New Life Missionary Baptist Church

WEDNESDAY April 1, 2026

Ephesians 4

19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

MATTHEW 28:19-20

SONG: FATHER ALONG

1 Tempted and tried we’re oft made to wonder, Why it should be thus all the day long; While there are others living about us, Never molested though in the wrong.

Refrain: Farther along we’ll know all about it, Farther along we’ll understand why; Cheer up, don't worry, live in the sunshine, We’ll understand it all by and by.

2 When death has come and taken our loved ones, It leaves our home so lonely and drear; Then do we wonder why others prosper, Living so wicked year after year. [Refrain]

3 Faithful till death said our loving Master, A few more days to labor and wait; Toils of the road will then seem as nothing, As we sweep through the beautiful gate. [Refrain]

4 When we see Jesus Coming in Glory, When He comes from His Home in the sky;

Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion, We’ll understand it all by and by. [Refrain]

Page 1

PRAYER REQUESTS (if you notice I’ve missed someone, please remind me.)

Pastor Garrett and Family, (The Shepherd of the Flock at New Life) Minister Roy Rogers

Minister Odie Bowers

Minister Leon Murray

Minister Marvin Randolph

Minister Ritch Hall

Minister Sidney Frazier

DEACONS AND DEACONESSES Deacon Emeritus Edward Thompson, Jr. and Sister Doris Thompson

Deacon Robert Jones and Sister Geraldine Jones

Deacon George Shelton and Sister Connie Shelton

Deacon William Butler, Jr., Sister Coleen Butler, Markeeta Ellis and Brother Spencer Ellis

Deacon Emanuel and Sister Diane Wilson

Deacon Ray and Sis Joanne Butler

Deacon Robert and Sis Murray

Deacon Greg Jones and Sister Rosalind Jones

Deacon John Kitchen

Deacon Michael Brown and Sister Victoria Brown

TRUSTEES

New Life Membership All Auxiliaries and their Heads

Safety for Students, all ages, everywhere.

90+ Members Brother Charles William

Sister Lillie Murphy Lewis

Sister Lornetta Dorsett home. Ph. 513-526-4220.

Deacon Edward Thompson, Jr.

New Members Class - 3 Rachelle Raven

Both in class with Sister Jones

Javon Wall in class with Dea. Jones.

Once Sought Membership Candyce Rechel

Kristen DarJean

Ashley Vaughn

Ronnell Blythe

Shut-in and Hospitalized: *Brother Kenneth Hogan, home, again, let’s be thankful that things are slowly improving

Had another procedure last week

*Deacon Emeritus Edward Thompson, Jr. Last Update much improved.. thank the LORD for His Mercy.

*Sister Thompson is not in the best of health; let’s continue to keep her in prayer as well.

*Sister Joyce McCall is at Home with her daughter, Tonya

Sister Alicia Harris,

Sister Ethel Hall, home

Sister Mary Shelton, home

Sister Clarissa Holloway, Home

Sister Lori Anderson Stevens, Home

Minister Luther Black, Long-Term Nsg. Care

Sister Loretta Keeling

Sister Lornetta Dorsett home. Ph. 513-526-4220.

Bro Ron and Sister Johnson (Sis Hall’s brother-in-law and sister)

Sis. Martha Granville, Hospital

Brother William Granville (wife’s caretaker)

Bible School Teachers Sister Kate Roper for the Teaching Ministry's sake.

Minister Randolph, Superintendent of the Sunday School, and Sister Randolph

All Sunday School Teachers

Sister Brandy Murray, Youth Director

Youth and Young Adults Leaders

LaTonya Bishop and family Brother Bryan and Sister Summer Shelton

Janice Chapple

Cameron Scott

Sister Kathy Tony Brother Emanuel Thomas

Sister Betty Richardson

Page 2

Brother Butch Hatcher Sister Marjorie Munlin Sister Alverta Jean Wiggins, West VA. Aiyana Fulton Sister Alisha Jackson Sister Eva Peacock, visiting in Arizona Sister Mary Willis Sister Linda Caffie Brother Kevin Caffie Sister Janice Burton Brother Wirvyn David Sister Alyssa Horton Sister Ann Buckner Sister Yvette Tappler	Brother Darrell Russell Brother George Wilson Brother Shawn Thompson Sister Belinda Snipes Brother Charles Johnson Sister Sophia Wall Sister Linda Lewis Sister Janeen Wilson Sister Yolanda Turner Brother Houston Selvie, Jr. Brother James Jackson Sister Miriam Renee Helton Bro Neil Willis Sister Mary Willis
Kevin and Shawn Laws Kathy Anderson Sister Jean Johnson	Brother Ladonis and Sis Africa Patton Trina Wilson
Brother Elley Ferrell Brother William Day, Jr. Brother Thomas Day	Brother Simeon Coleman Sister Tevrin Killings Brother and Sister Ed. Chapple
Sister Gladys Plant Sister Javon Gibbs, Ethan Blythe and Blythe family	United States of America Donald J. Trump
BEREAVED

PRAYER

PRAYER Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I am so grateful and Thank You publicly that I can call you, “Father.” You are perfect and set apart, not only from all that is evil, but from every other being, and yet You choose to know me and call me your Child. When I consider what that means, I am overwhelmed and humbled. You are so good to me. Holy is Your Name, Father! You are worthy to be praised! We, as Believers thank You for all that You’ve done, and we look to the future with Hope. Our world is full of brokenness that only You can mend. So, we pray for opportunities to boldly proclaim the Hope we have in You, in and out of the building. Your Word, James 5:14 says, “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds me to “Trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways acknowledge to You, and You will direct my path” Lord, I choose to do that right now. I lay my own understanding at Your feet. I submit my ways, my plans, and my future to You. Please quiet my worried mind and calm my restless spirit. Help me to feel Your Presence in me, guiding me with every step. Even if I can only see one step ahead, let it be enough. Help me to believe that You are leading me toward something beneficial, and for Your Glory. Sickness and illness can bring fear, anxiety, and uncertainty to both the individual and their loved ones. In these times, I believe turning to prayer provides not only Spiritual Support but also emotional comfort and reassurance. I believe Prayer invites the Presence of God into the situation, offering healing, peace, and restoration to the body, mind, and spirit. I believe it affirms faith in Your Promises and Strengthens Trust in Your Power to intervene, even in circumstances that seem overwhelming. Believers are encouraged to pray for themselves and for others, seeking Your Divine Healing and Mercy. I believe that Prayer nurtures Hope in the midst of suffering, reminding the heart that You’re are always Present,

Page 3

Compassionate, and Able to Restore Life and Health. This Prayer is intended to Honor the struggles of the sick while providing a Spiritual Lifeline for both the sick ones and their supporters. Lord, I pray for Your healing touch over the lives of all who are on our Prayer Request List in whatever capacity they find themselves, even those I did not remember or know of, regardless to what their illness is. Please Restore their body, Renew their strength, and give Peace to their hearts and minds. Surround them with Your Angels, remove every sickness, and replace weakness with vitality. Guide the Leaders and Teachers at New Life. I trust in Your Power to heal, restore, and strengthen each one of us, whether the illness is due to disease of the body, Soul or spirit. Whether it’s a need to guide, protect, teach or comfort, I declare Divine Restoration and Victory over all, in the name of Jesus. You Promised in Isaiah 41:10, “We should not fear because You are With us; to not be afraid because You are our God. You Promised us that You would be With us, that You would uphold us with the Right Hand of Your Righteousness. You said, Lord, when we pass through the fire, we would not be burned, and the fire would not scorch us; and through the water, You will be With us, they would not overflow us. We are trusting You, our Savior God, to Heal all illness, Protect the Pastor, the Teachers, the Leaders, the Learners, hold the anxious ones close to Your bosom for assurance. Create in us clean hearts, O God, restore unto us the Joy of Thy Salvation and uphold us with Thy Free Spirit. Father, it is in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, The Christ, I pray this prayer. Amen.

Doctrine is what to Believe. Doctrines in Ephesians are concerning “Blessings from the Father, Son and The Holy Spirit.

The Doctrines in Ephesians are important because they:

- They root Believers in a stable identity that cannot be shaken by circumstances, emotions, or human approval. You need to know: you can’t live the New Life in Christ if you don’t know you have one.

- Doctrine Fuels Worship. A short hymn of praise to God, often used in Worship to God, often used in Christian worship. Ephesians 1 is essentially a doxology. Paul piles doctrine upon doctrine until it erupts into praise. Why? Because right doctrine leads to right doxology. It helps us to Understand:

- God’s Eternal Plan

- Christ’s Redeeming Work

- The Spirit’s Sealing Power

Page 4

- Doctrine naturally produces Awe, Gratitude, and Worship.

· Doctrine Shapes Unity. Ephesians is obsessed with Unity - Jew and Gentile, One New Humanity, One Body, One Spirit, One Hope. But Unity isn’t sentimental. It’s Doctrinal.

