EphesiansBOOK

EPHESIANS: Wealth, Walk, Warfare

OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS

SOME EPHESIAN HIGHLIGHTS

Ephesian 1:1-14 THE CHRISTIAN’S WEALTH

Eph 1:1-14The Christian’s Wealth

Eph 1:15-23 Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians

Eph 2:1-10 THE WAY INTO THE CHURCH

Eph 2:11-3:13 WHO BELONGS IN THE CHURCH

Eph 3:13-21 PAUL’S POSSESSION PRAYER

Eph 4:1-16 WALKING WORTHY

Eph 4:17-32 WALKING WORTHY IN YOUR CONDUCT

Ep 5:1-17 THE PROPER WALK

Eph 5:15-16 REDEEMING THE TIME

Eph 5:18-6:9 A WELL ADJUSTED PERSON

Eph 6:10-24 CHRISTIAN’S WARFARE

THE EPHESIAN DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

OUTLINE OF EPHESIANS

Written by the Apostle Paul, this is one of the Prison Epistles (So called because they were written while Paul was imprisoned in Rome). It is divided into 2 main parts:

1. Doctrine (Our Wealth in Christ) [What God has done for us]

2. Duty (Our Walk as Christians) [What God demands of us]

(This is the basic outline of most of Paul’s Epistles because he knew that what we Believe determines what we do. Most Preachers today major on EITHER Doctrine or Duty and Christians become Students but not Servants or Faddish without Foundation. We need to remember that the Bible is a TWO EDGED SWORD and yield both sides).

I. THE WEALTH OF THE CHURCH Chapter 1

A) Praise for Spiritual Possessions 3-14

1. Plan of the Sovereign 3-6

2. Provision of the Savior 7:12

3. Promise of the Spirit 13-14

B) Prayer for Spiritual Perception 15-23

II. WONDER OF THE CHURCH Chapter 2

A) Powerful Regeneration 1-10

B) Perfect Reconciliation 11-22

III. ONENESS OF THE CHURCH Chapter 3

A) Partakers of His Promise 1-13

B) Prayer for His Power 14-21

IV. WORK OF THE CHURCH Chapter 4

A) Harmony of the Body 1-6

B) Helpfulness of Every Believer 7-16

C) Holiness of Our Behavior 17-32

V. WALK OF THE CHURCH Chapter 5 – 6:9

A) In Love 1-7

1. By Purity of Conduct 1-3

2. By Purity of Conversation 4

3. By Purity of Companions 5-7

B) In Light 8-14

1. By Proving

2. By Reproving

C) In Looking 15-6:9

1. At Time 15-17

2. At Temperance 18-21

3. At Total Order 22- 6:9

VI. WAR OF THE CHURCH 6:10-20

A) The Enemy 10-12

B) The Armament 13-20

MAY WE REALIZE THE WEALTH WE HAVE IN CHRIST; AND THE RESPONSIBILITIES THAT IT CARRIES

SOME EPHESIAN HIGHLIGHTS

TWO MAJOR PRAYERS IN EPHESIANS:

1. PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL PERCEPTION 1:15:23 [To Know]

A) Things Paul Praised for 15-16

a. Faith in the Savior

b. Love for the Saints

B) Things Paul Prayed for 17:23

a. Revelation of Christ 17

b. Enlightened Eyes about Christ’s work 18-23

2. PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL POWER 3:14-21 [To Grow]

A) Strength 16-17a

B) Stability 17b-19a

C) Saturation 19b-21

EPHESIAN DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

1. What The Holy Spirit Does for us:

a. Seals…………..1-13

b. Illumines……….1:17

c. Unifies…………2:18

d. Sanctifies……….2:22

e. Makes Intelligent 3:5

f. Strengthens……..3:16

2. What we do for the Holy Spirit:

a. Keep the Unity of the Spirit…….4:3

b. Do Not Grieve the Spirit………..4:30

c. Bear 3-fold fruit of the Spirit….5:9

d. Continually be filled with Spirit..5:18

e. Use the Sword of the Spirit……..6:17

f. Pray in the Spirit- Stick at it….6:18

THE SEVENFOLD WALK OF CHRISTIANS IN EPHESIANS:

1. Willful Walk………2:2

2. Working Walk………2:10

3. Worthy Walk……….4:1

4. Unworldly Walk…….4:17

5. Worshipful Walk……5:2

6. Watchful Walk……..5:8

7. Wise Walk…………5:15

Ephesian 1:1-14 THE CHRISTIAN’S WEALTH

I. CHOSEN BY THE FATHER (vs 3-7) “To the Praise of the Glory of His Grace” (7).

A) Blessed us with all SPIRITUAL Blessings (Bestowed by the Spirit) in heavenly places in Christ [Those Blessings that come from and belong in heave. We have Heavenly Wealth today! Don’t be like the man with the pack who wanted a ride but refused to take off his pack!).

B) Chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Salvation is not a REWARD for Faith but a RESULT of God’s Grace. God chose us before we ever chose Him! We do not force God to accept us; we, by Faith, accept the fact that God has chosen us:

1. To be Holy (Set apart as God’s Own)

2. Without Blame (only way to fellowship with a Righteous God)

3. Because He loved us and wants us to Love Him.

C) Predestinated us unto the Adoption of Children (God determined from the beginning to make us full grown sons in Christ! This means we are joint-heirs with Christ, able to receive all the inheritance of Christ!).

D) Made us accepted in the beloved- Only HE COULD accept us [Divine Election- Chosen and Predestinated simply means that God determined from the beginning to accept all who come to Him by Faith in Christ. In His all knowing knowledge He knew who this would be but His knowledge did not cause it to be. Whosoever WILL may come].

II. REDEEMED BY THE SON (vs 8-12) “That we should be to the Praise of His Glory” (12)

A) Redemption through his blood (Wages of Sin is death- Christ’s Death paid that price. We now can come by Grace through Faith apart from works).

B) Forgiveness of Sin according to the riches of his grace. (As His Grace is abundant so is Forgiveness. Sins never to be remembered again!).

C) Abounding Wisdom and Prudence (Right use of Wisdom) given.

1. To know the Mystery of His will- The Church, The Body of Christ 3:9

2. To realize we’ll be one in inheritance (As much as Paul or Peter).

III. SEALED BY THE SPIRIT vs 13-14 “Unto the Praise of His glory”

A) Sealed by the Spirit “Branded by the Spirit as Sons of God”

B) Earnest of the Spirit “Down Payment” of what we’ll finally receive

Conclusion: A person either receives the WEALTH of God or the WRATH of God. Sons receive WEALTH, Sinners receive WRATH; Which are you?

Eph 1:1-14The Christian’s Wealth

Ephesians is one of the greatest Books in the Bible. It should be read and studied often. It has 3 main divisions: 1) Our WEALTH in Christ [1-3]; 2) Our WALK as Christians [4:-6:9]; and 3) Our WARFARE as Christians [6:10-24]. Paul begins this letter with Doctrine and goes to Duty (He knew that what you BELIEVE determines what you DO).

Paul starts this letter by describing the Wealth we have as Christians. He does this by showing what God did for us and then shows what we received as a result of that.

I. CHOSEN BY THE FATHER (3-7) WHY? “To the Praise of the glory of His Grace” vs 6

Paul describes this Wealth in relationship by showing our:

A) Our Possessions- We have been Blessed with all Spiritual Blessings in heavenly places in Christ. We have heavenly wealth today! (Remember that God paves His streets with Gold and “Throws” jewels on His walls. Real wealth is Joy, Peace, etc)

B) Our Position- Chosen us in Christ

1. When: before the foundation of the world

2. Why: that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. We are “accepted in the beloved” vs 6 Only He WOULD accept sinful creatures like us!! (Salvation is not a REWARD for Faith but a RESULT of God’s Grace. God chose us before we ever chose Him!! We do not force God to accept us; we, by Faith, accept the fact that HE has chosen us.)

C) Our Predestination- “For He foreordained us (destined us, planned in love for us) to be adopted (revealed) as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the purpose of His will- because it pleased Him and was His kind intent;” (vs 5 amp bible)

God determined from the beginning to make us full grown sons in Christ! [Divine Election: Chosen and Predestinated simply means that God determined from the beginning to accept all who come to Him by Faith in Christ. In His all knowing Knowledge He knew who this would be but His knowledge did not cause it to be. Whosoever WILL May come and be saved].

II. REDEEMED BY THE SON (8-12) Why? “That we should be to the Praise of His glory” vs 12 Our Wealth in Christ is:

A) Payment for our Sins- “Redemption through his blood”

B) Pardon for our Sinfulness- “The forgiveness of sins”. How much Forgiveness? “According to the riches of his grace”. That’s Rich!!

C) Provision for our Service- Abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (Practical insight and understanding) Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself;

D) Plans for our future- That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him. IN WHOM WE HAVE OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE.

III. SEALED BY THE SPIRIT 13-14 Why? “unto the praise of his glory”

A) The Spirit is God’s “Brand” on his Children (See Rom 8:9)

B) The Spirit is God’s “Earnest” (Down payment) on our inheritance until we finally arrive in God’s presence. So the Spirit Marks us as God’s Property and guarantees God’s Purchase of us. Why then do we live is such poverty of depression and despair when God has Promised and Provided us so much wealth???

