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Ephesians 4

The unity of the Church is dependent on the corresponding life change in the life of each individual church member.

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The Worthy Walk1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,

entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love,

3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit

in the bond of peace.

Always positive and proactive, Paul states he is a prisoner defending the rights of the Gentiles to become believers without becoming a Jewish proselyte as well. Living godly in Christ will cost

Along with his ministry of proclaiming Christ, Paul also was “admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28).

Little happens in lives without being exhorted to do so, to change or conform to Scriptures.

Axios (worthy) has the root meaning of balancing the scales—what is on one side of the scale should be equal in weight to what is on the other side.

First of Five Essentials to Faithful Living: Tapeinophrosune (humility) is a compound word that literally means to think or judge with lowliness– a sign of weakness to Romans—

Most are characterized by boasting of themselves instead of living to benefit others

Secondly, praotes is used of wild animals that were tamed, especially of horses that were broken and trained thus is power under the control of God. The meek person responds willingly to the Word of God, no matter what the requirements or consequences, he does not hurt someone in return when he is hurt (1 Pet. 2:23)

Thirdly, makrothurmia (patience) literally means long–tempered, and is sometimes translated longsuffering. The patient person endures negative circumstances and never gives in to them. Paul was willing to endure any hardship, affliction, ridicule, or persecution in order to patiently serve his Master. Aristotle said that the greatest Greek virtue was refusal to tolerate any insult and readiness to strike back.

Fourth, anechomai, “endurance” esp in agape, giving of one’s self to benefit others without personal benefit. “Love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8). The forbearance could only be expressed in unselfish love.

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.

Fifthly, spoudazo, (diligent) “do one’s best; spare no effort” to (preserve) tereo, “watch over, guard”, henotes (unity) “unanimity, oneness” which is created by the Spirit (all believers are one with Spirit and one with each other); “…that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity” (John 17: 21–23)

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Cause of the Worthy Walk4 There is one body

and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling;

5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

There is no denominational, geographical, ethnic, or racial body. There is no Gentile, Jewish, male, female, slave, or freeman body.

“being fitted together [and are] growing into a holy temple in the Lord, … being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit” (Eph. 2:21–22)

We have different gifts, different ministries, different places of service, but only one … calling, the calling to “be holy and blameless before Him” (Eph. 1:4) and “to become conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29)

“There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12)

“…the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” and for which we are to contend (Jude 3). Our one faith is the content of the revealed Word of God.

Since Spirit baptism is referred to in v. 3- 4, this is best seen as a reference to water baptism—The public testimony of one’s unity with the Body of Christ

“The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” (Deut. 6:4)--New Testament also reveals the more complete truth that the one God is in three Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19

Over all (Sovereign); through all (Omnipotent) and in all (Omnipresent) = reasons for unity!

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Christ’s Right to Give Gifts8 Therefore it says,

"When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men."

9 (Now this expression, "He ascended,"

what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He who descended is Himself also He who ascended

far above all the heavens,

that He might fill all things.)

Paul refers to Psa 68 where David wrote a hymn of victory after God’s victory of the Jebusite city and the ascent of the Ark to Mt Zion.

Formerly captive soldiers, now freed, were given place of honor

His triumph continues as millions of Satan’s captives are liberated and brought to glory: NAS Acts 18:10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.“

NAU Acts 15:14,17 "Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name…:17 In order that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord”

Paul is explaining his use of the Psalm to describe how Christ first “descended” before He ascended: a reference to His death and burialNAU Colossians 2:15 “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”

The objective of giving the gifts after His ascension is to “fill all things”– to be present in power and victory in all He fills through His special gift: the Spirit

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Purpose of the GiftsSpecial Gifts ApostlesProphetsEvangelistsPastorsTeachers

Speaking Gifts:ProphecyTeachingExhortationWord of Wisdom and KnowledgeGifts of Service:

Service, HelpsLeadership, administrationGiving, MercyDiscerning of spirits, FaithHospitality

Sign Gifts:Tongues,Interpretation of Tongues, Miracles,Healing

To Equip the church for serviceTo Equip the church for service

To Facilitate the Work of GodTo Facilitate the Work of God

To Explain the Truth of God’s WordTo Explain the Truth of God’s Word

To Authenticate the Revelation of GodTo Authenticate the Revelation of God

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Apostles: God’s special emissaries

NAS Acts 2:42 “And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching…”

