Tag: Ephesians

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).

Being Alienated from the Life of God

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Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 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: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 

‘Other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.’ The ninefold former state of gentiles: Vain in mind (4:17). Dark in understanding (4:18; 2:12). Alien to God’s life (4:18; 2:12). Ignorant of God (4:18; 2:12). Blind in the heart (4:18; 2Cor. 4:4). Past feeling (4:19; 2:12). Lustful (4:19; Gal. 5:19). Unclean (4:19; Gal. 5:19). Greedy (4:19; 5:3; 2Cor. 6:10).

Being self-absorbed in one’s mind will cause your understanding to darken so as not to be able to understand God’s Word or to live according to His light. Being alienated from the life of God through ignorance means that one is not prepared to study God’s Word to get to know Him (Php. 1:9) and that causes ignorance in His truth and commands and in what it means to be a true follower of Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23; 1Jn. 3). Because of the blindness of one’s heart, you will be past feeling [have no care] and given over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness which means that they will have no care for any basic Godly moral standards and will only live in sin, defilement and for self-gain.

‘Being alienated from the life of God.’ Jesus came to give us the Truth, the Way and the Life so that we can follow in His footsteps (1Pet. 2:21-23) and know everything that there is to know about the life of God and His plan for us as it is revealed – NOT HIDDEN – in the Word.

‘Work’ [Greek: ergasia] meaning regular occupation, craft for gain. This shows they gave themselves to the sins of Ephesians 4:17-19.

From Galatians 5:19-21 we are warned about the seventeen works of the flesh that will cause one to NOT inherit the kingdom of God: Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, sorcery, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness and revellings.

Speaking the Truth in Love

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Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, make increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 

‘But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.’ The truth recommended by Paul is the whole gospel which centres around Christ and building the body of Christ into a working unit to throw off all error or waste to sustain itself like the human body (4:15-16).

In 1Corinthians 12:13-30 we see a brief description of the body of Christ and the members’ roles described. All that is in Christ make up the body of Christ (2:19-22; 4:1-6; Col. 1:18, 24). 1Corinthians 12:13 explains that “by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.” This shows how the body of Christ is constituted. The Spirit is the agent that brings one into the body of Christ by the new birth. This is not a baptism into the Spirit, but into the body of Christ. The body here is the element one is baptized into. The Spirit is the agent that does the baptizing into the body. The believer is the candidate. If it were the Spirit baptism, Christ would be the agent and the Holy Spirit would be the element baptized into.

If Christians would seek to please God in whatever part they are to have in Christian congregations or the body of Christ there would be no confusion or strife about anyone’s service to God’s glorification (1Cor. 10:31).

The Perfecting of the Saints

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Ephesians 4:12-14 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 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: 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

‘For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.’ There are seven duties noted here of N.T. ministers: To perfect the saints (4:12). All the work of the ministry (4:12). To edify the body of Christ (4:12). To unify people in the faith (4:13). To unify people in doctrine (4:13). To perfect Christians in Christ (4:13). To bring people to maturity in Christ (4:13). Christians must be brought to the height of the gospel standard and the unlimited promises of God. The measure of the stature of the fullness is seldom mentioned much less demonstrated, while the stature of littleness, emptiness, and powerlessness of Christianity is often emphasized and demonstrated.

‘Perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.’ This is the 7th New Testament prophecy in Ephesians (4:12-13) being fulfilled. The Greek word teleios means that which has reached maturity (Matt. 5:48; 1Cor. 2:6; Php. 3:15).

‘That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro.’ Seven blessings of perfection: Maturity – no longer children (4:14). Established in the faith – no longer of doubtful mind or tossed to and fro like the waves (4:14; Jas. 1:5-8). Rooted and grounded in truth – no longer carried about by winds of doctrine (3:17; 4:14; John 8:32-36; Col. 2:6-7; 2Pet. 1:12). Freedom from deception – able to discern truth from error (4:14; 2Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-14; John 8:32-36). The ability to speak the truth in love (4:15; Rom. 15:14; Col. 3:16). Constant growth in spiritual things (4:15; 1Pet. 2:2; 3:18). Harmony with all others in Christ (4:16; 2Cor. 1:10; 13:11).

‘Wind of doctrine’ – Evil teaching of the prince of the power of the air (2:2; 1Tim. 4:1; 2Cor. 4:4).

