chapters 4-6. unity in the body ch. 4 a.responsibilities of the members. (v.1-3)

Chapters 4-6

Unity in the Body Ch. 4

A.Responsibilities of the members. (v.1-3)


B. God's platform for unity. (4-6)


C. Gifts provided for unity. (7-16)

Practical Applications

• Do not walk as other Gentiles ( 4:17-19)

• In the vanity Of their minds.

• Alienated from God through ignorance.

• Past feeling. • Given over to lasciviousness.


• Rather you should (4:20-32): • Put off the Old man. • Be renewed in the spirit Of your mind. • Put on the new man. • Put away lying—speak truth. • Be angry and not sin. • Not give place to the devil• Not steal anymore. • Work with your hands in order to have to give to the needy


• Rather you should (4:20-32): • Let no corrupt speech proceed from your mouth.

• Not grieve the Holy Spirit. • Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice.

• Be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving.


• Walks contrasted. • I . Walk in love as opposed to lust. (5:l -7)

• 2. Walk in light as opposed to darkness. (5:8-14)

•Chapter Five...• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s

Righteous Walkers• Chapters 1-3 of this epistle

established the central role of the church in heaven’s “mystery” of salvation.

• Chapters 4-6 are intended to stress the serious obligations of its members at Ephesus and elsewhere to live their daily lives so as to enhance the world’s appreciation of God’s manifold wisdom shown in the church.

•Chapter Five...• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers• Another word prominent in these chapters is “walk.”

• Chapter 4 ended with the exhortation for Christians to “put off” bad behaviors and to “put on” practices that are fitting for the “new man.”

•Chapter Five... Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers

• Walk In Love...• Walk in love, because love is a

pervasive quality of God’s essence: “God is love” (1John 4:8).

• The sacrifice of Christ in the place of sinners otherwise doomed to an eternal death is by far the greatest expression of love ever witnessed in this world.

• The Christian’s walk is the expression of his love for God, love that responds to the goodness of God toward him.

• Chapter Five...

• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers• Walk In Love...

• “Walking as the Gentiles walked” was not “fitting for saints”...

Fornication Uncleanness

Covetousness Filthiness

Foolish talking Coarse Jesting

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• Chapter Five...• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers• Walk In Love...

• The new man will “put off” all the above-named sins and will fill his heart instead with thanksgiving.

• Those who practice such sins as listed above have “no inheritance” in the kingdom of Christ and God.

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•Chapter Five...• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers• Walk In Love...

• We cannot know who might have been trying to deceive the Ephesians into thinking that righteous walking was not crucial to salvation.

• No right-thinking Christian would allow himself to be seduced into participating in these evil practices.

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• Chapter Five...• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers• Walk in Light...

• “Light” is truth and righteousness; “darkness” is ignorance, error, and ungodliness.

• Christians are “light” in the Lord when they serve Him as “light bearers,” messengers of gospel truth to the lost.

• The Holy Spirit was the Revelator of the “light” in which the saints should walk.

• Chapter Five...• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers• Walk in Light...

• Paul’s contention is that there is no longer any excuse for men to live in the darkness of sin.

• Chapter Five...• Verses 1-14 - The Church - God’s Righteous Walkers• Walk in Wisdom...

• Continuing his theme of “walking worthy of their calling,” Paul urges the disciples to walk “circumspectly” as wise men and not as fools.


• The Christian must walk:a.Accuratelyb.Carefullyc.Looking Aboutd.In Wisdom


• The use of opportunity is a key factor in “wise” walking.

• The only way men can be wise is to understand God’s will.

• The Christian chooses to be “filled with the Spirit,” because conforming to the Spirit’s precepts will “build him up” and strengthen him in the “inner man.”


• Being “filled with the Spirit” always results in good fruit.a.A mind filled with thoughts of Godb.A heart filled with thanksgiving for God’s blessings

c.A will subjected to God’s will


• Walks contrasted. • 3. Walk in wisdom as opposed to folly. (5:15-21)

1. We Are Told To Sing

• Ephesians 5:19• Matthew 26:30• Acts 16:25• Romans 15:9• 1 Corinthians 14:15

• Colossians 3:16• Hebrews 2:12, 13:15

• James 5:13

2. Instruments Are Not Authorized

“Show me where the Bible says, ‘Thou shalt not use instruments?’”


