing grace, we live with what we have received.

 

Ephesians 6:23-24

23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give  you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Ephesians 1:1-3

1 This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God’s holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. 2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. 3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.

Ephesians 4:11-13

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

 

 “The body is at war with a spiritual enemy. We do not just walk, but we also war.”  Tom Constable

 

Ephesians 6:10-18

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

 

Ephesians 2:9-10 

9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

 

Ephesians 4:30 

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

 

Hebrews 4:12-13

12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

 

Matthew 4:1-4

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. 2 For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. 3 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deut. 8:3)

 

Ephesians 6:18

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

 

Ephesians 3:16

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.

 

Romans 8:26

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

 

Matthew 26:41

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

 

Stay alert by persisting in your prayers.

 

Ephesians 4:14-16

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Ephesians 5:15-21

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

Why is it so difficult to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ?

 

Ephesians 6:10-11

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 

 

Submission to the will of Christ is made more difficult by the strategies of Satan.

 

Ephesians 6:12

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

 

To engage in a spiritual conflict you require spiritual equipment.

 

Ephesians 6:13-14

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 

 

Ephesians 4:21-24

21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

 

Ephesians 6:15

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 

 

Psalm 73:2-3

2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. 3 For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

 

To engage in a spiritual conflict you require spiritual exercise.

 

Ephesians 6:16

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 

 

Ephesians 6:17

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:5-9

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. 7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 8 Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free. 9 Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

 

Employers and Employees, though different in roles, model Christlikeness in their relationship.

 

Ephesians 6:5

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. 

 

Humility acknowledges Who is truly in charge.

 

1 John 4:20-21

20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.

 

Ephesians 6:6-7

6 Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. 7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

 

Authentic service comes from who you are when no one is looking.

 

1 Corinthians 7:21-22
21 Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. 22 And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ.

 

1 Corinthians 9:19

 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.

 

The status of a Christian is always one of freedom to live like Jesus.

 

Ephesians 6:8

Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.

 

Romans 2:9-11

9 There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 10 But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.

 

Ephesians 6:9

Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Don’t threaten them; remember, you both have the same Master in heaven, and he has no favorites.

 

Employers don't manipulate with fear but motivate with grace.

Carnegie’s Six Ways to Make People Like You

• Become genuinely interested in them.
• Smile.
• Remember that a person’s name is to him or her the sweetest and most important sound.
• Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
• Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
• Make the other person feel important—and do it sincerely.

 

Luke 6:31

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.”

 

Philippians 2:3-5

3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

 

Ephesians 5:21

……submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

Obedience to human authority begins with reverence for Divine authority.

 

Ephesians 6:1

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do.

 

How do children imitate Christ’s example in the context of family life?

 

Exodus 20:12

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

 

Ephesians 6:2-3

2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

 

How do children learn HOW to honor their parents?

 

Ephesians 6:4

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

 

Discipline refers to direction and correction by example.

Instruction refers to direction and correction by the spoken word.

 

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

Ephesians 5:1-2

1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

 

Ephesians 5:21

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

In the passage addressed to the marriage relationship, the relationship between Christ and the church emerges with prominence.

 

Ephesians 5:23b

Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.

 

Jesus is not only the Authority for the church, He is responsible for the church.

 

Ephesians 5:24

The church submits to Christ.

 

The church gives herself to the One entrusted with her provision.

 

Ephesians 5:25b-26

25b Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her (5:2b)  26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 

 

What does Christ’s love for the church look like?

He left heaven to mount the cross and have the church.

He will define her by the vows spoken to her.

 

Ephesians 5:27

He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.

 

Ephesians 5:5a

You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.

 

Ephesians 5:29-30, 32

29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body.

32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

 

Jesus is the Head of His church and the Savior of His Body!

Ephesians 5:25-33   

25 For husbands, this [submission/humility/servanthood] means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. 27 He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28 In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. 29 No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. 30 And we are members of his body. 31 As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. 33 So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

 

Paul is teaching two truths at the same time, using each one to explain the other -

Marriage, and the relationship between Christ and His church/bride.

