Tag: Advice

To All the Saints

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Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons

The letter to the Philippians was written from Rome about 64 A.D. by Paul. The immediate occasion for writing is disclosed in Philippians 4:10-18. Its theme is the joy of Christian grace and experience in all of life and death. Paul himself demonstrated the greatest joy in the greatest suffering and humiliation, starting the congregations (Acts 16:1-40). He mentions “joy” 14 times in the epistle. The keyword is “rejoice” (3:1). Christians are to rejoice in fellowship with one another (1:3-11), in afflictions of the gospel (1:12-30); in the ministry for saints (2:1-18), in the faithfulness of their teachers (2:19-3:1); in the Lord and not in Judaism or the flesh (3:1-21); in unity (4:1-3), and always in all things (4:4-23).

‘To all the saints in Christ’ – Those who are living as Christians (1Pet. 2:21-23), not just proclaiming it (Mat. 7:21-23) are always addressed as saints. We have the Old Testament saints (many listed in Hebrews 11), the New Testament saints will be those who are in Christ from His ministry on earth and lastly, the tribulation saints refer to those that will be saved during the tribulation (Rev. 6:9-11; 7:9-17; 15:2-4; 20:4-6). To say that all saints are sinners is unscriptural, for even if we were born into sin and lived in it, the moment we are born again, we are no longer identified by God’s Word as sinners – a man cannot be a saint and a sinner at the same time (Mat. 7:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:13). One cannot be holy and sinful and serve God and satan, or be a servant of sin and righteousness at the same time (Mat. 6:24).

‘Timotheus’ Timothy is associated with Paul in the address of the epistles to the Philippians and Colossians, and with Paul and Silas in the two epistles to the Thessalonians. Timothy was at this time with Paul in Rome (2:19).

‘Servants of Jesus Christ’ [Greek: doulos] one giving himself wholly to another’s will.

‘Saints in Christ Jesus’ All saved people are saints, so there are no grounds for making people saints after death (1:1; Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 13:10; 17:6).

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).

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.

Have No Fellowship

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Ephesians 5:11-12 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

‘Have no fellowship’ – Godly fellowship of kindred hearts through mutual consecration are allowed (Ps. 119:79) but not even the Lord has no fellowship with the wicked (Prov. 15:29). We are warned not to have fellowship (social and/or friendships) with the following: The ungodly and scorners (Ps. 1:1-6). Workers of iniquity (Ps. 6:8). Vain persons (Ps. 26:4). Evil workers (Ps. 26:5). Criminals (Pro. 1:10-15). The foolish (Pro, 9:6; 14:17). The angry man (Pro. 22:24). An excommunicated Christian (Matt. 18:17). Those causing divisions (Rom. 16:17). Backsliders (2Jn. 1:9-11). False teachers (1Tim. 6:3-5; 2Jn. 1:10). The disorderly (2Thess. 3:6). The disobedient (2Thess. 3:14-15). Unbelievers (2Cor. 6:14). Infidels (2Cor. 6:15). Fornicators (1Cor. 5:9). Covetous people, extortioners and idolaters (1Cor. 5:10). Railers and drunkards (1Cor. 5:11). Lovers of themselves, boasters, proud people, blasphemers, those who are disobedient to parents, unthankful and unholy people (2Tim. 3:2). Those without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce people and despisers of those who are good (2Tim. 3:3). Traitors, heady people, high-minded people and those who love pleasure more than God (2Tim. 3:4). Hypocrites – those who have “a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof” (2Tim. 3:5).

‘Works of darkness’ – The mysteries of the heathen which the initiated went through in caves and dark secret places; the initiated being obliged on pain of death, to keep secret what they had heard, seen, and done (Col. 1:21; Rom. 13:12; Heb. 6:1).

‘Reprove’ [Greek: elengcho] testify, convince, and reprove their secret vices.

‘Shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.’ Whatever these secret heathen rites were, they were too shameful even to speak of. This no doubt refers to the Eleusinian and Bacchanalian mysteries, which were performed in the darkness of night, and were known to be so immoral and abominable that the Roman senate banished them from Italy. At these religious festivals, wine and women played the most important parts. Indecent emblems were carried in procession and ceremonies of the most immoral character were performed. Plato says that he has seen the entire population of Athens drunk at these festivals.

