PS Having understood that salvation is something that God does in the life of the believer, we must now face the difficult subject of Apostasy. Apostasy means to stand in another place - in an opposing position. There are many who think that they are christians when they are not. These people can and often do fall away from their superficial attachment to the church and the gospel. We see this in the case of those who ate of the five loaves and two fish in the lifetime of Christ. Not all who attended the preaching of Christ and who give a superficial acceptance of Christ actually put their faith in him. The letter to the Hebrews is written to a whole group of Jews who rejoiced in Christ at some level, yet they were considering rejecting Christ and returning to Judaism and the Theology of Caiaphas! And then we also have true believers in Christ who sin and fall away from fellowship with him and his people and whom God will restore to himself. True believers are saved and saved for eternity. Sometimes it is very difficult to discern which group a particular person who has fallen away belongs to.
Steve
15/09/2010
Is eternal security biblical?
The truth of eternal security is very clear in the Bible. Read Rom 8. Everything stands or falls on the question of who saves? I contend that it is Christ who is the Saviour and therefore it is a question of whether he is successful in bringing about the salvation that he has promised to those who believe. Once we realise that Salvation is of the Lord and not in the hands of men it becomes clear that those who believe are saved and Christ will not let them go. When Christ died he said 'It is finished'. Now if the work of salvation is finished, then what is there left for us to do? Nothing but to believe in the work that Christ has finished. So salvation is not about what l have done. Its about what he has done. And it’s not about whether I can hold on to him but whether he can hold on to me. If salvation were about me and what l have done then salvation would never be realised. But praise God its all about Him. It’s about what Christ does for the sinner who believes and it’s about what he has done to bring salvation about.
Steve
Steve
September 15th Ephesians, 6
1: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2: Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3: That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 5: Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6: Not with eye-service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7: With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9: And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. 10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14: Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15: And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19: And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20: For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21: But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. 23: Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24: Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Next Paul turns his attention to the Christian family and in the family the key point for children is obedience to parents. Paul says, ‘this is right’. In other words this is the right attitude of children to their parents in the Lord. For Paul’s basis for this injunction he turns to the principle behind the commandment of the Old Covenant. He quotes it saying…’Honour thy father and mother; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Paul also points out that this was the first commandment with a specific promised attached to it. The commandment stated that those who honour (the idea is not just obedience or even just respect but it includes the idea of giving financial support to those who are elderly and unable to support themselves) their parents are promised by Jehovah long life. Then Paul turns his attention to the Fathers and he says You Fathers, do not provoke your children (by unreasonable demands) to anger. But Fathers are to enable them to grow up to live righteously and by discipline to understand the ways of the Lord. Such discipline is prescribed by the Lord and is administered in his name. Next Paul gives exhortation to Servants. (Slaves or Bondslaves. It’s interesting that the Apostolic writers neither condemn nor support slavery) He says, Servants are to be obedient to their own masters in the flesh. And they are to do this in great reverence and with a devotion to their master alone, as if they are serving Christ. Again Paul raises the obedience of the Christian to a very high and noble level. They are to serve their slave master as if they are serving Christ himself. And they are not to serve only when they are seen but they are to serve with integrity, as if they are serving Christ. And in doing so they will be doing the will of God – from the whole person. These christian slaves must have been greatly valued by their masters. Christianity far from destroying slavery in the heart of the slave turned it into an honourable thing. What they did for their master they did as an act of devotion unto the Lord. Because they knew that God rewards all believers for the good they do, whether they are slaves or freemen. Next Paul turns his attention on the slave masters. Again Paul says nothing to destroy the concept of slavery in the Roman Empire. He addresses them as believers saying that they also have a master in heaven and that they are to treat their slaves in kindness and they are not to be overbearing. And so Paul is finally bringing his letter to an end. He says, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his almighty power. In other words lean heavily on him. Trust in his almighty enabling. Then Paul uses the analogy of a soldier. Perhaps he was thinking of the soldier chained to him while he wrote. He says, put on the whole armour of God so that you will be able to stand against all the battle tactics of the Devil. This was the Whole body armour of the heavily armed soldier. This armour is a defence against strategy as well as assault. Paul reminds the believers that our fight is not against human beings but against, Satanic