Our marriages are important to Him!

 

Love (not romance) is the commitment to do what is best for the one loved.

 

Ephesians 5:25-26

25 He gave up his life for her 26 to make her holy, clean, glorious, without any blemish or fault.

 

Verse 27 Jesus desires His church/bride to be glorious, pure, holy, and in love with Him - Not because of commands or rules, but because He demonstrated the most extravagant, sacrificial love ever.

Her love is a response to His love/grace (1John 4:10)

 

Husbands must sacrifice the same way, and for the same reason.

His life of sacrifice will lead her into the same thing.

 

Headship and authority

 

Matthew 20:25 28 (NIV)

But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.

 

Headship includes sacrifice.

 

1Peter 5:2-3

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

 

Ephesians 5:28

In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies Men are aware of their own needs, and can/must learn to be aware of the needs of their wife.

 

1Peter 3:7

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

 

Men do not naturally understand the needs of a woman, but they can learn if they are willing.

How to recognize her needs? Listen when she complains/nags.

 

Ephesians 5:31  

As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”

 

If she becomes his primary commitment - above everything - they both experience JOY!

 

How to improve a marriage:

-Be filled with the Holy Spirit, daily. Whether you or your spouse is the main problem, you need God’s help.

-Confess your sin, (without blaming) ask forgiveness, and grant forgiveness. You can’t go forward without dealing with the past.

-Speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15) Breaking out of old patterns is hard! Express your heart but don't criticize. Remember, you can’t change your spouse. Ask questions.

-Pray together. Get God’s help together.

 

Ephesians 4:22-24 

throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

 

Most of us are pretty comfortable with our thinking and don’t feel much need to change.

 

Ephesians 5:15 

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

 

Do you know anyone who thinks they are foolish?

 

Fools don’t listen to advice or take correction about their own behavior or choices.

They don’t think about how their present choices will affect their future.

 

Ephesians 5:18  

Don’t be drunk with wine, [drinking is to fit in, getting drunk is to escape] because that will ruin your life. [Is God’s grace enough to face life without escaping?] Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.

 

Results of being filled with the Spirit:

Worship - When we recognize that God is more awesome than anything else (verse 19)

Thanks - for His love, acceptance, presence, grace (verse 20)

 

Ephesians 5:21

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

All believers submit to all believers all the time.

“Out of reverence for Christ” - even if others don’t deserve it - do it for Him.

 

1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

 

Two closely related words:

Submit = place under

Be humble = make low

 

Ephesians 4:2a 

Always be humble and gentle (meek).

How many people do you know who want to be humble or gentle/meek?

 

Matthew 11:28-29

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

 

Was Jesus weak or wimpy?

 

Philippians 2:3-7    

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than/above yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude/mind that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave. (servant)

 

“Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God.”  

-Bruce Shelley

 

Humility/submission does not mean inferiority.  Jesus was completely submissive, but in no way inferior

 

What was Jesus’ most repeated teaching? (Seven times)

 

Luke 9:23-24

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way (deny yourself), take up your cross daily, and follow me. 24 If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. 

 

This is more than about marriage - this is about how to find life!

 

Ephesians 5:22-24  

For wives, this means submit [Choose the mind of Christ, choose the role of a servant] to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

 

“As to the Lord” - Your husband may not deserve it, so do it for Jesus.

 

“The head” directs the body based on its needs. 

Headship involves both authority and responsibility. 

 

1 Corinthians 11:3a 

“The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.”

 

How did Jesus submit to the Father, and how does He relate to the church?

 

Husbands are sinners and sometimes abuse their headship. Some dominate, others abdicate.

Wives are sinners and sometimes resist the husband’s headship.

The answer to both, is “the mind of Christ.”