Be Renewed

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Ephesians 4:23-24 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 

‘Renewed’ [Greek: ananeoo] meaning the whole course of life now flows in a different direction (2Cor. 5:17-18). Be renewed in the attitude of your mind by renouncing its vanity (4:17), its darkness and blindness (4:18) and learning of Christ (4:20-21).

From 2Corinthians 5:17-21 we were given ten personal Gospel blessings: It brings one into Christ (2Cor. 5:17). One is a new creature (2Cor. 5:17). Old things are passed away (2Cor. 5:17). The Greek word for “old” is archaios, meaning ancient, original, old. Such things are no more in one. All things are new (2Cor. 5:17). The life is just the opposite of the old life. All things are of God (2Cor. 5:18). The true Christian does not permit anything in his life which is ungodly and unChristlike (Rom. 6:14-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:16-26). One is reconciled to God (2Cor. 5:18; Rom. 5:10; Eph. 2:14-18; Col. 1:20-21). He has part in the ministry of reconciliation (2Cor. 5:18-20; 1:18-24). He has been trusted with the Word of reconciliation (2Cor. 5:19; Mark 16:15-20). He is an ambassador of God in Christ’s stead (2Cor. 5:20; Prov. 13:17). He is the righteousness of God in Christ (2Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:21-31; 8:4).

‘Put on’ [Greek: enduo] to be clothed with, put on (Matt. 27:31; Mark 15:20; Luke 15:22); be clothed with (Mark 15:17; Rev. 1:13); be clothed in (Rev. 15:6; 19:14), and arrayed in (Acts 12:21). Anyone clothed with this power will be able to confirm what he lives, and this is the only normal New Testament program (John 14:12; Mark 16:16-20). The new nature must be put on and it must manifest righteousness and true holiness (4:23-24). Salvation is a hope and not actually an unforfeitable possession until the next life (1Thess. 5:8; Rom. 8:20-25; 2Thess. 2:16; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13). Eternal life is also a hope now, even though we possess it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 6:11, 18-19; 1Pet. 1:3, 13). It will not actually be an unforfeitable and an eternal possession until the next life and at the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Matt. 7:13-14; 18:8-9; 19:28-29; Mark 10:29-30; Luke 18:29-30; Rom. 2:7; 6:21-23; Gal. 6:7-8; 1Tim. 1:16; 4:8; 6:12, 19; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13; 3:7; 1Jn. 2:25; Jude 1:20-24; Dan. 12:2; John 5:28-29).

‘The new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ This is the Spirit and nature of God in renewed man (4:23-24; 2Pet. 1:4; Rom. 8:9, 14-16).

‘Holiness’ [Greek: hosiotes] A normal Christian life consists of holiness (4:24; 1Thess. 4:7; Gal. 5:19-24; Heb. 12:14).

The Truth is In Jesus

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Ephesians 4:20-22 But you have not so learned Christ; If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That you put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts 

‘But you have not so learned Christ.’ Life of saints must contain the following: Learn Christ – get to know Him (4:20; Matt. 11:28-30). Hear and be taught by Christ (4:21). Put off the old man (4:22; 2Cor. 5:17). Be renewed in mind attitude (4:23). Put on the new man (4:24; 2Cor. 5:17). Put away lying and speak truth (4:25). Feel anger without acting on it by sinning (4:26). Give no place to the devil (4:27). Quit stealing (4:28). Work for a living (4:28). Give to the needy (4:28). Use the tongue right (4:29). Grieve not the Holy Spirit (4:30). Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, and malice (4:31). Be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving as Christ (4:32). Be followers of God (5:1). Walk in love, as Christ did (5:2). Let not fornication, homosexuality, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, and sexual jesting be once named among you as becomes saints (5:3-4; cp. Mark 7:19-21; Rom. 1:18-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10).

