Day 344 of My 3rd Bible Study Journey - 10 December 2023 reflections - 15th Day of Advent part 1
Day 344, 10 December 2023 - 15th Day of Advent
Today at Calvary Community Church
Pastor Doug Zeiber spoke on A Spirit-filled Community practices
persistent prayer.
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles.
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles.
A) Authentic Community and Power
A spirit filled community that prays together and prays for one another
encourages authentic relationships and releases God's power.
Matthew 18:19-20
19 (Mt 7:7; Ac 12:5) "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth
about anything they ask, it will be done for them
by My Father who is in heaven.
20 (Mt 28:20; Jn 20:19) For where two or three are assembled in My name,
there I am in their midst."
[19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
Father which is in heaven.
[20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them.
B) Powerful persistent prayers from Plain People
James 5:16-18
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
17 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) Elijah was a man subject to natural passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,
and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 (1Ki 18:42-45) And he prayed again, and the sky gave rain,
and the earth brought forth its fruit.
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much.
[17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed
earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the
space of three years and six months.
[18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit.
1 Peter 3:12
12 "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 John 5:14-15
14 (1Jn 3:21-22; Jn 14:13) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 So if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have
whatever we asked of Him.
[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have
the petitions that we desired of him.
C) Importunity Brings Opportunity
Luke 11:9
9 (Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you;
seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "
[9] And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18
The Parable of the Widow and the Judge
1 (Col 4:2; Ro 12:12) He told them a parable to illustrate
that it is necessary always to pray and not lose heart.
2 (Lk 18:4) He said: "In a city there was a judge who did not
fear God or regard man.
3 (Isa 1:17) And a widow was in that city. She came to him, saying,
'Avenge me against my adversary.'
4 "He would not for a while. Yet afterward he said to himself,
'Though I do not fear God or respect man,
5 (Lk 11:8) yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her,
lest by her continual coming she will weary me.' "
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge says.
7 (Rev 6:10; Ps 88:1) And shall not God avenge His own elect
and be patient with them, who cry day and night to Him?
8 I tell you, He will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
[1] And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to
pray, and not to faint;
[2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither
regarded man:
[3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying,
Avenge me of mine adversary.
[4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself,
Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
[5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her
continual coming she weary me.
[6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
[7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto
him, though he bear long with them?
[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son
of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Hebrews 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him.
D) Worshipers before Warriors
E) Future Uncertainty and Ultimate Vulnerability
1) Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3, Ephesians4, Ephesians 5, Ephesians 6
Ephesians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; Col 1:2) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which
are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
[2] Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places in Christ,
4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons to Himself
through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace which
He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight,
9 (Ro 8:28; Eph 1:11) making known to us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself,
10 (Col 1:20; Eph 3:15) as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite
all things in Christ, which are in heaven and on earth.
11 (Eph 1:14; Heb 6:17) In Him also we have received an inheritance,
being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things
according to the counsel of His own will,
12 (Eph 1:6) that we, who were the first to hope in Christ,
should live for the praise of His glory.
13 (Eph 4:30; Ac 1:4; 2:33) In Him you also, after hearing the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and after believing in Him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) who is the guarantee of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us
accepted in the beloved.
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good
pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which
are on earth; even in him:
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will:
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in
Christ.
[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were
sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Paul's Prayer
15 (Phm 1:5) Therefore I also, after hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and your love toward all the saints,
16 (Ro 1:8-9; Col 1:9) do not cease giving thanks for you, mentioning you
in my prayers,
17 (Jn 20:17; Ac 7:2) so that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of Him,
18 (Ac 26:18; 2Co 4:6) that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope of His calling and what are the riches
of the glory of His inheritance among the saints,
19 (Col 1:29; Eph 3:7) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power
toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
20 (Mk 16:19; Ps 110:1) which He performed in Christ when He raised Him
from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 (Col 2:10; Heb 1:4) far above all principalities, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age
but also in that which is to come.
22 (1Co 11:3; Mt 16:18) And He put all things in subjection under His feet
and made Him the head over all things for the church,
23 (Jn 1:16; Eph 3:19) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills
all things in all ways.
[15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and
love unto all the saints,
[16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give
unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what
is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his
inheritance in the saints,
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power,
[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set
him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is
to come:
[22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church,
[23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 2
From Death to Life
1 (Col 2:13; Lk 15:24) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,
2 (Jn 12:31; Eph 6:12; 2:3) in which you formerly walked according
to the age of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air,
the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3 (Gal 2:15-16; Ps 51:5) among them we all also once lived in the lusts
of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind,
and we were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
4 (Ro 2:4; Eph 1:7) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love
with which He loved us,
5 (Eph 2:1; Ac 15:11; Eph 2:8) even when we were dead in sins, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 (Eph 1:3) and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places
in Christ Jesus,
7 (Titus 3:4; Eph 2:4) so that in the coming ages He might show
the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 (Eph 2:5; Mk 16:16) For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God,
9 (2Ti 1:9; Ro 3:20) not of works, so that no one should boast.
