Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4

Paul’s Church Growth Plans 4:1-6

Ephesians 4:1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge [encourage] you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  NIV

4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 4:2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. NKJV

  Paul is giving the Ephesians strong advice to be gentle, patient and to bear with the faults of others, not from an entitled position, but from a prisoner. From this position, it would not be easy to be uncomplaining and to bear with the abuse of guards and other prisoners with love. This makes Paul’s advice very poignant to all of us. Nobody can claim to be an exception, saying that their circumstances exempt them from Paul’s strong advice to be patient.

       Believers have been given instructions on how to deal with the problems of life. How not to run away, to escape from situations that are very troublesome. Instead they learn to bear with the mistakes, missteps of others, not in a grumpy manner, but in love.

  Paul affirms to us “that” our “suffering produces perseverance” with God in prayer, “perseverance, character” knowing how to respond to trouble and personal conflict with “character, hope” (Rom 5:3). Which is a mature faith that sees the final outcome of all conflict endured with love and patience, resulting in “inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (Eph 5:5).

Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling

       What calling did Paul receive? At this point it is to be a prisoner in Rome. Not a calling that anyone would care to receive, even if they had been a gospel evangelist. Thus Paul’s advice to be patient and bear with others in love is very poignant. He was to bear with other prisoners attended by pagan guards, was not a small task. If someone who lives in a mansion with servants at his call. With associates that never would disagree with him. His advice to be patient with others—would be meaningless. In contrast Paul’s advice to be humble and gentle, while unjustly held in prison, is advice we should take very seriously.

Live a Life Worthy of Your Calling

  From God we have an individual call. God has taken the initiative Himself to call us through the voice of Jesus saying, “come unto me” (Matt 11:28).  “He [God] chose us [called us] in Him [Himself] before the foundation of the world…in love, having predestined us [planned it] to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His [God’s] will” (Eph 1:4,5).

       We have a high calling in the sight of God, to be “rooted and established in love” (Eph 3:17). Whether we are student or professor, a patient or a Doctor, our High Calling is to always, for everyone bear with one another in love with patience and gentleness.

  This is not possible unless “through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit, who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:2). There is a new law at work inside us, “the law of the Spirit.” This ruling power of the Holy Spirit, in Christ, is more than able to “give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Rom 8:11). This change of behavior suppresses the root of human desires that seek self-exaltation.  

Walk Worthy—What Does This Mean?

  The Greek word for worthy, means: “to reckon as worthy, matching the value to the actual substance that it corresponds to in reality.” The value of our high calling is to be matched by our commitment to be humble, gentle and patient…in love. As John wrote, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone that loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

  It also means to keep in view our “inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” (5:5). It carries the idea that a believer is to make their way in their lives, using the opportunities God gives them. Not wasting them with either laziness or self-extravagance.

In love…Be Completely Humble

  The Greek word humble is a female noun: It is opposite of human pride. It is the mindset of having a humble opinion of oneself, a deep sense of one's moral littleness with modesty despite one’s achievements. It is an inside virtue, of choosing to compare. ourselves to our Lord, who has given us our gifts, rather than to others, to prevent self-exaltation. We are invited to have the same mindset as Christ, “who humbled himself” (Phil 2:8).

Humility of Youthful Jesus

       Jesus for the first thirty years of his life, worked for his living, displayed no unusual skills, or miracles, which made him stand out from the rest of neighbors. We don’t know all the carpentry jobs, such as building chairs and tables for a customer, which he worked long hours to accomplish. Even though he was one equal to God in cosmic origians.

  From his youth he knew who he was. His mother must have told him what the Angels said at his birth, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ [Messiah] the Lord” (Lk 2:11). When his mother said to her twelve year old son,  “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He [Jesus] said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48,49).

This gives us small glimpse into what boy Jesus knew about himself. He did know that the very God of all heaven, was his real Father. Just before his arrest he told Peter, “Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matt 26:53). But Jesus did not use his natural authority to command Angels to obey him as he wished.

  Instead, Jesus held down natural talent, such as in music, science, physics, math or philosophy that would have astounded the entire Roman and Greek world. So, he might live as a humble servant to his community. He gave us an example of working with our hands and staying out of controversy. Up to about the age of 30 Jesus was gainfully employed in fulfilling certain job assignments. He was single, poor, living with his mother until he was nearly 30 years old. Neighbors would be inclined to view him as unusual, since unmarried men was oddity in Jewish culture. 

  The families that employed this young carpenter would never have conceived that he would have billions and billions of committed followers, even 2,000+ years from their time. They had no idea that the young man repairing their house or building for them furniture, would at about the age of 30 would hear a voice from heaven saying to the world: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” (Mk 1:10). Yet for the largest part of his life on earth he lived and worked as a “servant” who “worked with his hands” (1Thess 4:11), as Paul recommended to men. 

 Jesus Was an Ordinary Poor Peasant

  As an ordinary young peasant, Jesus walked into customers’ homes, under their command, as their servant carpenter. We must not thing of Jesus as always just a young teenager or boy. Up to the age of 29, He was still quietly waiting till His Father to call him to public ministry. Still working as an unrecognized skilled carpenter by trade.

  If anyone ever set an example of humility it was Jesus. Not once did he prove his Divine powers, to astonish or entertain. Yet they lay under the surface of his humble-looking servant exterior. As Paul has presented this theme that Jesus “who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage” when he could have easily done so to the applause of many, “rather, he made himself nothing” (Phil 2:6,7). Nothing special at all, other than a faithful skilled servant to those who employed him.

Servant of servants

  In the Sermon of the Mount Jesus says, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matt 5:41), it no doubt was his own practice.  In history it was common for a passing soldier to lay portions of his gear on nearby strangers, forcing them to carry it. In that Jesus mentioned this, it is very likely that he, who was tested in everything, “in every way, just as we are” (Heb 4:15), to respond with complaint when forced to carry a Roman Soldiers heavy gear. Can you picture this? Young man Jesus, who could have successful resisted, is seen walking with his back bent carrying a heavy load of a Roman Soldier, under his demeaning curses of Jewish peasants. To the surprise of the soldier, Jesus carries the added load further then the soldiers had demanded

To Us Today Be Completely Humble

  This is the starting point of real and sustained Christian Growth. This word means to be humble in a comprehensive scope. Pointing to the universality of this command. In Greek the definite article is missing meaning it is a straightforward intensive, in everything be humble. When anyone puts their talents and education forward, other than absolutely necessary, it is numbing to the voice and presence of the Spirit.

  When we live a humble life, we are privileged to learn from the Spirit, our best lessons. By our stumbling and mistakes, the Spirit will “teach” and guide” you (John 14:26; 16:13). We will be guided by the Spirit into better ways to respond with humility. The “Spirit of truth” (John 16:13) will reproof us when we blindly let the calls of our flesh, our fallen nature, rise in our lives. We will clearly see our follies, our lack of love or our conceited opinions that have demeaned others.

  Pride can live in a believer who accepts Christian doctrines and principles to live by, while they are totally blind to their pride. It is often seen in public worship where speakers talk more about themselves, more about their achievements, while giving scriptures little attention. One can consider themselves a commandment keeper while pride dominates their lives in many ways. Pride is the most insidious of all sins, it is the reason why sin started in Lucifer, for he “said in his heart:

I will ascend into heaven,

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation

On the farthest sides of the north;

 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds,

I will be like the Most High” (Isa 14:13,14)

Humility is a Universal Testing Truth

  Humility is a testing truth, for salvation, taught by Jesus. He tied it to those who are welcomed into heaven. Jesus “called a little child to him and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly [humble] position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (Matt 18:2-4).

  In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matt 6:1). To make sure the media takes note of your work with praise, God will consider the praise you receive your reward. Thus there will be no heavenly reward for deeds done without humility.

Apostle Paul Publicly Taught  Humility

  Paul in his letter to the Roman believers told them “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed [measured out] to each of you” (Rom 12:3). There are two conceptions of faith. First faith is a divine gift and second individually we share in this gift, for us to use. Thus we are to “think soberly,” for all we received through our faith in God, is a gift, even our faith. Spiritual knowledge is never to puff us up in pride, no matter how many books, sermons, lectures or degrees in theology we may possess, they are gifts from God. As we use these gifts in ministry, we do so with “sober judgment” that our knowledge is not really our own—but is on loan, gifted to us, from God. Unless of course, they have a reprobate mind, making up false teachings. 

Apostle Peter Publicly Teaches Humility

  To be “greatest in the kingdom of God” means that heaven looks favorable on humble belivers. Not only that, more important is that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Pet 5:5). Who wants to have God oppose them? Sounds tragic in many ways, even if one claims to be a worshiper of God.

Oh Lord God it is our desire; our request is to have you “clothe” us “with humility toward one another” (1 Pet 5:5). Thank you, Lord.

Advice to Kings, Presidents of Countries or Corporations

  It may be a challenge for those with Ph.D.’s or those who hold congressional or high military positions to be humble. King Nebuchadnezzar of Daniel chapter 2, learn the hard way to be humble, to “esteem others better than himself” (Phil 2:3 NKJV).

“Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?...Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” (Dan 4:27).

Humility Is the Anti-Dope to Pride, but Pride Leads to More Pride. 

  Pride is very insidious. It creeps into our lives like sunlight in our homes in the early morning.

       A believer starts their life of faith with justification, forgiveness of every sin. They start turning to prayer, confession of sins and their weaknesses, asking God for victories. They receive an “anointing from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20) that changes their lives giving them a sense of right and wrong. Pouring into their hearts the love of God, as the results Scriptures and prayer become delightful.

       After time their self-confidence increases with the certainty of their faith beliefs. They are blessed with natural talents and gifts of the Spirit. Their personal experience grows as they have a certainty of knowing the will of God for their lives.