NAS 2 Corinthians 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

NAS Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

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Explanation of Heb 2:3-4Gospel was

First spoken by Jesus

“Confirmed to” the writer

of Book of Hebrews

Means of confirming the divine nature of the message was “by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit”– that is, the “signs of apostles”

Confirmed By those who

heard Him (i.e., Jesus directly)

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Prophets tended to work within a local church, but apostles traveled

1. Sometimes spoke from revelation (Acts 11:21-28) or expounded previous revelation along with teachers (Acts 13:1)

2. Considered secondary to Apostles, since their message was to be judged by Apostles (1 Cor 14:37)

3. A criteria for accepting a NT book as inspired was that the author had to be considered an apostle or a prophet (Mark, Luke, Hebrews, James)

3 Responsibilities of Apostles and Prophets:

1. Lay the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20)

2. Receive, declare and write under inspiration God’s Word (Acts 11:28; Eph 3:5)

3. Confirm the Word delivered by “signs and wonders” 2 Cor 12:12; Heb 2:3-4)

* No where is apostleship considered perpetual or to be continued.

The Gifts of Christ to the Whole Church

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

Christ gave gifts to every individual, then gave some of the gifted men to the churches as delineated: NIV correctly reads, “gave some to be…”

poimen, or “shepherd” (ref. to attitude and character), emphasis on care, protection and leadership.

Synonym with “elder” (presbuteros, ref to who the man is); and “bishop” (episkopos, ref. what he does)

1 Pet 5:1-2 uses all three

Acts 20:17, 28 uses all three

didaskalos, teacher.

1 Tim 2:7, Paul considered himself a “Teacher of the Gentiles”

2 Tim 1:11, appointed “a preacher, …and a teacher of the Gentiles”

Acts 13:1 Leadership team in Antioch included teachers

Heb 5:12, In time, after instruction, most should be teachers

Rom 12:7, If gifted teacher, then he must be committed to teach

euangelistes, “proclaimer of good news” – only 3x in NT (text, Acts 21:8 “Philip the evangelist,” evidently the founder of the church at Caesarea and 2 Tim 4:5 where Timothy is commanded to do the “work of an evangelist”

Verb form, euangelizo appears 54x, “evangelize” and in the noun form, euangelion, 76x, “Gospel”

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Church Age Strategy

Global Expansion and Edification of the Church

Evangelists (missionaries)

Pastors

Teachers

NAS Eph 2:20 …having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone

FoundationJesus Christ – Chief Cornerstone

Apostles and Prophets

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12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man,

to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Second objective of Equipping: (2) oikodome, “building a house” Jesus used it to say “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18). Some will be gifted to teach, exhort, preach, speak and communicate the truths that will change purposes, values, morals and wisdom of the followers of Christ. This refers to the speaking gifts.

“I commend you to God and the Word…which is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32)

The Word should be desired as babes desire milk (1 Pet 2:2)

Church Leadership Focus

A

B

C

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RESULT A:katanesomen, “reach” UNITY, based on the united belief in God’s Word, principles and commands; where everyone learns to serve one another; who constantly respond to God’s testing and suffering together

RESULT B:epignoseos, full knowledge, not just salvation (Phil 3:8-10, “That I may know Him…”

Life long process: John 10:27 "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me”Though all believers have unredeemed flesh (Rom 7:14; 8:23) therefore cannot attain to perfection, yet we must continue in progress toward Christlike maturity –Col 1:28 And we proclaim Him, admonishing … and teaching every man …, that we may present every man complete in Christ. And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

RESULT C: Maturity is to be like Christ (Romans 8:29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…”)– Manifesting His character qualities 1 John 2:6 the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

First goal of Equipping: (1)diakonias, “serving”- Every part of Body must function to increase (Eph 4:16)

Peter divides the gifts into speaking and serving gifts (70% est.) (1Pet 4:10-11) Exhorted to abound in work, that is, serving one another (1 Cor 15:58)

Peter calls this “spiritual sacrifices” 1 Pet 2:5

katartismos, “to fit, restore, prepare for use”, a medical term for setting the bones, used of the disciples when they were mending nets.

The idea is to repair and make usable.

God brings the broken people to our churches so that we can bring them into touch with his kingdom power and they can be repaired and made usable.

