Tag: Gospel

Praying Always

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Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 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, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 

‘Praying always’ – praying must also be classed as part of the armour because it is an additional and very important part of the fight against spiritual powers of evil (Jas. 4:7; 1Pet. 5:8-9).

We have liberty in prayer [Greek: parrhesia] freedom of speech; liberty of access to God. Christians can have absolute confidence of access to God because all sins which separated us from Him are removed (Isa. 59:1-2). In the Old Testament days, men were not permitted to approach God. Even the mountain on which God gave the law was not to be touched by man or beast. Only the high priest was permitted in the holy of holies once a year, and even then, he could not approach God without proper atonement. Now we all have free and daily access to God by the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10:19-23; Eph. 2:18). We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain help in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16). As long as we hold fast to his liberty of access to God, we are His house (Heb. 3:6). If sin is in life we do not and cannot have this liberty of access. God will not hear our prayers (1Jn. 3:20-23; 5:14-15).

‘Supplication’ [Greek: deesis] and entreating; continued strong and incessant pleadings until the prayer is answered (Lk. 18:1-8). Translated “request” (Php. 1:4); “supplication” (Acts 1:14; Eph. 6:18; Php. 4:6; 1Tim. 2:1; 5:5); and “prayer” 12 times.

‘Watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’ Without this, prayer and Christian armour will be ineffectual (Mark 13:33; Lk. 21:36; Heb. 13:17).

‘Perseverance’ [Greek: proskarteresis] to adhere firmly to (Acts 2:42, 46; 6:4; 8:13; 10:7; Rom. 12:12; 13:6; Col. 4:2; Mark 3:9). Be close in pursuit of; always intent upon your object in prayer (Rom. 12:12).

‘Ambassador’ [Greek: presbeuo] an emperor’s legate. Such was held in respect in all civilized countries, but here the ambassador of the King of Heaven is in chains!

Above All

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Ephesians 6:16-17 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

‘Shield of faith’ – to have faith is to have unconditional trust in God’s promises and abilities. Our faith can then act as a shield that quenches all fiery darts – attacks from the enemy.

‘Fiery Darts’ [Greek: belos] darts or any missile was thrown, like the javelin, spear, arrow, or stone from a sling. The fiery darts perhaps refer to the combustible arrowheads that set fire to the fortifications, ships, houses, and even the shields of the enemy made of wood and leather. To quench these fiery darts shields were covered with metal. As applied to Christian warfare they refer to evil thoughts, lusts, passions, and temptations of various kinds that demonic forces use against us in our minds through our thoughts (1Cor. 10:13-14; 2Cor. 10:4-6; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 6:12; 1Jn. 2:15-17).

‘The wicked’ – This no doubt refers to satan who is captain of all other wicked ones and who uses his emissaries – or demonic forces against us (Matt. 13:19, 38; 1Jn. 2:13-14; 3:12; 5:18). The term is also used for other wicked persons (Isa. 11:4; 2Thess. 2:8; 2Pet. 2:7; 2Pet. 3:17).

‘Helmet of salvation’ – protecting our minds or taking our thoughts captive (2Cor. 10:3-6) is necessary to renew our minds (Rom. 12:1-2; Eph. 4:23) to enter into God’s salvation process. We cannot think whatever we want or let random thoughts run amok in our minds (Php. 4:8; Col. 3:2).

‘The sword of the Spirit’ – the word of God (Ps. 119) which we must use (Lk. 4:4, 8, 10,12) to stand against all lies that the enemy will bring in against the truth (John 8:44; 10:10).

‘Word’ [Greek: rhema] the essential living Word of God (John 1:1, 14; 1Jn. 1:1; 5:7; Rev. 19:13); the embodiment and expression of all wisdom and prudence (Eph. 1:8; 1Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:3). The Spirit always acts in harmony with the written Word of God (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7-11). It should be quoted in times of temptation and it will cut in pieces the snares of the enemy.

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.

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).

As the Servants of Christ

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Ephesians 6:5-9 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; Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 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. 

‘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.’ Six commands for servants (Col. 3:22-25): To obey your masters (i.e., be faithful employees; Col. 3:22). To be conscientious in service (6:5). Not to render eyeservice (worship or adore; 6:6; Col. 3:22). To do the will of God from the heart (6:6). To render cheerful service to men as you would to the Lord (6:7; Col. 3:23). To recognize that if you are not properly recompensed by man you will be by God (6:8; Gal. 6:7-8; Col. 3:24-25).

‘Masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening.’ Three commands for masters (Col. 4:1): Act in the same affectionate, conscientious manner toward your servants, as they do toward you (6:9; Col. 4:1). Do not threaten your servants (6:9). Recognize that you have the same Master as your servants and that there is no partiality with Him (6:9; Rom. 2:11; Col. 4:1).

Children and Parents

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Ephesians 6:1 -4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 

‘Obey your parents in the Lord’ Two commands are given for children (Col. 3:20): To obey their parents – in the Lord – never in sin (6:1). To honour their parents – by being respectful without compromising their relationship with God (6:2).

‘For this is right’ – Four reasons for children to obey parents: This is right (6:1). It is a commandment (6:2; Ex. 20:12). It is a blessing of well-being (6:3). Long life is promised (6:3).

‘You fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.’ Two commands for fathers (Col. 3:21): Provoke not your children to wrath. Avoid severity, anger, and cruelty. Cruel parents generally have rebellious children. Correct, do not punish. Punishment is from a principle of revenge; correction is from a principle of loving concern. Bring up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The mind is to be nourished with wholesome discipline and instruction which will bend them toward God and Christian living.

‘Nurture’ [Greek: paideia] child training; education; discipline; correction. Translated “nurture” here; “instruction” (2Tim. 3:16); “chastening” (Heb. 12:5, 7, 11); and “chastisement” (Heb. 12:8).

‘Admonition’ [Greek: nouthesia] warning, admonition, reproof (1Cor. 10:11; Tit. 3:10).

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.

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.

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.