 
### Exploring the Word of God:

### The Epistle to the Ephesians

By Lorenzo Arroyo

Copyright 2013, 2015

Published by Grace Communion International

Cover photo <http://imagespublicdomain.wordpress.com/tag/ephesus/>.

Scripture quotations, unless noted, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The "NIV" and "New International Version" are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

## Table of Contents

Introduction

The Divine Purpose in Christ (1:3-14)

The Divine Knowledge and Power in Christ (1:15-23)

The Divine Grace in Christ (2:1-10)

The Divine Reconciliation in Christ (2:11-22)

The Divine Mystery in Christ (3:1-13)

The Divine Love in Christ (3:14-21)

The Call to Unity in Christ (4:1-16)

The Call to Ministry in Christ (4:7-16)

The Call to Good Conduct in Christ (4:17-32)

The Call to Example in Christ (5:1-20)

The Call to Submission in Christ (5:21-33)

The Call to Submission in Christ (6:1-9)

The Call to Armor in Christ (6:10-20)

Grace and Peace (Ephesians chapter 2)

Christian Life and Marriage (Ephesians chapter 5)

About the Authors

About the Publisher

Grace Communion Seminary

**Introduction:** This project began in the mid 1990s. The first volume of _Exploring the Word of God_ was published in 1995. We were not able to print any more volumes, but we continued to study and write articles about Scripture. Lorenzo wrote these studies before 2002, but they were edited in 2003 and posted on our website. The last two chapters were written by Michael Morrison. We have gathered these articles and are publishing them as e-books. We hope you find these studies useful and encouraging.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

## Ephesians  
The Divine Purpose in Christ  
Introduction

"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ" (Ephesians 1:9-10).

### General introduction

The _Epistle to the Ephesians_ stands out as one of the great masterpieces of Pauline theology. Ironically, this theology is one reason that some liberal scholars question the authorship of the letter as one genuinely written by the apostle Paul. Those scholars suggest that a disciple of Paul or a Pauline school of disciples are responsible for the work. One of the reasons given is the almost collection-like grouping of Paul's best theological teachings. Ephesians is loaded with Paul's greatest thoughts, which they believe to have been further developed by Paul's disciples! However, this letter is so Pauline that it could not have been written by anybody else but the great apostle himself.

Paul wrote this letter along with several others while he was imprisoned in Rome about A.D. 60. After writing to the Colossians about a particular problem that they were dealing with, Paul apparently next wrote _Ephesians_. Both letters have many of the same themes in common. However, _Ephesians_ focuses on similar Christological issues as applied to the church as a whole, rather than at the local level. This is also the reason why several scholars see the _Epistle to the Ephesians_ as not written to address any particular problem at Ephesus, but as a circular letter sent to all the surrounding churches in general.

Special attention needs to be paid to the small phrase "in Christ" that so often appears in Paul's writings, as is the case with _Ephesians._ It is a reference to every believer's incorporation into all the spiritual blessings available in Christ via the Holy Spirit. The blessings possessed in Christ are not any less real because they are "spiritual." It is because of the spiritual realm where Christ reigns in heavenly places that we can be assured of victory today and of the promise of a glorious inheritance, of which we have only begun to taste!

The theme of _Ephesians_ is the disclosure of God's eternal divine purpose, which is the uniting together and reconciliation of all things in and through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In God's plan of reconciliation, Jesus Christ is at the heart and center of all that the Father wills. And at the heart and center of Christ's work is his church. Christ as its Head has given the church an awesome responsibility and role as the redeemed organism by which he brings unity to this alienated, fragmented and fallen world. As the body of Christ, the church is to live out the purposes for which it was called. The church's calling is to exemplify before the world the unity and love of reconciliation for which Christ died and rose. The gospel of God's grace has bestowed upon believers a higher calling in Christ. Therefore, believers as a body and as individuals are to conduct themselves in this fallen world accordingly "in Christ" to his glory.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Divine Purpose in Christ  
Ephesians 1:3-14

**Key text:** "And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ" (Ephesians 1:9-10).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that God's ultimate purpose is to unite all things alienated in the universe into one harmonious whole through the one cosmic event of the reconciling work of Christ from which all blessings flow.

**Introduction:** Ancient epistles typically had a prescript and blessing at the beginning; Ephesians 1:1-14 is in this literary format. Of all the letters of the apostle Paul, this particular prescript is the most enigmatic.

The prescript is the salutation or greeting at the beginning of most ancient letters. In the letter to the Ephesians, it consists of the first two verses, where the author of the letter identifies both himself and those to whom the letter is addressed. And although the prescript identifies Paul and the saints (believers) he is writing to, the words "in Ephesus" are missing in the best ancient manuscripts. To whom, then, was this letter originally addressed?

Paul was in prison (3:1), most likely in Rome, when he wrote this letter. Several scholars believe that Paul wrote this letter as a follow-up to the letter he sent the Colossians. However, instead of sending it to any specific local church, he sent it as a circular letter, to be read by all the churches under his apostolic jurisdiction. Sometime after Paul's death, when his letters were all collected, this circular letter somehow became associated with the church at Ephesus. Perhaps their copy, with "in Ephesus" inserted, was one of the surviving copies used among the early collections.

In any case, scholars have viewed Ephesians as the "Queen of the Pauline epistles" for its all-encompassing presentation of Christ's unique relationship to the universal church and his purpose for it. In the blessing section (vv. 3-14), which in the Greek is a single sentence, are presented golden nuggets of blessings from God to his people in Christ. Also, we find the praises or blessings from believers to God in response to those spiritual benefits. The unveiling of God's mystery is that from all eternity God has known the solution to humanity's predicament with its cosmic consequences on account of sin. God's remedy is not something new or novel — it has always existed! What is new is only its disclosure in time, space and history.

The heavenly disclosure is the "good news" that salvation is the gift of God in and through Christ alone. Jesus Christ is at the very center of God's divine purpose in bringing universal reconciliation in every sphere of life in heaven and earth. In him alone we have been chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, sealed and consequently glorified. Halleluiah!

### Questions for Bible study

Read the following verses and respond to the questions:

1. Ephesians 1:1-2

a. Who is the author of this letter? v. 1a. Do you think it could have been someone else using Paul's name, as some scholars suppose? Consult the General Introduction.

b. What is meant by the word "apostle" in this context? v. 1b. If the word "apostle" simply means "one who is sent," then are we not all apostles with the same authority as Paul? Explain.

c. What other authority does the author invoke? v. 1b. How and when was Paul willed to be an "apostle"? Recall Paul's heavenly calling and see Acts 22:3-16.

d. What two descriptions does Paul use to identify the addressees? v. 1c. Are they exceptionally holy persons who through their sincere efforts have attained sainthood? See Hebrews 10:10, 14.

e. In what place or city are the addressees located? v. 1c. See the lesson's Introduction.

f. In his greeting, is the word "grace" just a way of saying "cheers everyone"? v. 2. Explain the theological depth of Paul's meaning.

g. What about Paul's use of the word "peace"? v. 2. Do you know the equivalent greeting in Hebrew? What does it mean for Paul?

2. Ephesians 1:3-6

a. Who is the One being praised or blessed? v. 3a. Why is it necessary to mention Jesus when defining who God is?

b. What reasons are given for God being praised? v. 3b. Who all has he blessed and where? What does Paul mean by the "heavenly realms"?

c. In whom are all spiritual blessings contained? v. 3b. What does "in Christ" mean? See the Introduction.

d. In whom was this group of people chosen? v. 4. Why? When did God plan to elect this body of people (the church) onto himself? With what ultimate purpose did God do this?

e. What was God's motive for the predestination of everyone who believes? v. 5a. To what is everyone who believes predestined?

f. What was the significance of "adoption" in ancient Roman times? Consult a Bible dictionary. Through whom does this adoption take place?

g. Why is it that such wonderful spiritual benefits should take place for repentant sinners in Christ? v. 5b.

h. What is the basis or bottom line of how we obtain such spiritual benefits such as being chosen (election) and made heirs (adoption) of God's provisions? v. 6.

3. Ephesians 1:7-10

a. What is the first benefit of two more spiritual benefits mentioned here? v. 7a. Explain the meaning of "redemption in his blood."

b. What is the second spiritual benefit mentioned? v. 7b. In accordance with what are these blessing bestowed? v. 7c. Explain the meaning of the "riches of God's grace."

c. What two other blessings does God confer on believers? v. 8. Why do you think these latter two are important?

d. What does God make known to us? v. 9a. What does "will" mean?

e. What is meant by: "which he purposed in Christ"? v. 9b.

f. When is God's divine purpose in Christ to be completed? v. 10a.

g. What is the mystery of his will (God's divine purpose)? v. 10b.

4. Ephesians 1:11-14

a. Where do God's people (the church) fit into his eternal plans? v. 11.

b. How do the believing Jews fit in to his plan? v. 12.

c. How do believing Gentiles fit into his plan? v. 13. With what seal have we been marked? Explain.

d. What does it mean to have the Holy Spirit abide in believers? v. 14. Explain the meaning of the term "deposit of guarantee" as applied to the Holy Spirit.

### Contemporary interaction

1. If someone were to offer you 40 years of extraordinary wealth in return for your soul, would you take it? Does that sound like a good deal? Why or why not? What are God's riches and promises in Christ?

2. What plans or purposes have you made for yourself: personal goals, education, vocation, family, church and material goods? What plans has God made for you in Christ?

### Conclusion

God is to be constantly praised for the richness of his grace and manifold blessings bestowed to us freely in Christ. His eternal divine purpose cannot be frustrated, but will give fruit at the appointed time and be fully realized to the glory of Christ!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Divine Knowledge and Power in Christ  
Ephesians 1:15-23

**Key text:** "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19a).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that all believers are called upon to increase their knowledge of God as he reveals himself, to understand the depth of God's promise of glory, and to personally know the power of the risen Christ.

**Introduction:** As the _Epistle to the Ephesians_ continues to unfold, the apostle Paul pauses to give thanks to God and to intercede in prayer on behalf of the addressees (1:15-23). In the cosmic battle between the forces of good and evil, a line must be drawn and allegiances chosen. Paul knows all too well that believers can sometimes be lulled to sleep, let their guard down and take their faith in God for granted, which can lead to dire consequences. It is easy to fall into the trap of giving only lip service to God while our heart drifts away. The one sure antidote for this malady is to come to know God in Christ more fully in a personal and loving way (vv. 15-17).

Another related matter that also must be combated is the subtle philosophy of naturalism. This philosophy undergirds much of today's scientific community and is often disguised as science in our public school system. Naturalism basically says, "What you see, is all there is." All that really exists "out there" is _matter_ in one form or another. The cosmos was an accident caused by chance, and life on earth is its blind product. When our sun burns out, as all stars eventually do, all that will remain is a burned-out sphere and a frozen lifeless earth. God is an invention (or fantasy) produced by the chemical processes of the human brain. There is no God, there is no afterlife, and there is no future! The logical conclusion of naturalism is the worldview of _nihilism,_ which means "nothing." Nothing matters.

For Paul and all believers in Christ, those vain philosophies could not be any further from the truth. There is a God who has revealed himself and has made himself known partially through the _created_ world (Psalm 19:1) and ultimately in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3). Also, there is a glorious future and inheritance awaiting all believers at the Second Coming. But believers do not have to wait until tomorrow to taste the future power of God's kingdom! In the person and saving work of Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God has already arrived (Luke 17:20-21). And, in his death, resurrection and "session" (seated at the right hand of the Father), he conquered death itself and all other powers (Ephesians 1:19-23).

To know the power of Christ is to know God! Paul's thanksgiving and prayer is urgently needed in his church today. The knowledge of what God has done and is doing for us in Christ is vital for a correct Christian worldview. And there is no better way to get this knowledge than the Holy Spirit through Paul's inspired _Epistle to the Ephesians._

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 1:15-17

a. What two reasons does Paul give for thanking God? v. 15. Explain why each of these reasons is important for the church.

b. How often does the apostle thank God for them? v. 16a. When does Paul remember them? v. 16b. What does this say of Paul's prayer life? How can one better cultivate their own prayer life?

c. What does Paul keep asking? v. 17. What does the Holy Spirit give to believers? Is this similar to the concept of illumination? Explain.

d. Why does he ask this? v. 17d. Why do we need further understanding from the Holy Spirit? See 1 Corinthians 2:14-16.

e. What is the Trinity? Explain the Trinitarian presence in verse 17.