We are ONE because:

- We share One Savior

- We share One Spirit

- We share One Calling

- We share One Inheritance

Unity is not achieved by effort (keeping the Unity of the Spirit) alone - it is received through shared Truth. We must speak the Same Thing, Speak the Same language (I Cor. 1:10; Phil 2:2.)

What we MUST Not believe is, all people worship the same God. This is a trap. As Believers, we Worship the God who founded the Church through Jesus Christ, and gave it its Doctrines. If you are Scientologist, Mary Baker Eddy is your god, because you follow her doctrines. If you believe in Catholicism, it’s hard to tell who your founder is because their doctrine is “Peter is or was the first pope.” Peter was an Apostle to the Jews. When the Kingdom of God was set aside, and Paul became Apostle to the Gentiles, Peter lost his job as Apostle. So, Peter wrote books, agreeing with Paul, he also ministered along with Paul until Paul was fully trained by Christ in the Wilderness. This tells me that Peter was a Believer in Jesus Christ; he struggled, but so do we. So were James and John, possibly Jude, the rest, the Bible doesn’t say that they were Members of the Body of Christ. However, they will receive Him when He returns to earth. They were Chosen to be Saved; it’s a matter of when they receive Christ Jesus, the Messiah.

- Doctrine Empowers Holy Living. Ephesians 4–6 is intensely practical, but every command flows from the Doctrinal Foundation of chapters 1–3.

· Paul’s pattern is always: “Because this is true… therefore live this way.” Some examples: - Because you are forgiven

- forgive others

- Because you are loved

- walk in love

- Because you are light - walk as children of light

- Because you are raised with Christ - put off the old man and its deeds. Doctrine is the fuel for Transformation. If you want to Progress as a Saint, you must LIVE by Doctrine. God’s Rule is the Only one that matters.

Page 6

Doctrine Strengthens Spiritual Resilience Ephesians ends with Spiritual Warfare. But notice: the armor is Doctrinal. - Belt of Truth (“Speak the Truth in Love.”)

- Breastplate of Righteousness - God Himself imparted Righteousness upon every Believer at the moment you Believed in the Finished Work of Christ. Righteousness is Faith in Christ

- Shield of Faith “Without faith, you cannot please God.”

- Helmet of Salvation

“For I give you good doctrine, Forsake ye not my law” Proverbs 4:2.

- Sword of the Word

- “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” II Timothy 2:15

Paul is teaching that Spiritual Victory is impossible without Doctrinal Clarity. It is the architecture of the Christian life. Doctrine Reveals the Cosmic Purpose of the Church

- Ephesians lifts our eyes to the grand, sweeping PLAN of God:

- The Church is God’s Masterpiece

- The Church displays God’s Wisdom to Heavenly Beings

- The Church is the dwelling Place of God

- The Church is the Body of Christ on earth

These Doctrines give Believers a sense of Mission, Dignity, and Calling far beyond Personal Salvation. Doctrine Anchors Love Ephesians is one of the most love-saturated books in the New Testament. But Paul never Separates Love from Truth.

- We speak the Truth in Love

- We are Rooted and Grounded in Love

- Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her

- Doctrine gives Love Shape, Direction, and Substance.

The Bible itself is Doctrine.

The doctrines of God

The doctrines of Christ

The doctrines of the Holy Spirit

The doctrines of Salvation

The doctrines of the Church

The doctrines of Angels

The doctrines of satan and of demons

Page7

Isn’t There Some Misunderstanding? “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to Him, “…are You going there again?” - John 11:7-8

Just because you and I don’t always understand what Jesus Christ says, we have no right to determine that He must be mistaken in what He says. That is a dangerous view, and it is never right to think that my obedience to God’s directive will bring dishonor to Jesus. The only thing that will bring dishonor to our Lord is not to obey Him. To put my view of His Honor ahead of what He is plainly guiding me to do is never right, even though it may come from a real desire to prevent Him from being put to an open shame. I know when the instructions have come from God because of their quiet persistence. But when I begin to weigh the pros and cons, and doubt and debate enter into my mind, I am bringing in an element that is not of God. Doubt and debate comes when I conclude that His Instructions to me were not right.

Many of us are faithful to our ideas about Jesus Christ, but how many of us are Faithful to Jesus Himself? Faithfulness to Jesus means that I must step out even when and where I can’t see anything, Ex. “And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus” - Matthew 14:29. Doubt crept in, and buoyance gave away. But Faithfulness to my own ideas means that I first clear the way mentally. Faith, however, is not intellectual understanding; faith is a Deliberate Commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ, even when I can’t see the way ahead. Are you debating whether you should take a step of Faith in Jesus, or whether you should wait until you can clearly see how to do what He has asked? Simply obey Him with unrestrained Joy. When He tells you something and you begin to debate, it is because you have a misunderstanding of what Honors Him and what doesn’t. Are you faithful to Jesus, or faithful to your ideas about Him? Are you faithful to what He says, or are you trying to compromise His Words with Thoughts that never came from Him? “Whatever He says to you, do it” - John 2:5). Our danger is to water down God’s Word to suit ourselves; God never fits His Word to suit me, He fits me to suit His Word.

We have been discussing Doctrines in Ephesians. I pray you remember the Doctrine of the Father and Son... we will resume with the Doctrines of the Holy Spirit on Page 10, middle of page.

We paused chapter 4, to talk about the Doctrines in Ephesians. We’ve talked about Doctrines of the Father and Son, this week we want to talk about Doctrines of the Holy Spirit, middle of Page 10, Wednesday March 25, 2026.

Page 8

Christ Raised From the Dead Christ Seated at God’s Right Hand Christ Exalted Above all Rule, Authority, Power, and Dominion All Things Placed Under His Feet Doctrine: Christ is the Supreme, Resurrected, Enthroned Lord over ALL Creation and Spiritual Powers. 4. Christ as Head of the Church - Ephesians 1:22–23. Paul reveals: God Gave Christ as Head over all things to the Church The Church is His Body The Church is the fullness of Him who fills all in all Doctrine: Christ is the Authoritative, Life-giving Head of His Body, the Church. 5. Christ as the Source of New Life - Ephesians 2:1–6. Paul teaches: We were Dead in SIN God made us Alive With Christ We are Raised and Seated With Christ Doctrine: Union With Christ is the Source of Spiritual Life, Resurrection, and Heavenly Identity. 6. Christ as the Peace-Maker and Reconciler - Ephesians 2:13–18. Paul explains: Christ is Our Peace He Breaks Down the Dividing Wall Between Jew and Gentile He Creates One New Humanity He Reconciles Both Groups to God Through The Cross Through Him we have Access To the Father By the Spirit Doctrine: Christ Reconciles Humanity to God and to One Another Forming a Unified People. 7. Christ as the Cornerstone of God’s New Temple - Ephesians 2:19–22. Paul describes: Christ as the chief cornerstone Apostles and Prophets as the Foundation Believers as living stones in a growing holy temple God Dwelling Among His People Through the Spirit

Page 9

Doctrine: Christ is the Cornerstone of God’s New Spiritual Temple - The Church - His Body. 8. Christ as the Revealer of God’s Mystery - Ephesians 3:1–11. Paul explains: The “Mystery of Christ” was Hidden but Now Revealed Gentiles are Fellow-heirs, Members, and Partakers IN CHRIST The Church displays God’s Wisdom Through Christ’s Work Doctrine: Christ is The Revelation of God’s Hidden Plan to Unite ALL Peoples into One Body. 9. Christ As The Indwelling Lord Who Strengthens Believers - Ephesians 3:16–19. Paul prays: Christ Dwells In Believers’ Hearts Through Faith Believers are Rooted and Grounded in His Love Christ’s Love Surpasses Knowledge Through Him We Are Filled With ALL The Fullness of God Doctrine: Christ Personally Indwells, Strengthens, and Fills Believers with Divine Love and Fullness. DOCTRINES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN EPHESIANS 1-3 Paul’s teaching in these three chapters is foundational for understanding the Spirit’s Identity, Work, and Relationship to Christ and the Church. Paul presents the Holy Spirit as The Divine Person who Applies, Seals, Reveals, Empowers, Unifies, and Indwells the People of God. These chapters show the Spirit’s Role in God’s Eternal Plan and in the Believer’s Present Experience. Below are the Major Doctrines of the Spirit in these chapters. 1. The Holy Spirit as the Seal of Salvation - Ephesians 1:13. “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Paul teaches: Believers are Sealed with the Holy Spirit when they Believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Seal MARKS Ownership, PROVIDES Security, and SHOWS Authenticity (genuineness) of the Believer. Doctrine: The Spirit is God’s Seal that Believers Belong To Him and are Kept By Him.

