The Christian's Prosperity
. . . who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ - Ephesians 1:3
Given our high position in Christ, it follows that God would provide whatever is necessary to accomplish His purposes
in and for us.
The "Beatitudes" of Matthew 5:3-12 provide a good illustration. Each "blessing" is designed
to meet a need or fulfill a desire of God's "chosen - Ephesians 1:4). The poor, meek, and persecuted are given
ownership in the kingdom. The mournful are given God's special comfort. Those who hunger for righteousness are
filled. The merciful will obtain mercy, the pure in heart will see God, and the peacemakers are identified as God's
children. The longings of our souls and characters are all met by God.
The practical needs of "wisdom and prudence" are met, too (Ephesians 1:8). Wisdom is knowledge focused
toward useful application, and prudence is the ability to develop successful activities based on wisdom. The word
of God is the source of wisdom (Deuteronomy 4:1-6; Proverbs 1:1-6) and is inspired of God to be "profitable
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:16,17).
Furthermore, He has "made known unto us the mystery of His will - Ephesians 1:9). "Kept secret"
in the days of the Old Testament prophets (Romans 16:25,26), it is now made clear to us so that we can show ".
. . unto the principalities and powers . . . by the church the manifold wisdom of God - Ephesians 3:10). These
spiritual resources are available for every believer "to profit withal" (I Corinthians 12:7). We must
pray that we do not waste these resources like the "wicked and slothful" servant in the parables of the
talents and the pounds (Matthew 25:26; Luke 19:22).
The Christian's Position
According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world - Ephesians 1:4
The search for identity and meaning can drive one to great successes or tragic failures. For the Christian, however,
the question is answered throughout Ephesians.
We are chosen! We are selected as a favorite out of "many [who] are called" (Matthew 22:14) "out
of the world" (John 15:19). What a privilege! We are God's choice to bear His name, represent His cause, and
share His glory throughout eternity.
In fact, we are "predestinated [previous boundaries set] . . . unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ
to Himself - Ephesians 1:5). And "if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ"
(Romans 8:17).
Furthermore, we have been "accepted in the beloved - Ephesians 1:6). That word, "accepted," is a
specialized form of the word most often translated "grace." We have been "graced" by almighty
God, who has set absolute boundaries around our lives, and made us His children. We were purchased "through
His blood - Ephesians 1:7) "that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar
[that is, 'precious'] people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).
Moreover, we are forgiven! (Ephesians 1:7). Our sins are "covered" (Psalm 32:1), "cast" behind
God's back (Isaiah 38:17); removed "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12); "remembered
. . . no more" (Jeremiah 31:34); and cleansed "from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).
Hallelujah! Since we are God's children, we should have no identity crisis. We are a chosen, predestined, accepted,
redeemed, forgiven, and holy people. Finally, we are predestined "to be conformed to the image of His Son"
(Romans 8:29).
The Christian's Purpose
. . . that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love - Ephesians 1:4
In the grand purpose of our "selection" into God's family, two key words are used:
"Holy" (Greek, hagios) stresses dedication. A holy man or woman is distinctively God's, set apart for
God's use; separated from the secular, and consecrated to God's service. All who are "chosen" are chosen
to be holy.
The Colossian Christians were told to "mortify" the physical appetites, to "put off" their
sinful mental attitudes and habits, and to "put on the new man . . . as the elect of God, holy and beloved"
(Colossians 3:5-12). The focus is character.
"Without blame" refers to our reputations. This character will only be fully realized in heaven (I Corinthians
1:8), but there is a present responsibility to "present your bodies a living sacrifice. . . . And be not conformed
to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind . . ." (Romans 12:1,2).
The character of holiness will become the cause of a lifestyle of blamelessness. We are to be the "sons of
God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world"
(Philippians 2:15).
This holy and blameless condition will result in "the praise of the glory of His grace - Ephesians 1:6) where
God will someday "gather together in one, all things in Christ - Ephesians 1:10).
What a magnificent thought! The purpose for which we have been chosen, predestined, redeemed, and forgiven is to
be holy in character and blameless in reputation, so that when God gathers us all together in Christ, we will be
the praise of the glorious grace of God!
The Christian's Permission
. . . wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved - Ephesians 1:6
The High Priest of Israel wore the inscription "Holiness to the LORD" to illustrate to all who obeyed
God that they were "accepted before the LORD" (Exodus 28:36-38). Joshua, as a type of all believers,
was granted "places to walk" in the courts of God (Zechariah 3:7). Christ's disciples were commanded
to "ask" the Father for "whatsoever," since they were chosen and ordained to "bring forth
fruit" (John 15:16). We have permission to "ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7).
But there is more! Not only are we accepted, we are "sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise - Ephesians 1:13),
an "earnest [down payment, deposit] of our inheritance - Ephesians 1:14). We are "stablished . . . anointed
. . . sealed" (II Corinthians 1:21,22).
We are "confirmed" in everything (I Corinthians 1:4-8), consecrated and sanctified to serve (Exodus 28:41;
I John 2:27), and given the "earnest of the Spirit" (II Corinthians 5:5) to empower our ministry.
The Holy Spirit does His work through a three-fold ministry in our lives. He will work on Christ's behalf, through
our witness, to bring conviction to those not yet in Christ (John 16:7-11). He will also minister to us as the
teacher of our spirits to guide us into all truth (John 16:13; 14:17,26; 15:26).
Furthermore, the wisdom, prudence, and knowledge of God are revealed to us through His work in us (I Corinthians
2:9,10). All that is necessary for our "effectual working - Ephesians 3:7) is "graced" to us so
that we can "work out [our] salvation" (Philippians 2:12). We are "complete in Him" (Colossians
2:10).
How Rich We Are
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace - Ephesians
1:7
In Ephesians 1-3, the Apostle Paul speaks six times concerning the rich benefits poured out to every true believer.
These riches will never be taken from us, for they come from God, and are as eternal as God Himself.
The six references can be divided into four categories:
The riches of His grace: Nothing shows the grace of God more than the shed blood of Christ for the forgiveness
of sins, by which we are redeemed (text). Grace is undeserved. There is not one single thing in any person that
could merit God's rich grace. It is a free gift. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast - Ephesians 2:8,9). We will continually
learn of this grace throughout eternity. "That in the ages to come He might show [display or demonstrate]
the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:7).