10 (Eph 4:24; 2Co 5:17; Eph 1:4) For we are His workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,
so that we should walk in them.
[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience:
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts
of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were
by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved; )
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace
in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
One in Christ
11 (Col 2:11; 1Co 12:2; Eph 5:8) Therefore remember that formerly you,
the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called the "uncircumcision"
by the so-called "circumcision" in the flesh by human hands,
12 (1Th 4:13; Gal 4:8) were at that time apart from Christ,
alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants
of promise, without hope and without God in the world.
13 (Ac 2:39; Isa 57:19) But now in Christ Jesus you who were formerly
far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 (Gal 3:28; Mic 5:5) For He is our peace, who has made both groups one
and has broken down the barrier of the dividing wall,
15 (Col 2:14; 2:20) by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, that is,
the law of the commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself
He might make the two into one new man, thus making peace,
16 (Eph 2:15; Col 1:20-22) and that He might reconcile both to God
into one body through the cross, thereby slaying the enmity.
17 (Ps 148:14; Dt 4:7) And He came and preached peace to you who were
far away and peace to those who were near.
18 (1Co 12:13; Eph 3:12) For through Him we both have access by one
Spirit to the Father.
19 (Gal 6:10; Php 3:20) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers
and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members
of the household of God,
20 (Mt 16:18; Isa 28:16; Rev 21:14) having been built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself
being the chief cornerstone,
21 (1Co 3:16-17) in whom the entire building, tightly framed together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 (1Co 3:16) in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling
place of God through the Spirit.
[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh,
who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in
the flesh made by hands; without Christ, being aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having
no hope, and without God in the world:
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by
the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the
middle wall of partition between us;
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so
making peace;
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them
that were nigh.
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
Ephesians 3
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
1 (Eph 4:1; Col 1:24) For this reason I, Paul, am the prisoner
of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
2 (2Ti 1:11; Ro 1:5) You may have heard of the administration of the grace
of God which was given me for you,
3 (Ro 16:25; Ac 22:17) how by revelation He made known to me the mystery,
as I have written briefly already,
4 (2Co 11:6; Col 4:3) by which, when you read it, you may understand
my knowledge of the mystery of Christ,
5 (Ac 10:28; Jn 14:26) which in other generations was not made known
to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles
and prophets by the Spirit,
6 how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members,
and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.
7 (Eph 1:19; 3:2) Of this I was made a minister, according to the gift
of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
8 (1Co 15:9; Ro 11:33) To me, the very least of all saints, this grace
was given, to preach to the Gentiles the incomprehensible riches of Christ,
9 (Col 1:26; 3:3) and to reveal for all people what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden
in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
10 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 1:12) so that now the manifold wisdom of God might
be made known by the church to the principalities
and powers in the heavenly places,
11 (Eph 1:11) according to the eternal purpose which He completed
in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 (Eph 2:18) in whom we have boldness and confident access through
faith in Him.
13 (Eph 3:1; 2Co 1:6) Therefore I ask you not to lose heart
at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given
me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote
afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is
now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God
given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which
from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things
by Jesus Christ:
[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly
places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
[11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord:
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of
him.
[13] Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which
is your glory.
To Know the Love of Christ
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (Eph 1:10; 1:21) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 (Ro 7:22; Col 1:11) that He would give you, according to the riches of His
glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man,
17 (Col 1:23; Jn 14:23) and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 (Eph 1:15) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth
and length and depth and height,
19 (Eph 1:23) and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 (Ro 16:25; Eph 3:7) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us,
21 (Ro 11:36; 1Pe 5:11_ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
[15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted
and grounded in love,
[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height;
[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might
be filled with all the fulness of God.
[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
[21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 4
Unity of the Body
1 (Eph 3:1; Col 1:10) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, exhort you to
walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.
2 (Col 3:12-13; Ac 20:19) With all humility, meekness, and patience,
bearing with one another in love,
3 be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 (Eph 1:18; 2:16) There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called
in one hope of your calling,
5 (1Co 8:6; Mt 28:19) one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 (Ro 11:36; 1Co 12:6) one God and Father of all, who is above all,
and through all, and in you all.
7 (Ro 12:3; Eph 3:2) But grace was given to each one of us according
to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 (Ps 68:18; Col 2:15) Therefore He says:
"When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
and gave gifts to men." (Ps 68:18).
9 (Jn 3:13; 6:33) (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean
but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 (Heb 4:14; 7:26) He who descended is also He who ascended far above
all the heavens that He might fill all things.)