“Where does the Bible say that we can use musical instruments?”

“Show me where the Bible says, ‘Thou shalt not use instruments?’”


• Hebrews 7:12-14 - silence of Scripture is prohibitive, not permissive.

• Genesis 6:14-16 - gopher wood automatically excluded all other types of wood.

• Numbers 19:2 - animal specified by God automatically excluded all other animals.

• “Singing” automatically excludes all other types of music.

3. Answering Arguments In Favor of the Instrument


• “Instruments Help Improve Our Singing.”

• No, instruments drown out the singing, and completely change the kind of music that we are offering to God.

• We are to make melody in our “heart” (Eph. 5:19), not on a “harp.”

• Some who use the instrument are often complimentary of the singing ability of those in the Lord’s church.

3. Answering Arguments In Favor of the Instrument• “Used Instruments in the Old Testament.”

• Such was commanded (2 Chron. 29:25-28).

• Law of Moses was fulfilled and taken out of the way when Jesus died (Col. 2:14).

• If we go back and keep one part of the Law of Moses, we are obligated to keep all (Gal. 5:3).


• “Aren’t There Harps In Heaven?”

• Revelation 5:8, 14:2, 15:2• Revelation is a book of signs and symbols.

• Will there really be harps in heaven?• To follow this passage, every person would have to play a harp.


• “Doesn’t the Possession of Talents Infer the Use of Those Talents?”

• “If one is a good piano player, shouldn’t he play the piano in church to the glory of God?”

• What if a woman were a good public speaker? 1 Cor. 14:34-35, 1 Tim. 2:11-12

What is Wrong with

Instrumental Music

in Worship?

Does Jesus authorize the use of instrumental music in worship?

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:18)God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son… (Heb 1:1-2)Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. (Rom. 3:4)Test all things; hold fast what is good. (1 Thess. 5:21)

Violates the Law of FaithFor we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Heb. 11:6)So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Rom. 10:17)There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night… (Jn. 3:1-2)

FaithOpinion--Why?

We Sing By Faith

I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. (1 Cor. 14:15)Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19)Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Col. 3:16)

Corrupts the Worship

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus… (Col. 3:17)

God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. (Jn. 4:24)

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. (Jn. 17:17)

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (Jn. 8:32)

However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth… (Jn. 16:13)

We Worship According to the Truth

• Sing (Eph. 5:19)

• Pray (1 Cor. 14:15)

• Preach (Acts 2:42)

• Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)

• Give (1 Cor. 16:1-2)And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9)

The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men? (Matt. 21:25)

We Worship According to the Truth• Sing (Eph. 5:19)

• Pray (1 Cor. 14:15)

• Preach (Acts 2:42)

• Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7)

• Give (1 Cor. 16:1-2)

And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9)

The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men? (Matt. 21:25)

Instrumental Music

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. (Lev. 10:1-2)

Disrupts Unity

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Cor. 1:10)He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (Jn. 12:48)I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (Jn. 17:20-21)

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3)

Justification of Instruments in Worship: Doesn’t Say “Not to use them.”

• Elevates the Silence of God to the same level as the Scriptures.

• What God Does NOT Say = What God HAS Said!• If Valid Argument:

• Pray through Mary (1 Tim. 2:5)• Chocolate Cake on Lord’s Table (Matt. 26:26-28)• Baptize Infants (Mk. 16:15-16)

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. (2 Jn. 9)

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written… (1 Cor. 4:6)

Justification of Instruments in Worship: “They were used in the Old Testament”• Elevates the Law of Moses to the same level as the Law of Christ. (Mk. 9:7)

• If Valid Argument:• Burn incense, animal sacrifices (Jas. 2:10)• Infant church membership (Mk. 16:15-16)• Polygamy acceptable (Matt. 19:3-9)

• Used in OT By Faith! (Num. 10:1-10)Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the LORD your God. (Num. 10:10)

And he stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for thus was the commandment of the LORD by His prophets. (2 Chron. 29:25)

Justification of Instruments in Worship: “Its only an Aid in the Worship.”• Not an Aid, but an Addition of another kind of

music.