The riches of His mercy: "But God, who is rich in mercy, . . . - Ephesians 2:4). Mercy flows from God's great
love and is also undeserved. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy
He saved us" (Titus 3:5).
The riches of His glory: ". . . the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints - Ephesians 1:18).
The saints themselves are God's glorious inheritance. This is all part of His glorious riches mentioned. "That
we should be to the praise of His glory" (v.12).
The riches of Christ: "The unsearchable riches of Christ - Ephesians 3:8). One commentator explained it this
way: "Christ's fathomless spiritual wealth can never be fully comprehended." All we can say to that is,
Amen!
The Riches Of His Grace
In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace - Ephesians
1:7
The attributes of God are characterized by the "riches of His grace." This amazing grace led Him to shed
His blood as the price of our redemption.
No wonder men have developed the familiar acrostic for GRACE-"God's Riches at Christ's Expense." "For
ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye
through His poverty might be rich" (II Corinthians 8:9).
Paul seems again and again to try to find descriptions for these riches. To the Romans he wrote of "the riches
of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering" (Romans 2:4) and of His plan to "make known the riches
of His glory on the vessels of (His) mercy" (Romans 9:23). Speaking of God's mercy, he exclaims, "O the
depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (Romans 11:33).
The inexhaustibility of these infinite depths of grace and mercy led Paul to call these attributes "the unsearchable
riches of Christ - Ephesians 3:8). Desiring that all believers might learn to appreciate the tremendous future
they have in Christ, he prayed that "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened;" somehow we might
come to appreciate even now "the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints - Ephesians 1:18).
Yet, marvelously rich and full though His grace is now, there is much more to come. "God, who is rich in mercy,
for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
. . . That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through
Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:4,5,7).
Sealed By The Holy Spirit
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, which is the earnest of our inheritance until
the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory - Ephesians 1:13-14
From very ancient times it has been the custom to confirm and guarantee an agreed-on purchase by sealing the contract
with a seal which could only be broken by the buyer when he was ready to take possession of his purchase.
The marvelous transaction seen by John at God's throne in heaven was in reference to this practice. There, only
the Lamb is found worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll on which is recorded the title to the whole creation.
"And they sung a new song, saying, thou art worthy to take the (scroll), and to open the seals thereof: for
thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood" (Revelation 5:9). The purchase price had been paid
on Calvary, and the resurrected Lamb had come to claim His possession.
And we are part of that possession! The price has been paid for our redemption from sin's bondage, but we have
not yet entered on the inheritance which our great Redeemer has promised us. In the meantime, our individual title
deed, as it were, has been sealed by none other than the Holy Spirit. He is not only the seal, but also the "earnest"-that
is, the down payment, the earnest money-who guarantees the total "redemption of the purchased possession."
His personal presence in our lives is our assurance that the full promise will be fulfilled, and we are urged to
"grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption - Ephesians 4:30). He
"hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts" (II Corinthians 1:22).
The Christian's Possibilities
. . . may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding
being enlightened . . . - Ephesians 1:17-18
The "spirit of wisdom" is applied to a wide variety of circumstances. It certainly includes leadership
(Deuteronomy 34:9).
But wisdom is also identified with the ability to make beautiful clothing (Exodus 28:3) and to engineer and invent
complex equipment (Exodus 31:2-6). Daniel was said to have "an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding,
interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts" (Daniel 5:12). We are even
promised that our "adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist" (Luke 21:15).
A "spirit of revelation" is also made available to us. This revelation (literally, "to take off
the cover") is not new doctrine or truth. Revelation is implemented by the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 2:10),
having the source of His revelatory work from Jesus Christ on behalf of Christ (John 16:13-15).
The Greek language of the phrase, "the eyes of [our] understanding being enlightened - Ephesians 1:18), could
be translated, "the vision of your deep thought will be made to shine" . . . or paraphrased in a more
colloquial expression, "the light comes on!"
There are three specific enlightenments cited here: the hope of our calling (see Romans 15:13,14), the riches of
the glory of our inheritance (Romans 11:33-36), and the exceeding greatness of His power exercised on our behalf
(Ephesians 3:20; 6:10).
Each of these three are specifically designed by God to undergird our faith and embolden our confidence, even though
we are "strangers and pilgrims on earth" (Hebrews 11:13).
The Christian's Power
. . . the exceeding greatness of His power to usward who believe . . . - Ephesians 1:19
The power of the triune Creator, as displayed in the resurrection of Christ, is directed toward us! We can be certain
that we will never fully comprehend that, but the Scriptures provide several clear statements that will help us
get some usable grasp on this resource:
We receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on us (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit indwells every believer (John 14:17;
I Corinthians 6:19) and is therefore readily accessible to all believers (Ephesians 3:20).
We use the power of God every time we preach the gospel (Romans 1:16; I Corinthians 1:18), whether to one person
or to thousands.
We learn of the power of God through "great and precious promises" (II Peter 1:3,4). Indeed, those promises
involve "all things that pertain to life and godliness."
We see the results of the power of God in our lives when our characters reflect "all patience and longsuffering
with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11).
The Lord desires "that [we] might be filled with all the fulness of God" Ephesians 3:19) and "strengthened
with might by His Spirit in the inner man - Ephesians 3:16). The purpose of this empowering is to be ". .
. rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith" (Colossians 2:7), "able to comprehend . .
. the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know [!] the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge -
Ephesians 3:18,19).
"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power
that worketh in us, unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen
- Ephesians 3:20,21).
Exceeding Greatness
And what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of His mighty
power - Ephesians 1:19
There are a number of Scriptural superlatives that convey something of the tremendous magnitude of our great salvation.
These are marked by the adjective "exceeding," which in the Greek implies essentially boundless surpassing
dimensions of the attributes it describes.
First of all, as our text implies, His power available to us is one of exceeding greatness. Its magnitude is measured
by the power required to bring Christ back again from death and Hades.
Consider also the measure of His grace, "that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His
grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:7). His grace has saved us when we were dead
in sins, but this is only a small token. In the ages to come, we will experience His grace as one of exceeding
riches.
Then there is the wonderful peace of God. "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). In this verse, the word "passeth" is the
same word. Paul is saying that God's peace is one exceeding understanding.