Eph 1:15-23 Paul’s Prayer for the Ephesians

I. THINGS PAUL PRAISED FOR vs 15-16 Fellow Saints (When’s the last time you spent time praising God for fellow Christians??)

A) Their Faith in The Savior

B) Their Love for Fellow Saints

II. THINGS PAUL PRAYED FOR vs 17-23

A) Revelation of the Person of Christ- That God may give unto you the spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the knowledge of Him. Christianity is not a Religion; it is a PERSON- Paul prayed that the Ephesian Church would “See” Christ to the point that they could KNOW Him [Paul later told the Philippian Church I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: Phil 3:8]. What a great difference it would make in the average Church if the members could really come to KNOW Christ. Sadly, today most Church members know Christ as some giver of Principles instead of as a Person they have a Relationship with.

B) Revelation of what we have in Christ- The Eyes of your understanding being enlightened. (Paul is not praying for us to get these things– HE WANTS US TO SEE WE’VE ALREADY GOT THEM!!!)

1. A PROMISE TO CLING TO: Hope of His calling- Not a dream or a desire but the confidence of God’s Call:

a. on our life and

b. His future: Soon God will Call us to go home with Him!

2. A PRIVILEGE TO REST IN: Riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints- God thought we were worth Christ dying for!!! The world will be destroyed but God will “brag” about us.

3. A POWER TO WORK WITH: The exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe.

a. Resurrection power- which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead. Even Enemy “Death” destroyed.

b. Conquering Power- hath put all things under his feet, Power to not only DEFEAT but also to DELIVER

C) Realization of our part in God’s Plan- The Church is the Body of Christ; He is the Head and we are the working members of His Body (Christ did not simply “Conquer” a Sin cursed World; He set up a new order to show righteousness and God’s Glory). Our Power and our Position (As recipients of God’s Goodness) are a result of our relationship to Christ. The Church is not Great because of what it DOES but because of WHOSE IT IS!!

Eph 2:1-10 THE WAY INTO THE CHURCH

Having told the Ephesians of the Wealth that belongs to the Church and Prayed for them to increase in the Knowledge and Power of Christ, Paul now tells us how we can be a Part of such a wonderful Organization. He does so by telling us What we were, How God changed us, and then telling Why God has done such a marvelous thing.

I. OUR OLD LIFE 2:1-3

A) Our State: Dead in trespasses and sins (Separated from God because of What we did [trespasses] and Who we were [sinned because we were sinners]).

B) Our “Superiors”: Walked according to:

1. the course of this world (The World’s Pressure)

2. the prince of the power of the air, (World’s Prince)

3. the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience

C) Our Situation:

1. Manner of life– lived according to the desires of the flesh

2. Our “Will” was to satisfy our Desires (Desires of the Flesh= Earth-bound Appetites; Desires of the Mind= Earth-bound Attitudes)

3. By nature the children of wrath (You don’t teach a man to sin- you warn him to avoid it. He NATURALLY goes to sin because of his sinful nature.

II. OUR NEW LIFE 2:4-6 “But God…”

A) The Reason for God’s Grace:

1. God is rich in Mercy (He OWNS everything but lists mercy!)

2. His great love wherewith he loved us- Only HE COULD or WOULD love people in our sinful condition.

B) The Result of God’s Grace:

1. Quickened us together with Christ; by whose grace ye are saved (New Life)

2. Raised us together (with Christ) (New Living)

3. Made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus

III. GOD’S MASTERPIECE 2:7-10

A) For Display- 7-9 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Because Salvation is ALL of God- By Grace through Faith, not of works lest any man boast

B) For Works- 10

1. We are God’s Workmanship- Greek word is “Masterpiece”. The God of the Universe who creates worlds with His words considers redeemed man His Masterpiece!! When God “Shows Off” He doesn’t show the marvels of nature or of the universe- He displays Us!!

2. God saved us by the Sacrifice of Christ Jesus that we should perform the good works He planned for us. Salvation is not simply deliverance from Sin’s PENALTY but it is also for God’s PURPOSE!

ARE YOU DEAD?? or DELIVERED??

I. WHAT WE WERE:

1. Dead-

A) Why- Separated from God

B) How-In trespasses (Falling aside from God’s Will)-What we Did In Sin (Missing the Mark of God’s Will)-This is What we Are Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

2. Disobedience- We ran from and disobeyed God

A) Sin is our Nature- Ps 51:5 Behold I was shapen in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me. Ps 58:3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

B) World’s Pressure Shapes us- conform to the world’s standards

C) Satan’s Power- Prince of the power of the air-

1) Blinds us- II Cor 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

2) Intrigues us- II Cor 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

3) Confuses us- II Cor 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

THE GLORY OF SALVATION IS THAT the Blood saves us from Sin’s Penalty while the Power of the Spirit delivers us from Sin’s Power.