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Four Basic Tools for Equipping Saints:

The Bible 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is God-

breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Col 1:28, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”

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Four Basic Tools for Equipping Saints: Prayer: Col 4:12, “Epaphras, who is one of you and

a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

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Four Basic Tools for Equipping Saints: Testing from God has the purpose of our

maturity James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my

brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

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Four Basic Tools for Equipping Saints: Persecution Revelation 2:10, “Do not be afraid of what

you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.”

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4th result of God’s Priority in Church14 As a result, we are no longer to be children,

tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine,

by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

hina, “in order that” statement of ultimate purpose — a reference back to the primary cause, i.e. the ministry of service and edification

panourgia, “clever manipulation” of error to appear as truth

kludonizomai, “whirled around by the sea” making one dizzy or without footing—metaphorically: unable to think clearly, confusing you with partial or impressive information or philosophy that contradicts clear teachings of Scriptures

Kubia, transliterated “cube”, used for dice, especially “loaded dice”, infamous for cheating the naïve out of their goods. Thus the manipulation of “truth” and philosophy to logically convince people of their false notions

methodia, “schemes, strategies, methods”. Used of the “schemes of the devil” (6:11)– a planned systemized error introduction to the church

As a ship without a rudder, always turns into the wind—it has no resistance or means of countering the force of the wind—thus teachings persuasively presented persuade those who have no basis of evaluation what is true or not. A ship would use a “sea anchor” to avoid being turned or swept along by a powerful wind, likewise a clear knowledge of truth will keep you from being deceived.

nepios, “one who does not talk”; used of the Corinthian believers (1 Cor 3:1; 14:20); one who falls prey to new religious fads or novel interpretations. The immature is gullible:

Rom 16:18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

NLT Prov 14:15 Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

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5TH Result of God’s Priority in Church

15but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him,

who is the head, even Christ,

aletheuo, “speak, deal, act” according to body life truth, lit. “truthing” making a verb of a noun. Involves not lying, but also not destroying each other with truth statements

The goal of Bible knowledge, learning and maturing is to be LIKE JESUS. That is what is beautiful in a believer.

Real maturity is measured in how much we are like our Creator/Savior God

“For me, to live is Christ” Phil 1:21 (Gal 2:20)

auxano, “cause to increase, become greater, more important or reach full maturity”

The church is assumed to be immature and unlike Christ, except when these principles function

What exactly what does this look like? It is what Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

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Review: Results of God’s Plan: Leader’s function is to train members for service and edification Unity Knowledge/Wisdom Maturity like Christ Stability from being deceived Communication resulting in

Christlikeness

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The Power of God’s Pattern

16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together

by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working

of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

oikodome, as construction of a building, metaphysically, “increasing in knowledge of truth applied in love to benefit others

Note: Maturity not an individual affair

sunarmalogeo, “seize or dragged off course (by the wind)– illustrates the closeness and influence we are to have on one another

Notice it is a synergy power: both by what Christ/Spirit contributes and by what we contribute

sumbibazo, “knit together, united, conclude, decide” – held together by ideal or commitment.

Col 2:19 “…holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together…”

epichoregia, “through working in measure or part”– refers to everyone exhorting one another, instructing, encouraging, accepting, forgiving, teaching one another “in love”

metron, “measured” – each part that doesn’t contribute, weakens the whole body from its potential

“He does not hold on to the head, from whom the whole body, which is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that comes from God” Col 2:19

poieo, “accomplishes, brings about”– the primary means of maturing a church is through the ministry of the members one to another!

Notice that the waya church is built up is through love. This is exactly what Jesus taught his early disciples. We have toget good at servant loveif we are to fulfill thewill of the Father.

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REFLECTION

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The Walk of the Old Man17 This I say therefore,

and affirm together with the Lord,that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk,

in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding,

excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in

them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, 20 have given themselves over to sensuality,

for the practice of every kind of impurity with

greediness.

NAS 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have

NAS Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.

meketi implies they had been living this way but should cease, by starting new habits and way of thinking

mataiotes, “devoid of truth, rather perverseness or depravity, void of useful goal”

Ephesus was major commercial and pagan religious center with temples to Artemis or Dianna including sexual religious experiences

nous, “faculty of perceiving, feeling, judging or understanding a thing”

dianoia, thoughts, feelings, belief patterns

aselgeia, “uncontrollable lust, excess, shamelessness”pleonexia, “obsessive drive to have

more, covetiousness, avarice”

Man thinking:

•to deny guilt

•fear not being politically correct

•Rationalization

•self-justification

•blaming others

•denying sin.

