Paul wrote this book to Titus who was stationed in Crete and he was one of Paul's converts. Titus probably worked with Paul at Ephesus. Crete was the 4th largest island in the Mediterranean and people there had sunk to a deplorable moral level: dishonesty, gluttony and laziness.(sound familiar?)
Titus 1
1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, 3 and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,
4 To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Titus' Task on Crete
5 The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. 6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. 8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. 9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 Even one of their own prophets has said, "Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the commands of those who reject the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
When I think of Crete I am reminded of the line in Monsters Inc. where Mike is insulted by
Randal: You little one-eyed crettan(krettin)!
Mike: First of all, it's cretan(kreetin)! If you're going to insult me, do it properly.
This passage is often refered to when churches form their bylaws for deacons and elders. I recently served on the team at my church that formed these bylaws.
Verse 6 is a tough one. I guess most would prefer that their church leaders have not experienced divorce. I'm sure some churches allow deacons who have been divorced and others may not.
I do agree that a leader should be: blameless, hospitable, loves what is good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
He should NOT be: overbearing, quick-tempered, a drunkard, violent, dishonest.
Another expectation is that a leader's children be respectable and not wild and disobedient. I guess the thinking here is that if a leader cannot control his own household then he will not be that effective in God's church as a leader as well.
I haven't made up my mind if I will post a regular passage on Sunday, or try to post what we learned at church in our adult bible group. Come back Sunday to find out.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Friday, August 3, 2007
Ephesians 6, How to Live a Long Life
Ephesians 6
Children and Parents
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves and Masters
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Final Greetings
21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Parent/Child
I think the first 4 verses give us some great advice. It tells us to honor our mother and father and if we do it may go well and we may enjoy a long life on earth. I remember pulling this scripture out on my 6 year old and I hope she appreciates it. Verse 4 does tell us not to exasperate, or anger, our children during the discipline process. I think you run the risk of alienation and separation if we over do it with out kids.
Speak the Gospel
I love verse 19 where Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him so that whenever he opens his mouth he'll have the words to speak in hopes that he can fearlessly spread the gospel. WOW! Paul's hope was that he was ALWAYS promoting the gospel. Think about how much of our talk has nothing to do with the gospel. WOW, that is humbling.
Children and Parents
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 "that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth." 4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Slaves and Masters
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. 6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. 7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, 8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
The Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Final Greetings
21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.
23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
Parent/Child
I think the first 4 verses give us some great advice. It tells us to honor our mother and father and if we do it may go well and we may enjoy a long life on earth. I remember pulling this scripture out on my 6 year old and I hope she appreciates it. Verse 4 does tell us not to exasperate, or anger, our children during the discipline process. I think you run the risk of alienation and separation if we over do it with out kids.
Speak the Gospel
I love verse 19 where Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him so that whenever he opens his mouth he'll have the words to speak in hopes that he can fearlessly spread the gospel. WOW! Paul's hope was that he was ALWAYS promoting the gospel. Think about how much of our talk has nothing to do with the gospel. WOW, that is humbling.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Ephesians 5, To Do and Not To Do
Ephesians 5
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives and Husbands
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
To Do:
+imitate God +expose fruitless deeds
+thanksgiving +be careful how you live
+make most of opportunities +understand God's will
+be filled with the Spirit +speak in psalms, hymns, songs
+submit to each other
Not To Do:
-sexual immorality -obscenity
-impurity -greed
-coarse joking -foolish talking
-talk about disobedient people -get drunk
The list is evenly split. I am more interested in seeking the things that I am TO DO, yet get stuck on some of the things I am called NOT TO DO. Some of the NOT TO DO things seem to have some room for debate, but I think you need to be careful not to be trying to justify actions also. With sexual immorality it seems it would just be best to turn off the TV. I wonder where the line is drawn on jokes. I know personally I grew up telling racial jokes and they do not even cross my lips now, but I still tell an occasional joke. Or does coarse joking include pranking each other or talking sarcastically in play with each other? And gossip is so easy to get pulled in to, especially when someone has been caught doing something wrong.
Last thought: I wonder what impact advertising has and what if the church spent as much money advertising as the beer companies. You've got to admit, the beer commercials are fun to watch.
"Men should act like Men." What beer advertiser?