3. Doomed- What resulted- Children of Wrath. Without God in this world and without hope in the next.

II. WHAT GOD DID 4-6 “But God”

A) Why He Did it- Rich in Mercy He Loved us

B) What HE did-

1. Quickened us together with Christ (Brought us to life thru faith in Christ’s Sacrifice) LIFE

2. Raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus- heirs and join theirs with Christ

This gave us the ABILITY TO LIVE

III. WHAT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO DO 7-10

A) Be Trophies for God in the Ages to come

B) Be Workers for the Lord now according to the plan He has for us

C) Accept it all by Faith- not our goodness, or ability but God’s Grace.

ARE YOU DOOMED OR DELIVERED??

Eph 2:11-3:13 WHO BELONGS IN THE CHURCH

Paul has just been telling us about our Wealth in Christ and about our Way into the Church (Grace through Faith in Christ) and now he deals with the important question of “Who Belongs in Church”. The Jews had always considered that the wealth of God belonged to them but Paul shows that it belongs to all who come by Faith in Christ.

I. ONE WAY 2:11-12 Jew and Gentile reconciled in Christ(Gentiles were considered “Dogs” by the Jews- see Matt 15:22-28- and if a Jew married a Gentile they were considered “dead” by the family. The Pharisees considered it unclean to even go into a Gentile home, and prayed every day, “I thank God I’m not a Gentile, a slave, or a woman”.

A) The Old Relationship 11-12

1. Without Christ

2. Without a Country (aliens from the commonwealth of Israel)

3. Without a Promise (Strangers from the covenant of Promise)

4. Without Hope

5. Without God

B) The New Relationship 19-22

1. Citizens of the one city 19

2. Members of the one Family 19

3. Built on the one foundation 20

4. Parts of the one building 21

5. Indwelt by the one Spirit 22

C) How the Change took Place 13-18 “But now in Christ…”

1. Distance done away (Ye are made nigh) 13

2. Disunion done away (He hath made both one) 14

3. Division done away (Broken middle wall) 14

4. Dissension done away (He abolished enmity) 15

5. Distinction done away (Of twain one new man) 15

We are now:

Reconciled to God (Reconciled both to God)

Have Peace with God (Peace to you…and them)

Have access to God (We both have access)

II. ONE BUILDING 2:19-22 (It continues to be Built!)

A) Foundation- Messages proclaimed by the Apostles and Prophets- the Bible

B) Chief Corner Stone (Cap that all must be built to)- Christ

C) Builded together for an habitation of God thru the Spirit

III. ONE PLAN 3:1-13 The Church

A) A “Mystery” hid from other ages- That God would gather Jew and Gentile together in the Church.

B) The Wisdom of God to Principalities and Powers- God accepts whosoever will. (The Devil can no longer destroy God’s Plan by destroying one nation).

Who belongs in the Church? Every born again Believer- There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond or free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus Gal 3:28

Eph 3:13-21 PAUL’S POSSESSION PRAYER

Paul has been telling the Ephesians about their Wealth in Christ, the Wonder of Salvation, and the Way into the Church. He now closes the first half of his epistle with a tremendous Prayer that the Ephesians would POSSESS the wonderful Wealth of Christ instead of simply Perceive it.

I. THE REASON FOR THE PRAYER 13-15

A) Paul feared that the Ephesians would begin to “Faint” because of the trouble he was having to undergo for his stand for Christ (Persecution from the Jews and from the Roman Government).

B) So he humbly makes his prayer in the authority of the name of Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Jew and Gentile have only one way to Heaven and for answered Prayer and that is Christ. Therefore, We must be one!!

II. THE RESULTS EXPECTED FROM THE PRAYER 16-19 In Paul’s Prayer in Chapter 1:15-23 he wants the People “To Know”; In this Prayer he wants them “To Have”- and there are 3 things he wants them to have:

1. STRENGTH vs 16-17A

a. The Amount- According to the riches of his glory

b. The Source- By His Spirit in the inner man

c. The Purpose- That Christ may dwell in your heart by Faith

(This is why we want to be filled with the Spirit– not to be “Super Saints”, but to have Christ feel at Home in our Heart!! This will result in them understanding and obtaining the power Paul prayed for them to know about in 1:19). In Practical terms this means it is no longer “I” fighting Temptation, Trials, and Troubles but Christ that dwells in me- and that’s the difference between defeat and victory

2. STABILITY vs 17B- 19A

a. Rooted and grounded in love- toward fellow Saints

b. Realize the vastness of Christ’s love, which can only be known thru personal relationship (not mental ability).