‘The old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.’ The “old man” is the spirit and nature of the devil (2Cor. 5:17). Therefore, because we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins. Two old things pass away:

[1] The spirit, nature, and power of sin the old man, which is nothing more nor less than the spirit, nature, and power of the devil working in men of disobedience (2:2; John 8:44; 2Cor. 4:4; 1Jn. 3:8; 5:18). This is what the Bible calls: The old man (4:22; Rom. 6:6; Col. 3:9); Sin (John 1:29; 8:34; Rom. 6:4-8:2); The body of sin (Rom. 6:6); The power of satan (Acts 26:18); The body of this death (Rom. 7:24); The lusts of the flesh (2:3); The lust of the eyes (1Jn. 2:15-17); The pride of life (1Jn. 2:15-17); The works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19); The world (1Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4); Vile affections (Rom. 1:26, 29); The lusts of the mind (2:3); The lusts of sin (Rom. 6:11-12); The motions of sins (Rom. 7:5); The law of sin and death (Rom.  7:7-8:2); The carnal mind (Rom. 8:1-13); The god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); Spiritual wickedness in high places … rulers of darkness (6:12); The lusts of your father (John 8:44); Sin that dwelleth in me (Rom. 7:17); The course of this world (2:2); The body of the sins of the flesh (Col. 2:11; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:1-39).

[2] Outward sin or transgression of the law (1Jn. 3:4; Rom. 4:15; Jas. 1:13-15). The outward acts are listed in Mark 7:19-21; Romans 1:18-32; 2Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-10.

Both outward and inward sin must pass away or one cannot claim to be in Christ. The theory that only outward transgressions are forgiven and one is still under the control of the old man (the devil) is one of the most erroneous doctrines in Christendom (4:24; 2Cor. 5:17-18; 1Jn. 5:18; Rom. 6:6-23; 8:1-13).

Walk Worthy

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Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 

‘You that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called.’ Six exhortations to the Ephesians: Walk worthy of your calling (4:1). Walk in all lowliness or humility of mind (4:2; Acts 20:19; 1Pet. 5:5). Walk in meekness (4:2; Matt. 5:5). Walk in longsuffering (4:2; 1Cor. 13:1-13). Forbearing one another in love (4:3). Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (4:3).

‘Endeavouring’ [Greek: spoudazo] be forward (Gal. 2:10); be diligent (Tit. 3:12; 2Pet. 3:14); do diligence (2Tim. 4:9, 21); give diligence (2Pet. 1:10); labour (Heb. 4:11); endeavour (4:3; 1Thess. 2:17; 2Pet. 1:15); and study (2Tim. 2:15).

‘One body, and one Spirit’ – There are seven ones in Ephesians 4:4-6: One body, the body of Christ consisting of all reborn Christians. One Spirit, the Holy Spirit. One hope, the Christian calling. One Lord, the Lord Jesus Christ. One faith, the gospel form of doctrine. One baptism, a baptism into the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3-7). One God, the Father of all.

‘One baptism’ The one baptism of seven that saves the soul – a baptism into Christ and into His body. There are three baptisms for believers: [1] Into Christ or into His body at repentance and the new birth. Called “one baptism” (4:5), because it is the only baptism that saves the soul and brings into the body of Christ. Baptism into Christ and into His body (Rom. 6:3-7; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12). [2] Water baptism after one is saved. This is the Christian baptism in water (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38-41; 8:12-16, 36-38; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16; 1Cor. 1:13-17; 1Pet. 3:21). [3] Spirit baptism, the enduement of power for service (Matt. 3:11, 14; 20:22-23; Mark 1:8; 10:38-39; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; 7:37-39; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 19:2-3). It can take place before water baptism (Acts 10:44-48) or after it (Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-11; 8:12-21; 19:1-7). The Holy Spirit is the agent to baptize into Christ and into His body (1Cor. 12:13); Christ is the agent to baptize in the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11; John 1:31-33); and the minister is the agent to baptize into water (Matt. 28:19).