11 (Ac 21:8; 13:1) He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, and teachers,
12 (1Co 12:27; Eph 1:23) for the equipping of the saints, for the work
of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ,
13 (Eph 4:5; 1:23) until we all come into the unity of the faith
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man,
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
14 (Jas 1:6; 1Co 14:20) so we may no longer be children, tossed here
and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine
by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.
15 (Eph 1:22; 2:21) But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up
in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself,
16 (Col 2:19; Eph 1:4) from whom the whole body is joined together
and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively
does its work and grows, building itself up in love.
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy
of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you
all.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the
gift of Christ.
[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity
captive, and gave gifts unto men.
[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into
the lower parts of the earth?
[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all
heavens, that he might fill all things.)
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:
[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:
[16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the
measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of
itself in love.
The Old Life and New Life
17 (Ro 1:21; Eph 2:1-3) Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord,
that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity
of their minds,
18 (Eph 2:12; Gal 4:8) having their understanding darkened, excluded
from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them,
due to the hardness of their hearts.
19 (1Ti 4:2) Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality
for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
20 But you did not learn about Christ in this manner,
21 (Eph 1:13) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,
as the truth is in Jesus:
22 (Ro 6:6; Heb 3:13) that you put off the former way of life in the old
nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 (Ro 12:2; Col 3:10) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:10) and that you put on the new nature,
which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.
[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk
not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
[18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their
heart:
[19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
to work all uncleanness with greediness.
[20] But ye have not so learned Christ;
[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the
truth is in Jesus:
[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Rules for the New Life
25 (Col 3:9; Zec 8:16; Ro 12:5) Therefore, putting away lying, let every man
speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
26 (Ps 37:8; 4:4) Be angry but do not sin.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger.
27 (Jas 4:7) Do not give place to the devil.
28 (Ex 20:15; 1Th 4:11-12) Let him who steals steal no more. Instead,
let him labour, working with his hands things which are good,
that he may have something to share with him who is in need.
29 (Col 4:6) Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth,
but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace
to the listeners.
30 (1Th 5:19; Isa 63:10; Ro 8:23) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.
31 (Col 3:8; Ecc 7:9; Col 3:19) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts,
and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you.
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ
also forgave you.
[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that
needeth.
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the
day of redemption.
[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 5
1 (Eph 4:32; Mt 5:48) Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children.
2 (Jn 13:34; Col 3:14) Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself
for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.
3 (Col 3:5; 1Co 6:18; Eph 5:5) And do not let sexual immorality, or any
impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints.
4 (Eph 4:29; Ro 1:28) Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking,
nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks.
5 (Col 3:5; Gal 5:21) For this you know, that no sexually immoral
or impure person, or one who is greedy, who is an idolater,
has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be
once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous
man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and
of God.
Walk as Children of Light
6 (Ro 1:18; Col 2:8) Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-
9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth-
10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 (Ro 13:12; 1Ti 5:20) And do not have fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them.
12 (Eph 5:3) For it is shameful even to speak of those things
which are done by them in secret.
13 (Jn 3:20-21) But all things are exposed when they are revealed
by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 (Isa 60:1; 26:19) Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light."
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them
in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for
whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light.
Walk as Children of Light
15 (Col 4:5) See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men,
16 (Eph 6:13; Col 4:5) making the most of the time because the days are evil.
17 (Ro 12:2; Col 1:9) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand
what the will of the Lord is.
18 (Pr 20:1; 1Co 5:11; Lk 1:15) Do not be drunk with wine, for that is
reckless living. But be filled with the Spirit.
19 (Col 3:16; Ac 16:25; 1Co 14:26) Speak to one another in psalms, hymns,
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
20 (Col 3:17; Ps 34:1; Eph 5:4) Give thanks always for all things to God
the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 (Php 2:3; Eph 5:22) being submissive to one another in the fear of God.
[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
[16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
[17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord
is.
[18] And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit;
[19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
[20] Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ;
[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Wives and Husbands
22 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 14:34) Wives, be submissive to your own husbands
as unto the Lord.
23 (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18) For the husband is the head of the wife,
just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body.
24 (Col 3:20; 3:22) But as the church submits to Christ,
so also let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 (Eph 5:28; Col 3:19) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ
also loved the church and gave Himself for it,
26 (Ac 22:16; 1Co 6:11) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word,
27 (2Co 11:2; Col 1:22; Eph 1:4) and that He might present to Himself
a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,
but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 (Eph 5:25; 5:33) In this way men ought to love their wives as their
own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,
just as the Lord cares for the church.
30 (1Co 6:15; Ge 2:23) For we are members of His body, of His flesh
and of His bones.
31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh."(Ge 2:24. )
32 This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.
33 (Eph 5:25) However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,
and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of
the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to
their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth
his wife loveth himself.