Finally, consider His glory. "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Corinthians 4:17). The future eternal glory is one of exceeding
weight, or abundance.
Thus the infinite blessings and resources of our salvation in Christ are described as providing the power of surpassing
greatness, the grace of surpassing richness, the peace which surpasses all understanding, and the eternal glory
of surpassing abundance! All of this is freely available "to us-ward who believe."
The Christian's Parentage
And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins - Ephesians 2:1
There are three descriptions of what we were prior to God's work in us, as described in the second chapter of Ephesians,
and as listed below:
We were "dead in trespasses [activities] and sins [character, attitude, condition]." The result was that
we were unable to understand or seek God on our own (Romans 3:10,11). Nor are we able to know the "things
of God" by our own intellectual prowess (I Corinthians 2:14).
"We walked according to the course of this world - Ephesians 2:2), in "bondage" to the world (Galatians
4:3), and with the eyes of our minds "blinded" by Satan (II Corinthians 4:4).
We are "by nature the children of wrath - Ephesians 2:3). Both our natural desires (Ephesians 5:5,6) and our
willful unbelief (John 3:36) have placed us under the ever-increasing wrathful judgment of God (Romans 2:5-9).
The transformation performed by God on us can only be "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus - Ephesians
2:10). It involves God's rich "mercy" and "great love - Ephesians 2:4) to make us alive when we
were dead (see John 5:21-24; Romans 6:4-6,9-11).
That power "raises" us and "seats" us with God "positionally" in the heavens (Ephesians
2:6). That "grace" is effected through faith, and even "that not of yourselves: it is the gift of
God: Not of works, lest any man should boast - Ephesians 2:8,9).
Whatever all of these promises may ultimately involve, they assure us of permanent status as the chosen, holy ones
of God (Romans 8:29-39), "that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His
kindness toward us through Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:7).
Walking Through Ephesians
And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the
course of this world - Ephesians 2:1-2
Seven times the Apostle Paul speaks of the believer's walk, in the book of Ephesians. This walk refers to how the
Christian is to conduct himself before a holy God and a Godless world. It speaks of a course of life that one is
following; a manner of living; a lifetime experience. How one walks (behaves himself) reflects on his entire Christian
testimony.
Our previous walk: "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the
prince of the power of the air" (v.2). Our old walk is finished.
Our present walk: "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before
ordained that we should walk in them - Ephesians 2:10). Our manner of living should be filled with good works.
Our privileged walk: "I . . . beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called"
(4:1).
Our humble walk: "Walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened"
(4:17,18).
Our Christ-like walk: "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering
and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour" (5:2). The essence of love is self-sacrifice.
Our changed walk: "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light"
(5:8).
Our wise walk: "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise - Ephesians 5:15).
But God
But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened
us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved) - Ephesians 2:4-5
For two one-syllable words, the opening words of this passage speak endless volumes of truth. Before they appear,
there is nothing but wrath and death. Then, suddenly, there is rich mercy, and great love, and grace, and salvation,
and eternal life! The difference is God!
The world before God intervened was dead in trespasses and sins and completely helpless. Instead of the "universal
fatherhood of God," all men were "children of disobedience" and "children of wrath" (vs.2,3),
living "according to the course of this world" and "according to the prince of the power of the
air" (that is, the devil) (v.2).
But God! Note that the word does not say "But man." Salvation is all of God and all of grace. It is God,
and God alone who "hath quickened" those who were "dead in sins." Instead of walking according
to the course of this world, He has made us "sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (v.6).
It is not humanistic works by which we are saved, but by "the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness
toward us through Jesus Christ" (v.7).
All of this has been made possible by an even greater divine intervention: "And when they had fulfilled all
that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre. But God[!] raised Him from
the dead" (Acts 13:29,30). Jesus Christ, who rose victorious over sin and death and Satan, "is able also
to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him" (Hebrews 7:25). Because He has done all this, we
can enjoy, throughout "the ages to come . . . the exceeding riches of His grace - Ephesians 2:7).
Raised Us Up Together
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus - Ephesians 2:6
The Bible clearly identifies the resurrection of Christ as central to the Christian message, just as crucial as
the atoning death of Christ. "If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins" (I
Corinthians 15:17). And just as surely as Christ is raised, we who have put our faith in Him shall be raised.
What kind of body will we have then? "We shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is" (I John 3:2).
In His resurrection body He could appear and disappear (John 20:19), pass through closed doors (John 20:26), be
felt by others (Matthew 28:9; John 20:27), eat food (Luke 24:42,43), and He eventually rose into heaven (Acts 1:9).
Paul, who has now been dead nearly 2000 years, asserted: "We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body" (Philippians 3:20,21).
How can a person, long since dead, whose spirit has been in God's presence, receive once again a body? This, of
course, is a miracle, for the physical elements which once made up Paul's earthly body have long ago changed their
form, and even while he was alive, were continually being replaced. No, God will not restore a prior body to the
dead, but will present them with a new "glorious" body, fit for the eternal environment and service of
heaven. Paul could only write of it by analogy, comparing the difference between the old and the new bodies to
the difference between a seed and a plant, to different kinds of living things, and to different kinds of celestial
bodies. "So also is the resurrection of the dead." It is sown in corruption, dishonor, weakness, as a
natural body, but it is raised in incorruption, glory, and power, as a spiritual body (I Corinthians 15:37-44).
The Ages To Come
That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ
Jesus - Ephesians 2:7
People may ridicule Christians for believing in "pie in the sky bye and bye," but the sober truth is
that "the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
in us" (Romans 8:18).
Why should we get enamored with the philosophies and projects of this present world, when the Scriptures tell us
that "the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God," and that both the wisdom and "the princes
of this world" are going to "come to nought" (I Corinthians 3:19; 2:6).
Anyway, should we not "lay up for (our)selves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt,
and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (Matthew 6:20), instead of foolishly "supposing that
gain is godliness" (I Timothy 6:5). Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from
this present evil world" (Galations 1:4), not to make us more comfortable living in it. In fact, "all
that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life . . . passeth away:
. . . but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (I John 2:16,17).
God has not promised us pie in the sky, but He has promised to show us "the exceeding riches of His grace."
He has assured us that there will be "glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without
end - Ephesians 3:21). "And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there
be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).