3. SATURATION vs 19B-21 Filled with all the fullness of God!! (Col 2:9-10A For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily…and ye are complete (Filled Full) in Him, )

So Paul prayed for the Ephesians to know that their Strength is in Christ, their Stability is in the Love of Christ, and their Goal should be to be Saturated with Christ

III. THE REJOICING IN GOD’S ABILITY TO ANSWER 20-21

1. God’s Ability- vs 20 in Amp Bible: Now to Him who, by consequence of the action of His power that is at work within us, is able to carry out His purpose and to do superabundantly, far over and above all that we dare ask or think- infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes or dreams. WE CAN’T EVEN THINK ABOUT OR ASK AS MUCH AS GOD IS ABLE TO DO FOR US!!

2. God’s Praise- All the Power and Provision God makes available is ours so that we can bring Glory to God throughout all ages.

DO YOU SIMPLY KNOW ABOUT GOD’S WEALTH??

OR DO YOU POSSESS THE FULLNESS OF GOD??

Eph 4:1-16 WALKING WORTHY

Having told the Ephesians about the Wealth they had in Christ, Paul now goes into the Practical duties that should result in the life of a Christian because of that knowledge- Doctrine must now be translated into Duty.

Paul divides the chapter into major thoughts about our Walk-

I. WALK WORTHY OF YOUR CALLING 1-16

II. WALK WORTHY IN YOUR CONDUCT 17-32

I. WALK WORTHY OF YOUR CALLING 1-16

A) The Manner of the Walk- 1-2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.

B) The Method of the Walk- 3-6 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Unity based on Union; not Uniformity!

C) The Measure of the Walk- 7 Grace according to the Gift given you

D) The Ministry of the Walk- 8-16

1. Christ distributed to the Church certain “gifts” in the form of Ministers:

a. apostles [Must have seen the Lord- none left]

b. prophets [Fore Tell and Forth Tell events]

c. evangelists [traveling ministers]

d. pastor/teachers [shepherds]

2. The Purpose of these Ministers is:

a. The Perfecting (Maturing) of the saints

b. The Work of the Ministry

c. The Edifying of the body of Christ- Building up the Body

3. The Goal of these Ministers is:

a. Unifying everyone in the Faith and Knowledge of Christ that they might become the mature person God intended- as measured by the example of Christ

b. Informing every one of the Faith so they will

1] Not be misled by false doctrine, deceivers, or deceit

2] Sincerely teach and grow as the Body of Christ; realizing that as every part performs it function it not only builds up itself but also all the Body.

What a great Principle Paul begins with- Not only did God chose to make us His Wealth, and give us His wealth one day; He also supplied the Means for the Church to function in this sinful world as we prepare for His return!!.

Eph 4:17-32 WALKING WORTHY IN YOUR CONDUCT

Having told the Ephesians how to walk worthy of their calling from the Lord, Paul now tells them to give the proper example to the World in their conduct (Conduct based on the changes wrought by the Spirit; not worked up by the Flesh).

I. THE WAY THE WORLD WALKS 17-19 The Unsaved are governed by:

A) Prideful Thinking: In the Vanity of their mind- (Hast not God made foolish the wisdom of this world.)

B) Mental Blindness: Having the Understanding Darkened

C) Spiritual Death: Being Alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart

D) Seared Conscience: Past Feeling, having given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. WITHOUT REGARD TO GOD OR HIS PLAN FOR THEIR LIFE

II. THE WAY WE ARE TO WALK 20-32 (The way we learned from Christ)

A) Put Off the Old Man- We used to obey the old sinful nature but now we have become servants of Christ (As if you shed dirty clothes)

B) Be Renewed in the Spirit of your Mind- The Holy Spirit begins his work within us of transforming us into Christians

C) Put on the New Man- Created in righteousness and true Holiness by God. (The danger many face is that they “Put Off” without “Putting on” and a void is left in their life- a void that Satan will soon fill with 7 demons worst that the first). [God does not remove sin’s pull when we are saved. He gives us strength to resist and points us to the new mind in Christ where Sin cannot control us.

We are to ask God to change our habits as well as our heart].

THE EXAMPLE- 25-29 (Good moral people stop doing wrong. Christians start doing right).

THINGS TO STOP

REPLACE THEM WITH

WHY

25- Lying

Speak the Truth

We are members together

26-27 Anger

Dealing with issues

No Place for the Devil

28 Stealing

Labor for needy

Selfishness to service

29 Gossiping

Build up with talk

Witness to world

THE EXHORTATIONS: 30-32

1. Grieve not the Holy Spirit- Don’t let your actions hurt the Spirit that lives within you now.

2. Give up the Self Life- Lay aside all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and all malice

3. Have Grace as a Christian- Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethern, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ep 5:1-17 THE PROPER WALK

I. WALK IN LOVE 1-7 [When love becomes the deciding factor in a person’s choices and the motivating power in his actions, then that person is walking in Love].