PassageCommand

AdditionSpecific General

Gen. 6:14 Gopher Wood Tools, Place Oak, Elm…

Exodus 12:5Lamb: No Blemish

Knife, Wood for Fire

Horse, Pig…

Eph. 5:19 SingSong Books,

LeaderPiano, Organ, Humming…

Justification of Instruments in Worship: “They are used in the Home.”

• Many things morally right, but religiously wrong:

• Washing hands (Mk. 7:3-7)

• Washing feet (1 Tim. 5:10)

• Calling dad, “father” (Matt. 23:9)

Justification of Instruments in Worship: “Some have talent to play instruments”

• Some have talent to:• Build fine furniture

• Cook

• Stand on their hands

• Yodel

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Eph. 4:11-12)

pianists,

Justification of Instruments in Worship: “They’re found the Book of Revelation.”

• Many things in heaven that are not in the church:• Angels (Rev. 5:2)• Altar (Rev. 6:9)• Babies (Matt. 18:3)

Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Rev. 5:8)

And I heard a voice from heaven, like the sound of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder, and the voice which I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps. (Rev. 14:2)

What is Wrong with Instrumental Music

in Worship?

There is No Authority in the

New Testament for its use!


• Family relationships. • 1 . Wives to husbands. (5:22 - 33) • 2. Husbands to wives.

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• Chapter Five...• Verses 22-33 - The Church - God’s Submissive Servants (1)• Husbands and Wives...

• Marriage involves a great majority of church members, and it is a relationship in which participants can show to the world a walk either worthy or unworthy of their calling in the Lord.

• God gave the woman to her husband as a “helper” to him (Gen. 2:18) and gave him rule over her soon after their sin in Eden (Gen. 3:16).

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• Chapter Five...• Verses 22-33 - The Church - God’s Submissive Servants (1)• Husbands and Wives...

• Paul uses his discussion of mutual submission in human relationships as a way to expand his previous lessons about the sanctity of the spiritual bond that exists between Christ and His church.

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• In his “double lesson” Paul makes six important points:

a.The husband is head over the wife in the human family;

b.Christ is head over the church in the spiritual family;

c.The wife must submit to the rule of the husband in the human family in all things;

d.The church must submit to the rule of Christ over the church in all things;

• In his “double lesson” Paul makes six important points:

e.The reason for the church submitting to Christ: He is its Savior;

f.The reason for wives submitting to husbands: husbands are “saviors” of their wives

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• Husbands and Wives...• Another “double lesson” involves the “submission” of husbands to wives.a.In this way, husbands submit their own needs to those of other family members as he “gives” himself to them;

b.Similarly, Jesus “gave” Himself in life and in death to achieve what was good for His church (Phil. 2:5-8);

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c.Jesus’ totally unselfish behavior toward the church gives us the pattern for the unselfish exercise of power by husbands toward their families [wives in particular].

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• Husbands and Wives...• Jesus’ purpose in “choosing” the saved was that they might be “holy and without blame” (1:4).a.He sanctified it.b.He cleansed it.c.He made it glorious.

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• Husbands and Wives...• “So”...a.Christ is head of the church; the husband is head of his wife;

b.Christ is the Savior of His body; the husband is the “savior” of his wife;

c.The church is subject to its Head; the wife is subject to her head;

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d.Christ rules over the church by love; the husbands rules over his wife by love;

e.Christ gave Himself for the good of the church; husbands give themselves for the good of their wives;

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f.Christ provided every spiritual need of the church; a husband provides every physical and emotional need of his wife;

g.Christ and the church illustrate the mutual submissiveness that should exist between every husband and wife.

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• Chapter Five...• Verses 22-33 - The Church - God’s

Submissive Servants (1)• Husbands and Wives...

• The conclusion Paul draws from these truths is that husbands should love their wives as they love their own bodies.

• A simple lesson that some husbands never learn: love directed toward a wife by her husband is invariably returned to him in the form of love, devotion, and submission from his wife.

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• Husbands are far better off in every way when they treat their wives as they should.

• Charles Hodge offers a good perspective on husband-love...

• The unity between Christ and His church is the primary cause for which He heaps bountiful gifts upon the redeemed.

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• Husbands and Wives...• The “great mystery” is likely not the mutual submissiveness in a marriage that Paul has been discussing.