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives and Husbands
22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30 for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
To Do:
+imitate God +expose fruitless deeds
+thanksgiving +be careful how you live
+make most of opportunities +understand God's will
+be filled with the Spirit +speak in psalms, hymns, songs
+submit to each other
Not To Do:
-sexual immorality -obscenity
-impurity -greed
-coarse joking -foolish talking
-talk about disobedient people -get drunk
The list is evenly split. I am more interested in seeking the things that I am TO DO, yet get stuck on some of the things I am called NOT TO DO. Some of the NOT TO DO things seem to have some room for debate, but I think you need to be careful not to be trying to justify actions also. With sexual immorality it seems it would just be best to turn off the TV. I wonder where the line is drawn on jokes. I know personally I grew up telling racial jokes and they do not even cross my lips now, but I still tell an occasional joke. Or does coarse joking include pranking each other or talking sarcastically in play with each other? And gossip is so easy to get pulled in to, especially when someone has been caught doing something wrong.
Last thought: I wonder what impact advertising has and what if the church spent as much money advertising as the beer companies. You've got to admit, the beer commercials are fun to watch.
"Men should act like Men." What beer advertiser?
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Ephesians 4, The Old vs. The New
Ephesians 4
Unity in the Body of Christ
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." 9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Living as Children of Light
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Early on in this chapter we are called to: be humble, be patient, gentle, bearing with each other, create unity through peace. The life of a Christian should reflect these character traits.
Building Up Christ
Verses 11 and 12 tell us that there are many different callings for Christians, but all positions should prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Not everyone should preach nor are there that many teachers, but we should all be doing something to build up Christ.
The NOW
The last half of the passage is full of clear expectations:
-no longer live as the Gentiles do
-put off your old self
-made new in the attitude of your minds
-speak truthfully to his neighbor
-Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths
I guess the best testimony for a Christian would be through one's lifestyle. Can your neighbors sense something different about you or do you live as the Gentiles do? When you accepted Christ did you put off your old self, or do you hold on to a lot of things that do not build up Christ? Is your speech ALWAYS building up Christ or are there times that your conversation leads others to believe you are no different than anyone else?
The best example of puting off the old self once again is Paul when he was blinded by God's light and called to serve God instead of persecute Christians. Not all of our experiences can be as dramatic as Paul's, but we are all called to do the same thing no matter what your position.
Unity in the Body of Christ
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." 9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Living as Children of Light
17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Early on in this chapter we are called to: be humble, be patient, gentle, bearing with each other, create unity through peace. The life of a Christian should reflect these character traits.
Building Up Christ
Verses 11 and 12 tell us that there are many different callings for Christians, but all positions should prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Not everyone should preach nor are there that many teachers, but we should all be doing something to build up Christ.
The NOW
The last half of the passage is full of clear expectations:
-no longer live as the Gentiles do
-put off your old self
-made new in the attitude of your minds
-speak truthfully to his neighbor
-Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths
I guess the best testimony for a Christian would be through one's lifestyle. Can your neighbors sense something different about you or do you live as the Gentiles do? When you accepted Christ did you put off your old self, or do you hold on to a lot of things that do not build up Christ? Is your speech ALWAYS building up Christ or are there times that your conversation leads others to believe you are no different than anyone else?
The best example of puting off the old self once again is Paul when he was blinded by God's light and called to serve God instead of persecute Christians. Not all of our experiences can be as dramatic as Paul's, but we are all called to do the same thing no matter what your position.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Ephesians 3
Ephesians 3
Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The Least
In verse 8 Paul says that he is "the least of God's people." God can use anybody considering Paul, who was Saul before his conversion to Christianity, persecuted and watched many Christians executed under his command. God took a brutal murderer and turned him into one of the most powerful and influential writers of the new testament. Not many people's resume would be worse than Paul's.
Confidence and Freedom
I love verse 12. It is one of the verse that I memorized long ago. "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with confidence and freedom." This tells me that my faith allows me to approach God through talk and prayer with confidence. Believers should not be afraid of God although we should fear his awesome power.
Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—
2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
A Prayer for the Ephesians
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
The Least
In verse 8 Paul says that he is "the least of God's people." God can use anybody considering Paul, who was Saul before his conversion to Christianity, persecuted and watched many Christians executed under his command. God took a brutal murderer and turned him into one of the most powerful and influential writers of the new testament. Not many people's resume would be worse than Paul's.
