Tag: Truth

Praise of the Glory of His Grace

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Ephesians 1:6-8 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence 

‘Has made us accepted’ – Has brought us into grace and made us objects of it in Christ.

‘In the beloved’ God claims Jesus as His own Son (cp. Matt. 3:17; 17:5; Luke 3:22;  John 12:28; Heb. 1:1-4; 2Pet. 1:17).

‘Redemption through his blood’ – This is the price God paid to manifest His grace and adopt us as sons (Rom. 3:24-25; 8:23; 1Cor. 1:30; Col. 1:14; Heb. 12:15; Rev. 5:9-10).

‘Riches of his grace’ – True riches: Riches of His grace (1:7). Riches of the glory of the inheritance in the saints (1:18). Unsearchable riches of Christ (3:8). Riches of glory (3:16; Rom. 9:23). Riches of His goodness (Rom. 2:4). Riches of wisdom, knowledge (Rom. 11:33). Riches in glory (Php. 4:19). Riches of the glory of the mystery of Christ in you (Col. 1:27). Riches of the full assurance of understanding of God’s mystery (Col. 2:2). Reproach of Christ greater riches than in Egypt (Heb. 11:26).

‘All wisdom’ – Wisdom is that which enables men to judge what are the best goals and the best means of attaining them. Prudence is practical wisdom applied in the best time and manner to secure the best results.

‘Prudence’ [Greek: phronesis] practical wisdom (Luke 1:17).

We Should Be Holy and Without Blame

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Ephesians 1:4-5 According as he has chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will

‘Chosen’ [Greek: eklegomai] choose (1:4; Mark 13:20; Luke 6:13; 10:42; 19:7; John 6:70; 13:18; 15:16, 19; Acts 1:2, 24; 6:5; 13:17; 15:22, 15:25; 1Cor. 1:27-28; Jas. 2:5) and make choice (Acts 15:7).

‘Foundation of the world’ – Overthrow of the world that Lucifer ruled before Adam. Foundation [Greek: katabole] to cast or throw down. Katabole should have been translated “overthrow” or “casting down of the world” in Matthew 13:35; 25:34; Luke 11:50; John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; Hebrews 4:3; 9:26; 11:10; 1Peter 1:20 and Revelation 13:8; 17:8. Except for Hebrews 11:10, katabole is used with kosmos, social world, and refers to the overthrow of the pre-Adamite world by the flood of Genesis 1:2; 2Peter 3:5-7; Psalm 104:5-9; Jeremiah 4:23-26 and the defeat of Lucifer and his earthly kingdom before Adam (Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Luke 10:18).

‘That we should be holy’ – 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, note). In other words, the plan is predestined and foreknown, not the individual conformity to the plan.

‘Without blame’ [Greek: amomos] (1:4; 5:27; Col. 1:22; Heb. 9:14; 1Pet. 1:19; Jude 1:24; Rev. 14:5).

‘Predestinated’ [Greek: proorizo] foreordained. Here God has predestined all children of God to be adopted into His family, but who becomes a child of God is left up to each individual (John 3:15-20; Rev. 22:17; cp. 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9).

‘Adoption’ [Greek: huiothesia] adoption (1:5; Rom. 8:15, 23; 9:4; Gal. 4:5). God has adopted us by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to His pleasure and will, to the praise and glory of His grace, and has made us accepted in Christ (1:5-6).

Blessed Be

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Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ

‘Blessed’ [Greek: eulogetos] from the verb eulogeo, translated “bless” 40 times and “praise” once (Luke 1:64).

‘The God and Father 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).

‘Blessed us’ – Nine things that God has done for us: He has blessed us (1:3). He has chosen us (1:4). He has predestined us (1:5, 11). He has made us accepted (1:6). He has redeemed us (1:7). He has abounded toward us (1:8). He has made known unto us (1:9). He has given us an inheritance (1:11, 14). He has sealed us (1:13).

‘All spiritual blessings’ – All promises and blessings in Christ are still for believers today (1:3; 2Cor. 1:20; Ps. 34:9-10; 84:11; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16).

‘Spiritual blessings’ – These blessings are the pure doctrines of the gospel and the full graces and gifts of the Spirit which are necessary for the work of God among human beings (1Cor. 12:1-11; Gal. 5:21).