Page 10

Example: cattle brand. 2. The Holy Spirit as the Guarantee of Our Inheritance - Ephesians 1:14 “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Example: The Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us the inheritance that He Promised and that He has purchased us to be His Own People. He did this so we would Praise and Glorify Him by living a life that draws sinners to Him.” Israel is an example of what not to do. Because of rebellion and rejection, the are set aside. Israel has not received the Holy Spirit of God. They are an example of what Believers should or should not do: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples (examples): and they are written for our admonition (warning or head up), upon whom the ends of the world are come (those living in the last days)” - I Corinthians 10:11. When IS the Last Days? In The Bible, “Scripture describes “the Last Days” not as a brief period immediately following the end of the world - NO, but as a long Age (a period between a change in the earth’s surface; the earthquakes, rocks broke apart, earth turned black, graves popped open after the Resurrection - everything changed that day Jesus died. The significance of that day was astounding. The capability of our thinking changed [willingness to change the thinking process about God and SIN] because Jesus took the SIN Nature to the Cross, His Righteousness became available for acceptance of Him. Thus, The Last Days) the long Age began with Christ’s Death, Resurrection and Ascension. The writer of Hebrews states, “1God, who at sundry times (different times in Israel’s history) and in divers manners (in various ways that God presented Himself - institutions like the Tabernacle and the Temple, The Rock in the Wilderness. Water, fire) (God) spake in time past unto the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) by the prophets, (BUT NOW) 2hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son (Christ Jesus, the WRITTEN WORD), whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds” - Hebrews 1:1, 2, indicating that the Last Days were already underway in the first century. The Apostle Peter also affirmed this at Pentecost: “In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, And your young men shall see visions, And your old men shall dream dreams” - Acts 2:17, showing that the era of the last days had begun with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Why? So that the Holy Spirit can open: “18the eyes of your understanding (and you can) 1) being enlightened; 2) that ye may know what is the hope of his (God’s) calling (Eternal Life), and what the riches of the glory of his (God’s) inheritance in the saints, 3) 19and what is the exceeding greatness of his power

Page 11

(The Holy Spirit) to us-ward who believe (The Gospel - Jesus Christ), according to the working of his mighty power, 20which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own (God’s) right hand in the heavenly places, 21far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22and hath put all things under his feet (Christ Jesus’), and gave him (Jesus) to be the head over all things (HOLY, SINLESS, WITHOUT BLAME) to the church, 23which is his body, the fulness of him (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) that filleth all in all” Ephesians 1:18-23. Adam lost it ALL; it is Restored when you believe. THIS IS DOCTRINE. Paul describes the Spirit as: The Down Payment (earnest) of our future inheritance (eternal Life with Him and all that that entails.) complete Salvation. Not complete until you are out of the presence of sins and Satan; Sanctification. Not complete until you are totally set apart from all evil and God can use you according to the Crown(s)/Reward you received at the Judgment) these are important for eternal assignment(s). I know we believe we’ll be walking around Heaven all day and dripping barbecue sauce on the clouds, but God says, “Think about things that are honest, just, lovely, pure, etc. He says this so Believers will think about eternity in your daily Walk instead of foolishness; The Spiritt is a downpayment on your Glorification. Not complete until you (LOOK, FEEL, TALK WALK, ACT) just like Jesus (“… We don’t know what we will be, but we know when He shall appear, we will be like Him …” - I John 3:2. He is The Pledge that God WILL complete His Saving Work - Our Fellowship in the Gospel… “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” - Phil.1:6. Doctrine: The Spirit is the First Installment of the Believer’s Eternal Inheritance, Guaranteeing Full REDEMPTION, Full SANCTIFICATION, and Full GLORIFICATION. 3. The Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation - Ephesians 1:17 - “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. Paul prays that Believers receive: The Spirit of Wisdom The Spirit of Revelation The ability to KNOW GOD and know Him more deeply

Page 12

Doctrine: The Spirit reveals God, opens Spiritual Understanding, and Deepens Relational Knowledge of Him. i.e., You must KNOW HIM AS THE FATHER. 4. The Holy Spirit as the Enlightener of the Heart, - Ephesians 1:18. “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.” Paul teaches that the Spirit: Enlightens the “eyes of the heart” Enables Believers to grasp Hope, Riches, and Power Doctrine: The Spirit gives Spiritual Perception, enabling Believers to see Reality as God sees it. 5. The Holy Spirit as the Life-Giver. - Ephesians 2:1–6, implied. 1And you hath he quickened (The Holy made you alive. Genesis 2:7; John 6:63; II Cor. 3:6), who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” While Christ is the source of Resurrection Life, the Spirit is the Agent who: Regenerates Makes alive Raises Believers with Christ Doctrine: The Spirit applies Christ’s Resurrection Life to Spiritually dead people. 6. The Holy Spirit as the Unifier of Jew and Gentile - Ephesians 2:18 “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” Paul says: Through Christ, both Jew and Gentile have access in one Spirit to the Father Doctrine: The Spirit creates Unity by giving all Believers equal access to God. 7. The Holy Spirit as the Builder of God’s New Temple - Ephesians 2:21–22.

Page 13

“In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit - Ephesians 2:21, 22. Paul reveals: The Church is a Holy Temple (the building and our bodies are where God lives; when His Holy Ones arrives in the building; the building is Holy, regardless to WHY you came in. whomever enters, bring his God/god) Built together by the Spirit A dwelling Place for God Doctrine: The Spirit forms the Church into God’s dwelling place on earth. 8. The Holy Spirit as the Indwelling Presence of God - Ephesians 2:22. 22in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Paul teaches: Believers are being built into a dwelling in the Spirit God’s Presence comes into a building (home, work, shopping, etc.) but in His People Doctrine: The Spirit personally indwells the Church as God’s abiding Presence. 9. The Holy Spirit as the Revealer of the Mystery of Christ - Ephesians 3:3–6. “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6that the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” Paul explains: The mystery (Church) was revealed by the Spirit The Spirit made known that Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ Doctrine: The Spirit reveals God’s Redemptive Plan and makes the Gospel understandable. 10. The Holy Spirit as the Strengthener of the Inner Person - Ephesians 3:16. “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man Paul prays: That Believers be Strengthened with Power through the Spirit

Page 14

should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Cæsar” - Acts 11:28; “⁵which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit” - Ephesians 3:5.

Believers in the New Testament Churches did not possess Bibles, nor was the New Testament written and completed. How, then, would these Local Assemblies discover God’s Will? His Spirit would share God’s Truth with those possessing the Gift of Prophecy. Paul suggested that the Gift of Prophecy had to do with understanding “all mysteries and all knowledge” (I Cor. 13:2), meaning, of course, Spiritual Truths. The Purpose of Prophecy is “edification, encouragement, and consolation” (I Cor. 14:3, literal translation). Christians today do not get their Spiritual Knowledge immediately from the Holy Spirit, but mediately through the Spirit Teaching the Word.

With the Apostles, the Prophets had a foundational Ministry in the Early Church, and they are not needed today (²⁰and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” -Eph. 2:20).

Evangelists (v. 11c). “Bearers of the good news.” These men traveled from place to place to Preach the Gospel and win the lost (²⁶And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. ²⁷And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, ²⁸was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

²⁹Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. ³⁰And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? ³¹And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. ³²The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, So opened he not his mouth:³³In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: And who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.³⁴And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?³⁵Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. ³⁶And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? ³⁷And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou

Page 15

What Christians believe about who God is. • God is one in essence and three in persons (Trinity) • God is eternal, holy, sovereign, loving, just, and unchanging • God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things Why it matters: Everything begins with who God is. Faith is a response to His character. 2. The Doctrine of Scripture What Christians believe about the Bible. • Scripture is inspired by God • It is authoritative, trustworthy, and sufficient • It reveals God’s will and guides the believer’s life Why it matters: Doctrine comes from Scripture; without it, we have no foundation. 3. The Doctrine of Christ (Christology) What Christians believe about Jesus Christ. • Fully God and fully man • Born of a virgin • Lived a sinless life • Died as the atoning sacrifice for sin • Rose bodily from the dead • Ascended and reigns as Lord • Will return in glory Why it matters: Christianity stands or falls on who Jesus is and what He has done. 4. The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit (Pneumatology) What Christians believe about the Spirit. • The Spirit indwells, regenerates, seals, empowers, and sanctifies believers • Gives spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body • Convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment Why it matters: The Spirit makes the Christian life possible. 5. The Doctrine of Humanity (Anthropology) What Christians believe about people. • Humans are created in God’s image • Created for relationship with God • Fallen through sin and unable to save themselves

Page 16

Why it matters: It explains both human dignity and human brokenness. 6. The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology) What Christians believe about how God saves. • Salvation is by grace through faith • Christ’s death and resurrection secure redemption • Believers are justified, adopted, sanctified, and will be glorified Why it matters: This is the heart of the gospel. 7. The Doctrine of the Church (Ecclesiology) What Christians believe about the Body of Christ. • One Body, many members • Called to worship, fellowship, discipleship, service, and mission • Led by Christ the Head • Marked by unity, love, and holiness Why it matters: Faith is lived out in community, not isolation. 8. The Doctrine of Last Things (Eschatology) What Christians believe about the future. • Christ will return • God will judge the world in righteousness • Believers will be resurrected to eternal life • God will make all things new Why it matters: Hope shapes how we live now.