Satan’s part: NAS 2 Cor 4:4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

apolgeo, “cease to feel pain, grief or guilt, insensitive”

porosis, “covered with a callus”, dulled perception, stubbordornness, hardness.” Used by doctors for calcification that forms around broken bones, often harder than the bone itself.

marturomai, “declare solemnly”; origin of Eng. martyr. A very powerful introduction: what I say is also what Jesus says to you

apallotrioo, “to alienate, shutout of fellowship, intimacy and understanding of insider information”

akatharsia, sexual lustfulness, luxurious living or impure motives

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The Walk of the New Self20 But you did not learn Christ in this way, 21 if indeed you have heard Him

and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus,

manthano, aor,“learn or come to know” thus a reference to salvation. Matt 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me” NIV Phil 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-- put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.NIV John 6:45 It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.

de, contrasting connector introducing opposites: the self-centered, purposeless, standardless wickedness is the opposite to follow

Paul was not talking to those who had been with the earthly Jesus. These believers were like us!

But Paul states that Jesus had taught them and spoke to them His truth? How is that possible?

The Spirit. Jesus said in John 14:26, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

“We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding, in order that we might know Him who is true.” 1 Jn 5:20.

Life without God leads to cynicism about truth: “What is truth?” (Jn 18:38)

Truth about salvation which leads to fullness of truth about God, man, creation, history, sin, grace, faith, life, death, eternity, purpose, relationships, heaven, hell, judgment, spirit beings, future events, etc. everything of value worth knowing is in Him!

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Delivered from the Old Self22 that, in reference to your former manner of life,

you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of

deceit, To demonstrate transformation of New Life: Paul uses three aor. infinitives to describe what we learn from Him directly : we have “laid aside”, have “been renewed”, have “put on”

apotithemi, aor mid, “strip off” as old filthy clothes. Rom 6 “we died to sin (v.2)…have been baptized into Christ Jesus (v.3) ..we have become united with Him…(v. 5) our old self was crucified with Him”(v. 6), our body of sin might be done away with”(v. 6)

“craving the forbidden” Deceitful

because they promise joy and fulfillment but fail to deliver

phtheiro pres. pass., “to defile, destroy, or pervert from intended use”—

Old self is a tool for deceitful lusts to manipulate us

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Become the New Self23 and that you be renewed

in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created

in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

ananeoe, pres.pass. inf., modifying main verb, “put on”. Not as a doctrinal or intellectual issue, but a moral or value issue. Thus,”being renewed… put on”

Romans 12:2 “Do not be conformed to this world, but continually be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may be able to determine what God’s will is – what is proper, pleasing and perfect.” NIV

Kata, “according to what God is”– 2 Pet 1:4, believers are made “partakers of the divine nature” Gal 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

Salvation relates to the mind, which is the center of thought and belief. This is not “psychological” nor merely a change of opinion about doctrine or practice. The part of your mind that was lost in the fall, the ability to perceive spiritual reality and communion with God. Instead of being darkened, ignorant, hardened, callused, sensual, impure and greedy is now enlightened, sensitive to sin, pure and generous

kainos, “entirely new”, new species or character. Not renovated, but different, change after a new nature

The believer possesses a new nature, a new self, a holy and righteous inner person fit for the presence of God. This also results in outer works that are pleasing to the Lord.

“True righteousness and holiness” better translates the Greek used here. Thus the result is a genuine righteousness, not a superficial imitation, growing out of a changed mind and heart.

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1st Change: From Lying to Speaking Truth

25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth,

each one of you, with his neighbor,

for we are members of one another. The only reliable evidence of being saved is not past experience, but present life reflecting Christ, “The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him” 1 Jn 2:4

Lying has always been a characteristic of unregenerate man. Lying includes exaggeration, fibbing, deceiving, cheating in school or on taxes, or making excuses! Oops!

apotithemi, “discard, cast off” Just as leaders “laid aside their robes at feet of …Saul (Act 7:58)

Note:we are new but not yet all new! The new mind of our spirit must dominate an old man (body). The rest of Epistle shows how to do this.

Truthfulness does not require telling everything we know in an effort to keep a confidence. However, we should not withhold information to deceive or mislead.

The parts of the body must communicate truthfully and helpfully to each other. Great harm can result without it.