2. Ephesians 1:18

a. What else does the apostle Paul pray for? v. 18a. What is it that Paul wants the church to know?

b. What riches is Paul talking about? v. 18b.

c. Although our inheritance is a present experience in Christ, it is also a future glory. Read Romans 8:17-25 and describe our hope for a better tomorrow.

3. Ephesians 1:19-23

a. What is Paul's third petition for believers to come to _know?_ v. 19a. What is this power like? v. 19b.

b. What historical event is referred to in verse 20? See Acts 2:24-36.

c. Read Romans 8:9-11. What are the implications of this great power for believers?

d. Read Hebrews 1:1-3. Try to describe the awesome power of the One seated at the right hand.

e. What are the powers listed that are subject to Christ's rule? v. 21. When is this to happen: now, or sometime in the future? Explain.

f. Philippians 2:5-11. To what height is Jesus' exaltation? Why? Is it because of who he is, or of what he has done? Or both?

g. What two things has God conferred to Jesus as Messiah? v. 22. Who is the head of the church, and why? Can there be another head of the church, a representative or vicar of Christ on earth: bishop, anointed healer, TV-evangelist, pope, etc.?

h. What metaphor does Paul use to describe the church? v. 23. How appropriate is the metaphor in relation to the metaphor of Christ as the head of the church?

i. Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. What further implications of the "body" metaphor are delineated in this classic passage?

### Contemporary interaction

1. How well do you _know_ God: cognitive knowledge (the fact that God exists) and/or intimate knowledge in Christ (the experience of personal faith)?

2. What is your view of science and faith? Are they contrary to one another, or do they complement each other? Is there a difference between true science and scientific theories? Explain.

3. Do you believe that scientific knowledge is the measure of all truth within the sphere of reality, while faith or religious knowledge is subjective and exists only in the realm of the mind but not in reality?

4. How would you defend the faith against those who say your beliefs are only a product of your own mind and nothing else? Do you believe blindly, or are there objective reasons for what you believe to be true?

5. How does God's revelation of himself in Scripture stand up as a pillar of objective truth for what we believe? How about the subjective illumination of the Holy Spirit to our mind? What about both?

### Conclusion

Today there are all types of knowledge vying for dominance as the measure of all truth, for example: religious, scientific, philosophical, historical, medical, legal and so on. However, for the better part of the history of Christianity _theology_ was thought of as the "Queen of the sciences." And the reason for it should be obvious to all believers. Theology as "faith seeking understanding" is the pursuit of the knowledge of God in Christ! There is no more important truth than this.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Divine Grace in Christ  
Ephesians 2:1-10

**Key text:** "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that this world apart from God is under its own self-inflicted judgment of unbelief and our only ticket out is the way God planned it: salvation by God's merciful divine grace through faith alone in the full merits of Christ.

**Introduction:** When one takes into account the world history of this present age, it can be summed up into the words "aggression and strife for survival!" Once we have experienced biological life, we can be certain that death will mark the next phase. At some point in the beginning, sin entered the world, and death has accompanied it ever since. Our physical and psychological natures have carried the infection from one generation to another and passed it on like a virus. The symptoms of a sinful nature are pride, self-centeredness, the inclination to esteem ourselves better than others, despising the imposition of God's authority, and the inner drive to satisfy illicit passions and lust at the expense of ourselves and others. And, the most damaging tool of all is our deceptive ability to be in denial of our sinful ways and thus to rationalize our thoughts and behavior as appropriate and politically correct!

The consequences of sin are that the world (not God) views itself as severed in its relationship to God: (1) God has condemned the world for its rebellion. (2) Both Jews and Gentiles are today condemned to death on the account of sin, having been found worthy to receive God's divine judgment. And (3), they are "still" legally and spiritually dead as far as God is concerned. However, God's love planned a way to save the world that "was" condemned (2:1-3). He has done so by providing atonement through his only Son and thus redeeming you and me. In this way, God declares us just, pardons our sins and grants us life on the basis of the righteousness of the One who died and rose on our behalf. The riches of God's mercy and divine grace are shown in raising the spiritually dead to new life in Christ. Also, we will not only share in Christ's heavenly enthronement in the future, but through our spiritual union we are already seated with him in the heavens (vv. 4-7)!

Salvation is a gift of God and appropriated by faith alone (vv. 8-9). In other words, the fact of a person being saved does not depend on what merits or works he or she has done, but by God freely giving salvation on account of the grace he gives to everyone, especially those willing to believe via the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a God-human relationship. God provides the personal and cognitive content of faith as well as the will to believe as a gift. Faith is not a work, but the God-sought response of accepting and receiving what God provides (Romans 4). What is meant by faith alone is simply believing that Christ's redemption is more than enough for our salvation, without the need to add our own obedience or religious rituals.

This new relationship with God produces a new creation in us, that is, new life in Christ (verse 10). Our old sinful nature has been subdued by an all-new outlook on life with Jesus at the center of it. As a result of our new relationship with Jesus, we are to produce good works that are in accordance with **God** 's character and design. Although good works are never the basis or cause of our salvation (for the root is Christ), yet they are the fruit or result of our new covenant relationship with the risen Lord.

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 2:1-3

a. In this letter, who is Paul addressing? v. 1a. Note: Paul often distinguishes between himself and other Jews from Gentiles by the use of "we" and "you," respectively.

b. What was the condition of the addressees at one time? v. 1b. Why was this so? What does Paul mean by "dead"? In what sense: spiritually dead (meaning the annihilation of human free will); or spiritually dead (meaning the corruption of free will, with a legal sentence of death imposed on account of sin)? Explain. See Colossians 2:13-14.

c. What manner of life did these Gentiles lead in the past? v. 2a. Who is this ruler that they followed? See 2 Corinthians 4:3-6.

d. Among whom does this "spirit" work? v. 2b. Do you think that the majority of his followers are consciously aware that they follow him? What do they think?

e. What does Paul mean by "all of us"? v. 3a. See Romans 3:9-10. Note: Here Paul is all-inclusive and means both Jews and Gentiles. In what manner did they once live? v. 3b. See Galatians 5:19-21. What about you? How did you once live?

f. What was their common lot with the rest of humanity? v. 3c. Why? See Romans 3:19-20.

2. Ephesians 2:4-7

a. What attribute within God moved him toward us? v. 4a. What other attribute of God do we desperately need? v. 4b. How much of this attribute does God have?

b. What has God done for us? v. 5a. See Luke 15:24; John 5:24. When did God bring us to life in Christ: when we are made ourselves perfect, or when we were yet sinners? See Romans 5:8.

c. How or through what means have we been saved? v. 5b. Explain and illustrate this great concept. Note: Even the most religious persons often fail to grasp its meaning!

d. What has God done for us in Christ? v. 6. How have we become partakers of his resurrection, ascension and session? Explain each of the three in theological terms. Can you grasp the enormity of our position in Christ? Explain what this means in our Christian walk.

e. What is it that God wants to demonstrate from this present age to the age to come (the resurrection age)? v. 7a. How has this been expressed, and through whom? v. 7b.

3. Ephesians 2:8-10

a. What emphasis regarding salvation is given here again? v. 8a. The grammatical tense of the word "saved" is in the past. Can you explain?

b. If God's salvation is by grace, what is the human response to it called? v. 8b. What is "not of ourselves" — salvation itself or the response of faith? Note: The answer is salvation itself. Although faith is not a meritorious work, it is "our" response to God's saving act in Christ. We do the believing. Yet, even that is a gift of God. See Romans 4:1-7.

c. What is salvation called? v. 8c. Why? See Romans 3:22-24.

d. What is salvation definitely not by? v. 9a. See Acts 13:38-39; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 3:7-9; Titus 3:5. For what reason? v. 9b. See Romans 3:27-28.

e. As a result of God's saving grace, what are we now? v. 10a. In whom are we newly created, and for what reason? v. 10b. Explain, and consult the Introduction. See 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:14-15.

### Contemporary interaction

1. Describe to what depth human depravity can sink. Take into account some of humanity's recent history: The Nazi-Jewish problem; Marxism in Central America; death squads in Latin America; Jewish-Palestinian conflict; genocide in Africa; the World Trade Center attack; the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria; and Muslim terrorist organizations on a global scale.

2. As Christians with a higher calling and indebted to God's saving grace, what do you think is the role of the church in today's world? How do we reach out to a world in conflict?

### Conclusion

This world seems to be spinning as fast as it can away from God and toward its own destruction. Nevertheless, God's love has found a way from the despair of death to the joy of the gift of life in Christ. Saved by divine grace!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Divine Reconciliation in Christ  
Ephesians 2:11-22

**Key text:** "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of two, thus making peace" (Ephesians 2:14-15).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that the former world was divided into two hostile groups of Jews and Gentiles. But since the cross of Calvary, both groups are objectively reconciled into a third group, the new humanity in Christ.

**Introduction:** In the ancient world there were many schemes in which to classify people. There were the rich and the poor; free persons and slaves; men and women; Romans and barbarians; and so on. But from a theological point of view, there were only two major divisions: Jews and Gentiles (2:11-12). Israel was a privileged nation under the one true God, a chosen people. To them were granted the oracles of God, the covenant law at Sinai, the Temple worship and the promises invested in Israel's coming Messiah. The Gentiles in general were left to grope in darkness and wallow without hope in their twisted pagan religions.

However, even Israel's light was a dim one at best, for God's greater glory had not as yet been revealed in full. Israel learned quickly of the need for barriers between themselves and God. The Sinai covenant emphasized these divisions (vv. 14-16). The Temple in Jerusalem was itself a structure of several barriers. Outside the Temple there was a yard, called the court of the Gentiles, and a wall. On the wall at intervals was placed a warning for a Gentile not to enter further on the penalty of death. On the other side of that wall, the next court was reserved for Jewish women. Another barrier kept them from going any further in. Inside that barrier only Jewish men were permitted, but only to find another barrier for the priests alone to enter. But even then, a final barrier existed where only the high priest could enter the sanctuary of the holy of holies, and that only once a year! How could there be peace as long as all these distinctions remained?

However, in God's eternal plan and wisdom he made a way to eventually remove these barriers and allow full access to himself, not only for Jews but for Gentiles as well (vv. 13, 17-18). First, the covenant-law given at Sinai was only temporary. At the cross, Jesus made full atonement for the sins of all humanity, therefore annulling in its entirety the old system of laws that marked divisions between Jews and Gentiles. **Jesus** is the way! Second, God has called a new people to himself based on the promised new covenant. This new humanity would no longer be Jews or Gentiles but Christian believers. In other words, this was God's plan for the reconciliation of both Jews and Gentiles into one new people in Christ.

And finally, Gentile believers would no longer occupy the outer court, nor women excluded from God's presence, nor men subjugated to a priestly caste for an audience with Almighty God (vv. 19-22). Jesus Christ changed this forevermore! Believers of all walks of life now have immediate and uninterrupted access through the blood of Christ and the residence of the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 2:11-13

a. What are the Gentiles called, and by whom? v. 11. What are the implications of this name for the Gentiles? See 1 Samuel 17:26. What about the name for the Jews? See Leviticus 12:1-3.

b. What is the first of five conditions attributed to the Gentiles? v. 12a. (The Greek word "Christ" means "Anointed one").

c. What is their second state of affairs? v. 12b.

d. What is their third circumstance? v. 12c.

e. What is their fourth plight? v. 12d.

f. What is the implication of the fifth in regards to salvation? v. 12e.

g. How is it possible for their former circumstances to be radically changed? v. 13. What does Paul mean by "far off" and "brought near?"

2. Ephesians 2:14-18

a. Who made the peace? v. 14a. What two have been made one, and how is this done? v. 14b. What is the barrier called? v. 14c. Why? Consult the Introduction.

b. What was abolished in Christ's "flesh" or his death? v. 15a. What law is Paul referring to? See 2 Corinthians 3:3, 7, 11; Galatians 3:19-25.

c. What was God's purpose in annulling the law (Torah)? v. 15b. See how easily the law becomes a barrier in Galatians 2:11-16, 21. Give examples of how the law may have been a barrier for you before becoming a believer in grace.

d. Through what means alone can reconciliation take place? v. 16.

e. To whom was peace (the gospel) preached? To only the Gentiles? How about the Jews? v. 17. Why?

f. Who has access to the Father? v. 18. In this verse, can you detect the Trinity at work in the reconciliation of humanity?

