Category: Doctrine

Stand Therefore

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Ephesians 6:14-15 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace 

‘Having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. The sevenfold Christian armour: Loins girded about with truth. The breastplate of righteousness (6:14). Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (6:15). The shield of faith (6:16). The helmet of salvation. The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God (6:17). Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit (6:18).

‘Loins girt about with truth’ – to be girdled with the truth around the loins (John 14:7) will always help us to keep our balance – when no lie can up-end our beliefs. The truth will always refer to Christ which is the Truth (gospel) and He alone can set us free (John 8:32).

‘Breastplate of righteousness’ – also called the breastplate of faith and love (1Thes. 5:8). Righteousness is the state one should be in to automatically be covered in God’s breastplate; to be righteous is to be in right standing or to be without sin (Rom. 6; 1Jn. 3).  

‘Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace’ – to be a doer of God’s Word (Jas. 1:22-26) is to walk according to that which set an example for others as we have received from Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23). The gospel will bring either God’s peace (John 14:27; Php. 4:6) or it will bring division (Mat. 10:34-39) as it reveals the intentions of the heart (Matt. 10:12-15; Heb. 4:12). Those who reject it will be rejected (Lk. 12:9).

‘Preparation’ [Greek: hetoimasia] being prepared; readiness. It is the gospel of making peace with God and of readiness to meet Him.

To Stand

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Ephesians 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

‘Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day.’ Because you have such enemies (6:12), be clothed with the armour of God. It will make you invulnerable and victorious if you choose to stay in this state of awareness.

‘Whole armour’ Two kinds of armour:

[1] Defensive armour for protection: (1) The helmet [Greek: perikephalaia] for the head, of various forms embossed with the company emblem; (2) The girdle [Greek: zoma] for the loins to brace the armour tight against the body, and support daggers, swords and other weapons; (3) The breastplate [Greek: thorax] in two parts – one to cover the breast and the other to cover the back to protect the vital organs of the body. It extended down to the legs; (4) Greaves [Greek: knemides] to cover the shins. A kind of solea was often used to protect the feet from rocks, thorns, etc.; (5) The shield [Greek: thureos] to protect the body from blows and cuts.

[2] Offensive armour for conquest: The sword [Greek: machaira] to destroy the enemy and bring his surrender. Besides the sword, other weapons of offence were used – the spear, lance, battle-axe, club, bow and arrows, and sling

‘Having done all to stand’ – A military phrase; having conquered all, stand, ready to do battle again (6:11).

Put On

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Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 

‘Put on the whole armour of God’ – God equipped us for battle so that we can be in right standing and ready for warfare at all times.

‘Armour’ [Greek: panoplia] full armour of a heavily armed soldier, described in Ephesians 6:13-17.

‘That you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.’ Three great blessings of the armour of God: The ability to stand against all enemies (6:11-14). The ability to withstand all attacks (6:13). The ability to quench every fiery dart of satan (6:16). We, therefore, have no excuse to fall to his plans, wiles and attacks.

‘Wiles’ [Greek: methodeias] methods – the different means, plans, and schemes used to deceive, entrap, enslave, and ruin the souls of men. A man’s method of damning his soul.

‘Wrestle’ [Greek: pale] wrestle. It refers to warfare in general between saints and spirit rebels who are against God.

‘Not against flesh and blood’ – we are not in battle with human beings, even though they can be the paws through which the enemy operates, hence one can be a stumbling block to others (Matt. 18:6).

‘Against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’ Four kinds of spirit rebels are noted here: Principalities [Greek: archas] chief rulers or beings of the highest rank and order in satan’s kingdom. Powers [Greek: exousias] authorities, those who derive their power from and execute the will of the chief rulers. Rulers of the darkness of this world [Greek: kosmokratoras] world-rulers of the darkness of this age, pertaining to governments. Spiritual wickedness in high places [Greek: pneumatika, tes and ponerias] spiritual wickedness, that of the wicked spirits of satan in the heavenlies (6:12; 1:21; Col. 1:16-18; 2:10).