‘Sleight’ [Greek: kubeia] cube. It refers to loaded dice against which no man can win. Those who play around with false doctrines cannot win eternal life.

‘Cunning craftiness’ [Greek: panourgia] cheating and subtlety. It signifies the art and wiles of the devil to destroy souls by fallacy (4:14; 27; 6:11; 1Tim. 4:1; 2Cor. 4:4; Matt. 13:19). It refers to the systematizing of error and making it such a perfect counterfeit of truth that only those who are experienced in truth can detect it.

‘Lie in wait to deceive’ – False teachers lie in wait to catch ignorant souls by their fallacies.

And He Gave Some… Part 2

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Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers

Five kinds of ministers continued: [3] Evangelists. [Greek: euangelistes] a bringer of glad tidings. Used of those spreading the gospel during the New Testament period as Christ commanded the apostles and disciples to do (Matt. 28:19) until all had access to the written Word of God. [4] ‘Pastors’ [Greek: poimen]. Translated “pastor” only here, but “shepherd” 16 times (Matt. 9:36; 25:32; 26:31; Mark 6:34; 14:27; Luke 2:8-20; John 10:2-16; Heb. 13:20; 1Pet. 2:25). The Hebrew: ra‛ah to tend a flock is translated “pastor” 8 times (Jer. 2:8; 3:15; 10:21; 12:10; 17:16; 22:22; 23:1-2) and “shepherd” 63 times. God, Christ, and men are called “shepherds” (4:11; Ps. 23:1; 80:1; Ezek. 34:1-23; Zech. 13:7; Heb. 13:20; 1Pet. 2:25). [5] Teachers. [Greek: didaskalos] translated master 47 times in the Gospels, 40 times of Christ. Translated “doctor” in Luke 2:46 and “teacher” in John 3:2. Always “teacher” in the epistles, except in James 3:1.

Besides the above, ministers are called: ambassadors (2Cor. 5:20); angels (Rev. 1:20; 2:1); elders (1Tim. 5:17; 1Pet. 5:1); fishers of men (Matt. 4:19; Mark 1:17); labourers (1Thess. 3:2); men of God (Deut. 33:1; 1Tim. 6:11); lights (Matt. 5:14; John 5:35); messengers (2Cor. 8:23; Mal. 2:7); ministers (2Cor. 3:6; 6:4; Rom. 15:16); overseers (Acts 20:28); preachers (Rom. 10:14; 1Tim. 2:7); servants (Tit. 1:1; Jude 1:1; Jas. 1:1); soldiers (Php. 2:25; 2Tim. 2:3-4); stewards (Tit. 1:7; 1Pet. 4:10); watchmen (Isa. 62:6; Ezek. 33:7); witnesses (Acts 1:8; 5:32; 26:16); workers (2Cor. 6:1); stars (Rev. 1:20; 2:1).

Ministering to others is not any individual’s priority. The Word of God (Ps. 119; Luke 8) and the Holy Spirit (John 16:8) will lead sinners to God and convict them, that is not our calling. Jesus Christ will be the only teacher one will ever need (Matt. 23:8,10) and the Holy Spirit will teach us His words, His gospel, His truth and life (John 14:26; 15:26). We must take what we learn from God’s Word for ourselves and allow Him to bring all necessary changes (Php. 1:6) as we grow as Christians to become faithful in self-denial and holy in living. The most faithful self-denial and holy living may, for a time, seem unfruitful – through no fault of the believer, but because of conditions on earth. Those who labour must learn to do as Christ did – commit themselves and their work to God’s glory, and toil on in faith. God assumes responsibility for salvation and keeps men free on condition of meeting His terms of repentance and holy living (Luke 13:1-5; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 12:14-15; 1Jn. 1:7-9; 2:29; 3:5-10; 5:1-4, 18).

And He Gave Some… Part 1

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Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers 

‘And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers.’ Five kinds of ministers: [1] Apostles. [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 the New Testament Christians, it means God sent them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. They were the ones who either wrote N.T. books or ministered the gospel of Christ to the congregations. 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 and Junia (Rom. 16:7), Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9). James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas. 1:1). Silas and 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). We are warned to watch out for false apostles (2Cor. 11:13; Rev. 2:2), they are those that will try to add or take away from the written Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19). [2] Prophets. Prophets were those who spoke for God (Heb. 1:1; Acts 3:21). They were the Old Testament authors and receivers of God’s word during the O.T. period, the last one was John the Baptist (Matt. 11:11-13; Luke 16:16), even though some individuals were still operating under the name ‘prophet’ during the shift from Old to New Testament, the office ended with John the Baptist. To prophecy during the New Testament meant to edify, exhort and comfort (1Cor. 14:3) and is classified with the gifts of the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11, 28). Directions for the exercise of this gift are found in 1Corinthians 14:1-40. The office was next in importance to apostles (4:11; 1Cor. 12:28). We are warned in the New Testament to watch out for all the false prophets (Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; 2Pet. 2:1; 1Jn. 4:1), they are those that will try to add or take away from the written Word of God (Rev. 22:18-19).