3. Ephesians 2:19-22

a. What are the results of reconciliation as opposed to our previous condition as Gentiles? v. 19. Are we second-class citizens after Jewish believers? How about just good friends of the family? Why not?

b. Can you describe the architecture of this spiritual building? v. 20. Who are in the foundation? Why? Who is the chief cornerstone? Why?

c. Who or what is this building that is being addressed? v. 21. Who is the one keeping it together? What kind of temple is it?

d. What are we built to become? Who inhabits this place? v. 22. Do you think the system of access was better with the Temple? Why or why not?

### Contemporary interaction

1. Although Israelis as a whole are not yet believers in Christ, do you think the United States should continue to politically support their cause over against the Palestinians? Why?

2. Do you think that there will ever be a true reconciliation between orthodox Jews and evangelical Christians within our lifetime? Many Jews say that Jesus was just a man or at best a misunderstood prophet, and that Paul was an apostate Jew. What do you say?

3. If the church is God's instrument in Christ for reconciliation between peoples of all kinds, how can it prove itself to the world when reconciliation is difficult even among its own members?

4. What steps can the local church take to improve relationships among its own ranks? It has been said sarcastically that the church is the only army that shoots its own wounded. What do you say?

5. What is Christ's role in the redemptive task of reconciling all people unto himself? What is Christ's role in the church when its members hurt?

### Conclusion

There is so much to be grateful for when we can look subjectively from inside the comfort of God's grace outward to a lost (unbelieving) world. But, remember, we at one time were also on the outside, humanly speaking, not knowing how to find our way in. Praise God in Christ for his divine reconciliation and the inclusion of us all in calling forth a new humanity. Jesus Christ is the way!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Divine Mystery in Christ  
Ephesians 3:1-13

**Key text:** "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 3:6).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that Paul, the commissioned apostle to the Gentiles, now imprisoned in Rome on their account, is God's chosen instrument to disclose God's divine plan of the hidden mystery in Christ through the message of the gospel given to him by revelation.

**Introduction:** The apostle Paul had an enormous missionary vision that began with humble beginnings. It was at Antioch in Syria where prayer was made to send Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey to Asia Minor (Acts 13:1-3). Within a few years Paul was to make a second and a third journey, moving from Asia Minor into Greece. His mission to the Gentiles flourished with churches being established in nearly all the major cities of the time (Acts 17:6). He hastened to reach Rome itself, the capitol of the world-ruling Roman Empire, with one focus in mind: to preach the gospel!

Paul's Gentile mission field was fertile and ready for the harvest. The Holy Spirit worked in Paul in a mighty way. Paul's plan was to establish himself in the west in Rome as he had done in the east in Antioch (Romans 15:14-32). He would blaze a trail from Rome all the way across the Western Empire to Spain – and planting churches in every place he would stay along the way. However, God had other plans for Paul. Paul was to go to prison on account of his preaching to the Gentile world; and eventually die a martyr's death for the glory of God. Paul did arrive at Rome, but in chains awaiting trial (Acts 28:16-30). This is how the inspired book of Acts ends.

Nevertheless, that the power of God might be manifest even while his greatest apostle is in chains, Paul penned what are termed the "prison epistles." Our letter to the Ephesians stands among them. To the glory of Christ and future missionary endeavors to come across the ages, the divine mystery in Christ is fully disclosed and preserved in the written Word of the new covenant Scriptures. This mystery was not fully unveiled in the past, even though glimpses of it are present in the old covenant Scriptures. However, the full implications of Christ's death and resurrection were made known only through direct revelation from God to the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 3:1-5).

The chosen champion of the Gentile mission is the apostle Paul (vv. 7-13). It is through his pen that we learn of the amazing grace of Christ's law-free gospel to the Gentiles. The mystery was this: How could law-observing Jews ever be reconciled with law-free Gentiles? Would the Gentiles have to accept circumcision as a sign of entrance into the covenant and submit themselves to Moses? Paul's answer is emphatically: NO!

The divine mystery in Christ has revealed that believing Gentiles are on the very same footing as Jewish believers: First, Gentiles as well as Jews are free from the law; the old covenant law is no longer binding on believers in Christ (2:14-15). Second, Gentiles are co-heirs with believing Jews (3:6a). Third, through Christ both are made into one body (verse 6b). And finally, believing Jews and Gentiles do not exist in two different covenants, but share equally in the one and same new covenant promise in Christ (verse 6c). Amen.

### Questions for Bible study

1. Acts 21:17-36

a. What happens when Paul arrives in Jerusalem? v. 17.

b. What do Paul and his companions do the next day? v. 18.

c. What report does Paul give? v. 19.

d. What was the positive reaction of those who heard Paul's report? v. 20a. What mixed reaction did they then display? v. 20b. Why? v. 21.

e. What was their true concern? v. 22. What remedy did they propose? vv. 23-24. Do you think this was a good idea? Why do you think that Paul went along with it? See 1 Corinthians 9:19-20.

f. In regard to the Gentiles, why does James quote the Jerusalem Council's decree? v. 25. Note: The Jerusalem Council decreed, in effect, that the Mosaic law as a covenant is not binding on Gentile believers. Gentile believers are free from the law with all of its restrictions (Sabbath-observance, dietary laws, feast days, etc.) except those few listed by the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-29; Galatians 2:1-10).

g. What does Paul do the next day in an attempt to satisfy the elders' concerns? v. 26.

h. Who all recognized Paul, and what scandal and accusation did they provoke? vv. 27-29. Why?

i. What was the immediate reaction of the crowd? v. 30. Why such a violent reaction against Paul?

j. What was the crowd trying to do to Paul? v. 31a. Who intervened to save his life? v. 31b-32. What did the commander do then? v. 33. What was the overall reaction of the crowd against Paul? vv. 34-36. Note: Paul for his own safety was eventually moved to the prison in Caesarea, and after having appealed his case to Caesar, he was sent to Rome to await trial. There, he was placed under house arrest, and from there, he wrote _Ephesians_.

2. Ephesians 3:1-6

a. What is Paul moved to do on account of "For this reason"? v. 1a. Consult Paul's restart after a long digression. See v. 14.

b. What does Paul call himself? v. 1b. Why?

c. What had they heard concerning Paul and _the administration of God's grace, mystery_ , and _revelation_ given to him? vv. 2-3. See Galatians 1:11-17.

d. What does Paul mean about this mystery not being made known in the past but is now revealed? vv. 4-5. See Romans 16:25-27; Colossians 1:25-27.

e. What is this multi-facet mystery in Christ as Paul explains it here? v. 6. What threefold disclosure does he give? Why the need to emphasize these particular points?

3. Ephesians 3:7-13

a. What event in his life is Paul referring to? vv. 7-9. Consult Acts 9:1-19.

b. What is God's purpose in forming the church? v. 10. Who are the rulers and authorities Paul mentions?

c. Through whom was this eternal purpose accomplished? v. 11. With what results? v. 12.

d. What sufferings is the apostle referring to? v. 13. See v. 1.

### Contemporary interaction

1. Have you ever been accused of a wrong that you did not commit? How did you feel? Angry? Prayerful? Both? Can a person really pray when angry?

2. Have you ever been thrown in jail for preaching the gospel? Have you been persecuted and ridiculed? Does ridicule depress you, or are you thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord?

3. Although the mystery of the gospel in Christ has been fully revealed for nearly 2000 years, why do so many still misunderstand and obscure the gospel? What about Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and Seventh-Day groups?

### Conclusion

The apostle Paul is God's evangelist _par excellence_ and defender of the faith. Praise Jesus for having commissioned, to the Gentiles, one as Spirit-filled as Paul. May we imitate Paul in his gospel-zeal to the glory of Christ. Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Divine Love in Christ  
Ephesians 3:14-21

**Key text:** "And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ" (Ephesians 3:17b-18).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that although we are finite beings, yet through the working of God's power via the Spirit we can come to the knowledge of the incomprehensibility of the love of Christ and the fullness of all that God is!

**Introduction:** Philosophers have often pondered over the reasonableness of finite beings ever being able to comprehend the infinite. Almost by definition one would think the concept is unattainable. Humans are finite beings and thus limited in ability and capacity to grasp only that which their finite minds can extend themselves to: other finite things. When we say something is infinite, one is saying that the principle is beyond our ability to understand! As far as scientists are concerned, they have no choice but to "limit" their knowledge to what they can observe. For science has no "eyes" to see further than the limited reach of the Hubble Space Telescope, and other finite instruments. No matter how good those instruments are, they will always be finite, that is, limited.

On the other hand, theologians for centuries have pondered over the incomprehensibility of God. Since God is an infinite being, how can humankind ever come to know him? Let us dispel at least one myth. Because something is infinite does not mean that we cannot know something about it. We would need an infinite mind to grasp infinite knowledge, but not in order to understand a finite amount of that infinite knowledge. I may not be able to understand it all, but I can understand a portion of it! I can understand enough of numbers to do basic math without fully grasping the concept of infinite numbers, and we admit that they exist! So, when theologians speak about the incomprehensibility of God, they do not mean that people cannot know anything at all about God. Indeed, people do have knowledge about God, although in a limited way (Romans 1:20).

But Paul in his prayer for all believers in Christ goes far beyond some obscure limited knowledge about God (Ephesians 3:14-21). The infinite God has intervened in the history of the human race, became finite, and entered this world. In the person of Jesus Christ, God was present in his fullness in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). The attribute of his love embraced us while we were yet sinners, and he gave his earthly life as atonement for our sins by dying in our place on the cross. God wants us to fully comprehend his love by the very power that raised Jesus from the dead, the power that abides in every believer. The Holy Spirit imparts the love of Christ, so that we may come to know its width, length, depth and height!

From infinity, God has reached down and touched the earth and bathed it with the blood of his only Son. Our ultimate delight, through the Holy Spirit, is to come to know the divine love of Christ in all its fullness to the glory of the Father. The love that God has given his sons and daughters in Christ is not a philosophical contemplation or a scientific theory or a theological treatise, but a living and binding love to be shared with one another and with our Lord. Amen.

### Questions for Bible study

1. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

a. In Paul's classic passage on divine love (Gr. _agape_ ) in Christ, what is a person with the gift of tongues like, when he or she has no love? v. 1. Have you ever heard music badly out of tune? What was your impression?

b. According to Paul, what is the gift of prophecy able to do? v. 2a. Very impressive, don't you think so? What can the gift of faith do? v. 2b.

c. What do these gifts mean if the person has no love? v. 2c. Why?

d. What if one has the gift of generosity to the poor and even becomes a martyr, but has no love? v. 3. Don't these noble works count for something? Explain.

e. What five attributes of divine love are mentioned in this verse? v. 4. Briefly describe each one.

f. What are the next four attributes? v. 5. Briefly explain each one.

g. What five attributes are mentioned next? vv. 6-7. Are these Christian characteristics to be cultivated in our spiritual walk with Christ? Or does Paul expect too much from us? If we can't live up to the high calling of divine love, why not quit trying? Note: Even though in experience we may fall far short of God's high calling, yet in Christ we are seated with him in the highest position in heaven, not on account of what we do, but because of what he has done on our behalf. Now _that_ is good news!

h. In the end, what will fail and what will not fail? v. 8. Why will all of this happen? v. 9-10.

i. What is the point of comparison that Paul is making with this illustration? v. 11.

j. How does Paul see _now_ in comparison to _then_? v. 12a. What does Paul know _now_ in comparison to _then_? v. 12b. What do you think Paul is referring to when he speaks of _now_ vs. _then_?

k. What remains for _now_? v. 13a. Of the three mentioned, which is the greatest one? v. 13b. Why?

2. Ephesians 3:14-21

a. Before whom does Paul kneel? v. 14. How is the Father described? v. 15.

b. What does Paul pray for on behalf of his readers? v. 16a. How is this accomplished? v. 16b. For what reason? v. 17a.

c. What second thing does the apostle pray for? v. 17b-18.

d. What is Paul's third petition for them? v. 19a. With what desired results? v. 19b. See Colossians 2:6-9.

e. Can God give us such infinite knowledge of his being and love? v. 20a. Through what means? v. 20b; see 1:19-20.