Be Strong in the Lord

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Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.’ Having laid before you your high calling and the great doctrines of the gospel, I will now show you the enemies that will oppose you and how you can overcome them (6:10-18).

‘Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.’ Twelve commands for saints: Be strong in the Lord (6:10). Be strong in His power (6:10). Put on the whole armour of God (6:11). Stand (6:13-14). Have your loins girded with truth (6:14). Put on the breastplate of righteousness (6:14). Have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace (6:15). Take the shield of faith (6:16). Take the helmet of salvation (6:17). Take the sword of the Spirit (6:17). Pray in the Spirit (6:18). Be watchful in prayer (6:18).

‘Strong’ [Greek: endunamoo] to acquire strength. Translated “strengthen” (Php. 4:13; 2Tim. 4:17); “enable” (1Tim. 1:12); “be strong” (6:10; Rom. 4:20; 2Tim. 2:1; Heb. 11:34); and “increase in strength” (Acts 9:22).

Even as Christ Also Loved

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Ephesians 5:25b -27 …even as Christ also loved… That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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. 

‘Sanctify’ [Greek: hagiazo] set apart or consecrate, referring to the new birth (John 3:5). Not the natural birth, but to be born again of both water and Spirit. Not water baptism; all Old Testament saints were saved and born again without water baptism (Heb. 9:15; 11:1-40; Rom. 3:23-25; 4:1-25; Gal. 4:29; Jas. 2:23). Water baptism is a mere figure (1Pet. 3:21) and a witness (1Jn. 5:6-10), but not held as essential to salvation (2:8-9; 1Cor. 1:13-24; 15:1-5; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-14; Acts 10:43; 13:38-39; 16:31; John 3:14-18, 3:36; 5:24; 1Jn. 5:1). It is only for men who have repented (Matt. 3:2-6; 28:19; Acts 2:38-41; 8:12, 37; 10:43-48; 18:8; 19:4).

‘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.’ This is the 9th and last New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (5:27) and is unfulfilled.

‘Glorious Church’ – the glorious gathering of reborn individual Christians. Please remember that the word church should have been congregation or assembly and doesn’t refer to today’s business-like churches. The Greek word endoxos is used here and we, as the body of Christ, are now glorious because of the glorious gospel (1Cor. 4:4; 1Tim. 1:11), the glorious power of God working in it (Col. 1:11) to make it pure, holy, spotless, and without blemish. It will be presented to Christ as a glorious body because of the glorious liberty of all children of God (Rom. 8:21), and the glorious bodies that saints will receive (Php. 3:21). Please remember that not everyone calling themselves Christians necessarily qualifies as a true saint except those who obey His Word and live accordingly (Jas. 1:19-26; Rom. 6; 1Pet.2:21-23; 1Jn. 1-3).

‘Spot’ [Greek: spilos] blemish (2Pet. 2:13). ‘Wrinkle’ [Greek: rhutis] wrinkle, no mark of age.

‘Holy… without blemish’ – God’s choice: This is what God chose before the overthrow of Lucifer’s world – that all of the new race of Adam who accepts Jesus Christ should be holy and without blame before Him in love. It is this plan that is chosen for all believers, not the individual conformity of any one person to that plan. The final choice is left up to the individual, not God. All are called and chosen to become holy before God in love if they want to accept this plan and choice of God, but only those who meet the conditions will be so blessed (John 3:16-20; Mark 16:15-16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). This is the true meaning of election and predestination wherever found in Scripture (1:5; Rom. 8:29). In other words, the plan is predestined and foreknown, not the individual conformity to the plan.

Husbands

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Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it 

‘Husbands, love your wives…’ Eight commands are given here for husbands: To be the head of the wife (5:23). To love their wives as Christ loved His body (5:25). To love their wives as their own bodies (5:28, 33). To nourish [Greek: ektrepho] bring up, care for, protect (5:29; 6:4; Rev. 12:6). To cherish [Greek: thalpo] to foster, warm in one’s bosom (5:29; 1Thess. 2:7). To be joined as one flesh (5:30-31). To leave their parents for their wives (5:31). To cleave to their wives (5:31; Matt. 19:5).