A) By Purity of Conduct 1-3

1. Walk as children of God (as Children imitate their father)

2. Walk as Christ- who in love gave himself for others

3. Walk Clean (Note that each sin named is to satisfy SELF)

B) By Purity of Conversation 4

1. Avoid mixing “trash” in your talk

2. Sprinkle liberally with Thanks

C) By Purity of Companions 5-7 Realizing that the conduct of the lost will influence you- and THEY’RE GOING TO MISS HEAVEN!! Don’t let them “Taint” you or Tempt you. NOTE:

1. Fornication= Illicit Sexual Activity

2. Uncleanness= Sexual Impurity (Pornography, lust, etc)

3. Covetousness= The desire to have more and more and more

4. Filthiness= Obscenity, foul language

5. Foolish Talking= Stupid talk, talk to draw attention to self

6. Jesting= implying evil without saying it.

THOSE BARRED FROM HEAVEN:

1. No Whoremonger= Lust has become a way of life

2. No Unclean person= Sexual impurity dominates the life

3. No Covetous Man (Who is an idolater)= things replace God.

II. WALK IN LIGHT 8-14 {You were not IN Darkness, you were Darkness. Now you are not IN the Light, you are Light in the Lord. As such you will present the Truth and expose the errors}.

A) By Proving (Letting the Light expose the real)

1. Light Produces Fruit

2. Light allows you to see what is correct

B) By Reproving (Light allows to Avoid dangers and Mark them)

1. Thru Separation [Don’t even Talk about the “dark” things]

2. Thru Shining

III. WALK LOOKING AROUND 15-17 {I once stepped on a snake because I had my eyes in the trees instead of watching where I was going. Christians need to be careful that they don’t stumble over the “Now” while looking at the future}.

A) In Wisdom- Live purposefully and worthily and accurately

B) Avoiding Wastefulness- “Buying up” all the opportunities {Christians will drive all over town to save a penny a gallon on gas but won’t drive next door to tell about Jesus}

C) In the Will of God- Do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of God is: (1) It is not the Will of God that any perish- I Tim 2:4; (2) It is the Will of God that Christians live in Sanctification- I Thess 4:3

Are you Walking Properly now that you’re saved? Is your motivation Love? You Mission to shine the Light? and your Mind attuned to where you’re at so you want stumble and hurt yourself and others?

Eph 5:15-16 REDEEMING THE TIME

Ephesians 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. We are to Walk (a continuous action) circumspectly (Looking around), not as fools, but as wise (Knowing the proper way), Redeeming the time (Buying up the opportunities we are given), because the days are evil. (In the Amp. Bible these verses read: Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise, sensible, intelligent people: Making the very most of the time- buying up the opportunity- because the days are evil.

Time is something that all of us have the same amount of- what we do with what we have is the important thing. Here are 10 Guidelines to help us make the Most of our Time:

1. Know what your life is all about and set your priorities accordingly (Phil 1:21 For me to live is Christ.. If that is your goal then everything else will take lesser priority).

2. Set Definite measurable Goals. (Are you more like Christ now than you were last year? How can you tell??)

3. Plan the use of time in regards to your goals and priorities.

A) List the things you need to do. If there is No Vision people perish

B) Heed the Holy Spirit’s Leading. Prov 16:9 A man’s heart deviseth his way; but the Lord directeth his steps.

C) Plan your work- then work your plan. James 1:22-25

4. Don’t wait until every detail of God’s plan is known. Do what you know to do now. (The Word is a lamp unto my feet but it only shows a step at a time; as I take that one another is revealed).

5. Don’t become obsessed with Past or Future Success (Last week’s “steak” won’t fill today’s hunger! And if you starve to death today you won’t be able to enjoy a steak next week!) Now is acceptable time.

6. Do the right thing at the right time in the right way. Ecc 3:17 There is a time for every purpose and for every work. If a plane is to leave at 7 o’clock and you arrive at 6 you waste an hour. If you arrive at 7:30 you miss the plane!! Learn WHAT to do, WHEN to do it, and HOW to do it right (Is there a quicker better way?)

7. Don’t allow emotional impulses to dictate to you. (You must learn to work even when you don’t feel like it. Ecc 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap ).

8. Learn to learn from mistakes to save time in the future. If you stumble over a rock remember where it’s at. If you can’t Move it then Mark it!