Therefore, like Moses, we choose "rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures
of sin for a season," for we have "respect unto the recompense of the reward" (Hebrews 11:25,26).
The Poetry Of God
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should
walk in them - Ephesians 2:10
The word "poem" is derived from the Greek poiema. Used only twice in the New Testament, it refers to
great works of God, Himself. Thus, God is the divine poet who has created two great masterpieces - artistic creations
of marvelous intricacy and surpassing beauty.
The first is the entire physical universe: "For 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" (Romans 1:20). In this key verse, poiema is translated "things that are made."
Everything in the universe, animate and inanimate, constitutes a marvelous product of God's creative forethought
and inventive skill. If a beautiful poem requires a poet to create it, so much the more does the complex cosmic
Poem of the universe demand a great Poet of consummate wisdom and infinite power. The rejection of the Poet and
the message of the Poem not only leaves one "without excuse" (v.20), but facing "the wrath of God"
(v.18).
Yet an even more amazing poem is the work of transforming redemption accomplished in a lost soul saved by grace
through faith (Ephesians 2:8). For then it is we, ourselves, who become His poem! This also is a great creative
masterpiece, for "we are His workmanship (same word, Greek poiema), created in Christ Jesus unto good works."
A life once dead in sin, now born again and walking in good works-this is God's greatest poetic masterpiece of
all!
Both the mighty universe and the soul made new in Christ are special creations of God, and both manifest His greatness
and His love. "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift" (II Corinthians 9:15) of grace.
The Christian's Partnership
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household
of God - Ephesians 2:19
Prior to salvation, we are called "aliens . . . and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope,
and without God in the world - Ephesians 2:12). "But now . . . - Ephesians 2:13) we are part of the "new
man - Ephesians 2:15) and the grand partnership that has been made possible between Jew and Gentile, Old and New
Covenant saints, and the operative impact and purpose of the "household of God - Ephesians 2:19).
We are "made nigh" and made "one." The enemy has been "abolished," with the "middle
wall of partition" that was between us broken down (Ephesians 2:13-15), making us "one body," with
common "access by one Spirit unto the Father - Ephesians 2:16-18).
Therefore, we are "fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God . . . built on the foundation
of the apostles and prophets;" "fitly framed," growing unto a "holy temple . . . for an habitation
of God through the Spirit - Ephesians 2:19-22), now displayed in a fellowship of past and present, bond and free,
male and female-all new "partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel - Ephesians 3:1-6; Galatians 3:22-29).
And God has "created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers
in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which
He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord - Ephesians 3:10,11).
God has designed His salvation for us in such a way that we cannot fail to achieve His plans for us! We should
humbly thank Him for what He has accomplished in us through Christ Jesus.
The Dispensation Of Grace
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward - Ephesians 3:2
So-called "dispensationalism" has had both its advocates and opponents among Bible-believing Christians.
The Greek word translated "dispensation" (oikonomia), from which we derive our English word "economy,"
actually means an "economy," or also, a "stewardship."
The number and nature of the various "dispensations" or "economies" through which the Creator
has dealt with His human creation during the course of history has been the subject of considerable discussion
and variation among commentators. Possible distinct dispensations might include the post-Eden economy instituted
after sin and God's curse came into the world, the post-diluvian economy established by Noah after the flood, and
the economy begun by Abraham when God began to work especially with the nation of Israel. However, none of these
are actually called "dispensations" in the Scriptures, so any such listing is bound to be somewhat arbitrary.
There are two dispensations, however, specifically called such in Scripture. One is the "dispensation of the
fullness of times," when God will "gather together in one all things in Christ - Ephesians 1:10). This
will be the eternal economy of the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21,22).
Then there is this present "dispensation of the grace of God." We, like Paul, have been called as "stewards
of the manifold grace of God" (I Peter 4:10). So, like Paul, each of us could say that "a dispensation
of the gospel is committed unto me" (I Corinthians 9:17), and that "I am made a minister [or 'servant'],
according to the dispensation of God which is given to me" (Colossians 1:25). Thus the dispensation of grace
is a real stewardship responsibility committed to each believer.
Partakers Of The Promise
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel
- Ephesians 3:6
There are many Christians who regard themselves as almost exclusively New Testament believers, arguing that the
Old Testament was for the Jews under the dispensation of law and thus not applicable to Christians today.
Nothing could be further from the truth. While the old animal sacrifices, temple rituals, and Levitical priesthoods
have indeed been superseded by Christ's "one sacrifice for sins for ever" (Hebrews 10:12), there are
many "exceeding great and precious promises" (II Peter 1:4) of the Old Testament that can be properly
and joyfully appropriated by Christians. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
. . ." wrote Paul (II Timothy 3:16), speaking particularly of the Old Testament Scriptures.
In the context of our verse for the day, Paul is stressing that his own new revelations, given in connection with
the Christian gospel, actually involved bringing Jew and Gentile together as one body in Christ. The "dispensation
of the grace of God . . . By revelation He made known unto me," he wrote, but in previous ages, it had not
been "made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit
- Ephesians 3:2-5).
And what was it that had not been made known? The hidden mystery was simply "That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs"
with the Jews, and therefore "partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel - Ephesians 3:6).
Thus Gentile believers can now share in all the gracious promises of God in the Old Testament (e.g., Psalm 23;
Isaiah 26:3; etc.), except those directly dealing with the future of Israel as a nation, "That the blessing
of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ" (Galatians 3:14).
The Fellowship Of The Mystery
And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been
hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ - Ephesians 3:9
In the third chapter of Ephesians, the apostle Paul is outlining the tremendous message he had been called by God
to preach. By special "revelation," God had "made known" to him the essentials of what had
previously been a great "mystery" (vs.3,4). Since all-both Jew and Gentile-had the same Creator, and
since that Creator had now become the Redeemer, therefore all were to be "partakers of His promise in Christ
by the gospel" (v.6).
Thus, there was established a wonderful fellowship among all those whom He has created and redeemed. This great
mystery, long hidden from the Gentiles and from the Jews (accustomed to viewing themselves as the chosen nation),
must now give way to "the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ
Jesus our Lord" (vs.10,11).