• Even though our understanding of everything else is subordinate to our perception of Paul’s lessons on Christ and the church, the apostle initially had set out in this passage to teach the saints at Ephesus the importance of submission in a successful marriage.


• Family relationships. • 3. Children to parents. (6:1-3) • 4. Parents to children. (6:4)

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• Chapter Six...

• Verses 1-9 - The Church - God’s Submissive Servants (2)• Parents and Children...

• The parent/child relationship is first addressed. Paul speaks directly to “children” about their obligation to submit themselves to their parents.

• While “in the Lord” might be especially meaningful to older children, the same expression is also important when directed toward parents of younger children.

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• Chapter Six...• Verses 1-9 - The Church - God’s Submissive Servants (2)• Parents and Children...

• It is right for parents to be in charge and for children to be in submission.

• This delegation of control to parents was not a new arrangement.

• God’s appointments have always afforded both privileges and responsibilities to their recipients.

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• Wives much more willingly submit to their husbands if they feel loved by them.

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• Fathers have two serious obligations to their children that will• promote a harmonious relationship between children and their parents and

• will greatly enhance the prospect for a harmonious relationship between children and God:

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• Fathers must not “provoke” their children.

• Parents must must “bring up” their children in the “training” and “admonition” of the Lord.

• Of course, training “in the Lord” must be made appropriate to the age and understanding of a child.


• Social relationships. (6:5-9) • Servants to masters. (5-8) • 2. Masters to servants. ( 9)

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• Chapter Six...• Verses 1-9 - The Church - God’s Submissive Servants (2)• Masters and Servants...

• “Servants” as addressed here were slaves, not just hired servants.

• Slavery as an institution of first-century society posed a unique problem for slaves and masters.

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• There is nothing in New Testament teaching that encouraged the cancellation of any personal relationships between slaves and masters, nor is there any indication that one of the goals of gospel preaching was to abolish slavery as an institution.

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• Embedded in the gospel of Christ are principles of love and kindness that would, in time, diminish one man’s desire to control the life of another man.

• New “rules” were now in place to regulate how Christian masters and Christian slaves treated one another.

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• Slaves must be obedient [submissive] to their masters:a.Not as men-pleasersb.Not giving eye-servicec.With “fear and trembling,”

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• Slaves must be obedient [submissive] to their masters:d.With a heartfelt desire to do God’s will as they submit to man’s will;

e.With a wholesome attitude toward the service they perform for both God and man.

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• Paul’s focus in this passage is on good attitudes and good service on the part of owners, slaves, or freemen who were all one in Christ.

• Lest slave owners and employers of freemen should fail to make changes in their own behavior, Paul particularizes what God expects of them...

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• This section of Ephesians [5:21-6:9] provides us with a wide-reaching treatment of the principle of mutual submission that is to be practiced in the church.


• Spiritual relationships. (6:10-20) • l. Christians face an enemy. (11-12) • 2. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might and don the armor of God. (10-18)

The Whole Armor

OfGod

Ephesians 6:10-18

Christians are Soldiers of God.

2 Timothy 2:3 – 2 Timothy 4:7

We must be able to stand against our enemies.

We can stand strong when we put on the whole armor of God.

Whole = Complete – Offensive and defensive.Not part God and part man.

Let’s examine the armor and what it can do for us.

Holds armor in place

Truth is the belt that holds theChristian soldier together

John 1:17John 8:32

John 14:6John 17:17

1 Corinthians 15:1-2Proverbs 23:23

Breastplate of Righteousness

Covered vital organs

Righteousness = Living right.

Gives strength because our enemy can have no evil thing to say about us.

Integrity, holiness and purity of life.

Jesus overcame all the temptations he faced due to His righteousness.

Prepared to Move Quickly or Stand Firmly

Christians are prepared by Gospel of Peace.

Constantly ready for attacks.

Philippians 4:132 Timothy 1:12

Romans 10:17

Hebrews 11:6

Psalm 119:11

Protects us from the darts of…

Doubt, Discouragement, Disappointment and Death

Defensive weapon

Protects the head

The assurance of salvation.

Gives hope for the future

John 14:31 Peter 1:3-4

Offers encouragement and strength to endure.

Offensive weapon

Hebrews 4:12

To use it we must know it – 2 Timothy 2:15-16

Contains all things we need – 2 Peter 1:3

Sword can be used, but not applied – Genesis 3

Sword can be used and be effective – Matthew 4

Verse 18 gives the exhortation to pray.