Page 20

a member of?” Again he got the answer, “I belong to the invisible church!” Getting a bit suspicious, my friend asked, “When does this invisible church meet? Who pastors it?” The missionary then became incensed and said, “Well, your church here isn’t the true church. I belong to the invisible church!” My friend replied, “Well, here’s some invisible money to help you minister to the invisible church!” Now, my pastor friend was not denying the existence of the One Body. Rather, he was affirming the fact that the invisible church (not a Biblical term, but I will use it) Ministers through the visible church.

Walk in Purity 4:17—5:17

¹⁷This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, ¹⁸having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: ¹⁹who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.²⁰But ye have not so learned Christ; ²¹if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: ²²that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; ²³and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.²⁵Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. ²⁶Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: ²⁷neither give place to the devil. ²⁸Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. ²⁹Let 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. ³⁰And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. ³¹Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: ³²and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

¹Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; ²and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor.³But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; ⁴neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. ⁵For 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.

⁶Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. ⁷Be not ye therefore partakers

Page 21

with them. ⁸For 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;) ¹⁰proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. ¹¹And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. ¹²For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. ¹³But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. ¹⁴Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.¹⁵See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, ¹⁶redeeming the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Walk not as other Gentiles—4:17–32

The Gifted Leaders are supposed to “equip the Saints unto the Work of the Ministry, unto the Building up of the Body of Christ” (literal translation). The Saints do not call a Pastor and pay him to do the Work. They call him and follow his Leadership as he, through the Word, equips them to do the job (“¹³But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. ¹⁴But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; ¹⁵and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” - II Tim. 3:13–17).

The members of the Church grow by feeding on the Word and Ministering to each other. The first evidence of Spiritual Growth is Christlikeness. The second evidence is Stability. The maturing Christian is not tossed about by every religious novelty that comes along. There are religious quacks waiting to kidnap God’s Children and get them into their false cults, but the maturing Believer recognizes false doctrine and stays clear of it. The cultists do not try to win lost souls to Christ. They do not establish rescue missions in the slum areas of our cities, because they have no good news for the man on skid row. Instead, these false teachers try to capture immature Christians, and for this reason, most of the membership of the false cults comes from local churches, particularly churches that do not feed their people the Word of God. The third evidence of maturity is Truth joined with love: “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). It has well been said that Truth without Love is brutality, but Love without truth is hypocrisy. Little children do not know how to blend Truth and Love. They think that if you Love someone, you must shield him from the truth if knowing the truth will hurt him.

Page 22

It is a Mark of Maturity when we are able to share the Truth with our Fellow Christians, and do it in love. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6).

One more Evidence of Maturity is Cooperation (¹⁶from 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” - Eph. 4:16). We realize that, as Members of the One Body and a Local Body, we belong to each other, we affect each other, and we need each other. Each Believer, no matter how insignificant he may appear, has a Ministry to other Believers. The Body grows as the individual members grow, and they grow as they feed on the Word and Minister to each other. Note once again the emphasis on Love: “forbearing one another in love” (Eph. 4:2);

speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15); “the edifying of itself in love” (4:16). Love is the Circulatory System of the Body. It has been discovered that isolated, unloved babies do not grow properly and are especially susceptible to disease, while babies who are loved and handled grow normally and are stronger. So it is with the Children of God.

An isolated Christian cannot Minister to others, nor can others Minister to him, and it is impossible for the Gifts to be Ministered either way. So, then, Spiritual Unity is not something we manufacture. It is something we already have in Christ, and we must protect and maintain it. Truth unites, but lies divide. Love unites, but selfishness divides. Therefore, “speaking the truth in love,” let us equip one another and edify one another, that all of us may grow up to be more like Christ.

TAKE OFF THE GRAVECLOTHES!

The Bible was written to be obeyed, and not simply studied, and this is why the words “therefore” and “wherefore” are repeated so often in the second half of Ephesians (4:1, 17, 25; 5:1, 7, 14, 17, 24). Paul was saying, “Here is what Christ has done for you. Now, in the light of this, here is what we ought to do for Christ.” We are to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

The fact that we have been Called in Christ (the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” - Eph. 1:18) ought to motivate us to Walk in Unity (Eph. 4:1–16).

And the fact that we have been raised from the dead (Eph. 2:1–10) should motivate us to Walk in Purity (Eph. 4:17—5:17), or, as Paul told the Romans, “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4).

We are Alive in Christ, not dead in sins; therefore “put off the old man … and put on the new man (Eph. 4:22, 24).

Take off the graveclothes and put on the Grace-Clothes!

Page 23

The Admonition (4:17–19)

There are some negatives in the Christian Life, and here is one of them: “Walk not as other Gentiles walk.” The Christian is not to imitate the life of the unsaved people around him. They are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1), while he has been raised from the dead and been given eternal life in Christ. Paul explains the differences between the saved and the unsaved. To begin with, Christians think differently from unsaved people. Note the emphasis here on thinking: mind (Eph. 4:17, 23), understanding (Eph. 4:18), ignorance (Eph. 4:18), “learned Christ” (Eph. 4:20).

Salvation begins with Repentance, which is a change of mind. The whole outlook of a person changes when he trusts Christ, including his values, goals, and interpretation of life. What is wrong with the mind of the unsaved person? For one thing, his thinking is “vain” (futile). It leads to no substantial purpose. Since he does not know God, he cannot truly understand the world around him, nor can he understand himself. The sad story is told in Romans 1:21–25 “²¹because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²²Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, ²³And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.²⁴Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:²⁵who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Our world today possesses a great deal of knowledge, but very little wisdom. They’re better off, but no better. Thoreau put it beautifully when he said that we have “improved means to unimproved ends.” The unsaved man’s thinking is futile because it is darkened. He thinks he is enlightened because he rejects the Bible and believes the latest philosophies, and worldly activities, when in reality he is in the dark. “Professing themselves to be wise, they become fools” (Rom. 1:22). But they think they are wise. Satan has blinded the minds of the unsaved (“But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: ⁴in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. ⁵For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. ⁶For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” - II Cor. 4:3–6) because Satan does not want them to see the Truth in Jesus Christ. It is not simply that their eyes are blinded so they cannot see, but that their minds are darkened so that they cannot think straight about spiritual matters. Of course, the unsaved man is dead because of this Spiritual ignorance.

Page 24

The Truth and the Life go together. If you believe God’s Truth, then you receive God’s Life. But you would think that the unbeliever would do his utmost to get out of his terrible spiritual plight. But the hardness of his heart enslaves him. He is “past feeling” because he has so given himself over to sin that sin controls him. Read Romans 1:18–32 for a vivid expansion of these three brief verses. “¹⁸For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; ¹⁹because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. ²⁰For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: ²¹because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²²Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, ²³And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.²⁴Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: ²⁵who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. ²⁶For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: ²⁷and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. ²⁸And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; ²⁹being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, ³⁰backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, ³¹without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: ³²who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

The Christian cannot pattern himself after the unsaved person, because the Christian has experienced a miracle of being raised from the dead. His life is not futile, but purposeful. His mind is filled with the light of God’s Word, and his heart with the fullness of God’s Life. He gives his body to God as an instrument of righteousness (Rom. 6:13), and not to sin for the satisfaction of his own selfish lusts. In every way, the Believer is different from the unbeliever, and therefore the admonition: “Walk not.”

The Argument (4:20–24)

Page 25

Paul reinforced his admonition with an argument from the Spiritual Experience of his readers. Again the emphasis is on the mind, or the outlook, of the Believer. “But ye have not so learned Christ” (Eph. 4:20). He did not say “learned about Christ,” because it is possible to learn about Christ and never be saved. To “learn Christ” means to have a personal relationship to Christ so that you get to know Him better each day. I can learn about Sir Winston Churchill because I may own many of his books and can secure books about his life. But I can never “learn him” because he is dead. Jesus Christ is alive! Therefore, I can “learn Christ” through a Personal Fellowship with Him. This Fellowship is based on the Word of God. I can be taught “the truth” as it is in Jesus Christ. The better I understand the Word of God, the better I know the Son of God, for the whole Bible is a Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ (²⁷And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:27; “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” - John 5:39). The unsaved man is Spiritually ignorant, while the Christian is intelligent in the things of the Word. And the unsaved man does not know Christ, while the Believer grows in his personal knowledge of Christ day by day. We have believed the truth; we have received the life; therefore, we will walk “in the Way” and not walk after the example of the unsaved world.

But this experience of Salvation goes much deeper than this, for it has resulted in a whole New Position before God. The old man (the former life) has been put away, and we can now walk in newness of life through Christ. Ephesians 4:22–24 is a summary of Romans 5-8, where Paul explained the Believer’s Identification with Christ in death, burial, and resurrection. He also dealt with this in Ephesians 2:4-6, as well as in Colossians 3. As Christians, we have not simply changed our minds. We have totally changed our Citizenship. We belong to God’s “New Creation” in Christ (¹⁷Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” - II Cor. 5:17), and therefore, the ideas and desires of the old creation no longer should control our lives.