       After more time, there is a tendency to forget the call to humility. To forget the command to “in humility value others above yourselves” (Phil 2:3). To forget to “be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Rom 12:10). Pride of position of honor, educational advantages, natural talents have brought praise and professional standing in their social circles, and increased wealth with further praise and appreciation.

       Pride over time grows as does personal satisfaction, soon it is nearly impossible to recognize. Pride does not like being in second place, it prefers to be first and be the best. The disease of pride soon obscures the love of the gospel, the love of the Bible, the love of God that pulsates in the heart. Pride makes itself at home in the center of our thoughts, at work, at play, in leisure and in public worship. Until we expect honor and praise from others. 

Humility the Very First Sentence in the Sermon on the Mount

       Jesus taught us, “Blessed are the Poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 5:3). To be poor in spirit means to be humbly dependent on God, unable to save ourselves to have nothing in us to merit the blessing of God. To admit we are sinners, and we look to God, in total dependence for deliverance. Pride has a hard time to admit that all their accomplishments and honors can be a hindrance to them, when it comes to living faith in God. They must come in an attitude of spiritual poverty with dependence on God, with daily prayers to t know God’s will. They must reject the idea that the accolades of success can give them any favor before God.

  It is those who choose to be “poor in Spirit,” to be “meek,” always “merciful” and “pure in heart” (Matt 5:3-8), that God uses them as “the salt of the earth,” as a “town built on a hill that cannot be hidden” that others will “see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt 5:13-16). For their object is to bring honor to God in heaven, not their career, or their advancement in religious circles to higher honor and larger income. This is a hard lesson for many to learn, wishing instead to be used by God to honor themselves.

“For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy:

“I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit [poor in spirit], to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isa 57:15)

“For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it.

You do not delight in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,

A broken [broke & poor] and a contrite heart—

These, O God, You will not despise” (Ps 51:16,17).

“Pride goes before destruction, 

a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov 16:18).

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, 

but with humility comes wisdom” (Pro 11:2).

“Pride brings a person low, 

but the lowly in spirit gain honor” (Pro 29:23).

The Hidden Danger for the Proud of Heart

  The shocking thing Jesus said was the prideful do not clearly hear the gospel call. With a prideful attitude, many may not understand the gospel call—at all. Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matt 9:12,13).

  Paul addressing the Corinthian church said to them, “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor 1:26,27). Which means that the majority of the early church members were poor and did not hold positions of power.

In love…Be Patient

  This means to not be impatient or intolerant with others. We are to be patient with the mistakes, weaknesses, and follies of others. With their slowness to change or their spiritual misunderstanding. We are to be considerate of others resisting the tendency to strike back.

       Patient love will find a way to help the wayward employee, instead of using punitive methods such as firing and canceling them in harshness. The peaceful leader or employer will be very likely to practice patient love, rather than being very exacting and critical, unless it is absolutely necessary.

  “And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly [disruptive], encourage the fainthearted [discouraged], help the weak, and be patient with everyone” (1 Thess 5:14 NKJV). Just the same as God has been patient with you.

Bearing with each other in love

  To bear with others means to tolerate, to hold up, lift up and endure with the weakness the flaws of others. This means to make allowances, when you can, in keeping with the love that you have for God. Often, we will have to overlook the small or sometimes large offending mistakes of others. Some very offending remarks may be unjustly personally directed to you. Sometimes we will have to bear with the limited spiritual understanding of others, bearing up with their mental or spiritual weaknesses, in prayer.

       People are not all easy to get along with, they are not all attractive and good-natured. Yet God bears with us humans He “demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners” (Rom 5:8). There is room in our lives to improve and to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). There always will be.

  Paul repeats this teaching to the Colossians saying, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col 3:13). The word “grievance” means to blame, lodge a complaint and find fault. Sure they may be very guilty, just as we were very guilty before God when we were “once far away” God “brought us near” to Him, “by the blood of Christ” (2:13). Although at one time “we were separated from Christ” but despite our sick condition, God “made us alive with Christ” because of “His great love with which he loved us” (2:12,5,4). Likewise we are to repeat this process, in prayer applying the blood of Christ to those whom we need to bear up with, in a love similar in manner to God who send his Son.

       When we meet those who are hard to love, who don’t ever reach out to us in any love or concern, this calls for intercessory prayer. We can claim the love of God to awaken those that are worthy of blame, deserving condemnation. Just as Christ died in our behalf, we pray for them, in their behalf. 

 John teaches us that loving others is how we make God visible to others. “No one has ever seen God; but IF we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:12). The only possible way to see God, to know God, to realize His presence, to worship God—is through love for one another.   

The Theme of Living our Lives in a Worthy Manner

  To live worthy of our calling, is to make steady progress in our spiritual life, to speak “the truth in love we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (4:5). To live worthy of our calling, is to not plateau in learning lessons from Scriptures but “growing in the knowledge of God (Col 1:10). Pressing daily to become more humbler and more patient with all, in love for all. This is not an instant achievement, as is justification by faith is accomplished in full, by faith alone.

  “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27). This means as we leave our home for work and when we return, we pray that we will live a life “to please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10).

Paraphrase of Paul’s Prayer: Col 1:9-14

We have not stopped praying for you:

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Holy Spirit gives.

(Lord, we need all of the Spirit’s influence we are able to receive).

Through the Spirit giving you spiritual understanding and wisdom, you will be able to live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way, throughout your life.

(Lord, this is our desire).

Through the Spirit we will bear fruit in every good work,

Through the Spirit you will grow in endurance, perseverance and patience in all things.

Through the Spirit you will grow in the knowledge of God, knowing God better and better.

Through the Spirit you will be strengthened with the same power, 

all power, that raised Jesus from the death.

 While you give joyful thanks to the Father, who has granted you even now, a share in our future inheritance in God’s kingdom of light.

Always remember that God has rescued you from the dominion of darkness and brought you into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, 

freedom and the forgiveness of sins.

Sacred Seven One’s 4:3-6

Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of [by or in] the Spirit through [in] the bond of peace. 4:4 There is (1) one body and (2) one Spirit, just as you were called to (3) one hope when you were called. 4:5 (4) one Lord, (5) one faith, (6) one baptism. 4:6 (7) one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. NIV

4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in [through] the bond of peace. 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. NKJV

Make Every Effort to Keep the Unity Through the Spirit

  This Greek verb means to be diligent, to hasten, to be eager. Believers are to keep the oneness in fellowship by creating a bond of peace, a pledge between each believer to not break the peace between themselves. When conflict arises between believers, it has a chilling effect on the Spirit in their lives. Because it is the Spirit that seeks to preserve respectful peace between all other belivers. Their public and private worship will experience less of the Spirit in their midst.

       All believers form one Body: “Members together of one body… body of Christ (Eph 3:6; 4:11)

       All believers have one Spirit: “The work of one and the same Spirit”. (1 Cor 12:11).

       All believers have one Hope: “Share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light” and one "hope stored up for you in heaven” (Col 1:12,5).

       All believers have one Lord: “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am” (John 13:13).

       All believers have one Faith: “Striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27). All belivers have experienced forgiveness of all their sins, all by the same faith.

       All believers have one Baptism: “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus was baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Rom 6:3,4).

       All believers have one God and Father of us all: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only” (Matt 4:10).

I have other sheep

  God wants us to recognize and honor others who worship Him and love Him, as Jesus said, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen” (John 10:16). They are family of God as well as other belivers, living at another point in the globe with a different culture. If we encounter another earnest believer living in a geographically distant place, we should embrace them as part of the same family of faith, both having the same Holy Spirit.

Respectable Bond of Peace

  We should be responsible to support, a bond of peace even if another person has a different opinion on Biblical subject. Christian history displays thousands of times bitter quarrels over some point of doctrine, have led to wars and large losses of life. “As much as it is possible, live in peace with everyone” (Rom 12:18), is the will of God.

       How can there be jealousy or envy for the ability to pray, preach, sing, dress to style, educational levels, to teach or lead in church events? They are sharers of the same Spirit you have, which does not give any allowance for jealousy. Don’t both, the more talented and less talented, have the same inheritance of eternal life with God? Do we “not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?” (2 Cor 12:18). “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor 13:14), that is with everyone.

       Paul tells us that when we break “the bread” at the communion table, it is “a participation in the body of Christ.” Paul further explains “because there is [only] one loaf” at the communion service where many of us are gathered as “we break” the bread participating “in the body of Christ. Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf” (1 Cor 10:16,17). The communion service is a reminder of the unity we are called to when we are privileged to “In Christ”.

  This points away from individualism, where believers won’t fellowship with others of a different house of worship. If we have “been raised with Christ” (Col 3:1), having a personal experience of being “made alive with Christ” (2:5). If we are “grow(ing) in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18). Then we must acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit, the faith, the same hope in the coming of Christ, those who may speak a different language and have different religious customs.

       The one who is baptized by faith belongs to the Baptist Church, is no different than another person baptized in a Nazarene church. They both have the same baptism.

The Catholic lady that looks earnestly at the cross, asking in faith for forgiveness of sins. Her faith is the same as the Church of Christ member who prays for forgiveness of sin without looking up at the cross. Both have the same faith.

One faith and one Baptism

  There may be many different faith chapels where believers find a place to fellowship and work together. The Spirit wishes all chapels of faith to regard other believers as in the “Body of Christ” (Eph 4:12)  as much as they are themselves. There is only one faith and one baptism that saves. All are saved the same way as another. The faith in Christ in one church is no different from faith in another congregation if it is based on the “love of Christ” (3:18) and the “love of God in your hearts” (John 5:42). If they both “worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

  If believers reject each other over theology, while both groups have the same hope and faith in Christ as they do. They are running contrary to the ministry of the Spirit. Jesus said that we “should love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). There is room in the tent of faith “in Christ” who forgives all our sins, for believers to sing and conduct worship different then another group. One group likes to sing with energy, with guitars and a drum set. Whereas another group likes singing quietly with only piano or organ.