Confidence and Freedom
I love verse 12. It is one of the verse that I memorized long ago. "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with confidence and freedom." This tells me that my faith allows me to approach God through talk and prayer with confidence. Believers should not be afraid of God although we should fear his awesome power.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Ephesians 2
Ephesians 2
Made Alive in Christ
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
One in Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
You Don't Earn a Gift
Verse 8 tells us that we are saved by grace and through our faith in Christ as savior we are given the "GIFT" of salvation. Verse 9 goes on to tell us that we are not saved by our works. I read this and think about my dad who once said he would go to church once he cleaned up his life a bit. I think someone should get to church and accept God's gift of living with him after you die and THEN you try to get things right. If we all waited to get right before we got into church then there would be even more empty seats in church on Sundays.
Just Do Good
Verse 10 then goes on to say that we are created in Christ to do good things. If you are truly God's own then you should be doing good things and doing them without expecting something or recognition in return. Other people should naturally see you doing these good things and be attracted to what you have in Christ, freedom and peace. A Christian's best testimony is brought about by how he/she live nearly 90% of the time. God's grace covers the times where we do not live according to God's will.
Made Alive in Christ
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
One in Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
You Don't Earn a Gift
Verse 8 tells us that we are saved by grace and through our faith in Christ as savior we are given the "GIFT" of salvation. Verse 9 goes on to tell us that we are not saved by our works. I read this and think about my dad who once said he would go to church once he cleaned up his life a bit. I think someone should get to church and accept God's gift of living with him after you die and THEN you try to get things right. If we all waited to get right before we got into church then there would be even more empty seats in church on Sundays.
Just Do Good
Verse 10 then goes on to say that we are created in Christ to do good things. If you are truly God's own then you should be doing good things and doing them without expecting something or recognition in return. Other people should naturally see you doing these good things and be attracted to what you have in Christ, freedom and peace. A Christian's best testimony is brought about by how he/she live nearly 90% of the time. God's grace covers the times where we do not live according to God's will.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Ephesians 1
Ephesians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the Ephesus first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Background of Ephesus: You can go to wikipedia and read more about Ephesus, which was located in Turkey and was used as a base by Paul, the author of Ephesians http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus .
In this passage we come across words such as chose us, predestined us, adopted and chosen. The whole thing about God chosing us way before we were born seems kind of confusing so I will not try to explain my theory on predistination and such. I still will draw attention to 2 things that speak to me in this passage.
I. The Way You Are: I would like to point out in verse 4 where Paul says we are .......holy and blameless in his sight. I feel here that once you accept Christ as your savior you are truly holy and blameless in God's sight. From the time of your believing and understanding that Jesus died on the cross for ALL of your sins, past and future, God looks at your soul and sees no sin. Sin in our lives still breaks our full fellowship with God and we still are called to confess our sins and change our ways.
II. Once Saved... In verse 13 Paul states that when you believed, accepted Christ as your savior and the ONLY path to spending eternity in Heaven, you are actually marked with a SEAL. I read into this as say there is nothing that can erase that seal which through the Holy Spirit identifies us as one of God's chosen children. I did attend a bible study recently where the pastor and instructor came off as saying that if you choose to live outside of God's will you are heading down the path to distruction, which could keep one out of Heaven. I fully DISAGREE!
Christ's unselfish, non-humanistic sacrifice, while in a human body was awesome enough to cover all of my shortcomings as well as anyone else who believes.
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ.
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the Ephesus first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Background of Ephesus: You can go to wikipedia and read more about Ephesus, which was located in Turkey and was used as a base by Paul, the author of Ephesians http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephesus .
In this passage we come across words such as chose us, predestined us, adopted and chosen. The whole thing about God chosing us way before we were born seems kind of confusing so I will not try to explain my theory on predistination and such. I still will draw attention to 2 things that speak to me in this passage.
I. The Way You Are: I would like to point out in verse 4 where Paul says we are .......holy and blameless in his sight. I feel here that once you accept Christ as your savior you are truly holy and blameless in God's sight. From the time of your believing and understanding that Jesus died on the cross for ALL of your sins, past and future, God looks at your soul and sees no sin. Sin in our lives still breaks our full fellowship with God and we still are called to confess our sins and change our ways.
II. Once Saved... In verse 13 Paul states that when you believed, accepted Christ as your savior and the ONLY path to spending eternity in Heaven, you are actually marked with a SEAL. I read into this as say there is nothing that can erase that seal which through the Holy Spirit identifies us as one of God's chosen children. I did attend a bible study recently where the pastor and instructor came off as saying that if you choose to live outside of God's will you are heading down the path to distruction, which could keep one out of Heaven. I fully DISAGREE!
Christ's unselfish, non-humanistic sacrifice, while in a human body was awesome enough to cover all of my shortcomings as well as anyone else who believes.
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