[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth
it, even as the Lord the church:
[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be
joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even
as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 6
Children and Parents
1 (Pr 6:20; 23:22) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 (Ex 20:12) "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment
with a promise,
3 "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
4 (Ge 18:19; Dt 6:7) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
[2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with
promise;)
[3] That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
[4] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Servants and Masters
5 (1Co 2:3; Eph 5:22) Servants, obey those who are your masters according
to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart,
as to Christ,
6 not serving when eyes are on you, but as pleasing men as the servants
of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
8 (Col 3:24; 3:11) knowing that whatever good thing any man does,
he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is enslaved or free.
9 (Job 31:13-15; Jn 13:13) And masters, do the same things for them,
no longer threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven,
and there is no partiality with Him.
[5] Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the
flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
[6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart;
[7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
[8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he
receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
[9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening:
knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of
persons with him.
The Battle Against Evil
10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that
you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:2) 1For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly places.
13 (Eph 5:16) Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be
able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 (Isa 11:5; 59:17) Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth,
having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 (Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15) having your feet fitted with the readiness
of the gospel of peace, 16and above all, taking the shield of faith,
with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows
of the evil one.
17 (Heb 4:12; Isa 49:2; 59:17) Take the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 (Col 4:2; 1Ti 2:1; Eph 1:16) Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds
of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance
and supplication for all the saints.
19 (1Th 5:25; Ac 4:29) Pray for me, that the power to speak may be given
to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery
of the gospel,
20 (2Co 5:20; Ac 28:20) for which I am an ambassador in chains,
that I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
[19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my
mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
[20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly,
as I ought to speak.
Final Greetings
21 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:12) Now that you also may know my activities
and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother
and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.
22 (Col 4:7-8) I have sent him to you for this very purpose,
that you might know our activities and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 (Gal 6:16; 1Pe 5:14) Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 (Mt 22:37) Grace be with all those who love
our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
[21] But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved
brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all
things:
[22] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our
affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
[23] Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ.
[24] Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Amen.
Today at Calvary Community Church
Pastor Doug Zeiber spoke on A Spirit-filled Community practices
persistent prayer.
42 (Ac 1:14; 20:7; 2:46) They continued steadfastly in the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers.
[42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through
the apostles.
[43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by
the apostles.
A) Authentic Community and Power
A spirit filled community that prays together and prays for one another
encourages authentic relationships and releases God's power.
Matthew 18:19-20
19 (Mt 7:7; Ac 12:5) "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth
about anything they ask, it will be done for them
by My Father who is in heaven.
20 (Mt 28:20; Jn 20:19) For where two or three are assembled in My name,
there I am in their midst."
[19] Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as
touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my
Father which is in heaven.
[20] For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in
the midst of them.
B) Powerful persistent prayers from Plain People
James 5:16-18
16 (Ge 20:17; 18:23-32) Confess your faults to one another
and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man accomplishes much.
17 (1Ki 17:1; Lk 4:25) Elijah was a man subject to natural passions
as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain,
and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.
18 (1Ki 18:42-45) And he prayed again, and the sky gave rain,
and the earth brought forth its fruit.
[16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth
much.
[17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed
earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the
space of three years and six months.
[18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought
forth her fruit.
1 Peter 3:12
12 "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their prayers;
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
[12] For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open
unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
1 John 5:14-15
14 (1Jn 3:21-22; Jn 14:13) This is the confidence that we have in Him, that
if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
15 So if we know that He hears whatever we ask, we know that we have
whatever we asked of Him.
[14] And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us:
[15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have
the petitions that we desired of him.
C) Importunity Brings Opportunity
Luke 11:9
9 (Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24) "And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you;
seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. "
[9] And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall
find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Luke 18:1-8
Luke 18
The Parable of the Widow and the Judge
1 (Col 4:2; Ro 12:12) He told them a parable to illustrate
that it is necessary always to pray and not lose heart.
2 (Lk 18:4) He said: "In a city there was a judge who did not
fear God or regard man.
3 (Isa 1:17) And a widow was in that city. She came to him, saying,
'Avenge me against my adversary.'
4 "He would not for a while. Yet afterward he said to himself,
'Though I do not fear God or respect man,
5 (Lk 11:8) yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her,
lest by her continual coming she will weary me.' "
6 And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge says.
7 (Rev 6:10; Ps 88:1) And shall not God avenge His own elect
and be patient with them, who cry day and night to Him?
8 I tell you, He will avenge them speedily.
Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?"
[1] And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to
pray, and not to faint;
[2] Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither
regarded man:
[3] And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying,
Avenge me of mine adversary.
[4] And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself,
Though I fear not God, nor regard man;
[5] Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her
continual coming she weary me.
[6] And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.