That great purpose, now revealed, had from the beginning of the world been "hid in God." He had first
"created all things by Jesus Christ" (see our text for the day), and "now in Christ Jesus ye who
sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ - Ephesians 2:13). He has reconciled both Jew and Gentile
to the Father and to each other "in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (v.16).
True fellowship between any two groups can only be on this basis. That is, both the creation of all things and
the blood-bought redemption of all things have thereby been completed through the Lord Jesus Christ. This former
mystery is now fully revealed as the essential foundation of true fellowship with God and man.
The Indwelling Trinity
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the
inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able
to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ,
which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God - Ephesians 3:16-19
This prayer of the apostle Paul applies to us as well as "to the saints which are at Ephesus - Ephesians 1:1).
Paul directs his prayer "unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (3:14), and he requests both that
"Christ may dwell in your hearts" and also that the Holy Spirit would strengthen our "inner man."
We know elsewhere that Christ is at the right hand of the Father in heaven (Ephesians 1:20), so that the Holy Spirit
is the person who actually indwells our bodies as believers. And yet, because God is a tri-une God, if the Holy
Spirit indwells us, so also must "the Spirit of Christ," or else "he is none of His" (Romans
8:9).
But the prayer doesn't end with Christ dwelling in our hearts. He further prays that "ye might be filled with
all the fulness of God," and thus the Father is there too! When we accept Christ, we accept also the Father
and the Holy Spirit, for the three are one, and God in all His triune fullness thenceforth lives in our bodies.
The Lord Jesus Himself had prayed essentially the same prayer. "I will pray the Father, and He shall give
you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; . . . and my Father will
love (you), and we will . . . make our abode with (you)" (John 14:16,17,23). What a priceless privilege and
responsibility is ours as believers, that our tri-une God of creation and redemption and direction is with us always!
The Indwelling Trinity
To know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God - Ephesians
3:19
One of the great doctrines of Christianity is the doctrine of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God, who lives in the
heart of each believer who trusts in Christ for salvation. "Know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God?" (I Corinthians 6:19).
At the same time, God is one God, so all three persons of the Godhead must, through the Spirit, likewise indwell
the believer. Note Paul's prayer for the believers in the Ephesian church (Ephesians 3:14-19).
1. "That He would grant you . . . to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man - Ephesians
3:16). This request acknowledges the indwelling Spirit. Christ also prayed for this: "And I will pray the
Father, and He shall give you another Comforter . . . the Spirit of truth . . . for He dwelleth with you, and shall
be in you" (John 14:16,17).
2. "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith - Ephesians 3:17), that we might "know the love of
Christ, which passeth knowledge" (v.19). Here is the indwelling Son. This is also revealed in Galatians 2:20
("Christ liveth in me") and Colossians 1:27 ("Christ in you, the hope of glory").
3. "That ye might be filled with all the fulness of God - Ephesians 3:19). This can only refer to the indwelling
Father, as well as the entire tri-unity of the Godhead. Can this indwelling be ours? Note also that the entire
prayer was addressed in the first place to "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ - Ephesians 3:14). This, likewise,
is a reflection of Christ's promise: "If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23). "Filled with all the fulness of
God!" What a wonderful privilege-and responsibility-is ours.
The Christian's Calling
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called
- Ephesians 4:1
The Christian's calling in Christ is a high calling. Since we are encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of this
calling, it behooves us to make careful study of it, lest our life-style bring reproach to the One who has called
us. Consider the following sampling of the uses of this important word:
First, the calling is "of God" and irrevocable (Romans 11:29). We are called "by His grace"
(Galatians 1:15) and "into the grace of Christ" (Galatians 1:6). We are called "out of darkness"
and "into His marvelous light" (I Peter 2:9). Furthermore, we are "called to be saints" (Romans
1:7). He has "called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose
and grace" (II Timothy 1:9). We are "partakers of the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1), and in response,
we should "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians
3:14).
The New Testament writers, as well, mention many things "to" which we are called. We are "called
unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (I Corinthians 1:9). We are "called unto liberty"
(Galatians 5:13) and are now free to "serve one another" even though it means accepting the call to suffering.
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should
follow His steps" (I Peter 2:21). The "eternal life, whereunto thou art also called" may not come
easily, for it involves the "good fight of faith" (I Timothy 6:12). We are called "to glory and
virtue" (II Peter 1:3), even "His eternal glory by Christ Jesus" (I Peter 5:10), for we are "called
the Sons of God" (I John 3:1). "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure" (II Peter
1:10).
When Christ Ascended
Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He
ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? ) - Ephesians 4:8-9
This verse has been controversial, but is nonetheless very important. The context is taken from Psalm 68:17-20:
"The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: . . . Thou hast ascended on high, thou
hast led captivity captive: . . . our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the LORD belong the issues from
death."
The psalmist is apparently describing the Lord among His heavenly hosts, riding home as a mighty king returning
with the spoils of battle. Evidently this prize of battle consisted of His own people who had been held captive
in an alien land, but who now in turn had been captured from the enemy by the returning King. To do this, the King
(none other than the Lord Jesus Himself) "ascended up on high," leading them to His own throne in the
heavens.
But first He had to descend to the earth, and then even to "the lower parts of the earth." This unusual
phrase must refer to the great pit in the center of the earth confining the souls of the dead-the place called
Hades.
One of Christ's purposes on earth was "to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison
to them that are bound" (Isaiah 61:1). That is exactly what He did when He died on the cross for the sins
of these very captives, then, in the Spirit, descended into Hades to set them free.
He returned with the very "keys of Hell and of death" (Revelation 1:18), alive forevermore. The souls
of those who had died in faith came with Him, finally ascending with Him into "Paradise," in "the
third heaven" (note Luke 23:43; II Corinthians 12:2,4) to wait with Him for His future return to reclaim the
whole earth.
The Heart Of Stone
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them,
because of the blindness of their heart - Ephesians 4:18
The blindness mentioned in our text is the same word used to describe a kind of stone. In verb form, this word
indicates a process and means "to make hard or to petrify." Often the word is translated as "hardness."
The people of Israel developed a hard heart and mind toward God and the things of God (II Corinthians 3:13-15)
which continually brought both grief and anger to the Lord Jesus (Mark 3:5). Even the disciples suffered from this
hardness (Mark 6:52; 8:17).