One Hope

  "God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope” (1 Tim 1:1). We all hold this one hope individually and all together. At the Second Coming, all belivers from the distant past to the present, “will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess 4:17). While “we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

Bond of peace

  In Greek the word for bond is a uniting principle. In Roman society bonds were seen as essential for keeping civil order and cooperative unity within communities. Sadly, among Christian groups around the world, there is seen, almost no effort, put forth toward peaceful loving unity among the many different houses of worship. Perhaps this is a reason why spiritual revivals are so infrequent. Why is love for others, of different religious viewpoints, so neglected?

  “Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 6:23). Love for God is the glue that hold the seal of the Bond of Peace unbroken. Then we can “be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor 13:11).

  This is the last and most important lesson of this passage. When we break from individuals, that are known as lovers of Christ, we break the Bond of Peace that the Spirit is seeking to accomplish among all believers. The consequences are we likely to grow distant from the Spirit. Before we know it, the joy of our salvation has dissipated. To keep the Bond of Peace with others, as the Spirit directs, we will “be patient, bearing with one another in love” (4:2). And as the results, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

“Whatever happens [above all], conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Phil 1:27).

The reference “one Spirit” is a recognition that all belivers have the one and same Holy Spirit in and with all of them. Nobody is different, as if they have a different Holy Spirit. It is through the Spirit that all belivers become sons and daughters of God and brothers and sisters in the Lord. “Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 6:23).

Gifts of God’s Grace 4:7-13

Ephesians 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the [same] measure of Christ’s gift. [from God the Father to us] NKJV 

  4:7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it NIV

Each One of Us

  Paul has been carrying the theme forward, since the first part of this chapter. We, all together, share in the gift of grace. Just as we have the “seven ones” from the last four verses that unite us all together. Now there is one more to add, making it “eight ones,” that unite all believers!!

  Now it is grace that we have all together, not a different one for Europeans and another for Hispanic. No it is one grace that has saved you, me, your church friends as well as all believers in all north, all south, all west and all east, of your location. What a privilege to share in the same grace we all have. Now believers are united in a unity that comes from both “the grace of God,” the “grace of Christ” (Gal 2:22; 1:6) and the Holy “Spirit of grace” (Heb 10:29)? From this grace we are justified, that is found right before God: for “all are justified freely by his [God’s] grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Rom 3:24).

  To the Colossian believers Paul was encouraged that the “true message of the gospel” had come to them. As it now “bearing fruit and growing throughout the world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace” (Col 1:6,7). Once God’s grace has been truly understood, believers will never want to be away from the grace of God. It is His gift to us, which is our anchor, our hope, our joy and assurance we are "loved by God" (Rom 1:7). Once God’s grace, mercy and love are understood there is found true “worship” in the “Spirit”.

 Gift: To each one of us grace has been given

  Not will be given or might be given. But it has been given. It is yours to claim since it was given to you. As if only for you, because it is so personal, yet for all others also it is personal. “And my God will meet all your needs [everyone’s] according to the riches [uncountable] of his glory [God’s honor] in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19).

What Is This Grace that is Given to Each Believer that Ever Has Come to Faith?

  Grace is too broad, too all encompassing, too varied, too rich to completely define it.

  Grace is too vibrant to measure, too powerful to be contained in one location only.

  Grace is too heavy with blessings that no scale could weigh them, as God dispenses it.

  Grace is God’s love to us when we have been unloving to Him and others.

  Grace is forgiving, not just for our honest mistakes, but our rebellious ones, our evil ones.

  Grace counts us as worthy and righteous when we are not, and we know it.

  Grace is not static, not like a gift at Christmas that is always the same, it is dynamic and explosive. 

  Grace is pregnant with potential, it sees our future, when currently we are really a mess.

  Grace has an unusual ability to see what needs to be done, to transform our current dismal state.

  Grace is like a mother that loves her growing child, even after discipline is needed.

  Grace is another name for God the Father, if it weren’t, then grace would not be so real and alive.

  Grace is holy because it comes from the person of God, it’s his possession.

  Grace is God’s gift that he freely gives us, as part of Himself.

  Grace is God’s eyes on us, looking for what good His grace can do for us, even as we lean away.

  Grace is an intangible as “God” himself “is spirit” (Jn 4:24), it can’t be photographed but can be known.

  Grace is too much too much for us ever comprehend or understand in its fullness.

  Grace is directly from out of the world, it is the only means to bring us into eternity.

  Grace is the best, the greatest, the most sacred and longest of anything that has lived on earth.

  Grace is designed by God to be very personal, very uplifting of the inner human spirit.

  Grace is God’s undeserved favor, seen in always freely leaning toward us.

  Grace is God reaching out to us because of His pre-eminent kindness to bless us.

  Grace is God’s love directed toward unworthy and unruly sinners.

  Grace is God’s desire to be Father to us, to care for us and make his “home” (Jn 14:23) with us.

  Grace is available in China, Asia, Mexico, tropics, and deserts, all receive the “riches of God’s grace”

    Grace is from God so huge, as the life of the Father Himself, its unlimited, unmeasured.

  “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” (1:7).

  “This grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ” (3:8).

  “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (3:16).

  “God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27).

  “My goal [in teaching and preaching] is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ” (Col 2:2).

  "How much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” (Rom 5:15).

Measure of Christ…is the Measure of the Gift of Grace

  It is unmeasurable. From the Father’s point of view, his grace is as great as his love for His son. When we are by faith brought “in Christ”, we are in vicinity where God’s love is revealed, next to his Son. “In the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace [in the redeemed], expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (2:7).

Ephesians 4:8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives
and gave gifts [from His grace] to his people.” 4:9 What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?  4:10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe. NIV

4:8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts to men.” 4:9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 4:10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) NKJV

This is why we say:

       Because God has given grace to us without measure. Just look at the grace we all receive when daily, around the world, we sinful believers look to God for the grace of forgiveness “so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:16).

When he Ascended on High, he Took Many Captives and Gave Gifts to His People

  It would be easy to hear the early church celebrating the gifts of the Spirit, when they recalled the opened graves of long-ago believers, who ascended into heaven along with Jesus (Matt 27:52). We can imagine some among the group had witnessed this scene. They would have first-hand knowledge that they will soon follow, to be with Jesus.

  Furthermore, they would have witnessed or knew someone that was there when the Spirit came upon early belivers in the form of wind and fire (Acts 2:1-4). They could have themselves been given some evangelistic gifts of speaking in many languages or a gift of healing.

Gave Gifts to Men

  God has given many very specific gifts to individuals, as he did to the Apostle Paul. God, year by year, gives gifts, for believers. Thank God for these gifts. Just count, if you can, the gifts you have received from the ever-ready, ever-caring hands of the Father, through His Son and the Holy Spirit. “If you then, although you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Lk 11:13).

He Descended to Lower Earthly Regions

  Christ has made provision for the worst possible sinner in the lowest depths of human despair. The worst of human conditions, Southern slaves, slums of big cities, families that have lost everything in storms, floods and war. In the French trench dugouts or WWI, where boys called on God for saving grace.  From this condition of human desperation, “grace” is “given you in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor 1:4). Grace is available to all the outcasts, the lower regions of the earth. 

       Consider Sister Teresa how with her nuns visited in the poorest homes, to teach and aid hundreds of people. Consider George Muller (1805-1895) who rescued hundreds of orphans in England, by faith and prayer. These are two examples of how Christ has provided grace, unseen for the most part, for humans in despair. The many charities that manage the disaster areas of the world, unseen by them, God is blessing them with grace for their needs.

Fill the Whole Universe the Cosmos

  This will take place after the resurrection, of the redeemed since Adam, when Christ is elevated “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” (1:10).

Ephesians 4:11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 4:12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. NIV

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

  When Christ at his resurrection, “ascended on high…he gave gifts to his people” (Eph 4:8). The giving of gifts has gone on, in every generation, every family and every individual. The gifts Paul is presenting here are to minister the gospel story to others. Some have received gifts to operate charities to aid those in need, some may operate businesses that employ believers, some may be medical workers, not seeking to be wealthy but to give as much as possible of themselves to others in need. It is not possible for us to map out the footsteps of Christ in human history. He has been giving gifts of talents of muscle and intellect to build up the whole church, year after year, day after day.  

       What the Spirit gave to the early believers, may be far different than what the Spirit gives today. From time to time, we are able to see how some, individual, some groups had the influence, the financial backing to bring much good to a world in disaster and war. In the faces of the relief workers, was the hand of God so thanksgiving can flow to the giver of all good gifts. In the process, believers’ faith is built up and thanksgiving to God flows.

First Apostles

  The very first gifts God has given to the world is Matthew, Mark, Luke, Peter, John, Paul, and the accounts of faith of early church in the book of Acts. “God has placed in the church first of all Apostles” (1 Cor 12:28). The message of these Apostles, are unparalleled in human history as to their power to regenerate, convert, elevate humanity, and teach truth and expose darkness—year after year, day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute. Around the world, top to bottom. They are always fresh, repeated, memorized, read again and again—with new power as if we had never seen them before.

  Of primary importance is the Apostles, that continued the ministry of Jesus for all believers. Their number can’t be increased, for they are witnesses of Christ life. Their witness as Apostle’s is unbreakable, so powerful that millions have died, sacrificed many things in their firm confidence in the words and teaching of the Apostle’s. They are indestructible by any government, king or the prince of evil himself. They witness to “THE TRUTH of the gospel” (Gal 2:5), “the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13).