9. Don’t talk about Life- LIVE IT!! Don’t always Plan; Perform.

10. Know when to quit:

A) When the task is determined impossible

B) When the task is determined unnecessary

C) When the task is completed- I have finished my course

GOD HAS GIVEN US ALL THE TIME WE NEED TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSE.

Eph 5:18-6:9 A WELL ADJUSTED PERSON

Having told the Ephesians how to Walk Worthy of their Calling in their Conduct and and then demonstrated the Proper Walk to them Paul now shows how this Walk will effect every part of the Person’s life.

I. AT PEACE WITH GOD

A) Sins forgiven so you’re at Peace WITH God

B) Under the Spirit’s Control- the Peace OF God that passes understanding shall keep your heart and mind thru Christ Jesus (Spirit Control is compared to Drunkenness. Drunkenness changes the way a person walks, talks, and acts).

II. AT PEACE WITH SELF

A) Your Thought-life is changed- Speaking to yourselves in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

B) Your Character is changed- Singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

C) Your Attitude is changed- giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Your heart used to be full of sorrow and sin and self; now it’s filled with singing and praise as you KNOW that all things work together for the good to them that love the Lord. You’re at peace with Self and Circumstances. Troubles and trials and tribulations still come but you rest in the safety of the rock while these storms howl.

III. AT PEACE WITH OTHERS

A) Accepting God’s Plan for you in the Church- Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God You accept your part and place in the body of Christ as you work with other Christians to advance the cause of Christ.

B) Accepting God’s Plan for you in Life:

1. Wives are to respect their Husbands; as shown by a submissive attitude. (This is not inferiority- Christ and God are equal yet Christ willingly submitted to the Father).

2. Husbands are to Love their wives (As Christ loved the Church and was willing to sacrifice His life for it)

3. Children are to obey their Parents in the Lord

4. Parents are to treat their children Properly and Train them up in the ways of the Lord.

5. Employees are to work as servants of Christ (That’s why it’s important that a person find the job God wants them to be in- I think it’s just as important for a carpenter to be in the right place as it is for a Preacher to be in the right Church).

6. Employers are not to take advantage of or abuse their workers (They have to answer to their “Boss” in Heaven).

When a Person accepts Christ as Savior he receives the Spirit to abide in his heart and give him power to live the Abundant Life. Allowing the Spirit to control your life relieves the pressure of self-effort and also give you a plan and Purpose for your life. What a Joy it is to have Peace, and a Purpose, and Power to do what God wants you to do.

Eph 6:10-24 CHRISTIAN’S WARFARE

Paul closes his letter to the Ephesians by exhorting them to be aware of the danger to their Christian walk- He wants them to know that although they have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome Self, they still must deal with another enemy- Satan [A Christian must deal with 3 main enemies- The world, the Flesh, and the Devil. Jesus called men to “deny themselves (the allurements of the World), take up their cross (Die to Flesh), and follow me (Chose the Savior over Satan)”].

Remember that we SIT with Christ so we can WALK as Christians and STAND against the Enemy

I. THE EXHORTATION 10-11 (Be Strong)

II. THE ENEMY 12 (Be Aware)

III. THE ARMAMENT 13-20 (Be Clothed)

IV. THE EMISSARY 21-24 (Be Comforted)

I. THE EXHORTATION 10-11

A) Be Strong in the Lord, and the power of HIS might

B) Put on the WHOLE armor of God (for the purpose of) standing against the wiles (Tricks) of the Devil

II. THE ENEMY 12 [We “Wrestle” against him- in Roman culture the loser of a wrestling match had his eyes gouged out!! This is not a game we’re playing but a life or death situation].

A) Who he isn’t- not flesh and blood (The evil works of men are the FRUIT of the Problem and not the ROOT).

B) Where he operates: [See “Demons” in ESCHATOLOGY]

1. Principalities- first ones, leaders

2. Powers- Authorities

3. Rulers of the darkness of this world- dominions of darkness

4. Spiritual wickedness in High places (Heavenly Places).

III. THE ARMAMENT 13-20 [Since it is a Spiritual Warfare flesh must be covered with Spiritual Armor in order to Hold your Ground]

A) His Clothes- The Whole Armor of God:

a. Feet- Preparation of Gospel of Peace (Foundation)

b. Helmet- Salvation (Protects the Mind)

c. Breastplate- Righteousness (Protects the Heart)

d. Loins- Truth (“Holds up” everything else)

e. Shield- Faith (“Hide” behind to escape Satan’s Darts)

f. Sword- Word of God (Only Offensive weapon)

B) His Prayers

1. In the Spirit

2. For the Saints

3. Unto the ability to speak boldly as an ambassador for Christ.

IV. THE EMISSARY 21-24

A) Tychicus was to report about Paul

B) Tychicus was to Comfort the Ephesians [Christians need to be aware of the need to communicate to fellow Christians about what God is doing for them and about their prayer needs]

The Christian is at war with a strong spiritual enemy but we have been given the armament to defend ourselves and defeat every force Satan throws at us. What a great privilege it is to be a Christian!