 

The mind of Christ - submission/humility - is the “secret” to finding fulfillment.

 

Ephesians 5:15-21
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-16
15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 

Jeremiah 8:6
I listen to their conversations and don’t hear a word of truth. Is anyone sorry for doing wrong? Does anyone say, “What a terrible thing I have done” No! All are running down the path of sin as swiftly as a horse galloping into battle!

Psalm 90:12
Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Ephesians 5:17
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 

“Usually when Christians speak of discerning the will of the Lord, they have in mind God’s will regarding major decisions about some life-stage. This is not what the text is about. The text is about God’s intent for the way we live every day, about what is pleasing to him.” 
-Klyne Snodgrass, Ephesians.

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take

Ephesians 5:18-21
18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  21 And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

 

Are you guilty of living under the influence?

Ephesians 3:19
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 4:10
And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 

 

What are the results of living under the Spirit’s influence?

Praising and Thanking God!  (5:4)
Mutual Submission and Service (5:1-2)

Ephesians 5:1-14

1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. 3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. 10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

 

Ephesians 5:3-5

3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

 

Exodus 20:17

“You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

 

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

18 Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. 19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

 

Ephesians 5:5

You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

 

Ephesians 5:6

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.

 

Ephesians 5:7-9

Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.

 

Ephesians 5:10-14

10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.  13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,  “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

 

Applications

God made you a new person, thank him for that gracious miracle.

God moved you from darkness to light, remember the difference.

God means to have control of your body, submit it to Him.

Sexual immorality is sexual sin. Expose it don’t excuse it.

 

Eventually what I desire for my children – and what God desires for His children – becomes less about what we want them to DO and more about who or what we want them to BE.  Who they are becoming is so much more significant than what they’re doing.

 

Ephesians 4:31-5:2

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

 

Ephesians 4:32

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 

Be a child who is dedicated to being different.

 

Romans 12:2a

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

 

Ephesians 4:23-24

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

 

1 Peter 2:1-3

So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness (chrestos).

 

1 Peter 3:8-9

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

 

Apologizing is the world’s substitute for forgiving.

 – Jay Adams, Forgiven to Forgiving

 

Ephesians 5:1

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

Watch what God does, and then do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents (MSG)

 

Be a child who imitates rather than impersonates.

 

Galatians 4:6

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”

 

Ephesians 5:2

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

 

Be a child who sacrifices like his Savior for his family

 

1 John 4:9-12

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.  Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.

 

Ephesians 3:17

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

 

Be a child who is dedicated to being different.

Be a child who imitates rather than impersonates.

Be a child who sacrifices like his Savior, for his family.

Ephesians 4:17-32

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. 30 And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 

The Exhortations of Ephesians 4

“…….lead a life worthy of your calling……”  (4:1)

“Put on your new nature…..”  (v. 24)

“Live no longer as the Gentiles do……”  (4:17)

“Throw off your old sinful nature…..”  (4:22)

“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live.”  (4:30)

 

Ephesians 4:29

29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

 

Words are expensive, spend them wisely.

 

Colossians 4:6

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

 

Proverbs 10:21

The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.

 

Does your accent give you away?

 

Ephesians 4:30

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

 

Ephesians 1:13

And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.

 

Ephesians 4:31-32

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

 

Be aware of the underlying causes for your presenting behaviors.

 

Matthew 15:18-19

18 But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

 

Philippians 4:8

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

 

Ephesians 4:17-28

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. 25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

 

The indicatives of our identity establish the imperatives of obedience.

 

Ephesians 4:25

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

 

Truth is the foundation of a spiritual wardrobe.

 

Ephesians 4:14-15

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

 

Ephesians 4:26-27

26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil. 

 

Self-control never goes out of style.

 

Psalm 4:4

Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.

 

Colossians 3:8-9

8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

 

Romans 12:18

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. 

 

“He that will be angry and not sin, let him be angry and nothing but sin.”

- John Trapp

 

The model we follow determines the way that we work.