Second Prophets

  “God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets” (1 Cor 12:28). All who are members and citizens of God’s household of faith, are “built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ Jesus as the Cornerstone” (Eph 2:20).

Believers stand on a finished, “already laid” foundation. Of first importance is the cornerstone, which is the largest and most solid stone that can bear the entire weight of the walls and building on top of it. Furthermore, it provides alignment for the wall and building to give the entire structure durability and accuracy. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 3:11).

  The Prophets, such as Isaiah and Psalms that point us to the coming of Christ and his atoning death of sin. The accounts in the Old Testament give a historical foundation for Jesus and the Apostles. No body, no organization, no other religion can come anywhere close to the historical stories that build up faith in the Messiah 

Evangelist, Pastors and Teachers
       God gives gifts to local Christian fellowships, around the world, men and women that bear witness, in teaching and preaching the gospel. God gifts millions, every generation, to “proclaim concerning the Word of Life…proclaim to you the Eternal Life” (1 John 1:1,2), so “that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him” (John 3:15). Believe this as it reads.

  Generously God has given gifts that he has renewed in every generation. In homes, workplaces, pulpits, kitchens and front room sitting parlors and classrooms all over the world. These gifts come from Christ, “prepared in advance” (Rom 9:23), for the preaching and teaching of the gospel and the uplifting influences on the world at large.

  Thus each Pastor-teacher should know that their talents has been distributed by Christ, to enrich others not themselves. Therefore, those who receive gifts, their mission should be similar in nature to Jesus’ mission statement: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free” (Lk 4:18).

       Since Jesus has warned us that “false prophets” (Matt 24:24), or false teachers, will appear. How can we tell the difference between false and true teachers? That’s right. They must be firmly planted on Scriptures, especially the New Testament. They must not over emphasize one aspect of the faith, which is not given the same importance in the Apostles. Then take that one truth, slightly twist to make it the central pillar of faith—is a false prophet. Sadly false prophets and teachers or pastors have established new religious movements, placing themselves in the center, teaching a blend of truth with additions added, as if Scriptures are not complete without the practice they recommend.

The Body of Christ May be Built Up

  The Corinthian church gave Paul much trouble, as he had to write several chapters and sections, to defend himself against a large group of vocal distractors. The problems were systemic in the church, as Paul wrote to them, “For I am afraid that somehow when I come…that somehow there may be quarreling, jealousy, intense anger, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder” (2 Cor 12:20). Yet how did Paul deal with these disruptive elements within the church? He wrote to them, “For if I boast somewhat more about our authority that the Lord gave us for building you up and not for tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of doing so” (2 Cor 10:8).

       True pastors and teachers in the church or its collegiate halls, we will know if they have been equipped by God or not. “You will know them by their fruits” (Matt 7:16 NJKV).

  We can ask. Do they build up others or tear down those that disagree with their narrative? Their view of truth? I know of a situation where a church president removed pastors without a hearing, because he did not like their narrative. They made no effort to build up trust and love between them, the president just acted in his capacity with absolute authority. Yet many in the congregation could see that these actions taken by district leaders, represents apostasy from “truth and love” (2 John 1:3).

  John wrote “To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth” (2 John 1:1). This president, I fear, had not yet learned the truth about love that builds up and makes those we disagree with better, as far as possible.

  Paul never used his authority to tear others down. Paul says God gave him “authority…for building you up, not for tearing you down” (2 Cor 13:10).

“So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and

for building up one another” (Rom 14:19).

“Let each of us please his neighbor for his good

to build him up” (Rom 15:2).

 Ephesians 4:13 [Body of Christ, believers are built up] until we all reach unity in [of] the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. NIV

4:13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature [mature] of the fullness of Christ NKJV

Unity in the Faith

  Let’s dismiss the idea that being in unity is for members to be in agreement with a well-defined set of doctrines mandated by the church. Although some or most of these doctrinal statements may be good, this is not the unity Paul is speaking about. It is unity in being Christ like, the fullness of Christ.

  Colossians is the companion book to Ephesians. He refers to the believers in Colossians as “God’s chosen people,” they were all together “to clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Col 3:12-14).

Knowledge of the Son of God

       Unity in the faith, is the practice of love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, because we have learned to quickly forgive each other when mistakes are made. We forgive in love. “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8).

  Those united with Christ, will love, as they have been loved by God. They will put the mistakes of others behind them and believe the best about them. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Cor 4:6).

  “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Col 3:15). Be thankful for others, in their flaws read their hearts desire to be in Christ Jesus. This is unity of the Christan faith, specific doctrines are second to last, they are not first and foremost. All together, we are called to peace, not war with each other. This is in keeping with having the knowledge of the Son of God.

Fullness is Not Perfection

  When Christ “ascended on high” (4:8), at His ascension into heaven He gave gifts to “built up” (4:12) the belivers. This process of building us up is ever, always to be going higher. 

  John takes a hammer to the idea that fullness of Christ is to be understood as reaching a point of complete fullness, which one would say they have reached a point of perfection. John says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us…If we claim that we have not sinned we make Him [God] out to be a liar…” (1 John 1:9,10). In other words, if we say we have nothing to confess or ask for forgiveness, we declare God Himself to be a liar, because God knows this is not true at all.

  As Jesus taught about the sowing of the gospel seed said, “soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head” (Mark 4:28). This is what it means to be mature, each one becoming mature according to their intended ability, over their lifetime.

Fullness of Christ

  The Greek word for fullness means to be mature and full grown. It is seen in growing through the stages of life from childhood to a mature responsible adult. Having increased strength with the wisdom for making decisions that comes with age and experience “so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect [full] will of God. (Rom 12:2 Christan Standard Bible). This is not learned in a few days, over time, but is learned during the challenges of life.

Believers Must Learn to Pray with Maturity

 Like Jesus prayed “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:9-10). Often, we pray without maturity. We want God to do our will, instead of waiting with patience for God to reveal His will for us.

Fullness of Christ

  The concept of fullness of Christ is based on the idea that in the life and teaching of Christ and what the Apostles proclaimed and what the Spirit is sent to do for us—there is all together all we need to grow to maturity. There is more than enough than we, as believers, could ever need. There is never a need to turn to other supposed sources of spiritual water to be healthy. There is abundant fullness in Christ, our Savior. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Col 1:19-20). Take note, God has made full and adequate provision that we can be, really yes, reconciled to God. Welcomed, shielded and sealed with His Spirit to keep us safe from loss of faith and love.

There is nothing lacking in the gospel story to guide us safely to the heavenly shores. Jesus has promised us, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).

Learning to Act Like Mature Belivers

  Paul sets forth a goal that is to be our aim, as we march across the sands of time. Every year, every month, there are challenges to be met that require us to move in the direction of acting like mature belivers. The very first step is knowledge of the gospel account. Knowledge from your own experience of how to love, to have peace, to live free from guilt, to be kind and gentle, to be sincere and devoted to your Lord Jesus Christ.

  As mature belivers we “buildup” (Eph 4:12) others in love, teaching them the knowledge of the Son of God. We do this, even if other belivers don’t respect or love you in return. Such is the example that Christ has set for us. Can we embrace it when it is very difficult? When other belivers have not learned these lessons and are arrogant and judgmental toward others.

       As mature believers, we know our maturity is seen in our unity of faith. Just as God in Christ sought us out, so mature belivers seek out others to help in any way you can.

Unity of Faith

       Unity of faith is finding agreement with others, building others up, to develop their walk of faith so that together, we “live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20). It means we seek ways to build up faith in God’s promises, faith in Jesus Christ and knowledge in “the message we have heard from him [Jesus] and declare to you: God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.” That “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:5,9).

Unity in the Faith

  This is our goal, to respect other believers not of the same congregation or fellowship.

       Paul has already talked about this unity that he called the “bond of peace” (4:3). In practical terms it means we are to “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom 14:19). “Let all things be done in a way that builds people up” (1 Cor 4:26 EHV). A mature person will not permit “bitter roots (to) grow up” in their hearts, if they do, they will “fall short of the grace of God” (Heb 12:15), not able to find fullness in Christ.

Out of “his fullness” we are given “grace for grace” (John 1:16 NKJV).

  Grace upon grace, in the mornings of our life, the evenings of our lives, every day of our lives. "The riches of full assurance" (Col 2:2 NKJV) is available. There is nowhere else in our wide world where we can receive Divine Grace that loves us, favors us and adopts us and promises us a resurrection into a new existence out of this world—family of God. NOWHERE!

  We believers are privileged, unlike anyone who thinks their own wealth or political power makes them feel superior. We as believers, have something far better we are “built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit” (2:22).

  We are so privilege, in the morning or nighttime to be welcomed as we “draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (Heb 10:22). That we believe the promise “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find” (Matt 7:7).

  We are given of a grace, a favor, a blessing completely undeserved an unearned “to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (3:19). This is no ordinary love. It is not of this world. It comes from the Spirit of God for, “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom 5:5). What fullness there is for us believers, in the security of God’s love, forgiveness, grace, precious promise and that we are so gifted, with God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, to teach us, guide us and channel the fullness of Christ into our lives.

Growing Up into Maturity, In the Way of Love 4:14-16

Ephesians 4:14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 4:16 From him the whole body, joined and held together [by love] by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part (gifts) does its work.

4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

  Paul expands the above section in 4:1-13, now explaining why it is so important for every believer to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” which acknowledges the eight one’s: Body, Spirit, Hope, Lord, Faith, Baptism, God our Father and Grace as a gift of Christ (4:3-7). In this unity, we are to “build up” each other up “in love” into our grand head—Christ. A Christ centered ministry and life.