princes and their demonic agents who do their will, and against ‘the world rulers of this darkness’. These beings are engaged in great wickedness in the heavenly realm. And so we are to, positively put on the armour that God provides. Not so that we might go forth and conquer but so that we might remain standing on the battle field when the battle is over. And so Paul describes the act of putting on the armour. There are two types of clothing here. Those that are already on and those that we pick up when the fight starts. First thing that we already have on, is the belt of truth. The image is of our minds uncontrolled and encumbering, so says Paul, pick up your thoughts and tie they together with truth. The second thing that the Christian soldier has on already is the body armour of moral uprightness. This is the very thing that will cause the soldier to stand erect, stiff and strong in battle. The third thing that the Christian soldier always has on in the field of battle is the heavy shoe, studded with nails and strapped firmly onto the calves. (It’s no good trying to strap it on when the enemy comes – then it will be too late.) This gives the soldier firm footing. Paul links this to the Gospel. Paul is saying a though understanding of the Gospel gives stability to the man of God in battle. Next he turns his attention to the three things that he picks up when battle commences. The first is the shield of faith. This is the long shield which was four foot six high and two feet six wide. Made of wicker and leather and covered in wet cloth, sometimes curved on the inside so that it stood upright by itself. It was used to hide behind when the flaming arrows rained down on the troupes. In a similar way we as believers need to learn to stand behind faith as our shield and this shield can extinguish all the flaming arrows of unbelief. Self confidence is combustible but faith puts out unbelief. The second item which we put on in the battle is the helmet of salvation. This is the thing that will ultimately protect the head and save the life. It is the helmet that saves. Thirdly Paul says; take the Sword of the Spirit. This is the only offensive weapon. The image is of the soldiers standing together on the field with their shields locked together. They do not progress but they stand firm and any evil one who comes near is stabbed though the gaps in the shield wall. And lastly he says, praying always. In other words to continue the analogy we keep in contact with the commander praying in every type of prayer and watching carefully on how the soldiers stand together. And Paul says, While we are talking about prayer – pray for me, (How touching) that l might have courage to preach the truth of the mystery of the Gospel. Because it is for this reason that l am Gods spokesman in chains. Pray that l will speak as l ought to speak. Paul says, So that you may know all my circumstances l have sent Tychicus a much loved brother in Christ and faithful minister in the Lord to you, and so that he will bring news from you to me. Paul closes by pronouncing a blessing of peace to the believers and adds to it love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Steve
Next Paul turns his attention to the Christian family and in the family the key point for children is obedience to parents. Paul says, ‘this is right’. In other words this is the right attitude of children to their parents in the Lord. For Paul’s basis for this injunction he turns to the principle behind the commandment of the Old Covenant. He quotes it saying…’Honour thy father and mother; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Paul also points out that this was the first commandment with a specific promised attached to it. The commandment stated that those who honour (the idea is not just obedience or even just respect but it includes the idea of giving financial support to those who are elderly and unable to support themselves) their parents are promised by Jehovah long life. Then Paul turns his attention to the Fathers and he says You Fathers, do not provoke your children (by unreasonable demands) to anger. But Fathers are to enable them to grow up to live righteously and by discipline to understand the ways of the Lord. Such discipline is prescribed by the Lord and is administered in his name. Next Paul gives exhortation to Servants. (Slaves or Bondslaves. It’s interesting that the Apostolic writers neither condemn nor support slavery) He says, Servants are to be obedient to their own masters in the flesh. And they are to do this in great reverence and with a devotion to their master alone, as if they are serving Christ. Again Paul raises the obedience of the Christian to a very high and noble level. They are to serve their slave master as if they are serving Christ himself. And they are not to serve only when they are seen but they are to serve with integrity, as if they are serving Christ. And in doing so they will be doing the will of God – from the whole person. These christian slaves must have been greatly valued by their masters. Christianity far from destroying slavery in the heart of the slave turned it into an honourable thing. What they did for their master they did as an act of devotion unto the Lord. Because they knew that God rewards all believers for the good they do, whether they are slaves or freemen. Next Paul turns his attention on the slave masters. Again Paul says nothing to destroy the concept of slavery in the Roman Empire. He addresses them as believers saying that they also have a master in heaven and that they are to treat their slaves in kindness and they are not to be overbearing. And so Paul is finally bringing his letter to an end. He says, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his almighty power. In other words lean heavily on him. Trust in his almighty enabling. Then Paul uses the analogy of a soldier. Perhaps he was thinking of the soldier chained to him while he wrote. He says, put on the whole armour of God so that you will be able to stand against all the battle tactics of the Devil. This was the Whole body armour of the heavily armed soldier. This armour is a defence against strategy as well as assault. Paul reminds the