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

Be Strong: Be constantly endued with strength– to clothe one’s self with strength as one puts on a garment. The Source of Strength- In the Lord (Remember that Jesus said the Flesh was weak). Paul’s

Prayer for the Ephesians was that they would be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man (Eph 3:16)

The Wiles of the Devil- You can’t expect “fair Play” from the “Father of Lies”. (We must not only be aware of the Devil’s WILES but also the Devil’s DEVICES [II Cor 2:11] and the Devil’s SNARES [I Tim 3:7]).

Wrestle- Man to man contest at close quarters- not an airplane dropping bombs and heading back home without any involvement; this is personal

WATCH and Pray- What good is the best equipment if the guard is asleep.

Boldness in Proclaiming the Gospel had put Paul in Prison. Now he asks for prayer for more Boldness to continue to Proclaim the Good News.

Each part of the Armor tells us what the Christian must have in his life if he is to be successful against Satan:

1. TRUTH- Satan is the Father of Lies and the Christian combats him thru Truth (He also worships God in Truth- John 4:24)

2. RIGHTEOUSNESS- Our Righteousness is of the Lord thru Christ. Satan tries to get us to rest in our own Righteousnesses which are only Filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

3. PEACE- Paul told us that Christ is our Peace (2:14) and that we should keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace (4:4) That is very important when we realize that Satan is the accuser of the Brethern (Rev 12:10) and that he uses every circumstance he can to destroy our Peace of Mind (Paul says the way to combat this is to Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7)

[NOTE that this peace is on the Feet. The Christian’s Feet should be Clean (John 13), Carriers of the Gospel (Rev 10:15), and Clad in the Gospel of Peace].

4. FAITH- This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our Faith (I John 5:4). Satan’s lies are to make us doubt God’s Word (Where Faith comes from- Rom 10:17) and His Love for us (Satan made Eve believe that God was hold something from her in forbidding her to eat of the tree). When we hide behind this “Shield” all Satan’s darts fall harmlessly at our feet.

5. SALVATION- The only deliverance from Satan’s bondage is the freedom that is ours as a result of trust in Christ. Satan thought that he had defeated God when Adam sinned but God provided an escape for man back into fellowship with Him. That’s why Satan tries so hard to keep men from being saved or to renounce Faith and turn from God.

6. THE WORD OF GOD- “The Sword of the Spirit”. Our Way of Fighting Back against Satan’s attacks. We don’t have to just “Take it”; we can “dish it out” too.

THE EPHESIAN DOCTRINE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

I. WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES FOR US Chapter 1‑3

A) Seals Believers‑ 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise. [God’s “Brand” on every Christian.]

B) Reveals Christ‑ 1:17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [Do you seek the Spirit in order to learn more about Christ‑‑ or to become a “Super Saint”???]

C) Unifies Followers‑ 2:18 For through him we both (Jew and Gentile) have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [Spirit filled people lose sight of Self as they see the Savior]

D) Develops the Body of Christ‑ 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. [ Each Christian is placed into the Body of Christ as the Spirit wills to make the “Building” GOD desires. In Solomon’s Temple all the work was done on the building blocks so that when they arrived at the Temple all the workers had to do was put them in place‑ not a hammer was used. God is doing the same with us now. He is developing us now so that when we get to Heaven we’ll “fit right in”.]

E) Instructs Men of God‑ 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: [Even the “hidden” things]

F) Strengthens Christians‑ 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; [Strength according to his riches in glory. WOW!!!]

II. WHAT WE DO FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT Chapter 4‑6

A) Keep the Unity of the Spirit‑ 4:3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

B) Do not Grieve the Spirit‑ 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

C) “Fertilize” the Fruit of the Spirit‑ 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth😉

D) Continually be Filled with the Spirit‑ 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; [“be” here means “be being filled”. A continuous action.]

E) Fight the Devil with the “Sword of the Spirit”‑ 5:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: [How many verses do YOU know by heart???]

F) Constantly allowing the Spirit to guide in praying for Self and for Others‑ 5:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance [sticking to it!] and supplication for all saints;

[Do you pray for Saints as much as for Self??]

ARE YOU CONSCIOUS OF WHAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WANTS TO DO IN AND FOR YOU? DO YOU REALIZE YOUR OBLIGATIONS TO THE SPIRIT??