[7] And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto
him, though he bear long with them?
[8] I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son
of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
Hebrews 11:6
6 (1Ch 28:9; Jer 29:13-14) And without faith it is impossible to please God,
for he who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He is a
rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him.
D) Worshipers before Warriors
E) Future Uncertainty and Ultimate Vulnerability
1) Ephesians 1, Ephesians 2, Ephesians 3, Ephesians4, Ephesians 5, Ephesians 6
Ephesians 1
Salutation
1 (2Co 1:1; Col 1:2) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,
To the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 (Ro 1:7) Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which
are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
[2] Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus
Christ.
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 (2Co 1:3; Eph 6:12; 2:6) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly
places in Christ,
4 (Eph 5:27; Col 1:22) just as He chose us in Him before the foundation
of the world, to be holy and blameless before Him in love;
5 (Ro 8:29-30; Eph 1:11) He predestined us to adoption as sons to Himself
through Jesus Christ according to the good pleasure of His will,
6 (Mt 3:17; Eph 1:12) to the praise of the glory of His grace which
He graciously bestowed on us in the Beloved.
7 (Ro 3:24; Ac 2:38; 20:28) In Him we have redemption through His blood
and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace,
8 which He lavished on us in all wisdom and insight,
9 (Ro 8:28; Eph 1:11) making known to us the mystery of His will,
according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Himself,
10 (Col 1:20; Eph 3:15) as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite
all things in Christ, which are in heaven and on earth.
11 (Eph 1:14; Heb 6:17) In Him also we have received an inheritance,
being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things
according to the counsel of His own will,
12 (Eph 1:6) that we, who were the first to hope in Christ,
should live for the praise of His glory.
13 (Eph 4:30; Ac 1:4; 2:33) In Him you also, after hearing the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and after believing in Him,
were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
14 (Ro 8:23; 2Co 1:22) who is the guarantee of our inheritance
until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed
us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the
world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to
himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us
accepted in the beloved.
[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good
pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which
are on earth; even in him:
[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated
according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of
his own will:
[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in
Christ.
[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the
gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were
sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the
purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Paul's Prayer
15 (Phm 1:5) Therefore I also, after hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus
and your love toward all the saints,
16 (Ro 1:8-9; Col 1:9) do not cease giving thanks for you, mentioning you
in my prayers,
17 (Jn 20:17; Ac 7:2) so that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge
of Him,
18 (Ac 26:18; 2Co 4:6) that the eyes of your understanding may be enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope of His calling and what are the riches
of the glory of His inheritance among the saints,
19 (Col 1:29; Eph 3:7) and what is the surpassing greatness of His power
toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power,
20 (Mk 16:19; Ps 110:1) which He performed in Christ when He raised Him
from the dead and seated Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places,
21 (Col 2:10; Heb 1:4) far above all principalities, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age
but also in that which is to come.
22 (1Co 11:3; Mt 16:18) And He put all things in subjection under His feet
and made Him the head over all things for the church,
23 (Jn 1:16; Eph 3:19) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills
all things in all ways.
[15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and
love unto all the saints,
[16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give
unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what
is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his
inheritance in the saints,
[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe,
according to the working of his mighty power,
[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set
him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is
to come:
[22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head
over all things to the church,
[23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Ephesians 2
From Death to Life
1 (Col 2:13; Lk 15:24) And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,
2 (Jn 12:31; Eph 6:12; 2:3) in which you formerly walked according
to the age of this world and according to the prince of the power of the air,
the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,
3 (Gal 2:15-16; Ps 51:5) among them we all also once lived in the lusts
of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind,
and we were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
4 (Ro 2:4; Eph 1:7) But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love
with which He loved us,
5 (Eph 2:1; Ac 15:11; Eph 2:8) even when we were dead in sins, made us alive
together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
6 (Eph 1:3) and He raised us up and seated us together in the heavenly places
in Christ Jesus,
7 (Titus 3:4; Eph 2:4) so that in the coming ages He might show
the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
8 (Eph 2:5; Mk 16:16) For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God,
9 (2Ti 1:9; Ro 3:20) not of works, so that no one should boast.
10 (Eph 4:24; 2Co 5:17; Eph 1:4) For we are His workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,
so that we should walk in them.
[1] And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
[2] Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh
in the children of disobedience:
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts
of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were
by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,
(by grace ye are saved; )
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly
places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace
in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it
is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works,
which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
One in Christ
11 (Col 2:11; 1Co 12:2; Eph 5:8) Therefore remember that formerly you,
the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called the "uncircumcision"
by the so-called "circumcision" in the flesh by human hands,
12 (1Th 4:13; Gal 4:8) were at that time apart from Christ,
alienated from the citizenship of Israel and strangers to the covenants
of promise, without hope and without God in the world.