The simplest illustration of this Great Truth is given in John 11, the resurrection of Lazarus. Our Lord’s friend, Lazarus, had been in the grave four days when Jesus and His Disciples arrived at Bethany, and even Martha admitted that, by now, the decaying body would smell (John 11:39). But Jesus spoke the Word and Lazarus came forth alive, an illustration of John 5:24 “²⁴Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.. Notice our Lord’s next words: “Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:44).

Page 26

Take off the graveclothes! Lazarus no longer belonged to the old dominion of death, for he was now alive. Why go about wearing graveclothes? Take off the old and put on the new! This was Paul’s argument - you no longer belong to the old corruption of SIN; you belong to the New Creation in Christ. Take off the graveclothes! How do we do this? “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Eph. 4:23).

Conversion is a crisis that leads to a process. Through Christ, once and for all, we have been given a New Position in His New Creation, but day by day, we must by Faith appropriate what He has given us. The Word of God renews the mind as we surrender our all to Him (Rom. 12:1–2). “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy Word is truth” (John 17:17).

As the mind understands the Truth of God’s Word, it is gradually transformed by the Spirit, and this renewal leads to a changed life. Physically, you are what you eat, but Spiritually, you are what you think. “As he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Prov. 23:7). This is why it is important for us as Christians to spend time daily meditating on the Word, praying, and fellowshipping with Christ.

The Application (4:25–32)

²⁵Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. ²⁶Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: ²⁷neither give place to the devil. ²⁸Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. ²⁹Let 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. ³⁰And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. ³¹Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: ³²and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Paul was not content to explain a Principle and then leave it. He always applied it to the different areas of life that need to feel its power. Paul even dared to name sins. Five different sins are named in this section, and Paul told us to avoid them and he explained why. Lying (v. 25). A lie is a statement that is contrary to fact, spoken with the intent to deceive. If I tell you it is noon, and then discover that my watch is wrong, I did not tell a lie. But if I gave you the wrong time so you would be late to a meeting and I would benefit from it, that would be a lie. Satan is a liar (John 8:44), and he wants us to believe that God is a liar. “Yea, hath God said?” (Gen. 3:1). Whenever we speak Truth, the Spirit of God Works, but whenever we tell a lie, Satan goes to work. We like to believe that we help people by lying to them, but such is not the case. We may not see the sad consequences immediately,

Page 27

but ultimately they will come. “Ye know that no lie is of the truth” (I John 2:21). Hell is prepared for “whosoever loveth and maketh a lie” (Rev. 22:15).

This does not mean that anybody who ever told a lie will go to hell, but rather that those whose lives are controlled by lies - they love lies and they make lies - are lost forever.

The Christian’s Life is controlled by truth. Note the reason Paul gave for telling the Truth: We belong to each other in Christ. He urged us to build the body in love (Eph. 4:16) and he urged us to build the body in truth. “Speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).

As “members one of another” we affect each other, and we cannot build each other apart from Truth.

The first sin that was judged in the Early Church was the sin of lying (Acts 5:1–11). Anger (vv. 26–27). Anger is an emotional arousal caused by something that displeases us. In itself, anger is not a sin, because even God can be angry (Deut. 9:8, 20; Ps. 2:12). Several times in the Old Testament the phrase appears, “the anger of the Lord” (Num. 25:4; Jer. 4:8; 12:13). The Holy anger of God is a part of His Judgment against SIN, as illustrated in our Lord’s anger when He cleansed the temple (Matt. 21:12–13).

The Bible often speaks of anger “being kindled” (Gen. 30:2; Deut. 6:15), as though anger can be compared to fire. Sometimes a man’s anger smolders, and this we would call malice, but this same anger can suddenly burst forth and destroy, and this we would call wrath. It is difficult for us to practice a truly holy anger or righteous indignation because our emotions are tainted by SIN, and we do not have the same knowledge that God has in all matters. God sees everything clearly and knows everything completely, and we do not.

The New Testament Principle seems to be that the Believer should be angry at sin but loving toward people. “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil” (Ps. 97:10). It is possible to be angry and not sin, but if we do sin, we must settle the matter quickly and not let the sun go down on our wrath. “Agree with thine adversary quickly” (Matt. 5:25). “Go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone” (Matt. 18:15). The fire of anger, if not quenched by loving forgiveness, will spread and defile and destroy the Work of God. According to Jesus, anger is the first step toward murder (Matt. 5:21–26), because anger gives the devil a foothold in our lives, and Satan is a murderer (John 8:44). Satan hates God and God’s People, and when he finds a Believer with the sparks of anger in his heart, he fans those sparks, adds fuel to the fire, and does a great deal of damage to God’s People and God’s Church. Both lying and anger “give place to the devil” (Eph. 4:27). When I was living in Chicago, one out of every thirty-five deaths was a murder, and most of these murders involved relatives and friends. They are what the law calls “crimes of passion.” Two friends get into an argument (often while gambling), one of them

Page 28

gets angry, pulls a gun or knife, and kills his friend. Horace was right when he said, “Anger is momentary insanity.”

A woman tried to defend her bad temper by saying, “I explode and then it’s all over with.” “Yes,” replied a friend, “just like a shotgun - but look at the damage that’s left behind.” “Anyone can become angry,” wrote Aristotle. “But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way - this is not easy.” Solomon has a good solution: “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Prov. 15:1). Stealing (v. 28). “Thou shalt not steal” is one of the Ten Commandments, and when God gave that Commandment, He instituted the right of private ownership of property. A man has the right to turn his strength into gain, and to keep that gain and use it as he sees fit. God gave numerous laws to the Jews for the protection of their property, and these principles have become a part of our law today. Stealing was particularly a sin of the slaves in Paul’s day. Usually they were not well cared for and were always in need, and the law gave them almost no protection. When he wrote to Titus, Paul urged him to admonish the slaves not to “purloin” but to be faithful to their masters (Titus 2:10). But it was not only the slaves, but citizens in general, who were addicted to thievery, for Paul wrote to people in the Ephesian Church who were gainfully employed (Eph. 4:28). Just as Satan is a liar and a murderer, he is also a thief. “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). He turned Judas into a thief (John 12:6), and he would do the same to us if he could. When he tempted Eve, he led her to become a thief, for she took the fruit that was forbidden. And she, in turn, made Adam a thief. The first Adam was a thief and was cast out of Paradise, but the Last Adam, Christ, turned to a thief and said, “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Paul added motive to the admonition. We should tell the truth because we are “members one of another.” We should control our anger lest we “give place to the devil.” We should work, and not steal, so that we might be able “to give to him that needeth.” You would expect Paul to have said, “Let him work that he might take care of himself and not be tempted to steal.” Instead, he lifted human labor to a much higher level. We work that we might be able to help others. If we steal, we hurt others; therefore, we should work that we might be able to help others. Even honest labor could become a selfish thing, and this Paul seeks to avoid. Of course, it was a fundamental rule in the early Church that “if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). A lazy Christian robs himself, others, and God. Of course, Paul was not writing to Believers who could not work because of handicaps, but with those who would not work. Paul himself was an example of a hard worker, for while he was establishing Local Churches, he labored as a tentmaker. Every Jewish rabbi was taught a trade, for, said the rabbis, “If you do

Page 29

not teach your son a trade, you teach him to be a thief.” The men that God called in the Scriptures were busy working when their call came. Moses was caring for sheep; Gideon was threshing wheat; David was minding his father’s flock; and the first four Disciples were either casting nets or mending them. Jesus Himself was a Carpenter.

Corrupt speech (v. 29). The mouth and heart are connected. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). We expect a change in speech when a person becomes a Christian. It is interesting to trace the word mouth through the book of Romans and see how Christ makes a difference in a man’s speech. The sinner’s mouth is “full of cursing and bitterness” (Rom. 3:14), but when he trusts Christ, he gladly confesses with his mouth “Jesus Christ is Lord” (Rom. 10:9–10 NIV). As a condemned sinner, his mouth is stopped before the Throne of God (Rom. 3:19), but as a Believer, his mouth is opened to Praise God (Rom. 15:6). Change the heart and you change the speech. Paul certainly knew the difference, for when he was an unsaved rabbi, he was “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). But when he trusted Christ, a change took place: “Behold, he prayeth” (Acts 9:11). From “preying” to “praying” in one step of faith!