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2nd Change: From unrighteous anger to righteous

26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,

27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.orgizo, pres.pass.imp, “be provoked to anger, be furious”—without sinning! That is righteous indignation, anger at evil, abhorrence of injustice, immorality or ungodliness.

Anger that is self-serving, resentful or desires to get even, is anger that leads to murder or hurting others which are all sinful.

Even righteous anger can turn to bitterness, resentment and self-righteous, so time limit is set for its expression—if prolonged it motivates vengeance violating Rom 12:17-21.

Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

James 1:19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

NAS Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger pacifies contention.

NIV Proverbs 22:24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered,

NLT Ecclesiastes 7:9 Don't be quick-tempered, for anger is the friend of fools.

NIV 1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

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3rd Change: From stealing to sharing

28 Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor,

performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something

to share with him who has need. In a slave driven or underprivileged society stealing is often a common practice: NIV Romans 13:9 The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

What a change: the thief is to become a philanthropist! Only God can do this!

NIV Acts 20:34-35 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

metadidomi, pres. act. inf. NAS Rom 12:8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Even unemployment and desperation is no excuse for stealing, NAS 2 Thess 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.

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4th Change: From unwholesome words to wholesome words

29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification

according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

sapros, “corrupt or foul” used of rotten fruit, vegetables and spoiled food. Off-color jokes, profanity, dirty stories, vulgarity, sexual implications, etc.

NIV James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

NAS Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

NAS Matthew 12:34 "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.

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oikodome, “constructive, up building, encouraging, instructive, and uplifting.” Just as the uses of the Word of God: “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training” (2 Tim 3:16).

“Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.” Prov 25:12

chreia, “business, need.” Never unnecessarily mention what might harm, discourage, or disappoint. Some things better left unsaid. Some require timing.

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances” Prov 25:11

“A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word” Prov 15:23

charis, “favor, delight, sweetness, merciful”; what ever strengthens, benefits, enables

“And all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips” Luke 4:22

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt” Col 4:6

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Speaking and Relationship to the Spirit

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of

redemption.

lupeo, imperf imp, “Stop grieving”, making sad or sorrowful, wound, or make uneasy, esp. with how the tongue hurts others, it thus hurts the Spirit

Especially speaking sins that disrupt the communal life of the Body

Grieving the Spirit leads to “quenching” the Spirit (1 Thes 5:19) which eliminates His guidance for being sensed.

NIV Isaiah 63:10 Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.

“sealed” –stamped with the character of the owner– Spirit is God’s guarantee of someday taking full and final possession of all of our being

Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession NIV

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From natural vices to Supernatural Virtues

31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

pikria, “hardheartedness, harboring resentment”

Acts 8:23 For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin

James 3:14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie.

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be embittered against them.

thumos, boiling up, heat, explosive reaction

2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.

orge, a natural disposition, long-term attitude against someone, with a desire for punishment to be inflicted

Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger

Proverbs 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

krauge, “shouting” only use in NT. Is a lack of restraint, which results in angry yelling, usually hurting someone

James 1:20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

blasphemia, abuse and vilifying of others

Colossians 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

kakia, “ill-will, desire to injury, willingness to hurt another to get even”

1 Peter 2:1 So get rid of all malicious behavior and deceit. Don't just pretend to be good! Be done with hypocrisy and jealousy and backstabbing.

airo, aor. Imp. Pass, “remove sweep away, conquer”

Luke 9:23 Then he said to the crowd, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.

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Supernatural virtues to live out

32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other,

just as God in Christ also has

forgiven you.chrestoi, “what is suitable or fitting to a need”

Romans 2:4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

eusplanchnoi, “inner emotions of affection”

Philippians 1:8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Philemon 1:7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

charizomai, “to give freely, give graciously as a favor” – showing grace in reconciling relationships

Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

kathos, “to the degree that…”

Parable of the unforgiving servant who had been forgiven his immense debt concludes with Matthew 18:35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

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REFLECTIONWatch your thoughts; they become words.Watch your words;

they become actions.

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Watch you actions; they become habits. Watch your habits;

they become character.Watch your character; they become DESTINY!

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Overview of the Letter to the Ephesians

Intr

oduc

tion

1:1-

2 1:3

Blessings in Christ

2:1

Experience of

Salvation

3:1

Growing, Knowledge

and Strength

Con

clus

ion

6:21

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4:1

Christian Conduct

6:10

Christian Armor

Our Inheritance in Christ

WORK of God

Our Life in Christ

WALK of Christian