‘Blessings’ [Greek: eulogia] translated “blessing” 11 times (1:3; Rom. 15:29; 1Cor. 10:16; Gal. 3:14; Heb. 6:7; 12:17; Jas. 3:10; 1Pet. 3:9; Rev. 5:12-13; 7:12); “fair speeches” (Rom. 16:18); “bounty” (2Cor. 9:5); and “bountifully” (2Cor. 9:6).

‘Heavenly’ [Greek: epouranios] that which pertains to heaven. Translated “heaven” (Php. 2:10); “heavenly” (1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; Matt. 18:35; John 3:12; 1Cor. 15:48-49; 2Tim. 4:18; Heb. 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; 12:22); “high places” (6:12); and “celestial” (1Cor. 15:40).

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).

Backsliding

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This book was written to correct the fickle Galatians from further backsliding and following the legalizing, Judaizing teachers from Judea; and to set them straight regarding the relation of Christians of the new covenant with the Jews of the old covenant.

Many people believe once saved, always saved. A theory that satan caused to remove accountability. The theory that God will not punish, judge, and condemn His people when they backslide and persist in sin and rebellion has no foundation in any attribute, act, promise, prophecy, covenant, or revelation of God. He has been just and good to all in all ages, blessing men when they obey and cursing the same men when they disobey. He is completely impartial; nothing can cause Him to act contrary His nature as He has revealed it. God has given hundreds of warnings for men not to backslide lest they die in their sin and rebellion and suffer the fate of all sinners. He has given many examples of angels, demons, and men who have actually suffered and will yet suffer such destiny. There are many things that God promises to do: To pluck the disobedient and curse with many curses (Deut. 28:15-68; Luke 21:20-24). To break off and cut off branches in Christ who refuse to bear fruit (Rom. 11:17-22; John 15:1-6). To blot names out of the book of life (Ex. 32:32-33; Ps. 69:28; Rev. 3:5). To charge sin to the guilty, and by no means clear them unless they repent (Ex. 34:6-7; Rom. 11:22-24). To cast out of His sight (1Kin. 9:7; 2Kin. 24:20; 2Ch. 7:19-22; Jer. 7:15; 15:1; 23:39). To cast away (Hos. 9:17; Rom. 11:15; 2Cor. 9:1-15). To cast out as fit for nothing (Mat. 5:13; Luke 14:34-35). To cast out as unprofitable servants (Mat. 25:30). To cast down to hell (2Pet. 2:4-6; Jude 1:5-7; Acts 1:25). To cut off from His presence (Lev. 22:3; 2Kin. 17:1-41; Luke 21:20-24). To destroy (Jer. 12:17; 2Cor. 3:16-17; 10:1-13; Jude 1:5-7). To deny men (2Tim. 2:12). To forgive only when men repent (Lev. 26:40-42; 1Jn. 1:9). To give up on people who once knew Him (Rom. 1:21-32). To permit the once saved to be lost when they go into sin (John 17:12). To pass eternal death sentence on righteous who turn to sin (Ezek. 3:20; 18:4, 24; 33:12-18; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13). To render justice to every person according to his deeds (Pro. 24:12, 29; Psa. 62:12; Rom. 2:6).

There are many simple statements in Scripture revealing man’s part in his own damnation or salvation. It is not God’s will for anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance (John 3:16; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). If people will not meet God’s terms, they will be lost (Mark 16:16; John 3:3, 5; Pro. 1:24-31); and if any turn away from the Lord after salvation, and persist in rebellion until death, He is not responsible. The fact that all are not going to be saved proves that man does have a part in the matter. If any man fails to be saved, it is his own fault, not God’s fault.

In the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

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Galatians 6:14-18 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availed any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. To the Galatians written from Rome. 

‘God forbid that I should glory.’ The last occurrence of this phrase. Glorification must always be unto God, never to oneself.

‘Save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.’ Others may glory in circumcision, rituals, and a great show of converts to an easy religion, but I will glory only in the cross of Jesus Christ. Those former things are empty, worthless and crucified to them by the cross. Nothing avails anything, but a new creation in Christ (6:15; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:10; 4:23-24; Col. 3:10).

‘Rule’ [Greek: kanon] canon, rule of Christianity. This rule is that redemption is through Jesus Christ apart from circumcision, sabbath-keeping, and all the law of Moses (1:6-8; 2:15-21; 3:13-14, 19-29; 4:1-10; 5:1-7, 11; 6:12-15).