3. Romans 8:31-39

a. Paul captures the width and length and height and depth of the divine love for us in this passage. What is the answer to Paul's rhetorical question? v. 31. How can we be sure? v. 32.

b. What accusations can be made against us? v. 33a. Why not? v. 33b.

c. What condemnation can be brought against us? v. 34a. Why not? v. 34b.

d. What things are mentioned that might threaten the divine love for us? vv. 35-36. What answer is given? v. 37.

e. What is Paul so convinced of? vv. 38-39. Why?

### Contemporary interaction

1. Through the Holy Spirit, we come to comprehend God's love in Christ for us, especially through the gospel message. How far do you think his love for us transcends our understanding to reach our hearts to enable us to love one another as he loves us?

2. Are there times when you feel unlovable, times when you lash out and hurt others by what you say or don't say, times when your forgiveness is superficial and lacks depth? How do we overcome?

3. Express in your own words the dimensions of God's divine love for you in Christ.

### Conclusion

The invisible God made himself visible and demonstrated his great love while we were yet unlovable sinners. Christ became the unlovable _man of sorrows_ , so that by his sacrifice we might become the most loved of all, in him. Hallelujah!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Call to Unity in Christ  
Ephesians 4:1-6

**Key text:** "There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that God has called his new covenant people (the church) to live out in a worthy manner our unity in Christ, which is expressed in early creedal formulas that are Trinitarian, gospel, and/or Christological in character.

**Introduction:** Creeds have been an important aspect of the life of the church from its beginning down to our very day. The early church formulated several of them and they are now part of Holy Scripture (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3-7; Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Timothy 3:16). Ephesians 4:4-6 is an early Trinitarian _credo_. These concise creedal formulas contain the fundamental beliefs of the Christian faith. These statements were most likely used on to instruct baptismal candidates on the essential matters of the faith. They were also used to help distinguish essential Christian beliefs from pagan and heretical teachings. In this way these creeds helped establish a belief system that helped believers tell the difference between orthodoxy and heresy.

After the completion of the biblical canon, the life of the church continued to express itself in Trinitarian terms. Each local church formulated its own short creed based on a general rule of faith, which summed up salvation history. One such creed that has kept its universal appeal is the one known as the _Apostles' Creed._ Although not formulated by the original apostles, it is an example of similar creeds that flourished early on in the life of the church. Our present Apostles' Creed, after several additions, did not reach its standard form until approximately A.D. 700. Here is an earlier Greek text of the Apostles' Creed (Marcellus, A.D. 340):

I believe in God the Father almighty.  
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord;  
Who was born by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary;  
Was crucified under Pontius Pilate and was buried;  
The third day he rose from the dead.  
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father,  
From where he shall come to judge the living and the dead.  
And [I believe] in the Holy Spirit,  
The holy Church,  
The forgiveness of sins,  
The resurrection of the body,  
And life everlasting.

This succinct format incorporates into creedal form at least 12 basic beliefs of the Christian church. This is one way of bringing unity to the body of Christ. Scripture itself sets certain creedal parameters to test if a belief is truly of the faith or not. More extensive statements are required to delineate other points and check against other heresies, and the church has formulated these as well. Yet, the simplicity of scriptural creedal formulas has a freshness all of its own, and they are indispensable in the outreach and missionary endeavors of the church.

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 4:1-6

a. What does Paul urge his readers to do? v. 1. What does Paul mean by "calling"?

b. What four worthy mannerisms are mentioned? v. 2. Why these four?

c. What else does Paul ask them to do? v. 3. What does Paul mean by: "keep the unity of the Spirit"? Note: Paul is speaking of the fruit of Christ's reconciling work on the cross, that is, the peace of his reconciliation to be lived out by the church in the here and now.

d. What three elements make up the first part of the creed? v. 4. What does each one mean, and in what way are they related to each other? See Ephesians 1:18; 2:14-18.

e. What is the second triad of the creedal formulation? v. 5. What does each one mean, and in what way are they related to each other? See Romans 6:3; 10:9.

f. What is the seventh part of the creed? v. 6. How is this one related to "one Spirit" and "one Lord"? See 1 Corinthians 8:6; 12:4-6.

2. 1 Corinthians 15:3-7

a. What very early Christian _credo_ did Paul receive and pass on? v. 3. Note: This passage is the earliest creedal formulation of the gospel. It is among the first of early Christian oral traditions, coming even before Paul's conversion.

b. What two other essential components of the gospel are in this creed? v. 4. Were these matters foretold in the O.T. Scriptures? Cite at least two O.T. passages that support these claims.

c. What witnesses are offered as proof that the gospel events (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus) took place? v. 5.

d. How many other witnesses confirmed that Jesus had risen from the dead? v. 6a. At the time of Paul, were these eyewitnesses dead or disappeared and no longer available for questioning? v. 6b. What is the significance of this?

e. What other appearances did Jesus make, and to whom? v. 7. At the end of this short gospel creed, what final item does Paul add? v. 8.

3. Philippians 2:6-11

a. This passage is apparently an early Christian hymn, that is, a liturgical creed outlining what the early church believed about Christ. Who is in the very nature of God? vv. 5-6a. Explain what it means to be in the very nature of God.

b. Although equal with God by his very nature, why did he decide not to hold on to his glory? vv. 6b-7. Explain the Incarnation. [now that's a tall task!]

c. To what extent does Jesus' humiliation on behalf of humanity reach? v. 8. Why?

d. What exaltation does Jesus receive for his messianic sacrifice on behalf of sinners? v. 9. What is he given? Note: This is not something brand new for Jesus, for he is and has always been God; rather, it is a return to the glory he had before his humiliation in becoming human. Now, however, he is the triumphant Messiah. See John 17:5.

e. What happens when this Name is called out? v. 10. From whom does he receive worship?

f. What name is every tongue to confess? v. 11. Note: The name "Lord" is _kyrios_ in Greek, and corresponds to _adonai_ in Hebrew, which is a reference to the Tetragrammaton: YHWH. Jesus is worthy of worship because he shares his Father's name, for they are one in divine essence (nature), although they retain distinct personhoods.

g. In the following briefer creedal formulation, can you identify Christ's stages of humiliation and exaltation? 1 Timothy 3:16. Explain.

### Contemporary interaction

1. Many contend that brief summaries of the Christian faith are only watered-down versions designed to attract everybody and anybody with no real convictions. Others say that longer statements of faith are designed to keep away as many as possible unless they think exactly alike, like an assembly-line church. What is your own assessment?

2. Others say that creeds and statements of faith do not promote unity, but to the contrary, they are the main cause of divisions and disunity in the church. What do you say?

### Conclusion

God has called us to live in peace and unity as much as possible in this fallen world. And while there is room for disagreement within the church on nonessential matters, the gospel truth of Christ's reconciliation is the only basis for unity in this age or the next. Glory be to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Call to Ministry in Christ  
Ephesians 4:7-16

**Key text:** "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Ephesians 4:11-12).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that the high calling of Christ is not for the purpose of individual accomplishment and recognition, but to be team members with the sole purpose of serving the whole body for the edification of all.

**Introduction:** The Olympic Games are internationally recognized events where each competing nation presents the best of their athletes. In theory, they all compete under the rules of fair play, but in reality the better trained and equipped athletes, with few exceptions, are the better financed and also the medal winners! This does not mean all the competitors don't try their best, because they certainly do, but one can hardly call it _fair play!_ Even so, all the individual and team performances are geared up for one thing only: To win that coveted gold medal. Or, if the losing party protests with enough big media backing, the judges may even grant double gold medals! I suppose for "home and country" we can all be Olympic fans to some degree.

While many get carried away with the glamour and politics of the Olympics, it seems that the church unconsciously follows a similar pattern. When the church loses its focus, it also becomes competitive and political. The church competes for members, positions, programs and dollars. Power-plays become evident among its clergy, while members eagerly await the next scandal! Sometimes it seems that the church can't tear itself down fast enough and bring down as many as it can on its way down. Obviously, this is not the way God planned it!

The church regains its focus when it turns from self-centeredness and looks once again to its Head, Jesus Christ. In Christ the church is built up, not torn down. Through his death and resurrection, Christ has defeated and triumphed over all the foes of the church. And he has given gifts to every member of his body, the church (4:7-10). In giving apostles and prophets, he has given foundational gifts on which the church can stand. He gives functional gifts of ministry or service by equipping the church through evangelists, pastors and teachers (verse 11).

Every member is uniquely gifted in one ministry or another for the building up of his church (verse 12). The purpose of Christ's gifts is so the church may mature into the fullness of adulthood and not be swayed by false teachings (vv. 13-16). The church universal and at the local level needs to mature in love so as not to lose focus and blur its vision with the carnality and egocentrism of this fallen world.

As Paul states, like the games, we run a race, but the race we run is not for gold, silver or bronze medals (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). We run a race for the prize of the high calling in Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:10-16). We continue in the path of our Lord and Savior and await his glorious coming and the crown of righteousness unto eternal life (2 Timothy 4:6-8). Now, that is a prize worth running for! And, in Christ it is already ours (1 John 5:13). Amen!

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 4:7-10

a. What has been apportioned? By whom? To whom? v. 7. What does Paul mean here by the word "grace"? See 1 Peter 4:10.

b. In the context of Ephesians, why does Paul quote this psalm? v. 8. See Colossians 2:15. Note: The analogy is taken from a victorious military leader returning home with a procession of prisoners of war following behind him. Tribute from the spoils of the conquest is rewarded to the victor, who in turn showers the cheering spectators with generous gifts.

c. What is Paul's messianic interpretation of the psalm? v. 9. What does he mean by the "lower, earthly regions"? Does he mean that Christ descended to the abode of souls in hell? Note: It is probably more correct to contrast heaven with the great gulf that separates it from the lower earth, that is, earth is at the bottom. If this is the case, then Paul is referring to the Incarnation (Christ's First Advent), when he came here below.

d. To what event is Paul referring to here? v. 10. Explain. See Acts 1:9-11; 2:29-36; Hebrews 4:14; 7:26.

2. Ephesians 4:11-12

a. Who is it that gave these gifts to the church? v. 11a. See Acts 2:32-33. What is meant by the foundational gift of "apostles"?

b. What is meant by the foundational gift of "prophets"? v. 11b.

c. What is meant by the functional gift of "evangelists"? v. 11c.

d. What is meant by the functional gift of "pastors and teachers"? v. 11d.

e. What purpose do the above gifts serve? v. 12a. How is this done in practical terms in your local church (be specific)?

f. What have _you_ been equipped to do as a local member of the church? Have you been trained for ministry (service)? Why or why not (be constructive in your answer)?

g. What should be the result of implementing a united ministry? v. 12b. Is this taking place in your local church? Why or why not? What can you do to improve the situation?

3. Ephesians 4:13-16

a. What three goals are outlined in this verse to ensure the well-being of the church? v. 13. Note: The first two have to do with unity and the third is the resulting outcome.

b. In your opinion, what level of maturity has your local church reached? Do you consider yourself a mature or immature Christian? Why?

c. What is one sure sign of having reached Christian maturity? v. 14. Note: The analogy is that of a ship without a steady rudder. The ship is tossed back and forth with every wave and every wind that comes upon it.

d. How well do you know the Holy Scriptures? How well do you know orthodox evangelical doctrine? Can you defend yourself against heretics who know the Scriptures well but twist them to fit their false cultic teachings? Give examples of when you have had to defend the faith against false doctrines.

e. What is another sure sign of Christian maturity? v. 15a. Why?

f. What is God's desire for every member of the church? v. 15b. How is the whole body benefited in this way? v. 16.

### Contemporary interaction

1. How well are you running the race of Christian maturity? Are you still at the starting gate? Or are you halfway there but out of breath? Or maybe you are on the last lap and stretching out for the finish line? See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

2. How many "believers" do you know who started out well but lost focus along the way? How does one get to that final lap and maintain his or her eye on the finish line? See Philippians 3:10-16.

3. When your life is through in this world, what epithet would you like to be remembered with by the church? See 2 Timothy 4:6-8.

4. We share many tasks or vocations (callings) in this life, but our highest calling is to share in the ministry of Jesus Christ. There is one ministry, but a variety of services to perform. To which of these are you called? How effectively do you contribute to the edification of the whole body?

### Conclusion

Jesus Christ has showered his church with an abundance of gifts that overflow into the seats and aisles of its ministry. May every believer answer his or her calling and mature in love to the building up of the whole body. Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Call to Good Conduct in Christ  
Ephesians 4:17-32

**Key text:** "So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking... You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus" (Ephesians 4:17, 20-21).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that every believer is called to the same high standards of conduct worthy of their honored position in Christ. True believers are to "walk the talk" and bind belief with Christian moral conduct to God's glory.