Prayer is the means by which we stay in touch with our commander in chief.

It is an honor to be a soldier for your country.

It is an even greater honor to be a soldier of God.

Have you enlisted in the Lord’s Army?

Our Shield against Satan’s W.M.D.’s

• Test Preachers and Religious Leaders With the Sword of the Spirit (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 1 Peter 4:11)

1 John 4:1

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

How Do We Do This?

Acts 17:11

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

In all things, let us ask, “What does the Scripture say?”

1 Peter 4:11

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies”

We must respect the silence of God as well, limiting our “speech” to what is found in His word.

WHY MUST THIS BE?

1 Peter 4:11

“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies

that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Our War against Satan’s W.M.D.’s

• Test Preachers with the Sword of the spirit (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11)

• Shield ourselves from pride with humility! (1 Peter 5:5-6; Phil. 2:3-5)

Our War against Satan’s W.M.D.’s


• Shield ourselves from pride by being humble! (1 Peter 5:5-6)

• Fight ignorance with knowledge of God’s Word! (Eph. 3:4; 5:17; 2 Tim. 2:15).

Ephesians 3:4; 5:17

“By which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ:

“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

Our Shield against Satan’s W.M.D.’s


• Shield ourselves from pride by being humble! (1 Peter 5:5-6)

• Fight ignorance with knowledge of God’s Word! (Eph. 3:4; 2 Tim. 2:15)

• STAND and put on the whole armor to guard against apathy (Eph. 6:12-18; Rom. 13:11-12)

Ephesians 6:13-14

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness….”

Ephesians 6:13-18 tells us to put on the “whole armor of God.”

Let us make sure we have the “shield of faith” to guard our souls against Satan’s W.M.D.’s

Those “fiery darts” of Satan can come from anywhere. Rather than fear, we must be prepared, active, patient, and endeavor to faithfully serve God!


• Spiritual relationships. • 3. Pray always. (6:18-20) • praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

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• Chapter Six...• Verses 10-20 - The Church - God’s Secure Saints• Peter warns in his first epistle, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1Pet. 5:8).

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• Chapter Six...• Verses 10-20 - The Church - God’s Secure Saints• Many of us vastly underestimate the strength, cunning, and perseverance of Satan:a.He is the prince [ruler] of the demons (Matt. 9:34);

b.He is the prince [ruler] of this world (John 14:30; 16:11);

c.He is the prince of the power of the air and the spirit that motivates the sons of disobedience (Eph. 2:2);

d.He is a murderer and a liar (John 8:44) and sinned from the beginning (1John 3:8);

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e.He transforms himself into an angel of light; he has servants who transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.

f.He overcame Judas (Luke 22:3,4) and Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:3);

g.He hinders God’s people in their efforts to serve the Lord (1Thes. 2:18)

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•Understanding the strength of the devil, we can also understand the need for Christians to be strong:

a.“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1Cor. 16:13);

b.“...be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2Tim. 2:1);

c.“...Christ Jesus...perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1Pet. 5:10);

d.“...that He would grant you...to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16).

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•Paul’s directive to the Ephesians to “be strong” would ask too much of them if help were not available to make compliance possible.

• In light of the inequalities between Satan’s capabilities and our own, Paul’s final admonition to the Ephesian saints is, “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

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•Although our personal defenses against the “wiles” of the devil are inadequate to resist him successfully, there are several actions that can be taken to assure a victorious opposition to his attacks against our faith.

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a.Put on the whole armor of God (verse 11).We must wear the helmet of salvation.We must take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

b.Wrestle against the spiritual hosts of wickedness (verse12).1.Our struggle is not confined to physical foes.2.These adversaries of the truth are spiritual, numerous, wicked, and situated in the heavenly “places”:

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Stand (verse 13)Pray always (verse 18)Be watchful and persevere (verse 18)Pray for all the saints (verse 18)

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•Tychicus, a “beloved and faithful minister in the Lord,” was to bear the epistle to the church at Ephesus from Rome.

•Tychicus would also be able to give a personal report of Paul’s circumstances as he was being held prisoner by Rome.