Our text is directed toward New Testament believers who are challenged not to become blinded or petrified as are
unbelievers. This petrification in the moral realm can be compared to the loss of sensation in the physical realm-a
kind of spiritual paralysis as when sensor and motor nerves no longer respond. "Who being past feeling have
given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness - Ephesians 4:19).
Petrification of once-living tissue usually takes place over the course of many years, as each organic molecule
decays and is removed, with the space it occupied refilled with stony material dissolved in groundwater percolating
through the host material. Or, it may take place as material is injected into the living tissue, thus stopping
all life processes. In just such a way, the hardening of the heart can take place slowly, but finally petrification
is complete. Petrification of wood can be stopped by removing it from the decay-and-replacement process, but natural
processes cannot return it to its former state. Praise God that we can "put on the new man" (v.24) with
a renewed (new) mind and spirit (v.23), no longer hardened toward the things of God.
Not Convenient
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks - Ephesians
5:4
It seems surprising that "foolish talking" and "jesting" would be condemned as things that
should "not be once named among you" (v.3). Yet here it is, and commentators usually assume that the
foolish talking and jesting so condemned really only apply to filthy talking and filthy jesting. After all, the
popularity of many Christian speakers today seems to be measured by the amount of jokes and witticisms they inject
into their messages.
This is a sensitive subject, and each Christian should conscientiously decide for himself what God is saying here,
through Paul. In any case, it seems significant that the only reference in the Bible to "jesting" is
a warning against it. It is also significant that one can never find this element in the sermons of Christ or the
letters of Paul or anywhere in the Bible. The Bible writers seem to have believed that sin and salvation were such
sober, serious issues that there was nothing there to joke about. We read several times of Jesus weeping, but never
of Him laughing. The Scriptures often refer to "rejoicing," but never to "having fun."
Furthermore, Jesus warned that "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the
day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36), and Paul exhorted us to "let your speech be alway with grace"
(Colossians 4:6). Our text says that foolish talking and jesting are "not convenient" for a Christian.
Other things "not convenient" include the list of 23 sins in Romans 1:28-31, beginning with "unrighteousness"
and ending with "unmerciful."
Whether or not we can justify certain "convenient" times for jesting, there is one thing we can know
is always convenient-that is, "giving of thanks."
Works Of Darkness
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them - Ephesians 5:11
What are these "works of darkness" which we must avoid? Some of these works are enumerated in Romans
13:12,13. "Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, . . . not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering
and wantonness, not in strife and envying." A Christian is thus to "cast off" all such works of
darkness from his or her own life, to "have no fellowship" with those who practice them, and even to
openly "reprove them."
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the
vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance
that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto
lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness - Ephesians 4:17-19). Such works of darkness stem directly
from a denial of God as sovereign: "When they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, . . . and their foolish
heart was darkened" (Romans 1:21). This darkening of the heart is soon followed by a darkening of the life:
"Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness. . . . 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" (Romans 1:24,28).
In these days of moral confusion, with attitudes and actions once outlawed by society now being defended and favored
(e.g., sexual promiscuity and perversion), and with once-honored attributes now ridiculed (e.g., chastity, spirituality),
there are great pressures on Christians to compromise with these works of darkness. God and His standards do not
change, however, and He still expects us to shun and reprove them.
A Matter Of Time
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the
Lord is - Ephesians 5:16
Because of the evil day that is upon us, it is imperative that the Christian buys up ("redeems") the
time effectively for Christ. Whether we use our time selfishly or for the Lord and His work is up to us. Someone
has said that the mosquito buys up time for self and gets swatted; the bee buys up time for others and gets praised.
Our lives can be so filled with self that we have little time to give to the Lord. Charles Haddon Spurgeon liked
to compare time to banking. He said, "Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note, but today
is cash, so spend it wisely!" The psalmist admonished us to "remember how short [our] time is" (Psalm
89:47), and "we spend our years as a tale that is told" (Psalm 90:9).
Unbelievers even think that they have all the time in the world to accept Christ. As Paul, on the occasion of his
own trial, was speaking to Felix concerning "righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come," Felix
trembled, and answered, "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee"
(Acts 24:25). As far as we know, he was never saved, because he kept putting off his decision. He did not use the
time wisely to receive Christ. "Boast not thyself of tomorrow" (Proverbs 27:1).
As far as salvation and time is concerned, the Bible states it clearly, "Behold, now is the accepted time;
behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Corinthians 6:2). Those who say they will accept Christ at twelve
usually die at eleven. We have no guarantee of tomorrow, so we had best make our present count for eternity! As
the old axiom goes, we have "only one life, t'will soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."
Submission
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God - Ephesians 5:21
Normally in today's world we are told to strive for the top. Desire to be "Number 1" overshadows the
Biblical injunction of submission. But when we are truly in a right relationship with God, we will be submitting
to one another. Christ taught that servanthood was of much greater value in the eyes of God than mastery.
We all know too many examples of churches which have been split by conflicts arising from selfishness among the
believers or an unwillingness to serve. "From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence,
even of your lusts that war in your members?" (James 4:1). A Spirit-filled Christian (Ephesians 5:18) desires
to submit and serve, rather than to assert and rule.
The same thought is reflected throughout Scripture: "Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed
with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (I Peter 5:5). "Obey them
[i.e., spiritual leaders] that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls"
(Hebrews 13:17). We must also submit to "every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake" (I Peter 2:13).
The word "submit" is a translation of two Greek words meaning "to line up under." It usually
reflects a military hierarchy, "to rank lower than." Our goal, therefore, should be to place others above
ourselves and to be in submission to and in service of them.
This attitude, of course, was the attitude that Christ exhibited as He left Heaven to come and serve, and die,
who "took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion
as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:7-8).
Even As Christ
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it - Ephesians 5:25
Much has been said in recent years regarding family roles and responsibilities. Suffice it to say that many either
misapply or ignore what the Bible has to say. Perhaps the clearest passage on this subject is that surrounding
our text (vv.21-33). Here we see, in a setting of "submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God"
(v.21), that the primary role of the wife is that of submission to her husband's headship (v.22), and that of the
husband's is self-sacrificial love for his wife (v.25). Here we have the only formula for a marriage fulfilling
to both.
Family relationships were given special attention at the time of the universal curse on mankind (Genesis 3:16);
thus the God-given family roles, while not impossible to achieve, run contrary to our natures. Obviously, we can't
succeed on our own.