13 (Ac 2:39; Isa 57:19) But now in Christ Jesus you who were formerly
far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 (Gal 3:28; Mic 5:5) For He is our peace, who has made both groups one
and has broken down the barrier of the dividing wall,
15 (Col 2:14; 2:20) by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, that is,
the law of the commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself
He might make the two into one new man, thus making peace,
16 (Eph 2:15; Col 1:20-22) and that He might reconcile both to God
into one body through the cross, thereby slaying the enmity.
17 (Ps 148:14; Dt 4:7) And He came and preached peace to you who were
far away and peace to those who were near.
18 (1Co 12:13; Eph 3:12) For through Him we both have access by one
Spirit to the Father.
19 (Gal 6:10; Php 3:20) Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers
and foreigners, but are fellow citizens with the saints and members
of the household of God,
20 (Mt 16:18; Isa 28:16; Rev 21:14) having been built upon
the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself
being the chief cornerstone,
21 (1Co 3:16-17) in whom the entire building, tightly framed together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
22 (1Co 3:16) in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling
place of God through the Spirit.
[11] Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh,
who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in
the flesh made by hands; without Christ, being aliens from the
commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having
no hope, and without God in the world:
[13] But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by
the blood of Christ.
[14] For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the
middle wall of partition between us;
[15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments
contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so
making peace;
[16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross,
having slain the enmity thereby:
[17] And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them
that were nigh.
[18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
[19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but
fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
[20] And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
[21] In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy
temple in the Lord:
[22] In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through
the Spirit.
Ephesians 3
Paul's Ministry to the Gentiles
1 (Eph 4:1; Col 1:24) For this reason I, Paul, am the prisoner
of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
2 (2Ti 1:11; Ro 1:5) You may have heard of the administration of the grace
of God which was given me for you,
3 (Ro 16:25; Ac 22:17) how by revelation He made known to me the mystery,
as I have written briefly already,
4 (2Co 11:6; Col 4:3) by which, when you read it, you may understand
my knowledge of the mystery of Christ,
5 (Ac 10:28; Jn 14:26) which in other generations was not made known
to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles
and prophets by the Spirit,
6 how the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members,
and partakers of the promise in Christ by the gospel.
7 (Eph 1:19; 3:2) Of this I was made a minister, according to the gift
of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.
8 (1Co 15:9; Ro 11:33) To me, the very least of all saints, this grace
was given, to preach to the Gentiles the incomprehensible riches of Christ,
9 (Col 1:26; 3:3) and to reveal for all people what is the fellowship
of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden
in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ,
10 (Eph 1:21; 1Pe 1:12) so that now the manifold wisdom of God might
be made known by the church to the principalities
and powers in the heavenly places,
11 (Eph 1:11) according to the eternal purpose which He completed
in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 (Eph 2:18) in whom we have boldness and confident access through
faith in Him.
13 (Eph 3:1; 2Co 1:6) Therefore I ask you not to lose heart
at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given
me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote
afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of
Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is
now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and
partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God
given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given,
that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which
from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things
by Jesus Christ:
[10] To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly
places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
[11] According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our
Lord:
[12] In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of
him.
[13] Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which
is your glory.
To Know the Love of Christ
14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 (Eph 1:10; 1:21) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 (Ro 7:22; Col 1:11) that He would give you, according to the riches of His
glory, power to be strengthened by His Spirit in the inner man,
17 (Col 1:23; Jn 14:23) and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through
faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 (Eph 1:15) may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth
and length and depth and height,
19 (Eph 1:23) and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge;
that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 (Ro 16:25; Eph 3:7) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us,
21 (Ro 11:36; 1Pe 5:11_ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
[14] For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
[15] Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
[16] That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be
strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
[17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted
and grounded in love,
[18] May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height;
[19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might
be filled with all the fulness of God.
[20] Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we
ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
[21] Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages,
world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 4
Unity of the Body
1 (Eph 3:1; Col 1:10) I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, exhort you to
walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you were called.
2 (Col 3:12-13; Ac 20:19) With all humility, meekness, and patience,
bearing with one another in love,
3 be eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 (Eph 1:18; 2:16) There is one body and one Spirit, even as you were called
in one hope of your calling,
5 (1Co 8:6; Mt 28:19) one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 (Ro 11:36; 1Co 12:6) one God and Father of all, who is above all,
and through all, and in you all.
7 (Ro 12:3; Eph 3:2) But grace was given to each one of us according
to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 (Ps 68:18; Col 2:15) Therefore He says:
"When He ascended on high,
He led captivity captive,
and gave gifts to men." (Ps 68:18).
9 (Jn 3:13; 6:33) (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean
but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 (Heb 4:14; 7:26) He who descended is also He who ascended far above
all the heavens that He might fill all things.)