 

Ephesians 4:28 

If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

 

Genesis 2:15

The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.

Ephesians 4:17-24

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

 

Heed the warning sign at the pedestrian crossing!

 

Ephesians 4:17-18

17 With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him.

 

Ephesians 4:1

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

 

Romans 1:20-24

20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. 22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies.

 

Sin either excuses itself or embarrasses itself.

 

Ephesians 4:19

They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

 

Ephesians 4:20

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ.

 

Make sure your clothing is coming from the right closet.

 

Ephesians 4:21-22

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.

 

1 Peter 1:14

So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.

 

Ephesians 4:23-24

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

Ephesians 4:11-16

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

 

Puberty

The end of childhood is marked by the stage of puberty. Not yet “adult-like” (adolescent) in behavior, those going through puberty are in full hormonal chaos. The sights and smells of puberty can be an unwelcome experience but endure it we must. In puberty lies the hope of maturity! 

 

We all start as children and must learn to grow.

 

John 3:6-7

6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’

 

Ephesians 4:11-13

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

 

We must learn to grow so as not to be deceived.

 

Ephesians 4:14

14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.

 

The Nature of Childhood

Easily distracted 

Easily bored

Easily deceived

 

Galatians 1:6-9

6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.

8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed.

 

1 Peter 2:2-3

2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

 

We are growing into an authentic representation of Christ.

 

Ephesians 4:15

15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

 

Unity through the exercise of diversity displays maturity.

 

Ephesians 4:16

16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Matthew 7:11 

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

 

Ephesians 4:7-12

7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. 8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself. 11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

 

Ephesians 4:7

However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ.

 

Ways to discover your spiritual gift(s):

1) Read and pray over the Scriptures  (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 & Romans 12:6-8)

2) Start serving

3) Ask other believers

 

Ephesians 4:8-10

8 That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. 10 And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.

 

Romans 5:8-10

⁸ But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  ⁹ And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. ¹⁰ For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

 

The conquering King commissions former convicts.

 

Luke 17:10

 ¹⁰ In the same way, when you obey me you should say, ‘We are unworthy servants who have simply done our duty.’”

 

Ephesians 4:11-12

11 Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. 12 Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.

 

Leaders train, common believers carry the load.

 

“The work of testifying to the gospel of the grace of God ought not to be left to ministers alone. All who have received mercy ought to find a tongue and to declare what God has done for their souls. Thousands, humanly speaking, would listen to a word from a friend who will not listen to a sermon. Every believer ought to be a home missionary, a missionary to his family, children, servants, neighbours, and friends.”

-JC Ryle (from Daily Readings from All Four Gospels compiled by Robert Sheehan)

 

Ephesians 4:1-6

1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

 

Ephesians 4:1

1 Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. 

 

Ephesians 4:30

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

 

Ephesians 4:2

2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 

 

The Positive Characteristics

Humility

Gentleness (Meekness)

Patient Relational Endurance in Love

 

Matthew 11:29 

Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

 

Mark 6:5-6

5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.

 

Luke 9:51-54

51 As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. 53 But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. 54 When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?”  Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.

 

Work for peace within the unity created by the Holy Spirit.

 

Ephesians 4:3-6

3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.

 

Ephesians 4:1

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

 

Ephesians 1:9-10

9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.

 

Genesis 12:1-3

1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

 

Matthew 13:44-49a

44 “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. 45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. 46 When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it! 47 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. 48 When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore, sat down, and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away. 49 That is the way it will be at the end of the world.”

 

Ephesians 2:14-16

14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.

 

Ephesians 3:6

6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.

 

The Content of the Mystery Revealed

1. Gentile and Jewish believers share equally in the riches of inheritance as children of God.

2. Gentile and Jewish believers are united together in one body, the church.

3. Gentile and Jewish believers belong to Jesus and look forward to the blessings of that shared relationship.

 

Ephesians 4:1

Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.