The key to adhering to these principles is noting the example of Christ and His Church. The wife is to submit to
her husband's headship (v.22). "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the
church: and He is the savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to
their own husbands in every thing" (vv.23,24). The church, the Bride of Christ, has no legitimate function
except under the headship of Christ.
Likewise, we see that Christ gave Himself for the church that He might "sanctify and cleanse it . . . That
He might present it to Himself a glorious church . . . holy and without blemish" (vv.26,27). Even now He nourishes
and cherishes the church (v.29). Wives are to submit, as though submitting unto the Lord (v.22) in everything (v.24),
and husbands are to love as Christ loved us, for "while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans
5:8).
Bringing Up Children
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord
- Ephesians 6:4
This verse, together with the parallel passage in Colossians 3:21, is probably the key New Testament instruction
specifically dealing with the training of children. "Nurture" is from the same Greek word that is translated
"chastening" in Hebrews 12:5,7, and "instruction" in II Timothy 3:16. It has particular reference
to carrying out child training with both firmness and gentleness, as needed and appropriate in each particular
case.
The term "admonition" is from a Greek word meaning "putting in mind." Thus, the "admonition
of the Lord" implies teaching the ways of the Lord by using the word of the Lord. There is no substitute for
implanting a knowledge of God's word in the minds of our children. Even if they should drift away for a while in
later life, the Lord can use His word in their hearts to bring them back.
Both types of training-through action and through verbal teaching-are said in this passage to be primarily the
responsibility of the father. The first reference in the Bible to training children deals with Abraham's responsibility
to bring up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (see Genesis 18:19). Mothers, of course, also
have much responsibility and ability in this ministry (see Proverbs 1:8, and the example cited by Paul himself
of how Timothy's mother and grandmother had taught him-II Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Fathers, too, sometimes delegate
certain teaching responsibilities to tutors (Galatians 4:1,2), but the overall responsibilities are theirs.
And all of this training should be done in love. "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be
discouraged" (Colossians 3:21). Then we trust the Lord and pray.
The Helmet Of Salvation
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 - Ephesians 6:12
In the armor of the Christian soldier, none is as indispensable as the "helmet of salvation" (6:17).
Many soldiers have fought on after grievous and ultimately fatal wounds to their bodies. But a blow to the head
(the mind) renders one either insensible, unconscious, or dead.
King David often described salvation in terms of military protection, as he did in his great song of praise written
to commemorate the defeat of Saul (II Samuel 22). It is a horn (mountain peak) from which to gain advantage over
the enemy (v.3), and a shield (protective line of troops) behind which we are safe (v.36). It is also a rock (natural
fortress) from which one can safely attack (v.47) and a tower, a place so safe that it inspires boasting (v.51).
Not only does this "helmet" protect us from the most damaging blows of the enemy, but it inspires us
and emboldens us with confidence to take part in the battle. No soldier would ever fight without his helmet.
Yet many religious leaders today encourage us to put on a "helmet" of "works of righteousness which
we have done" (Titus 3:5), or to protect our minds with philosophy and the "tradition (teaching) of men,"
or the "rudiments (logical systems) of the world" (Colossians 2:8), rather than to place our faith in
the risen Christ by embracing the grace of God's salvation. We become "wise unto salvation" through a
study of the Scriptures (II Timothy 3:15) and thereby become able to "work out (our) own salvation" (Philippians
2:12) as the gospel, which is the "power of God unto salvation" (Romans 1:16), makes it possible for
God to work in us "both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).
The Girdle Of Truth
Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand - Ephesians 6:13
There are many military metaphors in Scripture, but none more famous than this passage on the "armor of God."
We are commanded to "put on the whole armor" so we can "stand" (be firm, well established)
against "the wiles of the devil - Ephesians 6:11). Each piece is crucial. "Truth" is first on the
list (v.14).
This "girdle" (lower body armor) was designed to protect from wounds which, though not fatal, would cause
extreme pain and incapacity. Truth is our protection against Satan's lie. "He is a liar" and does not
live "in the truth, because there is no truth in him" (John 8:44). Satan's strength is in this untruth
which he uses to be "the deceiver of the whole world" (Revelation 12:9). In fact, we are warned by Paul
that the devil is able to disguise himself and "his ministers" as "ministers of righteousness"
(II Corinthians 11:15). We can be spoiled by philosophy and other false teachings (Colossians 2:8). We can be beguiled
by good-sounding words (Colossians 2:4). We can be tossed to and fro by crafty and deceptive men (Ephesians 4:14).
We can even depart from the faith after listening to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (I Timothy 4:1).
Our defense against each of these potential disasters is Truth. Truth is the essence of the strength of Jesus who
claimed to be Truth personified (John 14:6) as He fulfilled His mission as spokesman for the Father (John 12:46-50).
That "Truth" is now verified by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13-15) and by the Word of God (John 17:17).
We are to be doers of the Word (James 1:22), being willing to walk in the truth (III John 3), and to let our deeds
be made manifest by doing truth (John 3:21).
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness - Ephesians
6:14
The "stand" which the Christian is expected to make against the "principalities and powers"
of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12,13) is in large part made possible by the protection provided by the great breastplate
of righteousness-the strong, upper-body armor designed to ward off fatal blows of the enemy to our vital organs.
Obviously, the strength of this armor can be none other than the spiritual "power of His might - Ephesians
6:10). "The LORD my strength . . . My goodness . . . my shield, and He in whom I trust" (Psalm 144:1,2).
This is none other than the gift of righteousness by which we reign in life (Romans 5:17), the new man of holiness
(Ephesians 4:24), appropriated "through the faith of Christ" (Philippians 3:9), by which we are "made
the righteousness of God in Him" (II Corinthians 5:21). "Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift"
(II Corinthians 9:15).
Yet, we are told we must take up and put on this armor (Ephesians 6:11-13). As soldiers engaged in active warfare,
we are to "put on righteousness as a breastplate" (Isaiah 59:17), flee the desires of youth and "follow
after righteousness" (I Timothy 6:11), separating ourselves from the unclean thing and the unequal yoke of
sin (II Corinthians 6:14-18), yield our bodies as "instruments (weapons) of righteousness unto God" (Romans
6:13-22), and "awake to righteousness, and sin not" (I Corinthians 15:34). This life style of righteousness
is the Christian's assurance that the Lord will bless and defend us in our battle "as with a shield"
(Psalm 5:11,12). With God's righteousness, we can "go in the strength of the LORD God" (Psalm 71:16)
and "in (His) righteousness shall (we) be exalted" (Psalm 89:16).