believers that our fight is not against human beings but against, Satanic princes and their demonic agents who do their will, and against ‘the world rulers of this darkness’. These beings are engaged in great wickedness in the heavenly realm. And so we are to, positively put on the armour that God provides. Not so that we might go forth and conquer but so that we might remain standing on the battle field when the battle is over. And so Paul describes the act of putting on the armour. There are two types of clothing here. Those that are already on and those that we pick up when the fight starts. First thing that we already have on, is the belt of truth. The image is of our minds uncontrolled and encumbering, so says Paul, pick up your thoughts and tie they together with truth. The second thing that the Christian soldier has on already is the body armour of moral uprightness. This is the very thing that will cause the soldier to stand erect, stiff and strong in battle. The third thing that the Christian soldier always has on in the field of battle is the heavy shoe, studded with nails and strapped firmly onto the calves. (It’s no good trying to strap it on when the enemy comes – then it will be too late.) This gives the soldier firm footing. Paul links this to the Gospel. Paul is saying a though understanding of the Gospel gives stability to the man of God in battle. Next he turns his attention to the three things that he picks up when battle commences. The first is the shield of faith. This is the long shield which was four foot six high and two feet six wide. Made of wicker and leather and covered in wet cloth, sometimes curved on the inside so that it stood upright by itself. It was used to hide behind when the flaming arrows rained down on the troupes. In a similar way we as believers need to learn to stand behind faith as our shield and this shield can extinguish all the flaming arrows of unbelief. Self confidence is combustible but faith puts out unbelief. The second item which we put on in the battle is the helmet of salvation. This is the thing that will ultimately protect the head and save the life. It is the helmet that saves. Thirdly Paul says; take the Sword of the Spirit. This is the only offensive weapon. The image is of the soldiers standing together on the field with their shields locked together. They do not progress but they stand firm and any evil one who comes near is stabbed though the gaps in the shield wall. And lastly he says, praying always. In other words to continue the analogy we keep in contact with the commander praying in every type of prayer and watching carefully on how the soldiers stand together. And Paul says, While we are talking about prayer – pray for me, (How touching) that l might have courage to preach the truth of the mystery of the Gospel. Because it is for this reason that l am Gods spokesman in chains. Pray that l will speak as l ought to speak. Paul says, So that you may know all my circumstances l have sent Tychicus a much loved brother in Christ and faithful minister in the Lord to you, and so that he will bring news from you to me. Paul closes by pronouncing a blessing of peace to the believers and adds to it love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Steve
14/09/2010
September 14th
21: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23: For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24: Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27: That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28: So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31: For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32: This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33: Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Paul is giving his closing exhortations. He says we are all to submit yourselves to each other. The primary practical relation we have to each other is to put other people first and in a sense of reverence to the Lord. The idea that we must have our say and that we will tell other people what they must do, dominating them in the church is completely foreign to the spirit of humility and meekness. Paul takes this thought further into the marriage relationship he says that wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands as if they are submitting themselves unto the Lord. Paul explains why this must be so, He says the husband is the head of the wife in the same way that Christ is head of the Church and he (Christ) is the Saviour of the church. So just as the church is subject to Christ so the wives are to be subject to their husbands in everything. Then Paul turns his attention to the husbands. He says, you men are to love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. This passage may be objected to by modern women but the passage sets a very, very high standard for the husbands. They are to love their wives in the same way that Christ loved the church and laid down his life for them. So while the wives submit to their husbands in everything, the husbands love them, even to laying down their lives for their wives. Christ loved the church and gave himself for her that he might make her holy and continually cleanse her by the washing of the word, so that he might present the church to himself in such a state, that she has no defilement of sin or wrinkle of old age or any other thing. The church is to be holy and without blemish. The standard that Christ has for the husbands may seem at first to be a very low standard. He is to love his wife as himself. Yet in fact it is a very, very high standard, because every man looks after himself and feeds himself in such a way that he is strengthened and healthy. Husbands are to look after their wives as if they are looking after their own body. We as believers are members of Christ’s body. When a man leaves his father and mother and is joined in matrimony to his wife in the most intimate way. And so it is with the church and Christ. This is a great mystery – which has only just been revealed to me, says Paul, (When l speak of Christ and his church) The keynote of a husbands marriage is to love his wife and the keynote of a wives marriage is to have reverence to her husband.