The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation

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Ephesians 1:17-18 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: 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

‘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.’ Twelve things that Paul prayed for the Ephesians: The spirit of wisdom (1:17). The spirit of revelation (1:17). Full enlightenment of truth (1:18). The hope of His calling (1:18; cp. 3:16). The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (1: 7; 18). The exceeding greatness of His power to those who believe (1:19; 3:19-20). Spiritual power in the inner man (3:16). Indwelling Christ (3:16; Luke 22:3). To be rooted in love (3:17). Spiritual understanding (3:18). To know the love of Christ (3:19). To be filled with all the fullness of God (3:19).

‘God of our Lord Jesus Christ’ – He is the God of Jesus Christ as well as His Father (1:17; John 3:16; 20:17; 1Cor. 11:3), proving two separate Persons, not one (1Jn. 5:7).

‘The Father of glory’ – The author and giver of glory to all saints.

‘Spirit of wisdom and revelation’ – They already had the Spirit of sonship – the earnest of the Holy Spirit (1:13-14). Now he prays that they might receive the fullness of the Spirit of which they had only a measure (3:16-21; John 3:34).

‘Eyes of your understanding being enlightened’ – The faculty of receiving knowledge – the spirit of man (1Cor. 2:11). What the eye is to the body, the spirit is to the inner man. Some manuscripts read, “the eyes of your heart.” It is through these eyes that we get to know: The hope of His calling (1:18). The riches of the glory (1:18). The greatness of His power (1:19).

The Word of Truth

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Ephesians 1:14-16 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers 

‘Earnest’ [Greek: arrhabon] earnest-money; pledge; or first-payment (1:14; 2Cor. 1:22; 5:5). The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of adoption. Sonship through this phase of the Spirit in the life of a believer is the first payment or first-measure of the Spirit and our inheritance until the fullness of the Spirit is received and the fullness of redemption is complete (Rom. 8:17-24; 2Cor. 5:1-10; 1Pet. 1:4-13).

‘Purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.’ This is the 2nd New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (1:14, unfulfilled). [Greek: peripoiesis] keeping safe; gaining possession). It means the full completion of redemption. It is used of obtaining: Final glory (2Thess. 2:14); final salvation (1Thess. 5:9); final inheritance (1:14); final saving of the soul (Heb. 10:39); final purchased people (peculiar [Greek: peripoiesis] purchased, not peculiar as in dress, speech, or manner of life).

‘After I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints.’ Two things Paul heard about the Ephesians: Their faith in Christ and their love for all saints. This proves genuine conversion (John 13:35).

‘Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.’ Two things that Paul did for the Ephesians: He gave unceasing thanks for them. He prayed unceasingly for them.

‘Give thanks’ [Greek: eucharisteo] give thanks. Used 23 times in Paul’s epistles and only 14 times in the rest of the New Testament.

To the Saints

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Ephesians 1:1-2 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: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘Apostle of Jesus Christ’ [Greek: Apostolos] a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christ’s apostles, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). Twenty-four apostles are recorded: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2); James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2); Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3); James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, perhaps brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15); Thomas (Matt. 10:3); Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15); Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4); Matthias (Acts 1:26); Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9); Andronicus (Rom. 16:7); Junia (Rom. 16:7); Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9); James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas. 1:1); Silas (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6); Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6); Titus (2Cor. 8:23); Epaphroditus (Php. 2:25); Paul (Gal. 1:1; 2:8); Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1). For lists of the twelve apostles see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13, 26. Their commission, duties, and power (Matt. 10:1-42; 28:19-20; Mark 3:14-15; 6:7-13; 16:15-20; Luke 9:1-5; 24:47-53; John 20:22-23; 21:15-19; Acts 1:4-8).

‘Saints’ – To the holy ones and to the faithful. All saved people are saints, so there are no grounds for making people saints after death (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6).

‘Ephesus’ – A great commercial centre of Asia Minor, at the mouth of the Cayster River and on the shore of the Aegean Sea, about 80 kilometres south of Smyrna. It was noted for the great temple of Diana, one of the wonders of the ancient world (Acts 19:27). The site of the city is now covered with ruins, fulfilling Revelation 2:5.

‘Grace be to you’ – The word “grace” is used 12 times in the epistle (1:2, 6-7; 2:5-8; 3:2, 7-8; 4:7, 29; 6:24).