The Shoes Of Preparation
Having your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace - Ephesians 6:15
In the armor of God described in Ephesians 6, the shoes seem somewhat mundane when contrasted to the more glamorous
pieces. Yet, these shoes play a vital and indispensable part in the effective warfare of a Christian.
They are defined as "the preparation of the gospel of peace," with the emphasis on preparation. Much
could be said relative to the gospel (I Corinthians 15:1-4), with its focus on the substitutionary death (Isaiah
53:1-9), physical burial (Hebrews 2:14,15), and bodily resurrection (Acts 2:29-36) of the Lord Jesus Christ. The
Bible identifies the creation account as part of the gospel's message (Revelation 14:6,7), as well as the promise
of the eternal Kingdom (Revelation 11:15-18). And no gospel message would be clear without a presentation of the
nature of sin and its awful consequences for the unbeliever (Romans 3:10-23; II Thessalonians 1:7-9), nor without
an understanding of the anointed, incarnate Son of God (Isaiah 9:6; Acts 4:12).
The receiving of all of that data requires preparation. Peter says that we must be always ready to "give an
answer (apologia) to every man" (I Peter 3:15). Paul noted that he was set "for the defense of the gospel"
(Philippians 1:17), and that we were to "know how (we) ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6), and
to participate with him in the "confirmation of the gospel" (Philippians 1:7). This great work cannot
be carried out by the "wisdom of words" (I Corinthians 1:17,18), or in any way be misunderstood as "another
gospel" (Galatians 1:6-9) or other way (John 10:1-11). Our feet must be shod with such solid preparation that
we will not suffer injury when our feet are dashed against a stone (Psalm 91:12), and so that we can "run,
and not be weary; and . . . walk, and not faint" (Isaiah 40:31).
The Shield Of Faith
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked -
Ephesians 6:16
More than any of the elements of the defensive pieces of God's armor for the Christian, this "shield of faith"
is so important that it is said to be "above all." Perhaps this is because it is to be used to "quench
all the fiery darts of the wicked." These flaming arrows were designed to create fear in the heart of the
soldier and to set fires within the camp, thus driving the soldiers away from their ranks and into the unprotected
open. It worked, too, unless the shield was used.
Usually, the enemy would fire great volleys or salvos of arrows, thousands at a time, only seconds apart. Both
the sights and sounds of the effects were terrifying. The sky was ablaze and the air alive with the hiss and sizzle
of these awesome missiles. And, interestingly enough, the most effective defense against this barrage was for all
soldiers to form ranks together and raise their individual shields, joining themselves side to side, end to end,
to form a "roof" (shield) over themselves and the camp. When the arrows fell (they were shot from a distance
and at a high angle), they would clatter harmlessly on the firm "roof." But let one soldier drop his
shield, or open a gap between his shield and those next to it until the fire storm was over (they sometimes went
on for hours), a "fiery dart" would get through, setting fire to the clothing, equipment, or ground cover
under the "roof," which would quickly spread and destroy the "unity of the faith - Ephesians 4:13),
scattering the soldiers and giving an advantage, and perhaps a victory, to the enemy.
These "fiery darts" are so effective that they can be disguised as "ministers of righteousness"
(II Corinthians 11:15). But Satan flees if we "resist steadfast in the faith" (I Peter 5:9), above all,
taking the shield of faith.
Faith: Our Shining Shield
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked -
Ephesians 6:16
The second verse of the well-known hymn, "Faith is the Victory," reflecting the teaching of I John 5:4,
depicts the soldiers of light as they march into battle. Our Commander-in-Chief has erected His identifying banner
over the troops and His "banner over (us) is love" (Song of Solomon 2:4). How does love identify us?
"For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments" (I John 5:3). "By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). And, as they say, "love
conquers all."
His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above, With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith they like a whirl-wind's breath, Swept on o'er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death, Is still our shining shield.
The saints of yesteryear (some of whom are enshrined in Hebrews 11) who in faith have battled victoriously, give
us great confidence. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let
us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that
is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1,2).
Their armor, and ours, is listed in the classic passage of Ephesians 6:10-18. Our sword, identified as the "Word
of God" (v.17), is "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword" (Hebrews 4:12). Our
faith is our shield (as in our text) which protects us from the wicked one.
But it's not over until it's over, and "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. . . . Death is swallowed
up in victory" (I Corinthians 15:26,54). When it's over, our faith in the work and person of our Lord Jesus
Christ will have provided a glorious and everlasting victory.
The Sword Of The Spirit
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God - Ephesians 6:17
In the battle which we are expected to wage against the principalities and the powers of this world as instructed
in the famous charge in Ephesians 6, only one attack weapon is given to us. It is here identified as "the
Word of God." This great Sword, which is "quick, and powerful" (Hebrews 4:12), is to be that by
which we live (Luke 4:4), speak (Acts 4:31), preach (II Timothy 4:2), teach and glorify (Acts 13:48).
This weapon of our warfare (II Corinthians 10:4,5) is not carnal (physical), but it is mighty (dunamis: capable,
able) even with enough power to demolish the castles of the enemy and his most well-thought-out strategies (imaginations),
as well as every high (sophisticated, important, prestigious) person, place, or thing that would (dare) exalt itself
"against the knowledge of God." This weapon is so sharp (like a two-edged blade-Revelation 1:16) that
it penetrates "even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner
of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). In fact, the Word of God is capable of "bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (II Corinthians 10:5).
Praise God! With such a weapon we can't lose, unless we keep it in the scabbard. It is worth noting that the Greek
term used here for "word" is the term "rema," used specifically of the spoken word. In our
"warfare," in which we must stand against the forces of evil, our weapon is the spoken Word of God. The
great truths of God do no good sheathed between the covers of our Bibles. "Faith," which is the channel
through which God operates in the lives of men, "cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word (rema) of God"
(Romans 10:17). As Christians, we need to take out our swords, open our mouths, and preach the Word!
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