Steve
Paul is giving his closing exhortations. He says we are all to submit yourselves to each other. The primary practical relation we have to each other is to put other people first and in a sense of reverence to the Lord. The idea that we must have our say and that we will tell other people what they must do, dominating them in the church is completely foreign to the spirit of humility and meekness. Paul takes this thought further into the marriage relationship he says that wives are to submit themselves to their own husbands as if they are submitting themselves unto the Lord. Paul explains why this must be so, He says the husband is the head of the wife in the same way that Christ is head of the Church and he (Christ) is the Saviour of the church. So just as the church is subject to Christ so the wives are to be subject to their husbands in everything. Then Paul turns his attention to the husbands. He says, you men are to love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it. This passage may be objected to by modern women but the passage sets a very, very high standard for the husbands. They are to love their wives in the same way that Christ loved the church and laid down his life for them. So while the wives submit to their husbands in everything, the husbands love them, even to laying down their lives for their wives. Christ loved the church and gave himself for her that he might make her holy and continually cleanse her by the washing of the word, so that he might present the church to himself in such a state, that she has no defilement of sin or wrinkle of old age or any other thing. The church is to be holy and without blemish. The standard that Christ has for the husbands may seem at first to be a very low standard. He is to love his wife as himself. Yet in fact it is a very, very high standard, because every man looks after himself and feeds himself in such a way that he is strengthened and healthy. Husbands are to look after their wives as if they are looking after their own body. We as believers are members of Christ’s body. When a man leaves his father and mother and is joined in matrimony to his wife in the most intimate way. And so it is with the church and Christ. This is a great mystery – which has only just been revealed to me, says Paul, (When l speak of Christ and his church) The keynote of a husbands marriage is to love his wife and the keynote of a wives marriage is to have reverence to her husband.
Steve
13/09/2010
September 13th Ephesians, 5
1: Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. 3: But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4: Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5: For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6: Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7: Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10: Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11: And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12: For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13: But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14: Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17: Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19: Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20: Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Paul is drawing his teaching to an end in this letter and so he continues to give practical instruction to them. This is not a separate part of his letter, rather these practical exhortations are built on the doctrine found in the earlier chapters. So says Paul in the light of what l have previously said, become therefore my dear children imitators of God and live lives which are an expression of love. In the same way that Christ loved us and gave himself as an offering in life and a sacrifice in death, as a wonderful sweet smelling sacrifice to God. And then Paul draws a sharp contrast. BUT do not let fornication, uncleanness and covetousness be even once named among you, because you are to live as the holy ones of God. Let there be no verbal obscenities, or talk which is utter foolishness, and dirty jokes, which are inappropriate for the believer. But rather we are to give thanks which our voices. You know for definitely that no pimp, or pervert, or lustful man or an idolater has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Do not let anyone deceive you with empty arguments (trying to tell you that these things are ok) because you know that it is because of these very things that the wrath of God comes on the ungodly. Do not join in with their sins. Paul, says, you were once in the darkness of sin but now you are the light of the Lord. So go on living as children of the light. If you live in the light then the fruit of the Spirit will be seen in your life in goodness, righteousness and truth. And you will be proving to yourself what is acceptable to the Lord. Do not have fellowship with those who practise the sinful works of darkness, which bear no fruit of the Spirit for God but rather reprove them. It is a shameful thing to even talk about the things that they do in secret. When you reprove them everything they do is brought into the light. And so wake up !! You that sleep in the grave, arise from the dead and Christ will give you light. And so think carefully and watch your step, be wise in everything you do. Make the best use of your time because these are evil days. Do not be unwise but know what the will of the Lord is. Do not be filled with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit. And when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, lift up you voices in singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs and making harmonies in your soul unto the Lord. And in all this give thanks to God for everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We might think of the Apostolic church as being dreary and quiet, far from it, they had hearts overflowing in thanksgiving and praise and made much use of psalms, hymn and spiritual songs. When we get to glory what great singing there will be.