No longer Infants or Children in Their Faith

  Paul used this expression to show what happens to believers that are not mature, in faith, love and knowledge that creates unity. They are likely to follow false prophets and teachers that have made up deceitful religious practices with great skill and cunning. These deceitful teachers teach for financial gain, with every wind of doctrine. Meaning that if we could make of list of all the deceitful false teachings, which pretend to be the gospel, it would include every possible deception has been taught throughout history, which is too numerous to list them all.

  By way of example, in about 400 AD, there was a man that was called Simeon Stylites, who lived on top of a 10-foot pillar for 37 years. People came to seek his prayers and advice all over the area. This is deceitful teaching that has zero bases for support from Jesus or any of the Apostles.

Deceitful Scheming: How Not to be Deceived?

       Remember what Jesus said: “The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40). Jesus was often called teacher. When Jesus said to “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He responded to Jesus, “Tell me, teacher,” what do you want to tell me (Lk 7:40). Whatever Jesus wanted to tell Simon, we should also listen to what Jesus is saying to us in the Gospels.

  A fully trained teacher is one who has spent time with the master, to learn his ways. The student, which is every believer who studies the Word, is not above their teacher. No gospel teacher has any right whatsoever to promote any added test, any added theology, any added ideas, not required or discussed by Jesus or his Apostles.

       It is up to you to think about your own fellowship group. Do they request or demand things not clearly written in the New Testament? Know what Jesus and his Apostles have taught as truth for yourself. Be faithful to the voice of the Spirit, which is always in harmony with what has already been taught under the “new covenant” (2 Cor 3:6).

Every Passing Wind, Every New Idea Created by Deceitful Teachers

       Every wind means religious teachings that sweep through society as a new idea that should be embraced as an advanced form of special truth. However it is beyond what Jesus or Apostle’s taught. It is based on the creditability of the teacher, the number of adherents, not sound Biblical conclusions.

  We should take seriously what Paul said, “even if we [pretending to be Paul] or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse” (Gal 1:8). In other words we should test what we have been told is truth by what Paul is teaching.

       Every wind of teaching is in expression of many kinds of doctrine and teachings which are new or very popular, with no or marginal support from the teaching of Christ. They are founded on supposed truth but not on the “fullness of Christ” (Eph 4:13). They are centered in human authority, other teaching then that of Christ.

Masquerading as Apostles, False Gospel and False Holy Spirit

       Even in Paul’s day, the Early Churches were troubled by false teachers claiming to be apostles. Paul was very concerned about this saying that “false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.  And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light” (2 Cor 11:3).

       Paul is sadden that the Corinth church did not have more discernment saying, “For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough” (2 Cor 11:4).

       In a similar way the belivers the Galatians were also deceived by false teachers. Paul said to them, “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” (Gal 3:1). Paul was very troubled about this situation when false teachers taught a perverted gospel, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! (Gal 1:6-8).

       If the Early Church was so quickly deceived, we should beware of the ever-present danger of false teachers that create a following around themselves.

Jesus Has Warned us About False Teachers

  Jesus has already warned us saying, “False Christ’s and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (Matt 24:24).

  Some false teachers take on authority and inspiration, making them nearly equal to Scriptures.

  Some false prophets teach new doctrines that are said come from God or an angel, “to deceive the inhabitants of the earth” (Rev 13;14).

  Some false prophets center attention on their lives and their authority.

  Some false prophets present special truth that separates belivers from “unity in the Faith of Christ.” (4:1), by making their view so special that all others are excluded.  They lead “astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Cor 11:3), by adding additional requirements.

  Some false prophets have placed themselves on a high spiritual status in which their followers search their writing to know the truth, placing Scriptures at a secondary level.

Instead, Speaking the Truth in Love

  This is the opposite example of the false winds of doctrine. Teaching the truth in love we come to realize that God “chose us before creation of the world to be” in is presence, “in love He predestined us for adoption,” to Himself, “in accordance with His [good] pleasure and will, to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. (Eph 1:4-6). Teaching in love, shows that “no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ” (2 Cor 1:20).

  Mature believers in Christ, know they are part of the “Body of Christ” (4:12); thus they teach in love, with grace, being good and kind to all.

  Mature believers have a “knowledge” (4:13) of Scriptures that is not shallow or focused on uncertain applicationMature believers will be students of Paul’s themes of Justification by Faith, which is presented in many chapters.

  Mature believers will be students of the ministry of the Holy Spirit as Jesus and Apostles have taught. Jesus dedicated nearly three complete chapters on the ministry of the Spirit, in John 14-16. The Apostle Paul has made so many references to the Spirit’s ministry that we cannot count them all.

  Mature believers speak the truth; they live the truth of the “message of the gospel” (Acts 15:7), the “message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13). They are “rooted and grounded in love…the love of Christ” (3:17,18).

  Mature believers know of all the doctrines that may be required, the “greatest,” of all these teachings, “is love” (1 Cor 13:13). “If any man loves not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maranatha” (1 Cor 16:22 KJV). Correct doctrines, without the love of God in our hearts, and “the love of Christ” (3:18), outward toward others, is an anathema.

The Head is Christ

  All teachings are to be Christ centered and Christ uplifting. In Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians he kept “asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Eph 1:17). This is the goal of every sermon and Bible study; as well as our personal lives, for we wish to known him better and better the next day.

Grows…Every Ligament…Builds Itself Up in Love

  Paul compares believers to a human body that grows from a child to an adult. This body of believers, grows up by Christ’s teachings week by week. It is nourished and is held together by love for God and one another, in Christ. This is how the body of believers becomes fruitful. Because every believer, with their “gifts” (Eph 4:8), strives to keep their love for each other by “the Spirit” (Eph 4:3). 

       Although the concept of every ligament of Paul, is primarily attune to individuals in the Christian Community all working together. They all have “different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Cor 12:4). In a secondary sense, it means that individually we are to access in prayer, through the teaching ministry of the Spirit, to know if the gifts God has given to us are balanced in love. Prayer will reveal these truths to you.

Each Part Does Its Work

  No single leader can build up the body of believers to maturity. God uses different people, all different “lovers of God” (2 Tim 3:4).  A good leader will place others with gifts from the Spirit above him or herself. No one person will seek to be above all others in gifts or ideas. This is how God wishes the church to be held together and balanced on the scales of love that is based on humility.

Growing Up into Maturity, In the Way of Love 4:14-16

Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live [walk] as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 4:18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 4:19 Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. NIV

4:17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 4:18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 4:19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. NKJV

Gentile’s Thinking and Understanding

  Paul describes the source of evil in our world as not entirely dependent on the direct temptations of Satan, because the Gentiles have their understanding darkened.  Jesus describes how evil arises “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly” (Mark 7:21,22).

Gentile Pagan’s Have Become Insensitive

       After they harden their hearts to God’s warnings and invitations, some Gentiles become callous, grown numb and unfeeling to all natural affections. This is the condition of many individuals that open a firearm on innocent children, mothers and seniors. It could be in a Bar, shopping center, supermarket, neighborhood or on a nature trail. They kill with no guilt; they run away only because they know they could be jailed for their behavior.

The Problem of Evil is Sourced from Within

   Paul describes pagan Gentiles are those “whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron” (1 Tim 4:2). Many blame the problem of evil on God. Paul places the source of evil in the darkness, ignorance, and hardening of human hearts, from within. 

Pagan Thinking Contrasted with Believers Understanding

  In contrast belivers have the “eyes of” their “understanding being enlightened” (Eph 1:8) by being “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8) and “made alive in the Spirit” (1 Pet 3:18).

Nine Sources of Evil in the World

  Paul insists that all believers must no longer live like their pagan neighbors. He recognizes the pull of the pleasures and self-indulgence of evil on new believers. It is easy to become a Christian while still holding on to the customs of their culture and old habits that are not found in the Christian faith. 

Paul gives us nine descriptions of evil that spring from within the human heart. “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Those who “love darkness” enjoy doing deeds of darkness, they are in concert with the kingdom of “outer darkness” (Matt 8:12). Whereas those “Born of the Spirit” (John 3:8) enjoy “helping those in trouble and devoting” themselves “to all kinds of good deeds” (1 Tim 5:10).

1.     Futility of their thinking—Foolishness, aimlessness, such as the arrangement of clothes and hair, as if trivial details is all that matters. Today, the foolishness of about a hundred movie channels and endless soap operas. These can add to an already darkened mind.

2.     Darkened understanding—What they think is right and wrong, good and bad. To reason with them is nearly impossible. Jesus testified about the condition of humanity, “For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes” (Matt 13:15).

3.     Separated from the life of God—They don’t know God who has declared of Himself, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin” (Ex 34:6,7). They have very twisted, false views of God, which affects how they treat other people and how they live their lives.

4.     Ignorance in them—When they are living in spiritual darkness, they feel they are wise and better than others.

5.     Hardening of their hearts—They may have had contact with Christian faith but rejected it and now have no interest at all. They are insensitive to spiritual values. “They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin” (2 Pet 2:14 ESV).

6.     Lost sensitivity—They don’t care about hurting, abusing, stealing or killing another person. They have lost the sense of compassion and mercy. After stealing from others, they feel no regret or sorrow for those who lost their personal possessions. The pain they cause others is not any of their concern. “They do not know, nor do they understand; they walk about in darkness” (Ps 82:5 NKJV).

7.     Given over to sensuality—Sexual desires are seen as a necessity, with no interest to control these impulses. They live self-centered lives, for self-pleasure, “in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God” (1 Thess 4:5 NKJV)

8.     Indulge themselves in impurity—Roman culture included prostitution, on the streets for sale and in some Roman temples. Romans did not look down on this practice. At that time in history there were no sexual diseases to create any self-restraint.