The word corrupt, used in Matthew 7:17–18, refers to rotten fruit. It means “that which is worthless, bad, or rotten.” Our words do not have to be “dirty” to be worthless. Sometimes we go along with the crowd and try to impress people with the fact that we are not as puritanical as they think. Peter may have had this motive in mind when he was accused by the girl of being one of Christ’s Disciples. “Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, ‘I know not the man’” (Matt. 26:74). The appetites of the old life sometimes show up when we permit “filthy communication” out of the mouth (Col. 3:8). Remember, before we were saved, we lived in spiritual death (Eph. 2:1–3), and, like Lazarus, our personal corruption produced an odor that was not pleasing to God. No wonder Paul wrote, “Their throat is an open sepulchre” (Rom. 3:13). The remedy is to make sure the heart is full of blessing. So fill the heart with the Love of Christ so that only Truth and Purity can come out of the mouth. Never have to say, “Now, take this with a grain of salt.” Paul told us to put the salt of God’s Grace in everything we say. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). And keep in mind that your words have power, either for good or evil. Paul told us to speak in such a way that what we say will build up our hearers, and not tear them down. Our words should Minister Grace and help to draw others closer to Christ. Satan, of course, encourages speech that will tear people down and destroy the work of Christ. If you need to be reminded of the power of the tongue, read the third chapter of James.

Page 30

Page 31

List Item
null

God has put us IN CHRIST. Christ is the Head and Source of the New Creation. We are of Christ’s Order, and we take our Character from Him. The question is, Page 1

🗣️ The Word Is Near: Verses 6-8 highlight that the message of faith is accessible – “in your mouth and in your heart” – (underscoring that Salvation isn’t distant or complicated.)
         ❤️ Confession and Belief: Verses 9-10 lay out the path to Salvation:
1.“confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and 2. Believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. This dual act – outward confession and internal belief – lead to: a) Justification by Faith (His Righteousness on you. He put His Righteousness on you I exchange for your SIN. And He bore your SIN on the Cross, so you wouldn’t have to bear it) and b) confession and belief lead to Salvation (Deliverance from Eternal Death.)
It’s a powerful passage that shifts the focus from religious rule-keeping to a personal, heartfelt Trust in Christ.
This is the ONLY WAY to become a SAINT! After you’re dead U AIN’T NO SAINT! Your work on this earth is done!

Now we just have to ACT like a Saint! We are no longer under the Penalty of Eternal Death. Your SIN is forgiven. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” – Romans 8:1.
The next step for Saint is in “CONSECRATION.” Consecration is the giving of my life (Mind, Soul and Emotions) to God to do His Will, 100%, instead of my own. You can’t give Him the Spirit, the Spirit belongs to God… the body goes to the dust, it’s not yours – God gave you the body to house YOU, (your Soul! That’s You). It means that I present my body to Him as a “living sacrifice” (Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience – Colossians 3:5, 6.)
since He GAVE His Life so that you and I can represent Heaven on earth, you can live with Him when you leave this earth, so consecration is the “Reasonable” thing to do, see also Romans 12:1, 2.
        Consecration is Voluntary.

        Consecration is to the LORD.
Page 2

  Consecration is the offering of a WHOLE LIFE to God.
        What does this tell you about Consecration? You give yourself away.
        Consecration is Final. You can’t you back, He sealed you.
        Consecration is Continual.  “… If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” – Luke 9:23.
        Why Should I Consecrate Myself to the Lord? Because you belong to Him.
         Saints are God’s Property, our STANDING (Spiritual Position) is PERFECT, in God’s Eyes; our STANDING (our daily experience) is Imperfect in the world.
A STORY
She had gone down in history as “America’s Greatest Miser,” yet when she died in 1916, “Hetty” Green left an estate valued at over $100 million. She ate cold oatmeal because it cost to heat it. Her son had to suffer a leg amputation, because she delayed so long looking for a free clinic that his case became incurable. She was wealthy, yet she chose to live like a pauper. Eccentric? Certainly! Crazy? Perhaps – but nobody could prove it. She was so foolish that she hastened her own death by bringing on an attack of apoplexy (became unconscious, had a stroke) while arguing about the value of drinking skimmed milk!
-         What is the meaning of a Spiritual pauper?
-         How can the word Pauper apply to Jesus? (Did He have humble beginning? Did he live a life of simplicity? What did He teach about wealth?  Paul wrote that “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor” – II Corinthians 8:9, highlighting that Jesus’ poverty was part of His Mission to identify with humanity and offer Salvation.
-         Does it apply to you in any way?
-         Would you rather the word Pauper apply to you Spiritually?
Hetty Green is an illustration of too many Believers today. They have limitless Spiritual wealth at their disposal, and yet they live like paupers. It was to this kind of Christian that Paul wrote the Epistle to the Ephesians.

Too many Christians have Christ Jesus living in their hearts, they have many Bibles at their disposal; some have been in Sunday School, Bible Study over half their lives, and will not stand up and teach the Gospel. “I can’t speak,” “I studder.” Do you know that your imperfection, whatever that is, is a test of your Faith in God to do His Work in you? Satan will remind you of your shortcomings to thwart God’s Plan to use you. You must be willing to tell Satan to “get behind me.” And yes! They will make fun of you… another test!

Page 3

The Author of Ephesians (Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God – 1:1a)
Some names in history we identify immediately, and “Paul” is one of them. His name was originally “Saul” (“And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul – Acts 7:58), and, since he was from the tribe of Benjamin (“5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee” – Phil. 3:5), he believed in God, for God, He would kill a rock, but he would kill Jesus, Really! It is likely he was named after the first king of Israel (“… Kish… a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.’ ‘2 And he had a son, whose name was Saul, a choice young man, and a goodly…” and there was not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he…”’ – I Samuel Ch. 9). Unlike his namesake, however, Saul of Tarsus was obedient, and faithfully served God. Jesus, not so much! Saul even persecuted the Church and killed Christians.
I want us to Pick a Scripture to read and show that Paul Persecuted the Church:
Acts 8:1; Acts 8:3; I Corinthians 15:9.
-         Why do you think Saul advocated for God, but persecuted the Church of Jesus Christ?
Some say that Saul was a Rabbi. Rabbis play a central role in the Jewish community. The word “Rabbi” mean “teacher” in the Hebrew language.
They are responsible for:
-         Teaching the Jewish religion (Law) to both children and adults
-         For advising Jews on religious matters.
-         They also lead religious services
-         They ensure that everything is conducted according to Jewish Law.
-         They assure that the structure of the service follow the Daily Prayer Book (SIDDUR).
-         They read and did oversee the Torah and Haftara (selections from the Prophets and Hebrew Bible) and
-         Any special readings on Festivals.
As a Devoted Rabbi, Saul became the leader of the antichristian movement in Jerusalem. This is how Saul is described in the Scripture: (“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” – Acts 9:1–2; this is how Saul describes Himself in Scripture: “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it
Page 4

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it” – Gal. 1:13–14).
But during this activity, Saul was “arrested” by Jesus Christ and was converted to a Saint in Christ (Acts 9:3ff.; 26). Saul of Tarsus, the antichristian, became Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles (“But the Lord said unto him (Ananias), Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel – Acts 9:15). Saul was a sinner, but he was Saved By God’s Grace. Paul’s testimony is: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia and returned again unto Damascus” – Galatians 1:15-17.
After his conversion and baptism by Ananias in Damascus, Paul began preaching in the Synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God – much to the astonishment of those who knew his past. He then spent time in Arabia for reflection and Spiritual formation by Christ before returning to Damascus and eventually visiting Jerusalem.

While he was Ministering in the Church of Antioch, he was called by the Spirit to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, and he obeyed (“Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away – Acts 13:1–3).
The book of Acts records Three Missionary Journeys that took Paul throughout the Roman Empire in one of the greatest Evangelistic endeavors in Church History. About the year 53, Paul first Ministered in Ephesus but did not remain there (“And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.19And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.20When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;21But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus” – Acts 18:19–21).

Page 5

Two years later, while on his third journey, Paul stayed in Ephesus for at least two years and saw that whole vast area Evangelized (Acts 19:1–20).
During these years, he founded a strong Church in the city that was dedicated to the worship of the goddess Diana. For a description of Paul’s Ministry in Ephesus, read Acts 20, where he met with much opposition.

Paul was a prisoner in Rome (Eph. 3:1; 4:1; 6:20 “for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.) Paul is both Spiritually and physically imprisoned), and he wanted to share with these Believers the Great Truths the Lord had taught him about Christ and the Church.
To get a better understanding of the historical background, compare Ephesians 6:21–22, “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” with Colossians 4:7–9, “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord:8Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;9With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.”
Summary of the Comparison:
Both Ephesians 6:21–22 and Colossians 4:7–9 feature Paul’s commendation of Tychicus, a trusted companion, and his role in delivering news and encouragement to the Churches.
Here’s a comparison of the two passages:
        In both letters, Tychicus is sent to inform the recipients about Paul’s situation.
        Character Description: Paul calls him a dear brother and faithful servant in both texts.
        Purpose of Sending: The goal is to provide updates and offer encouragement to the Believers.
📖 Ephesians 6:21–22 Highlights
        Tychicus is described as a faithful servant in the Lord.
        Paul says he will “tell you everything” so the Ephesians may know how Paul is doing.
        Emphasis on encouragement and transparency about Paul’s condition.
📖 Colossians 4:7–9 Highlights
        Tychicus is also called a faithful minister and fellow servant.