**Introduction:** Changes in one's routine of life are among the most stressful times in any person's life. Even joyous occasions, such as planning a wedding, or a newborn's arrival into the family, are difficult adjustments. Stress points are added when a person leaves home and when one takes on a new job or changes careers in mid-stream. Also, times are hectic when one buys a home or has to move to another area. Of course, there are the more challenging times, when one loses employment or when divorce is imminent or when a loved one passes on. Certainly more can be added to the list, such as loss of health, etc. But among the most mysterious and wondrous changes of all is a person's conversion to Christ. It is remarkably joyous but stressful as well.

A person's philosophy of life and personality are often radically altered upon conversion. One was traveling 100 miles per hour in one direction and is suddenly pulled in the opposite direction. An encounter with the living Christ is a life-altering event. In Ephesians, Paul reminds his readers of that fact (4:17-24). They are not who they used to be! In the world today, the philosophy of life seems to be "take what you can get and roll over anyone who gets in your way" or "use persons to your own advantage and whenever they become a liability, dump them!" But this kind of thinking is futile, short-sighted, and in the end can only spell disaster. It matters not how much power, sensuality or wealth you accumulate or how you did it, in the end it is all staying behind! There is no hope without Christ. For this reason, Paul urges believers to leave the "old self" behind and be clothed with the "new self" in Christ.

Believers in Christ speak the truth, seek out reconciliation and share what they have received, while the world thrives on falsehood, anger and stealing in one form or another (vv. 25-32). A true Christian is known by his or her good speech and kindness toward others, while many today spew out foul language like a turned-on fire hydrant, and they are not even aware of it! It should be no surprise that this world is plagued with ever-increasing hatred and animosity among nations, races and even religions! For the disease is in the sinful condition of a heart that knows not Christ.

God's plan in Christ is to bring every believer's moral conduct in line with the high position in Christ to which he has called the person. And this means living out the Christian life in the here and now, no matter what the stress! Our philosophy of life is to treat others as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12), even when they treat us badly! And we believe Jesus when he said: "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). And while none of us will be perfect in this life, for Christ is our perfection, yet God has set a goal of godly moral conduct for the sanctification of the members of his church; he has changed their lives through the cross and via the Holy Spirit, to his glory!

### Questions for Bible study

1. Romans 1:18-32

a. In this passage regarding the Gentile world of Paul's day, what is said of God's wrath (righteous indignation)? vv. 18-20. Why?

b. What was the Gentiles' attitude toward the one true God? vv. 21-23. Has the disposition of the Gentile world improved since Paul's time? Explain.

c. What is God's first response to the unbelieving Gentiles' rejection of the one true God and their own corrupt conduct? vv. 24-25. What specific sins did they practice? How about today?

d. What is God's second response to the vile corruption taking place within the Gentile community? vv. 26-27. What sins did they practice? How much have matters improved today?

e. What is God's third response to the continual rejection of the one true God and to the Gentiles' depraved conduct (which is a consequence of their own making)? vv. 28-32. Give examples of the ongoing truth of Paul's claim, such as the pornographic use of the Internet and political and corporate scandals, etc.

2. Ephesians 4:17-24

a. What does Paul emphatically insist that his readers not do? v. 17a. What is the main problem with them? v. 17b. Which do you believe — that right conduct leads to right thinking, or that right thinking leads to right conduct? Why?

b. What has happened to the Gentiles' thinking (mind, emotions and will)? v. 18. Explain why.

c. What are the practical results of the Gentiles' wrong thinking? v. 19. Who is responsible for their condition: themselves or God? Read the text of verse 19 carefully.

d. What does Paul remind his readers about in negative terms? v. 20. Why do you suppose he needs to remind them?

e. What does Paul remind them about in positive terms? v. 21. Who is the foundation or bedrock of the truth that they were taught?

f. What were they taught to do concerning their former life as unbelieving Gentiles? v. 22a. Why is this necessary? v. 22b.

g. What are they taught to do concerning their present condition as Christians? v. 23a. What new disposition does God create in believers? v. 23b. Why? Explain what happens when only the old is discarded without applying the new. See Luke 11:24-26.

3. Ephesians 4:25-32

a. What does it mean to put on the "new self"? v. 25. Is this the standard of conduct among the members of your local church? If not, why not? Comment constructively.

b. What is the practical meaning of Paul's standard of Christian conduct in this verse? v. 26. What can happen when we fail to do what Paul is saying? v. 27. See 2 Corinthians 2:9-11.

c. What admonition does Paul give to those who once lived as thieves? v. 29. Why? See 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12.

d. How does our false conduct affect the Holy Spirit? v. 30. What kinds of negative conduct affect him? v. 31. Explain.

e. What same conduct in Christ has God called all believers to? v. 32. Is this the standard of conduct that your local church lives by? What percentage is in theory only, and how much is in practice?

### Contemporary interaction

1. What is your philosophy of life, that is, your daily attitude and conduct toward life, both publicly and privately? Does being a Christian make a difference?

2. What is the primary stress that you are undergoing right now? In what way does your faith make a difference in how you handle yourself?

3. Most polls taken today concerning the moral conduct of the church in Western society show very little difference in behavior between professed Christians (even evangelicals) and the rest of our society. What is your assessment of this information?

### Conclusion

God has called every believer to the same higher standard of conduct in Christ. He has given us the Holy Spirit, although at times he is grieved by our misconduct. May the Lord lead his church in paths of righteousness for his glory!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Call to Example in Christ  
Ephesians 5:1-20

**Key text:** "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that the Christian community is called upon to follow the ethical example of God's love in Christ to a fallen world; there exists a vast difference between light and darkness, and between wisdom and folly.

**Introduction  
** All of us set goals for ourselves whether they are short-range ones or long-range ones. Of course, this is not always done consciously or even planned out in detail, but nevertheless we are headed somewhere.

However, rarely do people set goals for their ethical behavior. People are usually molded morally by what is deemed acceptable behavior within their own particular culture. This explains the variety of ethical behaviors in different lands. This is not to say that all is relative, because it certainly is not. All societies, no matter how different, still retain some basic moral codes that are similar, even though they may be administered differently. And in some cases a culture can become so depraved that only a faint shadow remains, but these perverted cultures always prove to be self-destructive. The world at large gropes in the darkness of their own understanding to find ways of justifying their actions even against the most basic moral prohibitions in the name of civil authority, religion or a particular cause.

Believers don't have to live with a foggy notion of what is right and wrong. The Christian love-ethic goes far beyond universal basic moral prohibitions against such behaviors as stealing, adultery and murder. The Christian community has been blessed with the light of revelation in the written Word and by example (vv. 1-7)! This is why the apostle Paul reminds believers not to be conformed to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2). There is a difference between good and evil like that of light and darkness (Ephesians 5:8-14), just as there is a marked difference between living spiritually and living carnally — or as Paul describes it, between wisdom and foolishness (vv. 15-20).

For all these reasons, Paul calls faithful Christians to become imitators of God (verse 1). Now, that is one tall order! How can we mortals, who have never seen God, imitate him? We may have never seen God in all his glory, but we have seen him in the person of Christ, who is God in the flesh (John 14:8-9). Paul points to Christ's example as the one to follow (Eph. 5:2). In this way, all Christians have a example _par excellence_ of what God planned humans to be. God's divine purpose is to restore and unite all things in Christ, and this includes our ethical walk. We might not reach the ethical heights of Christ in this life, but that is where we are headed! Paul beckons us to get a good start in the here and now!

In the days of Paul, the Jerusalem Temple was still standing. Paul was fully aware of the significance the Temple had for the Jews. The Temple was their place of worship, where lambs were still being brought for sacrifices. The old covenant had required such sacrifices not only as guilt offerings but also as offerings of thanksgiving. The smoke and aroma of the sacrifice filled the air and was described as a fragrance pleasing to God.

But with the coming of the Messiah, things had dramatically changed! Everything the Temple once stood for was a mere shadow compared to the reality of the God-man Jesus Christ. The ultimate place of worship and sacrifice is now invested in Christ Jesus alone under a new and better covenant. Christ is now the only fragrance of redemption acceptable to the Father. Christ's motive for providing such a complete redemption was his love for us. Paul urges the church to live a life motivated by Christ's example of love, an ethical fragrance pleasing to God.

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 5:1-7

a. What does the apostle Paul propose? v. 1a. What does he mean by "imitators"? v. 1b. How well do your own children imitate you? Give examples of habits (good or bad) picked up by children.

b. What kind of life are we to live? v. 2a. What supreme example does Paul commend? v. 2b. Why? What old covenant analogy does Paul use to get across his point? Consult the Introduction (last paragraph). Also compare with Romans 12:1-2.

c. What three vices are mentioned here? v. 3a. Why are they mentioned? v. 3b.

d. What three other examples of lewd conduct are mentioned? v. 4a- b. Why are these mentioned? v. 4c. What attitude should Christians reflect? v. 4d.

e. What admonition does Paul give regarding immoral behavior? v. 5. What warning is given? Compare with 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

f. What if a person remains in a defiant state of unbelief? v. 6. Explain. See John 3:36.

g. What is Paul's conclusion on the matter? v. 7. Why?

2. Ephesians 5:8-14

a. What were they before knowing the Lord? v. 8a. Explain what Paul means by "darkness." What are they after knowing the Lord? v. 8b. See Matthew 5:14-16.

b. What does the fruit/light image represent? v. 9. Compare with Galatians 5:22-23. Do you know through personal experience if this pleases the Lord? v. 10.

c. What does the fruitless/darkness image represent? vv. 11-13. Compare with John 3:19-21.

d. What makes everything visible? v. 14a. What does Paul quote to prove his point? v. 14b. See Romans 6:3-4. Note: Many expositors believe that Paul is quoting an early baptismal hymn used by the congregation as they greeted new converts emerging from the baptismal waters.

3. Ephesians 5:15-20

a. What caution does Paul give to believers? v. 15. Why? v. 16a. Compare with Colossians 4:5-6.

b. What does Paul mean by: "because the days are evil"? v. 16b. See Galatians 1:4; Philippians 2:14-15.

c. What contrast does Paul make in this verse? v. 17. Why?

d. What vivid illustration of living foolishly vs. living wisely does Paul make in this verse? v. 18. See Proverbs 23:31-35; Luke 15:13; 2 Timothy 1:7-10; 1 Peter 4:1-5.

e. What kind of celebration do believers practice as opposed to those involved in carnal living? vv. 19-20. See Colossians 3:15-17.

### Contemporary interaction

1. As a believer in Christ, how often do you seriously reflect on your behavior in all spheres of life as becoming of your Christian calling?

2. Do you routinely analyze the moral behavior of our society at large, or do you just go along with the flow? Why or why not?

3. As a believer, are you conscious of the fact that your Christian moral behavior is an example and witness of Christ's love for the world?

4. What kind of reputation do you have 1) at home, 2) in the church, 3) among your neighbors, 4) with your co-workers or schoolmates? Are you considered loving and friendly, or a complainer and hard to get along with?

### Conclusion

It is never easy being a Christian, but when we look at our calling as a vocation of ethical-discipline via the Holy Spirit, then matters can and do improve. May we study our Lord's example so as to live out who we are: Faithful believers in Christ!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Call to Submission in Christ  
Ephesians 5:21-33

**Key text:** "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up to her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:25-27).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that all believers are called to mutual submission to one another, and this is especially true for husbands and wives, who are called to live together honorably after the pattern of Christ and the church.

**Introduction:** In America, many marriages today last only five to seven years. The last half-century has seen a proliferation of divorces and remarriages. And the statistics for church members are not much different from the rest of society! Analysts claim that several factors have contributed to the demise of marriage as a life-long arrangement. The following factors are often mentioned:

• the disdain for institutional authority beginning in the 1960s,

• the declining influence of American Christian culture,

• the economic liberation of an ever-increasing army of women in the workplace,

• the relaxation of moral taboos within society,

• the adoption of a pluralistic-toleration for opposing belief systems and lifestyles, and so on.

However, it is difficult to say how much blame can be placed on society's ever-changing landscape and how much responsibility each individual carries, especially, if they are believers in Christ!