11 (Ac 21:8; 13:1) He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists,
pastors, and teachers,
12 (1Co 12:27; Eph 1:23) for the equipping of the saints, for the work
of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ,
13 (Eph 4:5; 1:23) until we all come into the unity of the faith
and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a complete man,
to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
14 (Jas 1:6; 1Co 14:20) so we may no longer be children, tossed here
and there by waves and carried about with every wind of doctrine
by the trickery of men, by craftiness with deceitful scheming.
15 (Eph 1:22; 2:21) But, speaking the truth in love, we may grow up
in all things into Him, who is the head, Christ Himself,
16 (Col 2:19; Eph 1:4) from whom the whole body is joined together
and connected by every joint and ligament, as every part effectively
does its work and grows, building itself up in love.
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy
of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one
another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of
your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you
all.
[7] But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the
gift of Christ.
[8] Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity
captive, and gave gifts unto men.
[9] (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into
the lower parts of the earth?
[10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all
heavens, that he might fill all things.)
[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers;
[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ:
[13] Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ:
[14] That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
[15] But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ:
[16] From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the
measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of
itself in love.
The Old Life and New Life
17 (Ro 1:21; Eph 2:1-3) Therefore this I say and testify in the Lord,
that from now on you walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity
of their minds,
18 (Eph 2:12; Gal 4:8) having their understanding darkened, excluded
from the life of God through the ignorance that is within them,
due to the hardness of their hearts.
19 (1Ti 4:2) Being calloused they have given themselves over to sensuality
for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
20 But you did not learn about Christ in this manner,
21 (Eph 1:13) if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him,
as the truth is in Jesus:
22 (Ro 6:6; Heb 3:13) that you put off the former way of life in the old
nature, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts,
23 (Ro 12:2; Col 3:10) and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 (Ro 6:4; Eph 2:10) and that you put on the new nature,
which was created according to God in righteousness and true holiness.
[17] This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk
not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
[18] Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their
heart:
[19] Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness,
to work all uncleanness with greediness.
[20] But ye have not so learned Christ;
[21] If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the
truth is in Jesus:
[22] That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which
is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
[23] And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[24] And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness.
Rules for the New Life
25 (Col 3:9; Zec 8:16; Ro 12:5) Therefore, putting away lying, let every man
speak truthfully with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
26 (Ps 37:8; 4:4) Be angry but do not sin.
Do not let the sun go down on your anger.
27 (Jas 4:7) Do not give place to the devil.
28 (Ex 20:15; 1Th 4:11-12) Let him who steals steal no more. Instead,
let him labour, working with his hands things which are good,
that he may have something to share with him who is in need.
29 (Col 4:6) Let no unwholesome word proceed out of your mouth,
but only that which is good for building up, that it may give grace
to the listeners.
30 (1Th 5:19; Isa 63:10; Ro 8:23) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
in whom you are sealed for the day of redemption.
31 (Col 3:8; Ecc 7:9; Col 3:19) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outbursts,
and blasphemies, with all malice, be taken away from you.
32 (2Co 2:10; Col 3:12-13; Mt 6:12) And be kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ
also forgave you.
[25] Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour:
for we are members one of another.
[26] Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[27] Neither give place to the devil.
[28] Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working
with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that
needeth.
[29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
[30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the
day of redemption.
[31] Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,
even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 5
1 (Eph 4:32; Mt 5:48) Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children.
2 (Jn 13:34; Col 3:14) Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself
for us as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice to God.
3 (Col 3:5; 1Co 6:18; Eph 5:5) And do not let sexual immorality, or any
impurity, or greed be named among you, as these are not proper among saints.
4 (Eph 4:29; Ro 1:28) Let there be no filthiness, nor foolish talking,
nor coarse joking, which are not fitting. Instead, give thanks.
5 (Col 3:5; Gal 5:21) For this you know, that no sexually immoral
or impure person, or one who is greedy, who is an idolater,
has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
[1] Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
[2] And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself
for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
[3] But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be
once named among you, as becometh saints;
[4] Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not
convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
[5] For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous
man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and
of God.
Walk as Children of Light
6 (Ro 1:18; Col 2:8) Let no one deceive you with empty words,
for because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
8 (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36) For you were formerly darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light-
9 (Ro 15:14) for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness
and righteousness and truth-
10 (1Th 5:21) proving what is pleasing to the Lord.
11 (Ro 13:12; 1Ti 5:20) And do not have fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness; instead, expose them.
12 (Eph 5:3) For it is shameful even to speak of those things
which are done by them in secret.
13 (Jn 3:20-21) But all things are exposed when they are revealed
by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
14 (Isa 60:1; 26:19) Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light."
[6] Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things
cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
[7] Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
[8] For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk
as children of light:
[9] (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and
truth;)
[10] Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but
rather reprove them.
[12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them
in secret.