        He is joined by Onesimus, another trusted brother, who is “one of you.”
Page 6

  The message includes “everything that is happening here,” suggesting a broader report.
These verses show Paul’s deep trust in Tychicus and his desire to keep the Churches connected and encouraged. It’s a beautiful glimpse into the Relational fabric of the Early Church.
Onesimus and the historical backdrop of Ephesians and Colossians. These two men and letters are deeply intertwined, and their stories reveal powerful themes of transformation, unity, and reconciliation.
🧍‍♂️ Onesimus: From Slave to Brother
Onesimus was a runaway slave belonging to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae. After fleeing, he encountered the Apostle Paul – likely in Rome – where he converted to Christianity.
Name Meaning: “Onesimus” means useful in Greek – a poignant irony, as Paul writes that he was once “useless” but became “useful” both to Paul and Philemon (Philemon 1:11).
Paul’s Plea: In the letter to Philemon, Paul appeals for Onesimus to be received not as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ.
Possible Later Role: Early Church tradition suggests Onesimus may have become Bishop/Pastor/Elder (all the same to God, with God, there are no hierarchy/inequality) of Ephesus, mentioned by Ignatius of Antioch.
His story is a powerful example of Christian Reconciliation, challenging social norms and emphasizing Spiritual Equality.
🏛️ Historical Context of Ephesians
The Epistle to the Ephesians was likely written by Paul during his imprisonment in Rome around AD 60–61. It was intended for the Church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, and to be circulated to the Churches throughout Asia Minor, where Paul had set up Churches.
Themes:
Unity in Christ: Paul emphasizes Reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles.
Spiritual Identity: Believers are part of the Body of Christ, Chosen and Sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ethical Living: Instructions on Christian Conduct, including relationships and Spiritual Warfare (e.g., “armor of God”).
Cultural Tensions: The letter reflects challenges in integrating Gentile Believers into a Faith rooted in Jewish tradition.
🏙️ Historical Context of Colossians
Written around the same time as Ephesians, Colossians addresses the Church in Colossae, a smaller city near Ephesus.

Key Concerns:
Page 7

False Teachings: Paul warns against philosophies that diminish Christ’s role.
Christ’s Supremacy: Emphasizes Jesus as the image of the invisible God and head of all creation.
Christian Living: Encourages Believers to live out their faith with integrity and
Spiritual Maturity.
Connection to Onesimus: Onesimus is mentioned in Colossians 4:9 as accompanying Tychicus to deliver the letter – suggesting his Restored Status and Trust within the Christian community.
How these letters influenced early Christian Theology or how they’re interpreted today? There’s so much richness to unpack.
📜 Theological Impact of Ephesians
The Epistle to the Ephesians is a cornerstone of Christian Theology, offering a sweeping vision of God’s Cosmic Plan through Christ.
Unity of the Church: Paul’s metaphor of the Church as the Body of Christ helped define Christian Identity as a Unified, Spiritual Community beyond ethnic or social divisions.
Grace and Salvation: Ephesians 2:8–9 emphasizes Salvation by Grace through Faith – not by works. This became a foundational Doctrine for Protestant Theology centuries later.
Spiritual Warfare: The “armor of God” imagery (Ephesians 6:10–18) gave Believers a framework For resilience and Spiritual Discipline.
Christ’s Cosmic Role: Ephesians presents Jesus not only as Savior but as Sovereign over All Creation, Reinforcing His Divine Authority.
🧠 Colossians and Christ-Centered Theology
Colossians complements Ephesians but focuses more intensely on the Supremacy of Christ.
Christ as Creator and Sustainer: Colossians 1:15–20 describes Jesus as “the image of the invisible God” and the one through whom all things were created.
Combatting Heresy (any belief contrary to Christianity): Paul counters early Gnostic and legalistic teachings, affirming that “Christ Alone” is sufficient for
Salvation.
New Life in Christ: Colossians 3 urges Believers to “put off the old self” and live transformed lives, which became a Model for Christian ethics of all ages.
🔗 Onesimus and the Theology of Reconciliation
Onesimus’s story, though brief, had a profound theological ripple effect.
Spiritual Equality: Paul’s appeal to Philemon to accept Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave – a beloved brother” (Philemon 1:16) challenged social norms and laid groundwork for Christian views on human dignity throughout all ages.)
Page 8
1. Forgiveness and Restoration: Onesimus’s return with Paul’s letter modeled the Christian Process of Repentance, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation.
  Church Leadership: Early tradition suggests Onesimus later became Bishop/Pastor or Elder of Ephesus, symbolizing the Transformative Power of Grace and Inclusion
  These texts didn’t just shape theology—they shaped how Christians saw themselves, their Communities, and their Relationship with God.
  
  This Letter was written to Philemon:
  1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow laborer,2And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in thy house:3Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,5Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;6That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,9Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:11Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;19I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.20Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.21Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.22But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus;24Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.25The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Written from Rome to Philemon, by Onesimus a servant.)
Page 9

PHILEMON.
Onesimus, a slave, ran away from Philemon, his master, who lived at Colosse. While in Rome, Onesimus met Paul and was converted. Tychicus, one of the Pastors of the Church at Colosse, which may have met in Philemon’s house, was also in Rome to discuss some problems with Paul. So, Paul took advantage of the presence of these two men to send three letters to his friends: the Epistle to the Ephesians, the Epistle to the Colossians, and the Epistle to Philemon. At the same time, he sent Onesimus back to his master. So, the letter was written from Rome about the year AD 62. Though Paul was on trial for his life, he was concerned about the Spiritual needs of the Churches he had founded. As an Apostle, “one sent with a Commission,” he had an obligation to teach them the Word of God and to seek to build them up in the faith (And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers – Eph. 4:11–12).
This part of the letter to Ephesus was written to the:
The Assembly – To the saints which are at Ephesus – 1:1b–2.
Are you surprised to find Paul addressing his letter to Saints? After all, Saints are dead people who have achieved such Spiritual Eminence that they have been given that Special Title, Saints. Or are they? No word in the New Testament has suffered more than this word Saint. Even the dictionary defines a Saint as a “person officially recognized for Holiness of life.” Who makes this official recognition? Usually some religious body, and the process by which a person becomes a Saint is technically known as Canonization. The deceased person’s life is examined carefully to see whether he qualifies for Sainthood. If the candidate’s Character and Conduct are found to be above reproach, if he has been responsible for working at least two miracles, then he is qualified to be made a Saint. As interesting as this procedure is, we do not find it Authorized in the Bible. Nine times in this brief letter, Paul addressed his readers as Saints (Eph. 1:1, 15, 18; 2:19; 3:8, 18; 4:12; 5:3; 6:18). These Saints were Alive, not dead, even though once they had been “dead in trespasses and sins” –Eph. 2:1–3. And they had never performed any miracles, though they had experienced a Miracle by Trusting Christ as Savior – “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9Not of works, lest any man should boast.10For we are his
Page 10

workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” – Eph. 2:4–10).
The word Saint is simply one of the many terms used in the New Testament to describe “one who has trusted Jesus Christ as Savior.” The person is “alive,” not only physically, but also Spiritually – “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins” – Eph. 2:1. You will find Christians called Disciples (Acts 9:1, 10, 19, 25–26, 36, 38), People of the Way (Acts 9:2,
“And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem, and Saints” – Acts 9:13, 32, 41). The word Saint means “one who has been set apart [from evil, or from the world] to be used by God. It is related to the word Sanctified, which means “set apart.” When the sinner surrenders and Trusts Christ as his Savior, he is taken out of “the world” and placed “IN CHRIST.” The Believer is in the world physically, but not of the world Spiritually – Jesus prayed, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil ” – John 17:14–16. Like a scuba diver, the Saint exists in an alien environment because he possesses special equipment – in this case, the Indwelling Holy Spirit of God. Every True Believer Possesses the Holy Spirit – “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” – Rom. 8:9; “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” – I Cor. 6:19–20), and it is through the Spirit’s Power that the Christian is able to function in the world. Now for the important question: How did these people at Ephesus become Saints? The answer is found in two words: “Faithful” and “Grace” – “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:” - Eph. 1:1–2). When Paul addressed his letter to the “Saints … and Faithful in Christ Jesus” he was not addressing two different groups of people. The word faithful carries the meaning of “believers in Christ Jesus.” These people were not saved by living faithful lives; rather they put their faith in Christ and were saved. This is clear from Ephesians 1:12–14, 19 – “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power
Page 11

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” This text calls for a lifestyle that reflects the Holiness of God, urging Believers to walk in Love, Light, and Wisdom.
The word Grace is used twelve times in Ephesians and refers to “the kindness of God toward undeserving people.” Grace and Mercy often are found together in the Bible, and they certainly belong together in the experience of Salvation. Grace and Faith go together, because the only way to experience Grace and Salvation is through faith – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” – Eph. 2:8–9. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is used twenty-seven times in this letter! It describes the Spiritual Position of the Believer: He is identified with Christ he is in Christ and therefore is able to draw on the wealth of Christ for his own daily living.