In Paul's day, divorce was not practical for the poorer classes, but readily available for the more affluent. Of course, there were plenty of marriages that existed in name only, as is the sad case today. But Paul had a different vision for the new Christian community, one based not on short-term erotic love (Greek _eros_ ), but on Christ-like unconditional love (Gr. _agape_ ). Paul knew that the only way to make a marriage work according to God's intentions is by the principle of mutual submission to one another in Christ (vv. 21-24). If the church has failed to maintain the sanctity and integrity of life-long marriages, it is because individual members have failed to apply and live by the code of mutual respect and submission.

No greater example can Paul give of what a marriage ought to be, but that of the _agape_ relationship that exists between Christ and the church (vv. 25-33). By bringing this example to the fore, Paul automatically dispels any warped paradigms of each partner's role in the marriage. No tyrannical husband can ever make the claim of living a Christian marriage. Nor can a back-talking, nagging wife can ever claim the same.

Christ loved us, the church, to the point of giving his life for us. And the church has accepted the responsibility of submitting freely to our Lord in gracious response to his loving act. There is a great mystery here! The mystery is that in a profound way that surpasses all understanding, like Christ and the church are united spiritually as head and body, so too husband and wife are united as one integrated soul and body. This is why divorce hurts so much, because it tears into the very fabric of what were once two integrated beings.

God did not intend for marriages to break up (Matthew 19:1-9). Sin in many forms is ultimately what is responsible for marriage disasters. Couples that refuse to submit to one another in the Lord display their egos, pride and carnality in their defensiveness, false superiority, immaturity, verbal abuse, and even violence to beat one another into submission!

Christian marriages need to renew their commitment to the principles of unconditional love and mutual submission in Christ. Three major reasons for break-ups today are arguments over religion, money and sex. When a husband unconditionally demonstrates loving affection to his wife, and a wife freely submits to her husband, then there is true love. In the Lord, difficulties over money and other intimate matters can be dealt with in a Christ-like manner, always maintaining mutual respect and a life-long commitment.

### Questions for Bible study

1. Matthew 19:1-9

a. Where does Jesus go and what is he doing? vv. 1-2.

b. Who comes to him, and with what motives? v. 3a. What test question do they ask Jesus? v. 3b. What is meant by "lawful" and "for any reason"? Note: The Jews were divided into two camps over the issue of divorce. The conservative school of Shammai held to lawful divorce only in the case of marital unfaithfulness, while the liberal school of Hillel held to lawful divorce "for any reason," even burning supper! The test was to identify which camp Jesus supported.

c. What was Jesus' answer to their test question? vv. 4-6. Note: In his initial response, Jesus does not take sides with either school, but transcends them both to reveal God's true intentions for marriage.

d. What rebuttal in the form of a question do the Pharisees make to Jesus' first response? v. 7. Note: The whole dispute among the rabbis was centered on their interpretations of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. It was here where both schools sought, on Mosaic legal grounds, the _righteousness_ (or right-ness) for divorce!

e. How did Jesus respond when they appealed to Moses? v. 8. Note: Under Moses, divorce was never commanded, but only permitted or tolerated, and that because of sin! In other words, although divorce is permitted, there is no "righteousness" in it, for any reason, because divorce was never God's intent for humankind. Also, see Malachi 2:16a.

f. What is Jesus' bottom line concerning divorce? v. 9. What exception does he make? Under what negative circumstances does even this exception arise? Note: Both rabbinic schools missed the point of God's true and righteous intentions for marriage. Even the school of Shammai sought grounds for divorce in the law itself. Jesus shows that there are no such grounds in God's righteousness. Divorce, although legally permitted, is always the result of sin. Even where one party is not at fault, both are affected. Remarriage after a legal divorce was never an issue, for the Jews always permitted it. Jesus only questioned the motives behind it (this is the reason for the exception clause).

2. Ephesians 5:21-33

a. What is Paul's appeal to all believers? v. 21a. Why? v. 21b.

b. What is Paul's appeal to Christian wives? v. 22. In what manner are they to submit?

c. What reason does Paul give for this submission? v. 23. Explain the spiritual analogy that Paul uses to illustrate his point. What does Paul mean by the words: "in everything"? v. 24. What do you think it does NOT mean?

d. What is Paul's appeal to Christian husbands? vv. 25-27. Is this something that has already taken place, or something yet to take place? Or both? How can husbands "give themselves" for their wives on a day-to-day basis? What does the analogy convey?

e. To what extent should husbands love their wives? vv. 28-29.

f. What parallel mystery is presented here between husband and wife, and Christ and the church? vv. 30-32.

g. What is Paul's summary of mutual respect and submission in marriage? v. 33.

### Contemporary interaction

1. How do you think most people would describe their marriages: Happy, content, marginal, conflictive, or war zone? Where do you place your own marriage? Why? (be constructive in your answer)

2. What do you think Paul's marriage principle of mutual respect and submission means? Can this principle work and the husband remain head of the household? Why or why not?

### Conclusion

The principle of mutual submission is of paramount importance for Christians to follow, especially in marriage. In the church we all have different roles, but in the end we all submit to the Lord and to one another, and so it is also with marriage.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Call to Submission in Christ  
Ephesians 6:1-9

**Key text:** "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free" (Ephesians 6:7-8).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that the rise of the Christian faith had such an impact on the Gentile world that it changed the status quo of personal relationships across family and social barriers, through the principle of equal treatment and mutual submission in the Lord.

**Introduction:** The world was very different in Paul's day. The Roman Empire was pagan to the core, and there was no sense of equal treatment (a concept we have today based on creation and redemption). Christianity was to play a major role in planting the seeds of change in the ancient world by example and unreserved commitment to Christ. Those seeds would eventually give fruit to the freedoms that we enjoy so much today in the "free world." Make no mistake about it; the freedoms we enjoy are Christian-based principles. Without Christ, there would be no such freedoms today!

In ancient Rome, children were very vulnerable and often thrown out and abandoned, or worse. As long as a child's father lived, the child was under the father's absolute power. The son or daughter could be a grown person and still be beaten, and or at the father's whim have their very lives taken from them. Also, a father had the sole authority to decide whether to retain a newborn child or throw the baby out. The expositor William Barclay mentions an ancient letter where the father's request to his pregnant wife is that if the child is a boy to let him live, but if a girl to throw her out! This kind of thinking was common. However, in the ever-growing minority group of Christians, this behavior was not tolerated. Christ's example set a new standard for the Gentile world. Mutual submission in the Lord was the new order of the day for both children and their parents (6:1-4).

In ancient Rome the institution of slavery was alive and thriving. Slavery was embedded in the very fabric of society. It was like a plague from humanity's early beginnings that stretched across millennia well into the 19th century! Israel had known slavery and had slaves themselves. God acknowledged the presence of slavery as he had polygamy, but never condoned either! It was the way the fallen world was, and it would take time for the world to mature and understand the fuller implications of the gospel.

The Roman Empire had more than 60 million slaves! There were more slaves in Rome than free persons. Obviously, slavery would not disappear overnight, but it eventually did! And as odd as it may seem, the seeds of freedom were sown in the benevolent treatment of Christian slaves by their Christian masters, and vice versa (vv. 5-9).

Perhaps the greatest New Testament account of the principle of equal treatment and mutual submission is that of Philemon and his slave Onesimus. Paul's epistles, such as _Philemon_ , which he wrote while in prison, helped forge the abolitionist movements in 19th-century England, America and other parts of the world. Unfortunately, slavery is still present in the world today, but it is no longer the worldwide institution it once was, thanks to Christ's perennial example and the maturing of the Christian faith.

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 6:1-4

a. Who does Paul directly address? v. 1a. What instructions does he give to them, and in what manner are they to obey? v. 1b. Why? v. 1c.

b. What old covenant commandment does Paul appeal to? v. 2a. See Deuteronomy 5:16 and Exodus 20:12.

c. What is so special about this commandment? v. 2b. What promise did the original commandment refer to? Note: The original commandment was the heart of the old covenant made with Israel concerning the Promised Land in Canaan.

d. By apostolic authority, what change does Paul make to the commandment as now applied to the new covenant church? v. 3.

e. Who does Paul address next? v. 4a. What imperative does Paul give them? v. 4b. What does Paul mean by "do not exasperate"? Explain and illustrate with real-life examples.

f. How should fathers help in bringing up their children? v. 4c. Whose teachings are children to be given? Note: Here the words "of the Lord" are referring to Christ's example and teachings. This also brings new light to a favorite old proverb, Proverbs 22:6.

2. Ephesians 6:5-9

a. Who does Paul address here? v. 5a. What instructions does he give them, and in what manner are they to obey? v. 5b. What pattern are they to imitate in this regard? v. 5c. How difficult would this be, knowing in your heart that slavery is wrong?

b. What superficial manner of work did many slaves display? v. 6a. How was this to be different for a Christian slave? v. 6b.

c. What kind of service are they to render? v. 7. Why?

d. What motivation does Paul give to Christians bound in slavery? v. 8. How would you answer the charge that the rich have their heaven on earth at the expense of the poor in the here and now?

e. Who does Paul address next? v. 9a. What imperative does Paul give them? v. 9b. What are they admonished not to do? v. 9c. Why? v. 9d. What does Paul mean by "no favoritism with him"? v. 9e.

3. Philemon 1-25

a. From this brief description, who do you think Philemon is? vv. 1-3.

b. From the following description, what kind of character does Philemon have? vv. 4-7. How well does Paul know him?

c. On what basis is Paul making an appeal to Philemon? vv. 8-9. What is Paul's physical condition that prompts Paul to communicate by letter?

d. On whose behalf is Paul making this appeal? v. 10a. What does Paul mean by a certain person becoming his son: Did Paul have a _biological son_ while in prison, or is Paul writing of his newly _adopted son_ according to Roman custom, or does Paul mean his new _spiritual son_ via personal evangelism? v. 10b.

e. What former connection is Paul acknowledging between Onesimus and Philemon? v. 11. Note: Philemon was a wealthy slave-owner turned Christian. Onesimus was Philemon's runaway slave. He apparently stole something valuable and fled to Rome, where somehow he met Paul in prison and was converted to Christ!

f. What does Paul tell Philemon that he is about to do? vv. 12-16. What reason does Paul give concerning God's providence and Onesimus?

g. What is Paul's appeal to the Christian master Philemon regarding the treatment of his Christian slave? vv. 17-20. Would you not say that this was radical for the times?

h. What are Paul's expectations of Philemon concerning Onesimus? v. 21. Note: What Paul implies, although he does not say so directly, is that he wants Philemon to free Onesimus.

i. How does Paul show his resolve to make sure that Philemon does what Paul has asked him to do? v. 22. How does Paul conclude? vv. 23-25.

### Contemporary interaction

1. What is your assessment of Christian parenting in the 21st century? How well are Christians instructing and training their children in the Lord?

2. Although there is an enormous cultural difference in Paul's instructions to salves and masters, how may the principles be applied today?

### Conclusion

God's ultimate purpose is to gather all things under the headship of Jesus Christ, and this includes our attitudes and responses across family and social barriers. May our way of living with family and others reflect his grace and glory!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## The Call to Armor in Christ  
Ephesians 6:10-20

**Key text:** "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Ephesians 6:10-11).

**Lesson objective:** To understand that believers are not left defenseless in this world against attacks from evil and hostile spiritual forces, but that every believer is commanded to wage spiritual warfare dressed in full spiritual battle attire.

**Introduction:** The free world is continually at war against hostile forces seeking political power and even world domination. Freedom-fighting forces are on search and destroy missions in order to curtail and squash the best-laid plans of dictators and terrorist organizations. But where one enemy outpost is crushed in one part of the world, behold, another lifts its ugly head in another. It's like firefighters chasing arson fires all over the city — as soon as they put one fire out, three more rise up. Of course, freedom-fighting forces could just give up and say: _it's not worth it!_ However, the consequences would be more horrendous than the present solution! It would be like the fire department saying: _let the arsonists have their way and let the whole city burn down!_

To prevent the forces of chaos from reigning, nations need military power capable of defense and offense. A state of readiness, with the best technology available in strategic weapons, makes for a good strike force at a moment's notice. Although our technology is new, the lessons of readiness are as old as Rome! The ancient world depended on it for its survival! Rome had conquered the world of its time by this very method. It took five years just to train one Roman legion in the logistics and art of war. No wonder Rome ruled the world!