Steve
Paul is drawing his teaching to an end in this letter and so he continues to give practical instruction to them. This is not a separate part of his letter, rather these practical exhortations are built on the doctrine found in the earlier chapters. So says Paul in the light of what l have previously said, become therefore my dear children imitators of God and live lives which are an expression of love. In the same way that Christ loved us and gave himself as an offering in life and a sacrifice in death, as a wonderful sweet smelling sacrifice to God. And then Paul draws a sharp contrast. BUT do not let fornication, uncleanness and covetousness be even once named among you, because you are to live as the holy ones of God. Let there be no verbal obscenities, or talk which is utter foolishness, and dirty jokes, which are inappropriate for the believer. But rather we are to give thanks which our voices. You know for definitely that no pimp, or pervert, or lustful man or an idolater has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Do not let anyone deceive you with empty arguments (trying to tell you that these things are ok) because you know that it is because of these very things that the wrath of God comes on the ungodly. Do not join in with their sins. Paul, says, you were once in the darkness of sin but now you are the light of the Lord. So go on living as children of the light. If you live in the light then the fruit of the Spirit will be seen in your life in goodness, righteousness and truth. And you will be proving to yourself what is acceptable to the Lord. Do not have fellowship with those who practise the sinful works of darkness, which bear no fruit of the Spirit for God but rather reprove them. It is a shameful thing to even talk about the things that they do in secret. When you reprove them everything they do is brought into the light. And so wake up !! You that sleep in the grave, arise from the dead and Christ will give you light. And so think carefully and watch your step, be wise in everything you do. Make the best use of your time because these are evil days. Do not be unwise but know what the will of the Lord is. Do not be filled with wine but be filled with the Holy Spirit. And when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, lift up you voices in singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs and making harmonies in your soul unto the Lord. And in all this give thanks to God for everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We might think of the Apostolic church as being dreary and quiet, far from it, they had hearts overflowing in thanksgiving and praise and made much use of psalms, hymn and spiritual songs. When we get to glory what great singing there will be.