•Paul’s closing was typical and wished for peace, love, faith, and grace to be God’s bounty to them as they continued to display love and sincere commitment to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion (6:21-24) (21-24)But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

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Ephesians - Review

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Ephesians - Christ and the Church

• Review...1.God dealt separately with Jews and Gentiles prior to the death of Christ.

2.The “mystery” was an eternal plan to unite all men and treat them alike.

3.Christ’s Place in the “Mystery” - to sit empowered to implement God’s plan. (Eph. 1:20)

4.The Church’s Place in the “Mystery” - to be the entity where all can “sit together.” (Eph. 2:6)

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Ephesians - Christ and the Church

• Review...5.The Church’s Place in the “Mystery” - to receive all spiritual blessings in Christ. (Eph. 1:3)

6.Principalities’ Place in the “Mystery” - to see the superiority of God’s wisdom. (Eph. 3:10)

7.Wicked Host’s Place in the “Mystery” - to continue to oppose God’s plan and people. (Eph. 6:12)

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GLORY IN THE CHURCH(Ephesians 3:21)

“...to Him be glory in the church...Therefore...”

1.Be united........................ 4:1-62.Strive for perfection.........4:7-163.Maintain morality.............4:17- 5:144.Nurture good relationships...5:15- 6:9

a.Mutual relationships.............5:15-21b.Specific relationships.........5:22- 6:9i)Husbands/wives..............5:22-33ii)Parents/children..............6:1-4iii)Masters/servants.............6:5-9

5.Persevere in service............6:10-20

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THE APOSTLE PAUL AND JOHN CALVIN

John Calvin was the principal author of the doctrine of predestination, a theory consisting of five component parts. Advocates of the doctrine frequently appeal to Paul’s statements in Ephesians to support their teaching. However, a close examination reveals that other statements in the same epistle demonstrate that Paul took a contrary view of Calvinism’s “proof texts” and stood opposed to the doctrine of predestination as taught in many churches:

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Calvin’s Doctrine

Text Used Paul’s Position

Text

Total Depravity

2:3 - “Children of Wrath”

Men “give selves” to sin.

4:18-19

Unconditional Election

1:5 - “predestined to adoption”

Faith and Works necessary

2:8-10

Limited Atonement

1:4 - “chosen to holiness”

Role of Gospel essential

3:4; 5:26

Irresistible Grace

1:6 - “made us accepted”

Dependent on Teaching

3:4, 5, 9

Perseverance of the Saints

1:3 - “sealed with the Spirit”

Can “grieve” the Spirit

4:30

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Election to eternal life is conditional to all men. Man’s responsibility can be illustrated in this statement:

“( ) has decided that he will give college scholarships to graduating high school seniors. All students who graduate with a B or better grade average will be given four year scholarships. This B or above average must be maintained by a recipient during each scholastic year to retain his/her scholarship.”

ALL SPIRITIAL BLESSINGS ARE IN CHRISTEphesians. 1:3

Believe “Unto”Romans 10:10

Repent “Unto”Acts 11:18

Confess “Unto”Romans 10:10

““In Christ”In Christ”

RedemptionRedemptionEphesians 1:7Ephesians 1:7New CreationNew Creation

2 Corinthians 5:172 Corinthians 5:17Remission of SinsRemission of Sins

Matthew 26:28Matthew 26:28SanctificationSanctification

Hebrews 13:12Hebrews 13:12JustificationJustificationRomans 5:9Romans 5:9

Baptized “Into”Baptized “Into”Romans 6:3-6Romans 6:3-6

Galatians 3:26,27Galatians 3:26,27

Join Us At: Join Us At: 656 St. James Church 656 St. James Church

Rd.Rd.Newton, NCNewton, NC

Regular Assembly Times :Regular Assembly Times : Each Sunday: Bible Study Each Sunday: Bible Study

9:30 AM,9:30 AM,Worship 11:00 AMWorship 11:00 AM

Wednesdays: Bible Study Wednesdays: Bible Study 7:00 PM7:00 PM

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Mail:Mail:P.O. Box 893P.O. Box 893Newton, NC Newton, NC

2865828658

Phone: 828-465-3009

The Word and The Sword

www.wordandsword.com

[email protected]@wordandsword.come-mail: e-mail:

chapters 4-6. unity in the body ch. 4 a.responsibilities of the members. (v.1-3)

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