[13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for
whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
[14] Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead,
and Christ shall give thee light.
Walk as Children of Light
15 (Col 4:5) See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise men,
16 (Eph 6:13; Col 4:5) making the most of the time because the days are evil.
17 (Ro 12:2; Col 1:9) Therefore do not be unwise, but understand
what the will of the Lord is.
18 (Pr 20:1; 1Co 5:11; Lk 1:15) Do not be drunk with wine, for that is
reckless living. But be filled with the Spirit.
19 (Col 3:16; Ac 16:25; 1Co 14:26) Speak to one another in psalms, hymns,
and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
20 (Col 3:17; Ps 34:1; Eph 5:4) Give thanks always for all things to God
the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 (Php 2:3; Eph 5:22) being submissive to one another in the fear of God.
[15] See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
[16] Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
[17] Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord
is.
[18] And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the
Spirit;
[19] Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
[20] Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ;
[21] Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
Wives and Husbands
22 (Ge 3:16; 1Co 14:34) Wives, be submissive to your own husbands
as unto the Lord.
23 (Eph 1:22-23; Col 1:18) For the husband is the head of the wife,
just as Christ is the head and Savior of the church, which is His body.
24 (Col 3:20; 3:22) But as the church submits to Christ,
so also let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.
25 (Eph 5:28; Col 3:19) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ
also loved the church and gave Himself for it,
26 (Ac 22:16; 1Co 6:11) that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word,
27 (2Co 11:2; Col 1:22; Eph 1:4) and that He might present to Himself
a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing,
but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 (Eph 5:25; 5:33) In this way men ought to love their wives as their
own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it,
just as the Lord cares for the church.
30 (1Co 6:15; Ge 2:23) For we are members of His body, of His flesh
and of His bones.
31 "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother
and shall be joined to his wife, and the two shall be one flesh."(Ge 2:24. )
32 This is a great mystery, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.
33 (Eph 5:25) However, let each one of you love his wife as himself,
and let the wife see that she respects her husband.
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of
the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to
their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the
word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot,
or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without
blemish.
[28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth
his wife loveth himself.
[29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth
it, even as the Lord the church:
[30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
[31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be
joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
[32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
[33] Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even
as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Ephesians 6
Children and Parents
1 (Pr 6:20; 23:22) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
2 (Ex 20:12) "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment
with a promise,
3 "so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
4 (Ge 18:19; Dt 6:7) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger,
but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
[2] Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with
promise;)
[3] That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
[4] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up
in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Servants and Masters
5 (1Co 2:3; Eph 5:22) Servants, obey those who are your masters according
to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of your heart,
as to Christ,
6 not serving when eyes are on you, but as pleasing men as the servants
of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
8 (Col 3:24; 3:11) knowing that whatever good thing any man does,
he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is enslaved or free.
9 (Job 31:13-15; Jn 13:13) And masters, do the same things for them,
no longer threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven,
and there is no partiality with Him.
[5] Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the
flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
[6] Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart;
[7] With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
[8] Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he
receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
[9] And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening:
knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of
persons with him.
The Battle Against Evil
10 (Eph 1:19; 1Co 16:13) Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord
and in the power of His might.
11 (Eph 6:13; Ro 13:12; Eph 4:14) Put on the whole armour of God that
you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 (Eph 1:3; 1:2) 1For our fight is not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers
of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly places.
13 (Eph 5:16) Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be
able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 (Isa 11:5; 59:17) Stand therefore, having your waist girded with truth,
having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 (Isa 52:7; Ro 10:15) having your feet fitted with the readiness
of the gospel of peace, 16and above all, taking the shield of faith,
with which you will be able to extinguish all the fiery arrows
of the evil one.
17 (Heb 4:12; Isa 49:2; 59:17) Take the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 (Col 4:2; 1Ti 2:1; Eph 1:16) Pray in the Spirit always with all kinds
of prayer and supplication. To that end be alert with all perseverance
and supplication for all the saints.
19 (1Th 5:25; Ac 4:29) Pray for me, that the power to speak may be given
to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery
of the gospel,
20 (2Co 5:20; Ac 28:20) for which I am an ambassador in chains,
that I may speak boldly as I ought to speak.
[10] Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on
the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
[19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my
mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
[20] For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly,
as I ought to speak.
Final Greetings
21 (Ac 20:4; 2Ti 4:12) Now that you also may know my activities
and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother
and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.
22 (Col 4:7-8) I have sent him to you for this very purpose,
that you might know our activities and that he might comfort your hearts.
23 (Gal 6:16; 1Pe 5:14) Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
24 (Mt 22:37) Grace be with all those who love
our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
[21] But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved
brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all
things:
[22] Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our
affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
[23] Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and
the Lord Jesus Christ.
[24] Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Amen.
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