Steve
12/09/2010
September 12th Ephesians, 4
1: I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2: With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4: There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6: One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7: But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8: Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9: (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10: He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11: And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12: For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15: But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17: This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18: Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20: But ye have not so learned Christ; 21: If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23: And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24: And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25: Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27: Neither give place to the devil. 28: Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29: Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30: And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31: Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
In chapter 5 Paul brings an application to everyone of us of his teaching. Paul pleads with his readers to live constantly in a manner that reaches up to the life that God has called us to live. This is the nearest we get in the NT to a rule for the believers life. It’s not a rule and it’s not an obligation - it’s a wonderful privilege. And we are to do this in humility, kindness, patience, bearing with each other in love and trying hard to keep the unity which the Spirit has made among us because we are one body – in peace with each other. Because there is only one body of believers and there is only one Spirit and we have been called into only one hope. There is one Lord, one faith and one baptism. There is only one God who is the Father of all of us. He is over us all and he works through us and in us. But we are all different and each of us is given by Christ grace according to the measure that we need. Paul says, When Christ ascended to heaven he led those (OT saints) who were captive (in death) and he gave gifts (of ministry) to men. He gave some to be apostles and some he gave to be prophets (Those who minister under direct revelation from God) and then evangelists (missionaries), pastors (shepherds) and teachers. All of these men were Christ’s gift to the church. All these gifts were for the mending and building up of the saints and for the development of the ministry of the saints so that the whole body of Christ might be built up. This work will continue until we all arrive in the unanimity of ‘the faith’ and to the full knowledge of Christ, until we are full grown mature believers in Christ. When this is realised we will not be children any more, tossed back and forth like a ship in a tempest, and blown off course by storms of false teaching, by the trickery of the dice players and by the craftiness of the card sharks. They secretly set up their traps to fleece the unwary. But rather we speak the truth - in a loving spirit, we may grow up as believers in Christ who is our head. And from him all the body is perfectly fitted together and ever member is secured to each other. We grow together, to build each other up in love. Paul describes the Church not as an institution, or as an organisation but as a body and organism. The church is a living thing and Christ is its head and there no division in the body. Paul resumes his exhortation in v1-3, he says, therefore do not live like ungodly Gentiles whose minds are full of pointless things and who are morally in darkness, who are aliens to eternal life because they do not know anything about it, because there minds are hardened to the gospel. They are apathetic and so they have surrendered themselves to sexual impurity, which works itself out in uncleanness and is insatiable. At the time of your conversion you did not learn to live like that as a christian. Have you heard anything and been taught by Christ the truth of Jesus of Nazareth as your personal Saviour. You were taught to put away your former way of living which was corrupt and to be renewed in your spirit – in your mind. And you were taught to put on the new man who is created in the truth of righteousness and holiness. So put away all falsehood and speak the truth to your neighbours because you belong to each other. Paul gives a number of short sentences, which encapsulate his moral teaching. Be righteously angry but do not sin. (Righteous anger is demanded) Do not let issues remain unresolved. Give no opportunity for the Devil. Those who are thieves are to steal no more, but they are to work hard with their own hands in good employment so that he might give money to the needy. Do not manipulate others by your talk but speak what is good to the building up of each other in grace. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who sealed you until the day of the redemption of your body. In this short phrase, ‘Do not grieve the Holy Spirit’ Paul has captured one of the two keys to living the Christian life. The other being ‘Walk in the Spirit’. Paul continues, do not let any bitter frame of mind, ungodly wrath and anger, brawling or back stabbing come into your lives. But be gracious to each other, have a tender heart and forgive one another in the same way as God forgave you.
Steve
In chapter 5 Paul brings an application to everyone of us of his teaching. Paul pleads with his readers to live constantly in a manner that reaches up to the life that God has called us to live. This is the nearest we get in the NT to a rule for the believers life. It’s not a rule and it’s not an obligation - it’s a wonderful privilege. And we are to do this in humility, kindness, patience, bearing with each other in love and trying hard to keep the unity which the Spirit has made among us because we are one body – in peace with each other. Because there is only one body of believers and there is only one Spirit and we have been called into only one hope. There is one Lord, one faith and one baptism. There is only one God who is the Father of all of us. He is over us all and he works through us and in us. But we are all different and each of us is given by Christ grace according to the measure that we need. Paul says, When Christ ascended to heaven he led those (OT saints) who were captive (in death) and he gave gifts (of ministry) to