9.     Full of greed—Always wanting more, schemes of extortion or taking advantage of others who are weaker. New cars, big homes, racks of shoes and clothes more than one person can use.  All the fancy electronic equipment they can buy with a desire to own more and more material possessions, even if others around them are in need, it does not matter.

Putting off the Old Self

 Putting on the New Self

Ephesians 4:20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned. 4:21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 4:23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 4:24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. NIV

4:20 But you have not so learned Christ, 4:21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: NKJV

Not the Way of Life You Learned

       In the last several verses Paul described the state of the pagan mind, the darkness of their understanding. Paul and his colleagues taught and trained the Ephesians on how to live the Christian life. They explained the difference between hardened and soften conscience with sensitive hearts.

  Paul claims that “from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ” (Rom 15:19). Which is the “message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13). Paul taught the way of Christ, his teachings, his life and the gospel which is God’s plan is to reconcile us to Himself, with complete forgiveness and with many promises. “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Cor 1:20).

Truth as it is in Jesus

  We should draw a circle with Christ name written in the inside. From the circle draw lines, calling them truth as learned from the teachings of Jesus and from Paul, Peter, John and James’s letters.

       Paul throughout his letters teaches us the way of life. He frequently repeats basic and fundamental gospel teaching. In Colossians chapter 3 and in Romans 3-8 the teachings of putting off the old and putting on the new, are repeated with different illustrations, so all can understand.

Truth as it is in Jesus—is Fruitful

       Paul is concerned in all his letters about “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10). And that their “faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing” (2 Thes 1:3). Paul wants them to become a “mature body” in Christ (Eph 4:15). So that their “love” will not “grow cold” (Matt 24:12).

Believers are to “grow to become” (4:15), more like Christ, week by week. Jesus repeats this truth that believers are to grow, through the illustration of a plant, saying “though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches” (Matt 13:32).

Former Way of Live Created to be Like God

  In our journey of faith we will find some habits cling so tightly to us that we are unable to “put” them “off” as easy as changing clothes. Thankfully there are many changes that do take place when we are Born Again, where God has created a new self, which alters the direction of our life. These almost automatic changes affect our inner desires and remove some of the old temptations that are not easy to lose.

       We will meet situations and habits that are so repetitive to us that as hard as we try and pray, we nearly always fall into the same pit. What should we do?

       Remember when the disciples were not effective in driving out demons in a young boy. They asked Jesus why they were unable. Jesus replied, “this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting” (Matt 17:21 NAS). This is persistent, earnest prayer, more than just a wish to change a long-held habit of action, of thoughts, which are addictive and almost impossible to deny over a short period of time.

       “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” There was a wicked judge that would not listen to the case of a poor defenseless widow asking for justice. But because she was persistent, the judge heard her case and granted her justice. Although God is not like the unjust judge the point Jesus was making, is in contrast with the wicked judge, is that we “should always pray and not give up.” For God will “bring justice for his chosen one, who cry out to him day and night? (Matt 18:1-7). The justice that God will give you is freedom from addictive habits that have long held you captive to their pleasures. 

  The justice God will give you is freedom from addictive habits that have long held you captive to their pleasures. This freedom from your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires God will “release to the captives” and “to set free those who are oppressed” (Lk 4:18). Yet, God will and is more than able to set free the most substance addictive person. God will install an outside internal power that will give you the perfect right “to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:12).

 Ephesians 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 4:23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 4:24 and to put on the new self [new person], created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

4:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Correction to the NIV Translation

  The NIV’s translation of 4:24 falls short of the Greek text. As the NKJV says we are to be “renewed” while the NIV just say “to put on.” The Greek word ananeoó means “to renew, to make new again, rejuvenation or transformation.” The Hebrew of the Old Testament teach the same concept “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Ps 51:10).

Changed in Our Minds

  First, let’s list the tools for our spiritual growth so that we can be renewed, rejuvenated and transformed. Paul uses four illusions made new; renewed; new self and created

1. Put off your old self—the way you used to live, corrupted by deceitful desires and lust (4:22). This starts with confession of sins with repentance.

2. Our minds are made new —transformed in your mind’s attitudes and desires (4:23). This means a real substantive mental change takes place.

3. Put on the new self—Becoming a new creation to be like God in righteousness (4:24). This is a reference to being what Jesus said was needed to enter the kingdom of heaven was to be “Born Agan” (John 3:1-8).

How to Put Off, to Dispose of our Unwanted Habits

  The Greek word is put off is apotithémi which implies a deliberate action of removing or laying aside something that is no longer needed or is considered inappropriate. When the Spirit through the Word of God speaks to us about ourselves, our sins, our habits that need confessing, our need of more love in our lives to counter our selfishness. “Now you must also rid yourselves [apotithémi, put off] of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Col 3:8).

       Then it is time to pray. To ask God to not “keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Ps 51:9,10 NLT). Over time, sometimes very short other times longer, God will replace the old careless habits that hurt others with a new self that is polite and loving to the undeserving.

Prayer to God is the Only Way

  The point we should not miss, is when we are confronted with intractable problems, we will be given faith “to pray and not to lose heart” (Lk 18:1). We are to pray and sing in prayer spiritual songs. We are to ask God to give you strength, to change, so you can move past a habit the confronts you. Pray for the creation of God, to go deeper, to be more lasting, to be part of my mind and soul.

  It is important to notice changes in your desire, your passion, your love of something not best for you, will change. Before you know it, you will have lost the temptation that had control over you. You are able to say no, with a new inner strength of understanding that the Spirit has given you. This inner strength is seen in new desires that does not what to dishonor your Lord. You will be “strengthened with the power through the Spirit in your inner being” to be “rooted and grounded in love,” the “love of Christ” (Eph 3:16-19).

  In your sinful nature wrong thoughts will still often occur from time to time. However the difference is you really don’t want to follow that path anymore. The call to go there may be present, but the desire to move in that direction is absent. It is always time, when confronted with old temptation, to ask God to take the suggestions that have come to your mind, to set you free. “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it” (1 Thess 5:24); “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Lk 1:37).

Paul Continues the Subject of Spiritual Growth 4:25-28

Ephesians 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off (4:22) falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 

4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another

Therefore Each of You

  Since you have been “renewed,” “created” (4:23) by God and given a “new self” (4:24). We must put off all falsehoods, gossip about others that are not really facts, and be truthful. Why? Because we are parts of the same body, one body of Christ, the gospel by faith in Christ through “one Spirit” (4:4). The concept of one body has been used five times in Ephesians (2:16; 3:6; 4:4,25; 5:29). Thus, if believers are “in Christ,” with other believers “in Christ” (Rom 1:1,3,9,12,13; 2:1,6,7,10,13; 3:6,11,21; 4:32), they must be truthful.

The reason why we must tell the truth to each other is that we are all members of the “body of Christ” (4:12) and thus would we lie to Christ our Savior, to his face?

The reason why we must tell the truth to each other is because the Spirit is dwelling, inside the believer. Because it is “God’s Spirit dwells in your midst” (1 Cor 3:16). Since the “Spirit dwells” (1 Cor 3:16), in the believer, lying would be against “the Spirit of truth” (John 16:13). Who really wants to tell a lie, as the Spirit is creating holy influences in our hearts?

The reason why we must tell the truth to each other is we become like the Devil when we lie.  Jesus said “the devil… was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

 The reason why we must tell the truth to each other is when we lie to another, we carry the responsibility before God of misleading these individuals. Of influencing them to take action that involves them in trouble, when it was all just lie. Karma will return to them; someone will lie to them also.

 The reason why we must tell the truth to each other is that we have a moral responsibility before God, to honor the Golden Rule. Which plainly says, “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Lk 6:31). As such lying has a deep color, not a pail color, not a red color—But Black. For lying is a disrespectful and a form of hatred of the person lied to. John the Apostle says, “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness . They do not know where they are going, because the darkness  has blinded them (1 John 2:11).

 Known for Truth Telling

       Believers are to be known for telling the truth for being honest in business. Truth telling is a sign we have “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (4:24). Lying is a sign we are dwelling in our old pre-converted state, which is constantly being corrupted, deceitfully telling us that we are in the right. Often times we attend a church that does not hold their members accountable for lying to each other.

One Body All Truthful to Each Other

  This idea has not been understood among all believers. God would have us accept other belivers who have been “reconciled” (Eph 2:16) to God. Even if they do have different religious houses of worship, practicing their faith within their culture, yet they also have “peace” (2:17) with God. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Col 3:15). Christ dwells by the Spirit in the lives of all belivers, all peoples, from north to south poll, all over of the earth. Toward any believer in Christ, honest is the best policy, this honors, God and the Spirit of truth.  

Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 4:27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 

4:26 Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 4:27 nor give place to the devil.

.

  The only kind of anger that is justified is toward injustice, as Jesus expressed in cleansing the temple twice. In a modern setting it is seen in a case of open abuse, on a public street, of woman by a strong man. When we see this, indignation arises in our hearts in anger, that draws a response to protect the abused woman.

  If anger is associated with hate, it will bring darkness and in the long-term perfect darkness. Darkness is when a person carries in their heart cruel-unkind anger that seems no wrong in expressing this anger. If “anyone who hates a brother or sister is in darkness and walks around in darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them” (1 John 2:11).

  Paul is suggesting that leaders of the fellowship should be vigilant in warning the sheep of God’s pasture of spiritual dangers. Christians can exercise a righteous indignation, anger, over open sin that ruin’s lives in their “fellowship” (1 John 1:3). If believers do not address sin in their midst, the devil gains an advantage by compromising the sincerity, the purity that should characterize believers. Sadly this is neglected in most Christian communities today.

