Ephesians - session 2
Chapters 4 - 6
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Paul urges all Believers to be "humble and gentle, be patient, bearing one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit, through the bond of Peace . . . there is one God, and Father of us all" (Ephesians 4:2-6). Paul stressed "speaking the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Sometimes the truth can hurt, but love, as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 13, can overcome the hurt and build relationships. We realize that there was dissension in the church at Ephesus when we read the advice he gave in chapter four, verses 25-32, "don't let the sun go down on your anger" (Ephesians 4:27). This set of verses contains a description of a most grievous sin--
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Ephesians 4:30)
It is by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit "who bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God" (Romans 8:16). As Jesus said, "you must be born of the Spirit" to enter heaven. "That which is born of flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit, is spirit" (John 3:6,7). "If anyone does not possess the Holy Spirit, he does not belong to Christ" (Romans 8:9). Paul had inspiring words to give to the Ephesians, and to us as well. "Walk in love, esteeming and delighting in one another, as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us" (Ephesians 5:2).
LOVE is the theme that Paul used to encourage unity among Believers. He also used love to preserve unity in marriage. Oh yes, some wives are upset by Paul's words, but consider this--are we, as wives, ever asked to give up our lives for our husbands? Here are Paul's words:
LOVE is the theme that Paul used to encourage unity among Believers. He also used love to preserve unity in marriage. Oh yes, some wives are upset by Paul's words, but consider this--are we, as wives, ever asked to give up our lives for our husbands? Here are Paul's words:
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave His life for her. (Ephesians 5:25)
This requires a lot of maturity and Spiritual growth for both husbands and wives. This represents the ideal goal of marriage. A good course in Christian marriage would help in the practical understanding of these passages.
Have you ever been accused of "not being Christian" in attitude or behavior? It helps, when falsely accused, to remember the armor of God, and put it on! My first thought is the "breast plate of righteousness". It is only because of the righteousness of Christ, not my own, that I AM a Christian.
Please review the whole armor of God. It is found in Ephesians 6th chapter, verses 10-18. One never knows when an attack (real or verbal) may occur. Remember that you ARE a Christian through the Grace of God, with Christ living in you.
Next follows a prayer well worth repeating daily.
Have you ever been accused of "not being Christian" in attitude or behavior? It helps, when falsely accused, to remember the armor of God, and put it on! My first thought is the "breast plate of righteousness". It is only because of the righteousness of Christ, not my own, that I AM a Christian.
Please review the whole armor of God. It is found in Ephesians 6th chapter, verses 10-18. One never knows when an attack (real or verbal) may occur. Remember that you ARE a Christian through the Grace of God, with Christ living in you.
Next follows a prayer well worth repeating daily.
Pray for me, that whenever I open my mouth words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel. (Ephesians 6:19)
Love is uppermost in Paul's mind as he closes this letter with "Grace to all who love our Lord, Jesus Christ with an undying love."
God bless!
God bless!