men. He gave some to be apostles and some he gave to be prophets (Those who minister under direct revelation from God) and then evangelists (missionaries), pastors (shepherds) and teachers. All of these men were Christ’s gift to the church. All these gifts were for the mending and building up of the saints and for the development of the ministry of the saints so that the whole body of Christ might be built up. This work will continue until we all arrive in the unanimity of ‘the faith’ and to the full knowledge of Christ, until we are full grown mature believers in Christ. When this is realised we will not be children any more, tossed back and forth like a ship in a tempest, and blown off course by storms of false teaching, by the trickery of the dice players and by the craftiness of the card sharks. They secretly set up their traps to fleece the unwary. But rather we speak the truth - in a loving spirit, we may grow up as believers in Christ who is our head. And from him all the body is perfectly fitted together and ever member is secured to each other. We grow together, to build each other up in love. Paul describes the Church not as an institution, or as an organisation but as a body and organism. The church is a living thing and Christ is its head and there no division in the body. Paul resumes his exhortation in v1-3, he says, therefore do not live like ungodly Gentiles whose minds are full of pointless things and who are morally in darkness, who are aliens to eternal life because they do not know anything about it, because there minds are hardened to the gospel. They are apathetic and so they have surrendered themselves to sexual impurity, which works itself out in uncleanness and is insatiable. At the time of your conversion you did not learn to live like that as a christian. Have you heard anything and been taught by Christ the truth of Jesus of Nazareth as your personal Saviour. You were taught to put away your former way of living which was corrupt and to be renewed in your spirit – in your mind. And you were taught to put on the new man who is created in the truth of righteousness and holiness. So put away all falsehood and speak the truth to your neighbours because you belong to each other. Paul gives a number of short sentences, which encapsulate his moral teaching. Be righteously angry but do not sin. (Righteous anger is demanded) Do not let issues remain unresolved. Give no opportunity for the Devil. Those who are thieves are to steal no more, but they are to work hard with their own hands in good employment so that he might give money to the needy. Do not manipulate others by your talk but speak what is good to the building up of each other in grace. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God who sealed you until the day of the redemption of your body. In this short phrase, ‘Do not grieve the Holy Spirit’ Paul has captured one of the two keys to living the Christian life. The other being ‘Walk in the Spirit’. Paul continues, do not let any bitter frame of mind, ungodly wrath and anger, brawling or back stabbing come into your lives. But be gracious to each other, have a tender heart and forgive one another in the same way as God forgave you.
Steve
11/09/2010
September 11th
14: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15: Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16: That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17: That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18: May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19: And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21: Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Paul continues the thought of v1 which was based on the closing point of chapter 2, he still has in mind the idea that we are built together in Christ, and so for this reason be kneels in worship unto the Father who is the sole head of all the families (the clans) in heaven and earth (of angels and men.) And this is his prayer – That he would in his grace, [according to the abundance of his self revelation], strengthen you with his almighty power, by the Holy Spirit, in the inner man. That Christ may take up permanent residence in your minds by faith. So that you will have deep roots and be established in love (The fundamental principle of the Christian life) so that you may be able to grasp with all the saints, what is the breath, length, depth and height and that you might experience in practice the love of Christ, which goes beyond head knowledge, and that you might be filled with God in all his fullness. Paul has spoken of six ‘That’s’. That God would grant you. That you may be strong, That Christ might dwell in you, That you might comprehend, That you might experience, That you may be filled. And then he brings his prayer to an end in a doxology – Now unto him - be glory. He who is able to do super-abundantly, far above, all that we could ask or even imagine according to the power of God which works within us. Unto Him be the glory in the church (which is his sphere of operation) throughout all the ages to come for ever and ever – So let it be.
Steve
Paul continues the thought of v1 which was based on the closing point of chapter 2, he still has in mind the idea that we are built together in Christ, and so for this reason be kneels in worship unto the Father who is the sole head of all the families (the clans) in heaven and earth (of angels and men.) And this is his prayer – That he would in his grace, [according to the abundance of his self revelation], strengthen you with his almighty power, by the Holy Spirit, in the inner man. That Christ may take up permanent residence in your minds by faith. So that you will have deep roots and be established in love (The fundamental principle of the Christian life) so that you may be able to grasp with all the saints, what is the breath, length, depth and height and that you might experience in practice the love of Christ, which goes beyond head knowledge, and that you might be filled with God in all his fullness. Paul has spoken of six ‘That’s’. That God would grant you. That you may be strong, That Christ might dwell in you, That you might comprehend, That you might experience, That you may be filled. And then he brings his prayer to an end in a doxology – Now unto him - be glory. He who is able to do super-abundantly, far above, all that we could ask or even imagine according to the power of God which works within us. Unto Him be the glory in the church (which is his sphere of operation) throughout all the ages to come for ever and ever – So let it be.
Steve
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