   Even anger that is directed to open sins in the Christian fellowship, unless it is short lived, it will harm our souls. Because the ones pointing out the grave sins, are led to feel more righteous than the ones they are attempting to warn.

This is very delicate work, not suited for everyone. For it is evil that delights to hurt others, which are weaker or more vulnerable. Often those doing the condemning of others feel entitled by their superior position or wisdom to find fault, making themselves feel better. All our words must be spoken with deep personal humility, love and much and more prayer. “Be merciful to those who doubt [wavering in their faith]; save others by snatching them from the fire [serious mistake]; to others show mercy, mixed with fear [for yourself]—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh [hating the sin not the person]” (Jude 22,23).

In Anger Do Not Sin

  An example of righteous anger was when “Jesus went into the temple of God and drove out all those who bought and sold in the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matt 21:12-13).

       Notice that the anger of Jesus was short lived for after the money changers and high-priced animals that were being sold for sacrifice were gone from inside the temple. “Then the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them” (Matt 21:14). Apparently, many children came to be blessed and healed by Jesus and “the children” could be heard “praising him in the Temple, saying, ‘Praise to the Son of David” (Matt 21:15 NCV).

       The anger of Jesus was short lived and followed by healing of everyone that was watching this event. They at once moved into the temple to be near this unusual man. Children came from all over the area and were caught up in the exciting joy of seeing sick people healed and joined with others in songs of praise.

Why the Devil has No Foothold in Believers’ Life

  The daily life of a believer has a “shield of faith, with which can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one” (Eph 6:16).

Peter says, “through faith” we “are shielded by God’s power”, not just for the day but over our lifetime, “until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet 1:5).

Paul says we are “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—to the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:13:14). The sealing of the Spirit refers to Jesus’s promise the He would send to us the Spirit to “help you and be with you forever, the Spirit of truth” (John 14:16,17). Teaching you, from your inner self, the truth of the gospel message as taught by Jesus and his apostles. We must never underestimate the value of being Spirit filled. Sealing is what is inside a person, something so very precious to God. It is the “message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” (Eph 1:13) radiating from our souls.

       Nothing, not all of Satan’s efforts can pierce the protection that believers have in Christ. Since they are shielded, marked and sealed. This includes Angelic protection, at the command and direction of God Himself. We are His treasure, “God’s possession” (Eph 1:14).

Out of Control Anger: Gives the Devil a Foothold

  We give the Devil opportunity to come closer to us, for further temptations and harassment, when in a state of sustained anger, even if it was for the right reason.

First Warning as to the Dangers of Real Anger: But we should be warned that anger held inside the heart can easily fall into various forms of hatred and it will surely bring us into darkness. In that darkness we are very likely to fall into a trap set by the Devil, giving him a foot hold into our lives, because we are blind to his approach. “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (1 John 4:20)

Second Warning as to the Dangers of Real Anger: “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing” (1 Tim 2:8). Anger that lingers without repentance will hinder prayers. “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him” (1 John 3:15).

What Specific Sins in the Fellowship Should not be Addressed

       Watchmen in the fellowship have no right to set, as law, their opinions. What their conscience tells them what to eat, how to dress, their music styles, should not be made standard for others. They are not to oversee how others spend their money or their private family matters. This is spiritual bondage, for “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor 3:17).

       Paul illustrates how God receives people, allowing them to have their own convictions from their prayer and Scripture study. Paul says, “Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand” (Rom 14:1-4).

What specific sins in the fellowship should be addressed

       Watchmen in the fellowship should thoroughly teach with a little righteous anger that any form of sexual immorality or vulgarity should be instructed to repent. No one who practices these immoral sins “has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ of God” (Eph 5:5). The leaders of the fellowship should advice married couples, who are thinking of divorce, to ask God to give them ways for love to grow and survive the ups and downs of life. This is essential for the health of the fellowship.

 Ephesians 4:28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

4:28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

  Believer's in Paul’s time had come from a pagan society.  In Rome stealing was common, slaves would steal to compensate for their forced labor. Soldiers were given the right to steal, at times anything they wanted, from conquered enemies. When pagan believers became Christian, they needed some instruction. Paul is giving them a direct command: You must not seal any longer.

       Paul’s solution to stealing was to find good employment that would allow them financially to improve themselves, instead of stealing.

  Paul believed that honest labor is blessed by God, as seen in having enough to be generous to others. Thus there is no need to steal because they are blessed with more than enough. Instead of stealing they were to develop the practice of charity toward those in need. Instead of stealing from others, they were to give to others.

Paul to Pastor Titus

       To slaves, stealing from their slave masters, was profitable and desirable. However Christian slaves were advised “not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive” (Titus 2:10).

Grieving the Spirit

4:29-32

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk [words] come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit [building up] those who listen [nearby]. 

4:30 And do not grieve [bring sorrow] the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage [bad temper] and anger [being mad, shouting], brawling [quarreling, contention] and slander [cursing], along with every form of malice maliciousness with evil intent]. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. NIV

4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. NKJV

4:29 You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. NET

Words that Should Give Gace

  The NIV could be clearer in their translation, as the NKJV has given us. The NET Bible accurately reads, “You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear” (Eph 4:29).

  The meaning is clear, our words should be kind and tolerant toward others, so that they may learn about “the God of all grace, who called you [us] to his eternal glory in Christ” (1 Pet 5:10). For God is called “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Cor 1:3,4).

  What is amazing is that our words, when they are kind and considerate, are to be like words of grace. Which is like God who offers to us grace and favor that is not deserved but comes from His own kindness. This goodness of God leads us to come to Him for grace, in our time of need. God spreads His grace all over the world, so we likewise spread kindness in our words of grace. What a privilege to copy God our Father in spreading graceful words and actions around our circle of influence.

  “Be perfect” in kindness to those who dislike you, “therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matt 5:48).

  There is an old song written 1792 by John Fawcett entitled “Blest Be the Tie That Binds.” John knew this firsthand how “Christan love” is spread by a “sympathizing tear” with a neighbor or friend.

Blest be the tie that binds.

our hearts in Christian love;

the fellowship of kindred minds

is like to that above.

We share our mutual woes,

our mutual burdens bear,

and often for each other flows

the sympathizing tear.

Unwholesome Words

  This expression means something that is worthless, rotten with a bad smell and demeaning toward others. Jesus used this same Greek word for “bad” as “trees that bears bad fruit” (Matt 7:17,18). When corrupt words become part of our daily speech, like a tree, our lives will bear bad fruit. “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matt 7:19).

  Meaning that those who on a regular basis, use foul, sarcastic, or religious profanity in the misuse of God’s name, will be “thrown into the fire” of hell. Thus, we must take very seriously the unkind words we use, for judgment will follow, unconfessed unkind words, that bite and hurt.

   We must guard our words, for it is impossible to ever take them back. Cursing is a very hard habit for many to break from. It will often take much prayer and time within Scriptures and sacred music.  They will need to be “Born of the Spirit” (John 3:8) and learn how to “put off your old self” (Eph 4:22) and to be taught the “truth that it is in Jesus” (Eph 4:21).This is accomplished by going to the Cross of Christ, where we receive full forgiveness and empowerment to transform our speech into truthful kindness. Into a new vocabulary of words that create peace and impart grace to those we have a conversation with.

Words of Salt

  Paul taught the Colossian belivers “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone” (Col 4:6). The salt is in reference to the preserving quality of salt. For example it is reported that cured salt pork, when properly handled, can be stored for 1 to 3 months for the best quality. When our words are salted, they are helpful and encouraging to the lonely, sorrowful, grieving, discouraged or the young and inexperienced.

Believers should be cautioned to avoid some movies that use profane words, although we have not spoken to them, a danger remains that we will find it easy to repeat them. Instead we should endeavor to stay focused on positive words of grace, peace, praise, and thanksgiving.

Unwholesome Words Grieve the Spirit

  When we use foul language, if “Born of God” (1 John 3:9) the Spirit will warn us of our mistake. Unless we turn to prayer and seek God’s power for better replacement of our words; it will have a dampening effect on the labors of the Spirit in our behalf. Over time, blindness will set in, and we will feel little desire to stop our unkind or cruel words spoken to others. Our understanding of scripture and the comfort, love and joy that comes from the Spirit, is lost sight of or greatly diminished.

Worst of all, those with continued unwholesome speech, toward their spouse, children or employees are in danger of being like one of the “foolish” “virgins” (Matt 25:2), belivers in Christ, who lost the oil of the Holy Spirit in their lives. It is the Spirit of God that recreates words in our mouths, that are kind and pure.

  All ten of the virgins in this parable were expecting the return of Christ so that they can go “inside with Him to the wedding banquet” (Matt 25:10). Instead the five foolish belivers find themselves at the day the Lord returns, to be out of “oil” (Matt 25:8), the symbol for the Holy Spirit. The power to change our lives. When, later, they come to the door of the wedding feast, they knocked and said, “Lord, lord! Let us in!’ But inside the room they heard the reply, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you!’” (Matt 25:11). The foolish virgins were unprepared for the Second Coming of Jesus, because they were without the Spirit, having grieved the Spirit, and were left with all the rest of the lost, in a hopeless condition, with unclean habits.

Words That Build Others Up

  Paul writing to the Corinthians belivers said, "So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it” (2 Cor 10:8). Paul had authority as an Apostles. There was only a dozen of them, they are the founders of the Christian movement. Yet, despite all his authority, he would never use it to tear others down but only build them up. Paul did not follow the “cancel culture” of today, that cancels those who don’t follow the exact narrative provided. This is a lesson for anyone who uses their authority to abuse or mistreat others. To not give them justice or mercy when they really could.