Paul was a prisoner in Rome when he penned Ephesians, and he was accustomed to being chained to Roman soldiers. He even converted some of them to Christ! Paul knew of a greater battle taking place, not in the battlefield of flesh and blood but in the spiritual realm of evil adversaries (6:10-12). This is the most dangerous and deadliest battle of all. It's a fight to the finish with the believer standing on solid ground, but on the edge of the slippery slope of temptation's beckoning. Christians must hold their ground and not give an inch!

The good news is that the war was won at the cross of Calvary. But that does not mean that believers are completely out of harm's way — the battles must still be fought. Believers have every assurance that they will prevail, but at the same time believers are warned that they still have a fierce fight on their hands!

Paul, Christ's ambassador in chains, gives a stern warning and an imperative to put on the _panoply of God_ (vv. 13-17). Panoply (Greek _panoplian_ ) refers to the whole or complete battle dress, including every piece of armor that goes with it — the whole outfit! Paul had seen the Roman soldiers dressed in their full battle gear as they guarded him. If this was true in the material world, how much more important is a constant state of readiness in the spiritual world! Every believer, in order to be spiritually effective, must put on the complete outfit of spiritual armor that God has provided. Christians are to be dressed and constantly vigilant with truth, righteousness, gospel, faith, salvation and the word of God. With the full armor of God we are to hold our ground, defeat the evil spiritual forces of the enemy, and watch and pray (vv. 18-24). Amen.

### Questions for Bible study

1. Ephesians 6:10-17

a. What imperative does Paul give in bringing his letter to a close? v. 1. What "mighty power" is Paul referring to? See 1:19-20.

b. How is one made "strong in the Lord"? v. 11a. What does Paul mean by "the full armor"? Consult the introduction of this lesson. Why does Paul give such a command to believers? v. 11b. See 4:26-27.

c. What reminder does Paul give of the kind of war being waged? v. 12a. Compare with 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

d. Who are the true adversaries of every believer? v. 12b-d. How many of them are named, and where do they dwell? See 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 1:13; 2:15.

e. What does Paul emphasize for a second time? v. 13a. In preparation for what? v. 13b. With what outcome for the well-equipped believer? v. 13c, d.

f. What imperative to resist does Paul give? v. 14a. Identify and define the first piece of spiritual armor mentioned. v. 14b. Why does Paul compare this spiritual virtue with that part of the Roman uniform?

g. Identify and define the second piece of spiritual armor. v. 14c. Why the comparison with that specific Roman soldier's item?

h. Identify and define the third piece of spiritual armor. v. 15. See Romans 10:15. Why the comparison with military footwear? What does Paul mean by the gospel of "peace"? See Ephesians 2:14-18.

i. Identify and define the fourth piece of spiritual armor. v. 16. Explain how this item was used in battle as described in the verse. In what ways it is analogous to faith?

j. What is the fifth piece of spiritual armor? v. 17a. Explain the comparison.

k. Identify the sixth piece of spiritual armor and explain the comparison. v. 17b, c.

2. Ephesians 6:18-24

a. Although it has no counterpart in the Roman soldier's armor, what seventh "strategic weapon" does Paul mention? v. 18a. How and when is this to be done? Explain its importance.

b. What two requests does Paul make of believers? v. 18b. Why?

c. What does Paul ask for himself? v. 19. Why do you think he would ask for such a thing when he is in prison? Note: Paul is about to go before Caesar Nero and hopes to find there a great opportunity to witness for Christ, even at the risk of his own life! See 2 Timothy 4:16-18.

d. What kind of ambassador is Paul? v. 20. Explain the main thrust of his ministry. See 2 Corinthians 5:18-21.

e. Who is Tychicus, and what is his commission? vv. 21-22. See Colossians 4:7-9.

f. What three elements are included in Paul's closing benediction? v. 23. Explain the importance of each one.

g. What other element is included here? v. 24. Who are the recipients of these blessings?

### Contemporary interaction

1. Now that you have studied Paul's Ephesians letter, if you were asked to explain the "mystery of the gospel," what would you say?

2. There are some "Christians" who see a devil in every corner and in every human problem. Their solution is to go from house to house practicing exorcisms everywhere they go. Do you believe that this is what Paul means by resisting evil spiritual forces?

3. There are other "Christians" who believe that the devil and his cohorts are nonexistent, and that devils, witches and occultic phenomena are nothing but old superstitions that have no part in reality. Do you believe that Paul is using superstition to scare naive believers into doing what's right?

4. Sometimes Christians are so busy analyzing supernatural adversaries that they forget to focus on the spiritual full armor of God. Does God's armor work? How do you know — have you tried it? Explain by personal results.

### Conclusion

God has provided his church with an invincible spiritual armor. All we have to do is put it on and use it! God's divine purpose is to gather all things under the headship of Jesus Christ. May we believers be the first in line to his glory! Amen.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## Grace and Peace  
Ephesians 2

By Michael Morrison

Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus is filled with numerous theological and practical insights. Chapter 2 takes us from death to life, from hostility to peace. This chapter shows us that there is an important connection between God's grace and human interrelationships.

### Spiritual death

Paul begins by telling his readers: "You were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live" (Eph. 2:1-2). All humans start in a state of spiritual death, whether we have many transgressions or only a few. A life not oriented to God is dead.

Paul is talking about average people, socially respectable people. When they "followed the ways of this world," they were following the devil — "the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient" (verse 2). In living the way they thought best, they were unwittingly imitating the devil and disobeying God.

Christians did it, too: "All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath" (verse 3). We lived with no thought other than to take care of our desires, and as a result, we were objects of wrath — under the judgment of God (Rom. 2:5).

### Spiritual life

But God's wrath is not the end of the story: "Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved" (Eph. 2:4-5). The judge of all humanity is full of mercy, and even when we were guilty and without excuse, he forgave us. Insofar as we sin, we are dead, but as much as we are in Christ, we are alive.

Life in Christ is much more than the physical existence we are familiar with — our new life has a different quality to it, a heavenly quality, an eternal quality. When we become Christians, our identity changes. We become new people. The old self dies, and a new person lives. We died with Christ, we were buried with Christ, and we also live with Christ.

"God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus" (verse 6). Those who have faith in Christ are seated with him in glory. It is so sure that Paul can say that it has been done.

God did this "in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus" (verse 7). God's grace is already at work in our lives, but the extent of his grace will be revealed with much greater clarity in the future.

Paul then summarizes the way God is working: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (verse 8). In Greek, the words grace and faith are feminine, but Paul uses a neuter form of the word this. Paul is not saying that faith is a gift of God, or that grace is a gift of God — they are, but here Paul is saying that all of salvation is a gift of God. None of it comes from ourselves — "not by works, so that no one can boast" (verse 9). No one can brag about having faith or works. Since God has done it, he gets all the credit.

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (verse 10). Even our good works are a result of the way God is working in us. He created us for his purpose, to do his will.

Paul expects believers to be obedient. He says that we used to be disobedient, but that in Christ we are created anew, so that we might have a different foundation for how we live. This new life is a result of our salvation, not the cause of it. Our works should be good, but they can never be good enough that we deserve to be saved. We are saved by grace, by God's mercy and love, through Jesus Christ.

### Unity in Christ

Paul then begins to address a practical matter within the church, the tensions between Jewish and gentile believers. Because we are saved by grace and because we are saved for good works, our attitudes and behavior toward one another ought to change.

He begins by writing to the gentiles: "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called `uncircumcised' by those who call themselves `the circumcision' (that done in the body by the hands of men) — remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world" (vv. 11-12).

The Jews looked down on the gentiles, calling them "uncircumcised." This insult was a reminder than the gentiles were not in the covenant of Abraham and not included in the blessings promised to him. Although circumcision was a human work, it reflected a spiritual reality. The gentiles were separated from Christ, God, hope and promise. But that has now changed: "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ" (verse 13). Once they were separated from Christ; now they are united with him. Once they were excluded; now they are included. They have hope, and they have God, through the death of Jesus Christ.

"For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one" (verse 14). What "two" is Paul talking about? He is talking about Jews and gentiles. The peoples who used to be in different spiritual categories are now united in Christ. The Jews were just like the gentiles in being spiritually dead; the gentiles are now like Jews in that through Christ they are members of the people of God.

Jesus has made the two peoples one by bringing the outsiders in, by bringing the gentiles just as close as he does the Jews. Through Christ they both have the promises, the citizenship and the hope, and they have God. Where there was rivalry between Jews and gentiles, Jesus has made peace, because both peoples are equally saved by grace and no one has any reason to feel superior.

### Abolishing the law

How did Jesus make peace between Jews and gentiles? It is because he "has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" (verse 14). And what was the wall that created hostility between Jews and gentiles? Paul answers this question when he says that Jesus destroyed the barrier "by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations" (verse 15).

The wall of hostility was the law, which had commandments and regulations separating Jew from gentile. This law defined who was on which side of the barrier, it said who had the promises and who belonged to the people of God.

Some of the Jews had created laws that made the Jew-gentile hostility worse, but Paul is not talking about human-made laws. Christ did not need to abolish human-made laws, because they had no spiritual authority in the first place, and Paul is talking about barriers in connection with God. He is talking about spiritual realities, not human traditions.

Paul is talking about laws that divided Jew from gentile in the sight of God, laws that had to be abolished by the cross of Christ (verse 16). Jesus did not have to die to eliminate human regulations. Rather, he died to bring an end to the old covenant. Ephesians 2 is therefore in agreement with what we read in Acts 15, 2 Corinthians 3, Galatians 3-4, Colossians 2 and Hebrews 7-10.

The old covenant came to an end with the death of Jesus Christ. The old covenant had defined Jew and gentile, creating the distinction, and Jesus made the two peoples one by destroying that divider. Jesus abolished the old covenant with its regulations and commandments. The people of God are no longer defined by old covenant laws.

Christ's purpose, Paul says, "was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility" (vv. 15-16). Before Christ, there were two kinds of people: dead Jews and dead gentiles. Both peoples needed to be reconciled to God, and this is what Christ did on the cross. The result is a new people, a people who are alive in Christ, alive to God.

"He came and preached peace to you who were far away [gentiles] and peace to those who were near [Jews]. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit" (vv. 17-18). Paul is proclaiming equality for gentile believers and unity of all Christians. People of different ethnic groups, people of different denominations, are one in Christ.

### One building

"Consequently, you [gentiles] are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household" (verse 19). Through Christ, we are members of God's family.

Paul then shifts to a different metaphor: "Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (verse 20). Moses is not our foundation. The apostles and prophets are — and Paul is probably speaking of New Testament prophets, as he does in Ephesians 3:5. But even more important than this foundation is the fact that "Christ Jesus himself [is] the chief cornerstone." He is our primary point of reference.

"In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord" (verse 21). Our unity is in Christ, and as we are growing in him, we are a place of acceptable worship.

"And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" (verse 22). As we are in Christ, through faith in Christ, through seeing ourselves as his people, we are growing closer to one another, and God is living in us by his Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is living in us, then God is living in us, for the Holy Spirit is God.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## Christian Life and Marriage  
Ephesians 5

In Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that we are saved by grace, not by our works (Eph. 2:8). But he makes it equally clear that God has made us and called us so that we do good works (verse 10). In the last half of his letter, he gives some specific exhortations for the kind of behavior that reflects our Christian faith.

At the end of chapter 4, Paul exhorts the Ephesian Christians to forgive one another, just as God in Christ had forgiven them (verse 32). We are to pattern our behavior after God himself. Paul states this general principle as he begins chapter 5: "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (vv. 1-2, NIV 2011 edition in this chapter).

We should be like our heavenly Father, and the imitation of God is a basic principle of Christian ethics. We do not imitate him in authority, but in humility, because God is revealed to us most clearly in the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This is the clear example of forgiveness and love that we should follow. When we love others, we are a sacrifice that pleases God (Hebrews 13:16).

### A call for purity

Love does not mean promiscuous sex, however: "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (Eph. 5:3). Paul does not say what sort of "impurity" he is thinking of. Greed is wrong because, among other things, it is an opposite of love.

Not only should Christians avoid even the hint of immorality, Paul advises, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving" (verse 4). Obscenities are common in American culture now, but Paul exhorts us to conform to Christ rather than to culture (Romans 12:2). When sin becomes a joke, more people sin. Sex is a gift of God, and it should not be tarnished by referring to it as a joke or as an insult. Our speech should set a good example, and Paul suggests that if you have to say something, say something good. "Thanksgiving is an antidote for sin" (Klyne Snodgrass, _Ephesians,_ p. 276).