Husbands are not to rule their wives, but love, nourish and protect them as the head of the body and must be just as faithful to their wives as they want them to be to them; give them no excuse for sin. They must give their wives honour and use their superior strength in protecting her and as being heirs together of life (1Pet. 3:7).

‘The church, and gave himself for it’ – Sixteen facts: Christ and His body: Christ is head of His body (5:23). Christ is Saviour of us (5:23). Christians must be subject to Christ in all things (5:24). Christ gave Himself for us (5:25). Christ sanctifies us with the washing of the Word (5:26). Christ cleanses us with the washing by the Word (5:26). Christ will receive us to Himself (5:27; John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:16; 1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; Col. 3:4). Christ is making us glorious (5:27; 1Cor. 6:11; 2Cor. 3:18). Christ is making us spotless (5:27). Christ is making us perfect (5:27). Christ is making us holy (5:27). Christ is making us faultless (5:27). Christ nourishes us, cares for us, brings us up, and protects us (5:29). Christ cherishes us, fosters, and warms us in His bosom (5:29). We are part of Christ (5:30-32; 1Cor. 12:12-13, 27). We are one with Christ (5:30-32; 1Cor. 6:17; Rom. 12:4-5).

Christ is the Head, Saviour, Sanctifier, Purifier, Glorifier, Builder, Nourisher, Cherisher, Unifier, Protector, and the Receiver of all reborn Christians who are prepared to follow His Word and example as stated in 1Peter 2:21-23 (5:23-33). Water is used in a figurative sense of salvation (John 4:14; Isa. 12:3), of the Spirit baptism (John 7:37-39), and cleansing by the Word of God (5:26; John 15:3;). Since men are cleansed and born again by the Word (Jas. 1:18; 1Pet. 1:23), it is clear that being born of water means being born again by the Word of God.

Wives

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Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 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. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 

‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.’ Four commands are given here for wives: Submit to their husbands as to Christ (5:22). Recognize the headship of their husbands (5:23). Be subject to their husbands (5:24). Reverence their husbands (5:33). To submit to one’s husband, not all men, is to allow the husband to become God’s provider for his wife and children as clearly the idea behind a godly marriage. This does not mean wives have to obey husbands in all things as children especially not those things that allow for sin. God did not create the marriage for rulership, but partnership. Wives must reverence their husbands and cannot treat them as children, for then marriage is no longer God-instituted. If the wife will conduct herself chastely, in reverence to her husband and the fear of God, her husband may be won (1Pet. 3:2-3).

‘Every thing’ Everything lawful and right, not in things criminal and wrong. If he is sinful and demands her to leave off the things that save the soul, she is not under obligation to him. Her God and her soul must come first (Matt. 22:37; Luke 14:26-27). Obedience to the husband in all things is based upon him loving his wife, as Christ does His body (5:25, 28, 33).

Giving Thanks Always

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Ephesians 5:18-21 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 

‘Drunk’ [Greek: methusko] This again refers to the orgies of Bacchus when men and women would get drunk entering into all kinds of immoral acts. ‘Excess’ [Greek: asotia] debauchery of every kind.

‘Filled with the Spirit’ – This is the privilege of every Christian. It is true that every born-again person receives the Spirit of sonship and has the Holy Spirit in a measure (Rom. 8:9, 14-16), but this is not the kind of filling one may yet receive if he will accept the truth and seek God for the fullness of the Spirit (Matt. 3:11; Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 1:31-34; 7:37-39; 14:12; Acts 1:4-8; 2:38-39; 5:32). Different measures of the Spirit are noted as follows in Scripture: Mosaic portion (Num. 11:17, 25). The mosaic portion is divided into 71 portions (Num. 11:16-17, 25-29). Elijah portion (2Kin. 2:9). Double portion (2Kin. 2:9-10). Elijah portion on John the Baptist (Luke 1:15-17). Earnest of the Spirit (2Cor. 1:22; 5:5; 1Jn. 4:13; Php. 1:19). The Spirit “without measure” (John 3:34; Isa. 11:2; 42:1; 61:1; Luke 4:16-21; Acts 10:38); Spirit baptism or baptismal measure (Matt. 3:11; 20:22-23; Luke 3:16; John 1:31-34; Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-21; 8:15-24; 10:44-48; 11:14-18; 15:7-11; 19:1-7; Gal. 3:14); the fulness of God (Eph. 3:19; Rom. 15:29); the rivers of living water (John 7:37-39); and the full anointing of the Spirit and enduement of power from on high (Luke 24:49; John 14:12-15).

