We begin a new series of studies, this time on the book of Ephesians. While topical studies are popular, I strongly prefer to write studies on specific books of the Bible. Why? Over my years of studying the Bible I have come to believe that not only are the statements in the Bible directed by the Holy Spirit, but the order of the thoughts is also inspired by the Spirit. Why trade a human order of study for a Holy Spirit ordered study? This week's study is an introduction. From then on we will follow the order of the book of Ephesians....
Is gratitude part of your attitude? Have you noticed people who speak as if they are entitled to certain things when they have done nothing to earn them? I know I react positively to those who are grateful, and negatively to those who claim false entitlement. How about you? Paul begins Ephesians with gratitude. He thanks God the Father and he thanks Jesus for all that they have done for us. He then moves on to thanking the Ephesians for what they have done. Let's dive into our study of the Bible and learn more!...
For many years I drove cars that I found for sale during one of my exercise walks. These vehicles were great values, but not very attractive, and not very powerful. Today is different. In the old days when I faced an emergency situation on the road, I had two options: turn or brake. Today I have another option, use all that power and accelerate out of the situation. You, my reader, have the "power out of problems" option when you invite the Holy Spirit into your life. Let's study about this as we turn our attention back to Ephesians!...
The first time I was completely living on my own was when I began law school in Atlanta, Georgia. During my undergraduate I lived at home. The church in Atlanta was in the middle of an exciting debate about righteousness by faith. One of my best recollections from that time was when a member of the church "got it" and expressed incredible joy over the fact that he could be confident in his salvation. He did not have to worry about whether he was "good enough" to be saved. It is now about fifty years later and the topic of righteousness by faith is an old one for me. Although old, it is a topic that never fails to bring joy and happiness over what our loving Lord has done for us. Let's dive into our study of Ephesians and reacquaint ourselves with this great good news!...
"Horizontal Atonement?" That sounds like geometry. Before the math challenged among us get worried, we are talking about relationships and not math. Specifically, our relationship with others and not the "vertical" relationship between God and us. Today this is a complicated issue. In Revelation 2:20-21 we read of a church member who, among other things, "is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality." That church in Thyatira is warned not to "tolerate" that member because she will not repent. Today we have churches that not only tolerate sexual sins, but take "pride" in them. Really, pride? How do we show love to those around us without crossing the line into being a "Thyatira" church? What was the problem in Ephesus and how was it resolved? Let's plunge into our study of the Bible and find out!...
Imagine that you received a letter from a lawyer reporting that you have a relative, previously unknown, who died and left you a fortune. You could say that a mystery has been revealed, you have a relationship about which you were previously unaware. Paul says something similar to the Gentiles in Ephesus. He tells them that they are now part of a family which results in great gain to them. Imagine further that the members of the new family are not very welcoming to you. That is another parallel to what is happening in Ephesus. Let's dive into our study of the Bible and learn more!...
Is unity in the church an easy thing? You might look around at all the denominations and answer that unity is obviously hard. What about unity in a marriage? I frequently hear couples say "marriage is work." It is not easy. Single people point to these common statements about the challenges of marriage to argue that they are better off being single. Are Christian marriages easier? Are all of these denominations consistent with church unity? What does the Bible's discussion of unity teach us about our local church, the world church, and practical living? Let's jump into our study of the Bible and learn more!...
Were you a Christian your entire life? If so, some of what is written to the Ephesians today may be difficult to align with your life. Imagine that you grew up worshiping idols. Your moral compass would be completely different than that of those who grew up accepting the Bible as truth. In our study this week Paul gives us a guide on Christian living. He emphasizes the significance of transformation from our old selves to our renewed selves in Christ. This shift doesn't just influence personal development; it extends to our relationships, notably in the church and our homes. Let's delve deep into understanding the heart of this transformation and how it builds unity among believers!...
Do you know people who seem to live a life that is much better than yours? Would you like to live better and smarter? The answer is in the Bible. Living as Christians requires us not only to embrace a new identity in Christ, but also to walk in ways that reflect that identity. The benefit is that our life improves! Paul uses strong word pictures, like walking in love and light, to guide us in our daily behavior. Let's dive into this week's study of the Bible and learn how to apply these concepts to live better!...
Are Christian marriages in trouble? When I attend a marriage I hear the sad comment that things are wonderful on the day of the marriage, but they are destined for sorrow. I'm an optimist, so I don't say those things. But the statistics on marriage are discouraging. You may recall that in the past few studies about relationships in the church, we mentioned that the unity concepts for church might also apply to a marriage. One question I asked was "Is organization also important in a marriage?" Our study today seems to give the answer, "Yes." Let's plunge into our study of the Bible and see what we can learn about organization in marriage - among other things!...
Let's continue our journey on unity and harmony. We have seen what the Bible says about it in the church and in marriages. What about unity and harmony with our children? What about looking at our relationships at work - either as an employee or an employer? Paul plunges into those relationships in Ephesians 6:1-9 so come along and take the plunge with him!...
How would you characterize Paul's instructions in Ephesians so far? Isn't much of it about internal organization? That is how we relate to fellow family members and fellow church members. Now that we have our internal organization right, Paul turns to external challenges. Unfortunately, what is going on in the world is a war, spiritual warfare. We are called to be in that battle, so let's dive into our study of the Bible and find out how to be good soldiers!...
Last week we studied Ephesians 6:10-17 and the spiritual battle armor that Paul says we need to be able to "stand against the schemes of the devil." We noticed two important things. First, that our battle was "against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places," Ephesians 6:12, and second, that almost all of the armor was defensive in nature. That might cause us to decide that we are exclusively "waging peace" in our relationship with other people, as the title of this study suggests. But then Paul said something that did not quite fit. He requested prayer to help him "boldly" (he uses the term twice in Ephesians 6:19-20) proclaim the gospel. Perhaps "waging peace," is more about the "waging" than the "peace." Let's dive into our study of the Bible and see what it says elsewhere about the nature of our battle against evil!...
Before a final exam my students love to have a review of the entire course. That feels like what we are doing this week - reviewing all of the book of Ephesians. Let's dive into our study to refresh our recollection of Paul's Holy Spirit inspired advice to us!...