Paul then emphasizes how important this matter is: "Of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a person is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God" (Eph. 5:5). That behavior, and that sort of speech, is contrary to the character of Christ. How can we be scrubbed of such impurities? Through Christ — and having freed us from corruption, Christ wants us not to go back to wallowing in the mire (2 Peter 2:22).

"Let no one deceive you with empty words," he warns — let no one tell you that God doesn't care about such things, "for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them" (Eph. 5:7-8). Paul is saying here that God is angry with people who give themselves over to corrupt behavior. Sin hurts people, and since God loves people, he hates sin, and he opposes those who persist in it.

Greed and immorality hurt people, and even though they are common in society today, we should not join in with people who do them. Indeed, we should avoid even the hint of impropriety, such as the dirty jokes. This requires a difference in behavior, not physical separation. "We cannot share the gospel if we separate from unbelievers. The light is to shine in the darkness" (Snodgrass, 278).

### Children of light

In verses 8-10, Paul uses a figure of speech common in Greek literature: light as the good, as the intelligent choice: "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord."

You once lived the way the world does, he says, but now you have a different standard — Christ — and in him we are people of light. When we follow him, our lives will be characterized by goodness, righteousness and truth. We need to find out what God wants, and we need to do it.

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret" (vv. 11-12). Paul again mentions the need for us to keep our speech pure. How do we "expose" wrong behavior? With light—with goodness, righteousness and truth — setting a good example, having good words.

"But everything exposed by the light becomes visible — and everything that is illuminated becomes a light" (verse 13). I suspect a translation problem here, because no matter how much we illuminate a sin, it never becomes a light. However, people can become transformed into lights, and that fits the context: Everyone who is exposed by the light becomes visible, and everyone who is illuminated (that is, transformed by Christ) becomes one of the children of light, who live in Christ.

Paul talks about a personal transformation in the next verse: "This is why it is said: 'Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you'" (verse 14, source of quote unknown, but perhaps adapted from Isaiah 26:19; 60:1). Here Paul uses resurrection as a figure of speech for coming to faith in Christ (see Eph. 2:1 for a related figure of speech). In Christ, we rise to a new life — no longer a slave to the deeds of darkness.

### Transformed by the Spirit

Since God cares about what we do, Paul advises: "Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (vv. 15-16). Immorality and coarse jokes were common in Paul's world, too, but he calls us to buck the trend and be different. Because sin is so common, we need wisdom in discerning how we should live — we can't just go along with what everyone else is doing.

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery" (verse 17). When people are drunk, they are more apt to sin in other ways too. Paul contrasts that with life in the Spirit: "Instead, be filled with the Spirit" (verse 18).

Instead of to the misery of debauchery, the Spirit leads us to joy and thanksgiving: "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (vv. 19-20). This is the kind of party we need!

### Submission in marriage

Grammatically, verses 18-23 form a very long sentence: "Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another...submitting to one another, wives to their own husbands." These participle clauses tell us how we are to act when filled with the Spirit: speaking to one another, singing, and submitting to one another. The grammar indicates that Paul is continuing the same subject rather than switching to something new (even though many translations start a new sentence and new paragraph at verse 21 or 22).

One of the results of the Spirit in our lives is that we "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (verse 21). We look to the needs of others (Philippians 2:4). When we respect Christ, we respect those who are in Christ.

The first example Paul gives is submission in marriage: "Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord" (Eph. 5:22). Many Greco-Roman writers told wives to submit to their husbands, but Paul puts that advice into a new context: our relationship with Christ. Just as we should all submit to Christ, wives are to submit to their husbands. Paul will soon balance this with some surprising advice for husbands.

"For the husband is the head of the wife..." (verse 23). Commentators argue vigorously about whether "head" implies authority or source (the latter meaning can be found in the phrase "headwaters of the river"). Apparently the Greek word could have either meaning, but here the context (especially the word "submit") suggests that authority is in view. We "submit" to a source if it has authority over us. Nevertheless, Paul does not focus on authority, but on responsibilities.

The husband is head of the family in the same way "as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything" (vv. 23-24). How well does the church submit to Christ? Imperfectly, but Christ does not beat the church into submission. That kind of behavior is inappropriate in marriage — and it is hypocritical for a husband to badger his wife about submission when he has problems with submitting himself to Christ.

Unfortunately, Paul's words have often been used by men to demand that wives obey: "The Bible says that you are supposed to submit to me." However, the wife could say, "Yes, but the Bible also says that you are to give yourself up for me — so stop making demands." This sort of exchange is fruitless, because it tries to use the Bible for selfish purposes. The better way is to let the Bible speak to each person, without any self-serving "assistance" from us.

Obviously, a wife should not submit "in everything" — not to commands that are contrary to Christ. In the same way, she does not have to submit to abuse, for abuse is also contrary to Christ.

### Responsibility of husbands

After Paul gives the culturally common advice to women, he gives a surprising command to the men: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (verse 25). The love that Paul calls for was a radical idea in Jewish and Greek society — that husbands had obligations to make sacrifices for their wives. In using the word _love,_ he is essentially telling husbands to submit to the needs of their wives. "In the final analysis, submission and _agape_ love are synonymous" (Snodgrass, 296).

What are the results of Christ's love for the church? "...to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" (vv. 26-27). Husbands cannot do this for their wives, of course, but they should have the same attitude: They need to view their wives as spotless, holy and pure, because Christ has made them so.

"In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies" (verse 28). Just as Christ sacrificed himself to serve the church, men should make sacrifices to serve their wives. They should do nothing from selfishness, but in humility regard their wives as better than themselves — and the women should do the same (Phil. 2:3). Paul is calling for _mutual_ respect and submission.

"He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church — for we are members of his body" (Eph. 5:28-30). Unfortunately, some people do hate their bodies, but Paul's point is clear: Husbands should treat their wives as the husbands want to be treated by others (Matt. 7:12).

To show that husbands and wives are united as one body, Paul quotes Gen. 2:24: "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh" (Eph. 5:31).

How can two people be one? Paul says it "is a profound mystery — but then he says, I am talking about Christ and the church" (verse 32). Since we are all united with Christ, we are one in him. Not just in marriage but also in Christ, our spouses are part of our body, and we need to treat them as well as we do ourselves.

Paul summarizes the discussion in v. 33: "However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." Whether we are male or female, when we are filled with the Spirit, we should love, respect, and submit to one another.

### Things to think about

How realistic is it for us to try to imitate God? (verse 1)

Would Paul encourage us to use obscene words when we are with people who don't consider them obscene? (verse 4)

How should we expose sin? (verse 11)

How can we understand what the will of the Lord is? (verse 17)

Is it fair for us to remind other people about what God commands them?

Should wives really submit "in everything"? (verse 24)

In what way can husbands give themselves up for their wives? (verse 25)

Does the Bible command anyone to exercise "leadership"?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## About the Authors...

Lorenzo Arroyo is a retired regional pastor for Grace Communion International. He studied at Denver Seminary.

The last two chapters were written by Michael Morrison, who received a PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2006 and is Dean of Faculty and Instructor in New Testament for Grace Communion Seminary.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

## About the Publisher...

Grace Communion International is a Christian denomination with about 50,000 members, worshiping in about 900 congregations in almost 100 nations and territories. We began in 1934 and our main office is in North Carolina. In the United States, we are members of the National Association of Evangelicals and similar organizations in other nations. We welcome you to visit our website at www.gci.org.

If you want to know more about the gospel of Jesus Christ, we offer help. First, we offer weekly worship services in hundreds of congregations worldwide. Perhaps you'd like to visit us. A typical worship service includes songs of praise, a message based on the Bible, and opportunity to meet people who have found Jesus Christ to be the answer to their spiritual quest. We try to be friendly, but without putting you on the spot. We do not expect visitors to give offerings—there's no obligation. You are a guest.

To find a congregation, write to one of our offices, phone us or visit our website. If we do not have a congregation near you, we encourage you to find another Christian church that teaches the gospel of grace.

We also offer personal counsel. If you have questions about the Bible, salvation or Christian living, we are happy to talk. If you want to discuss faith, baptism or other matters, a pastor near you can discuss these on the phone or set up an appointment for a longer discussion. We are convinced that Jesus offers what people need most, and we are happy to share the good news of what he has done for all humanity. We like to help people find new life in Christ, and to grow in that life. Come and see why we believe it's the best news there could be!

Our work is funded by members of the church who donate part of their income to support the gospel. Jesus told his disciples to share the good news, and that is what we strive to do in our literature, in our worship services, and in our day-to-day lives.

If this e-book has helped you and you want to pay some expenses, all donations are gratefully welcomed, and in several nations, are tax-deductible. If you can't afford to give anything, don't worry about it. It is our gift to you. To make a donation online, go to www.gci.org/participate/donate.

Thank you for letting us share what we value most — Jesus Christ. The good news is too good to keep it to ourselves.

See our website for hundreds of articles, locations of our churches, addresses in various nations, audio and video messages, and much more.

Grace Communion International  
3129 Whitehall Park Dr.

Charlotte, NC 28273

800-423-4444

www.gci.org

### You're Included...

We talk with leading Trinitarian theologians about the good news that God loves you, wants you, and includes you in Jesus Christ. Most programs are about 28 minutes long. Our guests have included:

Ray Anderson, Fuller Theological Seminary

Douglas A. Campbell, Duke Divinity School

Elmer Colyer, U. of Dubuque Theological Seminary

Gordon Fee, Regent College

Trevor Hart, University of St. Andrews

George Hunsinger, Princeton Theological Seminary

C. Baxter Kruger, Perichoresis

Jeff McSwain, Reality Ministries

Paul Louis Metzger, Multnomah University

Paul Molnar, St. John's University

Cherith Fee Nordling, Antioch Leadership Network

Andrew Root, Luther Seminary

Alan Torrance, University of St. Andrews

Robert T. Walker, Edinburgh University

N.T. Wright, University of St. Andrews

William P. Young, author of _The Shack_

Programs are available free for viewing and downloading at www.youreincluded.org.

### Speaking of Life...

Dr. Joseph Tkach, president of Grace Communion International, comments each week, giving a biblical perspective on how we live in the light of God's love. Most programs are about three minutes long – available in video, audio, and text. Go to www.speakingoflife.org.

back to table of contents

##

Grace Communion Seminary

Ministry based on the life and love of the Father, Son, and Spirit.

Grace Communion Seminary serves the needs of people engaged in Christian service who want to grow deeper in relationship with our Triune God and to be able to more effectively serve in the church.

Why study at Grace Communion Seminary?

 Worship: to love God with all your mind.

 Service: to help others apply truth to life.

 Practical: a balanced range of useful topics for ministry.

 Trinitarian theology: a survey of theology with the merits of a Trinitarian perspective. We begin with the question, "Who is God?" Then, "Who are we in relationship to God?" In this context, "How then do we serve?"

 Part-time study: designed to help people who are already serving in local congregations. There is no need to leave your current ministry. Full-time students are also welcome.

 Flexibility: your choice of master's level continuing education courses or pursuit of a degree: Master of Pastoral Studies or Master of Theological Studies.

 Affordable, accredited study: Everything can be done online.

For more information, go to www.gcs.edu. Grace Communion Seminary is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, www.deac.org. The Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.

back to table of contents

## Ambassador College of Christian Ministry

Want to better understand God's Word? Want to know the Triune God more deeply? Want to share more joyously in the life of the Father, Son and Spirit? Want to be better equipped to serve others?

Among the many resources that Grace Communion International offers are the training and learning opportunities provided by ACCM. This quality, well-structured Christian Ministry curriculum has the advantage of being very practical and flexible. Students may study at their own pace, without having to leave home to undertake full-time study.

This denominationally recognized program is available for both credit and audit study. At minimum cost, this online Diploma program will help students gain important insights and training in effective ministry service. Students will also enjoy a rich resource for personal study that will enhance their understanding and relationship with the Triune God.

Diploma of Christian Ministry classes provide an excellent introductory course for new and lay pastors. Pastor General Dr. Joseph Tkach said, "We believe we have achieved the goal of designing Christian ministry training that is practical, accessible, interesting, and doctrinally and theologically mature and sound. This program provides an ideal foundation for effective Christian ministry."

For more information, go to www.ambascol.org

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

back to table of contents