  When believers have grieved the Spirit from them, they will bruise and humiliate others without even knowing it. Maybe even feeling justified in doing so, while they falsely believe they are among the saved.

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve [bring sorrow] the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage [bad temper] and anger [being mad, shouting], brawling [quarreling, contention, strife] and slander [cursing], along with every form of malice [maliciousness, evil intent]. 4:32 And be kind to one another [helpful], tenderhearted [compassionate], forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

The Holy Spirit of God

This is the only time this expression is used in the New Testament. Indicating the closeness of the Holy Spirit to God the Father. So close the Spirit is identified with God, having come “from God” to us (John 15:26).

The term “Holy Spirit” is used about 93 times in the NT.

The term “Spirit of God” is used about 11 times in the NT.

The Term “The Spirit of the Lord” is used 4 times in the NT

The Term “The Spirit of truth” is used 4 times in the NT

The Term “The Spirit gives life” is used 3 times in the NT

The term “Spirit of Christ” is used 2 times in the NT.

The term “New way of the Spirit” used 1 time in the NT

The term “God’s Spirit” is used 1 time in the NT

The term “God is Spirit” is used 1 time in the NT

The Term “The Spirit of His Son” 1 time in the NT

The term “the Spirit who is from God” used 1 time in the NT

The “Spirit that He (God) gave us” is used 1 time in the NT

References to the “Spirit” is used somewhere around 75-100 times in the NT

Other expressions used in the New Testament for the Spirit:

            The Spirit of holiness (Rom 1:4)

Set your mind on what the Spirit desires (Rom 8:5)

The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace (Rom 8:6)

Led by the Spirit (Rom 8:14)

The love of the Spirit (Rom 15:30)

Made alive in the Spirit (1 Pet 3:18)

Receive the power of the Spirit (Lk 4:14)

Overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13)

Live by the Spirit (1 Cor 3:1)

Receive gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 14:1)

Fruits of the Spirit is love, joy and peace (Gal 5:22)

To please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life (Gal 6:8)

Songs from the Spirit (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16)

Joy given by the Holy Spirit (1 Thess 1:6)

The Holy Spirit and in sincere love (2 Cor 6:6)

Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Cor 13:14)

Your love in the Spirit (Col 1:8)

The Spirit gives us wisdom and understanding (Col 1:9)

The Spirit gives us wisdom and revelation (Eph 1:17)

Saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit (2 Thess 2:13)

The Spirit God gave us, gives us power, love and self-discipline (2 Tim 1:7)

through Christ Jesus, so by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit (Gal 3:14)

This is how we know that he lives in us: by the Spirit he gave us. (1 John 3:24)

This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit (1 John 4:13

I tell you; no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5)

How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Lk 11:13)

  The subject of the ministry of the Spirit should be, must be, central in gospel teaching and preaching. Anytime the Spirit is neglected and untaught, we are poorer, spiritually. We will be like the Church in Laodicea that was counseled “to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich” (Rev 3:18). The fire represents the Spirit that came upon disciple as “tongues of fire” (Act 2:3). The gold stands for the Spirit filled life. 

1-Do Not Greive the Spirit

  The Spirit is not grieved with himself—but for us. We can grieve the Spirit with our anger, jealousy and irritability with others and our “unwholesome speech” (Eph 4:29), or words that hurt others in any way.  The result is not that the Spirit abandons or leaves us. It is that we will experience a loss of inner peace and joy in the Lord. When after “anger” (4:31), we follow it with repentance, the Spirit will be there for us. The Spirit will give us “access” (2:18) to our Father God where we will receive forgiveness and justification from faith alone.

  However if we grieve the Spirit in our rough treatment of others, tenants in our apartment, we stand a chance that we will justify our actions, feeling no need of being sensitive to the feelings of others. This is very dangerous, for such a person, cannot be sealed for the day redemption of into eternal life.

Don’t Put Out the Spirit’s Fire

  In a list of 15 practices of the “children of light” in Thessalonians Paul encourages the believers saying to them “Do not quench the Spirit” (1 Thess 5:19). In other words, don’t stifle, turn away the Spirit’s fire burning inside your spirit.

  The Greek word for “quench” means to extinguish, suppress, the fire. In practical terms the Spirit’s good influence on our lives, fighting our flesh in our behalf (Gal 5:17), planting the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:19), is suppressed, and we left to “walk around in the darkness” (1 John 2:11).

  We are not to quench the fire of enthusiasm which often will burst out in prayers, praises, thanksgivings. What a privilege to teach “With words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words” (1 Cor 2:13). What a shame to lose this privilege, because our anger or unkindness has dampened the Spirit, resulting in further blindness as to our real spiritual condition.

  John the Baptist predicted that Jesus “will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matt 3:11).

The Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives is compared with fire. At times it burns high and bright, while at times it is a bed of hot coals. The first presence of the Spirit, after the resurrection of Jesus, was at Pentecost where “tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them” (Acts 2:3). There is an old proverb which says, "Where the Spirit is, He burns”.

  Where the Spirit is not, there is no enthusiasm in song or no “Spirit-taught words” (1 Cor 2:13)

It is formal, often like reading a manuscript. They are like sermons that are filled with personal anecdotes, with very little Scriptures. They are words with no wings that move the listener into conviction and heart felt prayers, at times forcing them in their seats and bringing them to tears of repentance and peace with God.

  The presence of the Spirit will bring the gift of warmth that percolates through the heart and at times, the body is swayed with deep emotion of love to God and heart felt prayers of repentance.

Quenching the Spirit by activities that run counter to the “fruits of the Spirit” (Gal 5:23).

             Instead of love—Hate and unkindness

                Instead of Joy—Joy abusing others or in one’s pride.

             Instead of peace—Arguments and disagreements centered on one’s own demands.

2-Greive the Spirit

  The worst possible thing that could happen to us is when God takes away His Holy Spirit from us and leaves us “orphans” (John 14:18) in this world. David knew this and believed his sin could have so grieved God’s Spirit that it would be forever gone in his life. So he prayed please Lord, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me” (Ps 51:11). What a sad day, to lose the sweet abiding presence of the Spirit in your life. Worst of all, new know you lost what you had your first encounter with God

  Activities that support the presence of the Spirit is following the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Lk 6:31). When not followed, the Spirit will tell you of your mistakes, if unheeded time after time, the Spirit is grieved.

Sealed by the Spirit of God

  The Spirit is the element IN which the believer is sealed. It is by the gracious influences of the Spirit of God that seals us. When we are “led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18) we will receive many fruits and gifts. One of the major gifts of the Spirit is what we best describe, as an implant in our hearts, to do good. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good” (Eph 2:10). This desire to do good to others moves into our lives and fills every corner. We want to make a difference in the lives of others, our family, friends, strangers, animals and plants. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Ps 34:14).

  Because our “bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:18) where God can dwell in us. This is what is represented as being sealed by the Spirit. This sealing takes place in the here and now, giving to us assurance that at the Second Coming of Jesus, we will be ready for that day of redemption.

3-Do not Grieve

  In Greek this is in the present tense. What Paul is saying is that “Unwholesome” (4:29) language, “bitterness rage and anger grieves the Holy Spirit. We should guard the Spirit’s presence because the Spirit is involved with our resurrection.

When we are bitter, angry or criticize others with malice. When we say spiteful words to others we grieve the Spirit. This affects our spiritual growth.

When a person is “born of the Spirit” (John 3:8) their “bodies” will become “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19), then unwholesome words will create a discomfort in the Spirit’s temple. It is as if the Spirit creates a kind of ruckus of disapproval, especially when profanity uses God’s name with slander. Listeners should be warned as to the potential danger of listening to “obscenity” (5:4), in a movie, relaxed in their front rooms while eating popcorn.

The Lord’s Prayer

  We will often pray the Lord’s Prayer, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt 6:13). Meaning that we ask God to guide our lives, our steps safely around or through the places where we would dishonor God’s name and not grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We are praying for Divine Guidance “to preserve our lives and kept [keep] our feet from slipping” (Ps 66:9). For we know that the evil one has set temptations along our path, so that he can cause us to fall into sin, again and again. “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me” (Ps 31:3). When we are faced with trouble causing us to fear, we can like David say, “I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm” (Ps 55:8).

PS: Postscript

  It bears repeating, for Paul develops the theme further in the next chapter, saying “not a hint of sexual immorality” or “obscenity” should be in our lives, or we will not “inherit the kingdom of God” (5:4). Thus, we must be very careful in watching movies that have swearing or constant cursing as part of their script. When we voluntarily watch profanity with graphic sexual encounters, with enjoyment, it will impact the Spirit of God in our lives, grieving the Spirit.  For the Spirit creates a Holy space inside us, known as the “Spirit of truth” (John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13), so what your eyes are watching is not only lies, but evil—all the opposite of truth.

  Instead, treasure the Spirit’s presence, guard it with your life, your “eyes” (Matt 6:22,23) and your “ears” (Matt 13:15) in tune with “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil 4:8).

  For it is not belief in church doctrines, church attendance, tithe paying or being a worship leader that seals us for the day of redemption, our resurrection at the Second Coming of our Lord. It is the treasured presence of the Spirit of God “guiding” us and “teaching” us the way of the Lord (John 16:13; 14:26). We can know, we can be assured, by the “Spirit himself” which “testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Rom 8:16), that we are redeemed because our “robes” are “made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:14).

  One final thought. Keep your conscience sensitive to what Scriptures teach, do that the tradition of men, don’t take the place of the voice of the Spirit. Remember that is not what an organization tells you, what you must do to be saved. Avoid adding new doctrines that are not New Testament based, thus making you feel guilty. Daily ask God for the Holy Spirit.

The End of the 4th Chapter of Ephesians

Brothers In Scriptures

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