To be continued…

He that Descended… Also Ascended

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Ephesians 4:8-10 …and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 

‘Gave gifts unto men’ – Psalm 68:18 reads, “Thou have received gifts for men.” The Hebrew here suggests that the gifts which He gave were received in man; that is, by virtue of His incarnation, He received these gifts to give to human beings. They are really gifts of God to people. Eight gifts of God: [1] Christ (John 3:16; 4:10); called the heavenly and unspeakable gift (2Cor. 9:15; Heb. 6:4). [2] The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:33, 38-39; 5:32; 8:20; 11:17). [3] Salvation (Rom. 5:15-18; Eph. 2:8-9). [4] Eternal life (Rom. 6:23). [5] Grace (3:7; 4:7). [6] Spiritual gifts (Rom. 12:6; 1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11, 28-31; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; Heb. 2:4; 1Pet. 4:10). [7] Ministers (4:11). [8] All good things (Matt. 7:11; Luke 11:13; Php. 4:17; Jas. 1:17).

‘He also descended first.’ Before He ascended to heaven, He descended to hell (Ps. 16:10; Matt. 12:40). He descended, not only from deity to humanity and from humanity to infamy and death (Php. 2:5-11), but also into the lower parts of the earth – into hell itself to conquer hell and liberate captive souls from satan (4:8-10; Ps. 16:10; 68:18; Matt. 12:40; Heb. 2:14-15).

‘Lower parts of the earth’ – Proof that hell is located in the lower parts of the earth, not on the surface of the earth as the grave (Matt. 12:40; Ps. 16:10; 63:9; Job 11:8; Deut. 32:22; Isa. 14:9; 66:22-24; Pro. 9:18; 15:24; Ezek. 31:14-18; 32:18-24). Hell, here is contrasted with the highest heaven as being the lowest and deepest part of the earth. It could not possibly refer to the grave on the surface of the earth.

‘That he might fill all things’ – That He might be the fountain of all spiritual, physical, and material gifts to human beings, dispensing them to all people liberally according to their needs and wants (Jas. 1:5-8, 17; Matt. 7:11; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11).

The Gift of Christ

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Ephesians 4:7-8 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he said, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 

‘Every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ Proof of different measures of grace (Rom. 12:3). Different measures of the Spirit: Mosaic portion (Num. 11:17, 25). Mosaic portion 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).

‘When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.’ The first and last Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in Ephesians (4:8; Ps. 68:18). This was at the ascension, 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3-11; Luke 24:51; Mark 16:19). Three things which Christ did in His ascension: He liberated the righteous immortal souls from captivity in the lower parts of the earth (4:8; Ps. 68:18). He took these captives captive to heaven (4:8; Ps. 68:18). He gave gifts to men (4:8, 11).

‘High’ [Greek: hupsos] rendered “height” in Ephesians 3:18 and Revelation 21:16.

‘He led captivity captive’ – The captives that were taken to heaven with Christ were the saints who had died from Abel to Christ, and who were held captive by satan in paradise under the earth until Christ conquered death, hell, and the grave liberating them (Heb. 2:14-15; Luke 16:23). He got these captives in the lower parts of the earth (4:8-10; Matt. 12:40). They were still alive in soul and spirit since their physical death, but held captive, which proves the immortality of the soul. He could not have led captive, extinct souls. Now when a Christian dies, he does not go into the lower parts of the earth to be held captive but goes to where paradise is now (2Cor. 12:4) to live and await the resurrection of the body (2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:22-23; Rev. 6:9-11). ‘Captivity’ – He led a host of captives to heaven, like an earthly conqueror. Some were the many that were resurrected after Christ (Matt. 27:52-53), and the rest were the immortal souls that were not resurrected, but merely liberated from captivity to satan (Heb. 2:14-15; 12:23).

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).