‘In psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.’ The difference between the psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs is not fully clear. The psalms no doubt refer to the book of Psalms. Hymns and spiritual songs could include any psalm in the book of Psalms and also others that were commonly known among the people of that day (Matt. 26:30; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Ex. 15:1, 2; Num. 21:17; Deut. 13:1-18; Jdg. 5:12; Son. 1:1; Isa. 5:1; 26:1; 42:10). The reference might also be to spontaneous singing in the Spirit, as in 1Corinthians 14:15-16.

‘Songs’ [Greek: ode] is a song of thanksgiving.

‘Making melody’ [Greek: psallo] to play a stringed instrument with the fingers; to strike a chord; sing to the music of a harp (Rom. 15:9; 1Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Jas. 5:13).

‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God’ – Because of continued blessings from God.

‘In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Through Him alone we can approach God (Mark 16:17; John 14:12-15; 16:23-26; Col. 3:17; 1Tim. 2:4; Heb. 10:19). ‘Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ Let no man be stubborn in his opinion to disturb the peace of other believers

Awake Thou That Sleep

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Ephesians 5:13-17 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever do make manifest is light. Wherefore he said, Awake thou that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be you not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 

‘All things that are reproved are made manifest by the light.’ All reprovable actions are made manifest by light.

‘Awake thou that sleep, and arise from the dead.’ A paraphrase of Isaiah 60:1-2. It is a command given to awake from sleep as in being dead or asleep spiritually until you are one in Christ where you will be awake and alive.

‘Circumspectly’ [Greek: akribos] circumspectly (5:15); perfectly (Acts 18:26; 23:15, 23:20; 1Thess. 5:2); perfect (Luke 1:3; Acts 24:22); and diligently (Matt. 2:8; Acts 18:25). It means to walk about watching every hand to avoid danger and enemies – live the gospel by watching your conduct.

‘Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’ Buying up those moments which others throw away. Improve every moment to make up for those lost in sin.

‘Unwise’ [Greek: aphron] senseless, crazed (2Cor. 11:16). Do not become madmen. Here is an allusion to the wild orgies of Bacchus, in which men acted like they were mad; running and tossing their heads and appearing in every sense completely frantic. Be sober, chaste.

Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh

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2Corinthians 12:6-9 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seen me to be, or that he heard of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

‘For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.’ Even if Paul desired to glory he would not be senseless (11:16), for God knows that what he says was the truth. He will stop lest any man thinks that he is more than what he is and can demonstrate.

‘Exalted’ [Greek: huperairomai] Used only here and of the Antichrist exalting himself above all that is called God (2Thess. 2:4). This is what caused Lucifer to fall (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6). God did not want Paul to exalt himself through the abundance of revelations given him, so He permitted him to have the thorn in the flesh to keep him humble.

‘Messenger’ [Greek: angelos] translated “angel” 179 times and “messenger” 7 times. It is never translated as “disease” or “physical infirmity” and never means any such thing. The simple explanation of the thorn in the flesh is that an angel of satan, a messenger of satan with the name of Alexander did Paul much evil (1Tim. 1:19-20) and who became an enemy of the gospel (2Tim. 4:14-15; Acts 19:33).

‘Buffet’ [Greek: kolaphizo] to cuff; to box on the ear (Matt. 26:67; Mark 14:65; 1Cor. 4:11; 1Pet. 2:20).

‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.’ God assured Paul that grace would be provided for him to suffer all things; and that he should learn to depend wholly upon the power of God (12:8-9).

‘Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ Paul learned to glory in his infirmities so that the power of Christ could rest upon him (12:9-10; Acts 9:16).