The Aim: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” – 1:3)
Each book in the Bible has its own special theme and message, even though it may deal with many different topics. Genesis is the book of Beginnings; Matthew is the book of the Kingdom; Galatians is the book of Liberty. Ephesians 1:3 states its theme: “The Christian’s Riches in Christ.”

THE SOURCE OF OUR BLESSINGS:
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” God the Father has made us rich in Jesus Christ! (1:3).
When you were born again into God’s Family, you were born Rich. Through Christ you share in the Riches of God’s Grace –
        “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” – Eph. 1:7;
        “That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in 1:3. kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” –2:7,
        God’s Glory – “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” – Eph. 1:18;
        “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” – 3:16),
        God’s Mercy – “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” – Eph. 2:4, and

        “The unsearchable riches of Christ” – “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” – Eph. 3:8.
Page 12

Our Heavenly Father is not poor; He is rich – and He has made us rich in His Son.
J. Paul Getty, one of the richest men in the world, was worth an estimated $1.3 billion. The weekly income of some of the “oil sheiks” runs into the millions. Yet all of this wealth is but “pennies” when compared with the Spiritual Wealth we have in Christ.
In this letter, Paul explained to us what these riches are and how we may draw on them for effective Christian living.
BLESSINGS IN HIS SPIRIT
The scope of our blessings. We have “all spiritual blessings.” This can be translated “all the blessings of the Spirit,” referring to the Holy Spirit of God. In the Old Testament, God Promised His earthly people, Israel, material blessings as a reward for their obedience (Deut. 28:1–13). Today, He Promises to supply ALL our needs “according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” – Phil. 4:19, but He does not promise to shield us from either poverty or pain. The Father has given us every Blessing of the Spirit, everything we need for a successful, satisfying Christian Life. The Spiritual is far more important than the material. The Holy Spirit is mentioned many times in this letter, because He is the One who channels our riches to us from the Father, through the Son. Not knowing and depending on the Holy Spirit’s Provision is to live a life of Spiritual Poverty or as a Pauper. No wonder Paul began his Ephesian Ministry asking some professed Christians if they really knew the Holy Spirit (remember Acts 19:1–7?).
We might ask professed Christians today, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” If the answer is no, then you are not saved. The Word says, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” – Rom. 8:9.
Unless you have the witness of the Spirit you cannot draw on the wealth of the Spirit – Rom. 8:15–16, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God,”
The sphere of our blessings. Our Blessings are “in heavenly places in Christ.” Perhaps a clearer translation would be “in the heavenlies in Christ.” The unsaved person is interested primarily in earthly possessions, because this is where he lives. Jesus called them “the children of this world” – Luke 16:8.

The Christian’s Life is Centered in Heaven. His Citizenship is in Heaven (Phil. 3:20); his name is written in Heaven (Luke 10:20); his Father is in Heaven; and his attention and affection ought to be centered on the things of Heaven (Col. 3:1ff.). Evangelist D. L. Moody used to warn about people who were so “heavenly
Page 13

minded they were no earthly good,” but that is not what Paul was describing. “The Heavenlies” (literal translation) describes that Place where Jesus Christ is right now (“Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” – Eph. 1:2) and where the Believer is seated with Him (“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” – Eph. 2:6).

The battles we fight are not with flesh and blood on earth, but with satanic powers “in the heavenlies” (“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” – Eph. 6:12).

The Christian really operates in two spheres: the Human, which is visible and the Divine, which is Invisible. For example, Physically, he is on the earth in a human body, but Spiritually he is seated with Christ in the Heavenly Sphere – and it is this Heavenly Sphere that provides the Power and Direction for the earthly Walk. Without His Power and Direction, we could do nothing, as John 5:15 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.”
Another example: The President of the United States is not always seated at his desk in the White House, but that executive chair represents the sphere of his life and power. No matter where he is in the world, he is the President, because only he has the privilege of sitting at that desk.
Likewise with the Christian: no matter where the Christian may be on this earth, he is seated in the Heavenlies with Jesus Christ, and this is the basis of His Life and Power.
The fact that Paul is writing here about wealth would be significant to his readers, because Ephesus was considered the bank of Asia, the place of Satan’s operation. It was also one of the Seven wonders of the world, because the great temple of Diana was in Ephesus and was known best for the center for idolatrous worship but also known as a depository for wealth. Some of the greatest art treasures of the ancient world were housed in this magnificent building.

In this letter to the Ephesian Church, Paul will compare the Church of Jesus Christ to a Temple, individually and collectively, and he will explain the great Wealth that Christ has in His Church. Paul has already used the word riches, but you may want to check other “financial” words such as Inheritance. – Eph. 1:11 is an example of financial word. It says, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of him who worked all things after the council of his own Will”.
Page 14

God is the One who Predestine the Saints. Many people will say, “If God has already predestined us, why should I do all this? He already knows who will be saved.” BUT NO! In God’s Plan of Salvation and Redemption of man and the Universe, those who Believe God and who accepts Christ, will be adopted into His Family and conformed to the Image of His Son. A person must Believe God’s Plans/Promises!
When we talk about Abraham leaving his country and going to place where God Promised that He would show him, Abraham “Believed God’s Promise and He counted it unto him “Righteousness”. If you don’t Believe God, His Promises are NULL AND VOID (for you). Therefore, if you Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that He suffered at the hands of man, that He died on the Cross for the SIN(s) of whole world [Adam committed the sin; all humanity inherited the SIN from Adam. This SIN carries the Penalty of Eternal Death]; if you Believe that He Rose from the dead on the THIRD Day, God will SAVE your SOUI. If you do not Believe, your Soul is already condemned because SIN is ABIDING in you.

The Confession that you have THAT SIN abiding in you and ask Him for FORGIVENESS, this is Repentance. God, then, forgives you for the SIN. When you SURRENDER, (by FAITH) your life to Christ, The Holy Spirit washes your SIN away by the Blood of Jesus, then God Himself declares you “Righteous.” This opens the door for Him to use you; that’s Sanctification.
Believe God! God does not LIE! When He says a thing, that settles it, whether You Believe It or Not! He declares, “I AM GOD” “I CHANGE NOT!” “THE SAME TODAY, YESTERDAY AND TOMORROW.” There is no human being that can make that claim.
After God Saves me by the Holy Spirit washing the SIN away, God makes me Righteous, then when I COMMIT any of the sins that are included in the SIN, which are, “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like… in Colossians 5, beginning with verse 3, some sins that are not named in Galatians, such as “inordinate affections, evil concupiscence, covetousness, which is idolatry, etc.”
Psalm 66:18 says, “If I regard (retain) sins in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” The relationship is broken, like when electricity is disconnected from the house, Duke doesn’t hear you. There must be a call for reconnection. Our reconnection with God is Confession/Repentance. You have already Surrendered, and that is forever. You will always be God’s Child, even when you are disconnected. Confession is the call we make for reconnection. That’s why Jesus said, Matthew quoted Jesus saying, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift (prayer) to the altar and there remembers that thy brother has “ought”

Page 15

against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way; First be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift” – 5:23, 24. What you do, does not send anyone to Hell. UNBELIEF sends you to Hell. You remember, the SIN that carries the penalty of Eternal Death, that sends you to Hell is FORGIVEN AT THE CROSS, when you Believe God. Any other sins you commit, you pay the consequences on earth (before God admits you into Eternity.) When you commit sin in your flesh (self/body), you pay for it in your body on the earth. Sin will never go to Heaven. Heaven is Pure, Holy, Sinless and Morally acceptable to God. So will everyone who goes to Heaven be Pure, Holy, Sinless and Morally acceptable to God.
“If I confess the “sin(s) that I commit,” God is so Faithful to me that He forgives me and remembers the sin(s) no more. Not only that, He again, cleans me up. How many sins will God forgive me in one minute, if I ask? Unlimited, but don’t practice. Don’t Tempt God!
God does not ask me to do anything that He has not done already!

Back to those “Financial Words” that makes the Saints Rich in Christ – Eph.1:14 says, “Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
After you “believed God” would Save your Soul by “trusting in Jesus,” you received the “Down payment on your inheritance,” or Ernest (in Real Estate, earnest money is a down payment) so, when you Believe God, He puts a down payment on your Eternal Life. What is your inheritance?

V-18 says, “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; That you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints.” When you receive your inheritance, your eyes are open to understanding Spiritual things.  What to do if you don’t understand? Go into your secret closet, confess it to God. He already knows that you don’t understand because, He is Omniscient, and He knows He hasn’t saved you… He knows you are not surrendered…He knows He hasn’t made you righteous. When you don’t Believe God, you deceive yourself.
Eph 5:5 says, “For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God.”) and fullness, or filled (Eph. 1:10, 23; 3:19; 4:10, 13; 5:18).

The Analysis
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is as carefully structured as that great temple of Diana, and it contains greater beauty and wealth! We inherit wealth by Faith and
Page16

i