‘And upon the Israel of God.’ This Israel of God is made up of the true Jews who accept this rule along with the Gentiles (Rom. 2:29; 9:6).

‘Marks’ [Greek: stigma] Slaves were branded. So, Paul, as a slave, bore the marks of his slave service. They gloried in their circumcision mark (6:12-13), but Paul said he will glory in his marks of suffering for Jesus Christ (2Cor. 11:23-28).

A Fair Show in the Flesh

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Galatians 6:11-13 You see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 

‘Letter’ [Greek: gramma] that which is written; letters of the alphabet (Luke 23:38; John 7:15; Rom. 2:27, 29; 6:6; 2Cor. 3:6); letters or epistles (Acts 28:21); books (John 5:47; 2Cor. 3:7); bill or receipt (Luke 16:6-7); and Scriptures (2Tim. 3:15). This verse refers to the fact that Paul had written this whole epistle by himself. He had written larger epistles but had dictated them to others. That he was nearly blind and this verse refers to the large characters of the alphabet he used in the epistle is not supported by any MSS or any fact in Scripture. In Paul’s day, all writing was in uncial characters (like the capital letters we use), only they were about an inch high. If he needed to write bigger letters, he could not see to write at all.

‘Make a fair show in the flesh.’ This refers to circumcision and the outward rituals of Judaism that any unsaved man could keep without being restricted otherwise. Weak Christians were tempted to go back to Judaism because they could escape persecution and more easily conform to the requirements (6:12-13). Circumcision, which was a part of the Abrahamic covenant, was a sign of the promised Redeemer out of the loins of Abraham, and of His works for all who wished to put off the sins of the flesh and serve God as new creatures. The word “circumcision” came to be synonymous with Jews (2:9; Rom. 3:30; 4:9;). Since Christ came, circumcision avails nothing (5:6; Col. 3:11). Christian circumcision is in the heart or spirit, not in the flesh (Rom. 2:28-29; 1Cor. 7:19; Php. 3:3; Col. 2:11)

Whatsoever a Man Sow

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Galatians 6:6-10 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teaches in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap. For he that sow to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. 

‘Communicate’ [Greek: koinoneo] share with; be partaker of (Rom. 15:27; 1Tim. 5:22; Heb. 2:14; 1Pet. 4:13; 2Jn. 1:11); communicate and distribute (Rom. 12:13; Gal. 6:6; Php. 4:15). It refers to the material support of the ministry.

‘Mocked’ [Greek: mukterizomai] to turn up the nose at.

‘For whatsoever a man sow, that shall he also reap …’ This is the 2nd and last New Testament prophecy in Galatians (5:7-9). This is an unfailing and unchangeable law (Gen. 1:11-12, 21, 24-25, 29).

‘For he that sow to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ Just as surely as everything in nature reproduces after its kind, harvests being as sure as the sowings, so every man will reap what he sows and be responsible for his own destiny (6:7-8). It is folly to talk about reaping eternal life when one sows to the flesh (5:19-21; 6:8; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Rom. 1:29-32). It is equal folly to talk about being lost if one sows to the Spirit.

‘Weary’ [Greek: ekkakeo] to lose heart. Translated “faint” (Luke 18:1; 2Cor. 4:1, 4:16; Eph. 3:13) and “weary” (6:9; 2Thess. 3:13).

‘Due season.’ In the proper season, harvests are sure (6:7-8).

‘Faint not’ [Greek: ekluo] to become exhausted, beginning to lie down like sheep abandoned by shepherds. (John 7:49).

‘Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ Thirteen commands (5:25-6:10): Let us walk in the Spirit (5:25). Let us not desire vainglory (5:26). Let us not provoke one another (5:26). Let us not envy one another (5:26). Restore a sinning brother (6:1). Consider self not above falling (6:1). Bear burdens of others (6:2). Test your own work (6:4). Bear your own responsibility (6:5). Support the ministry (6:6). Be not deceived (6:7). Be not weary in well-doing (6:9). Do good to all people (6:10).

In the Spirit of Meekness

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Galatians 6:1-5 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. 

‘Overtaken’ [Greek: prolambano] found out or detected.

‘Fault’ [Greek: paraptoma] a falling aside, when one should have stood upright; a moral fall; a fall from truth and grace.

‘Spiritual’ [Greek: pneumatikos] non-carnal; religious; or spiritual.

‘Restore’ [Greek: katartizo] to adjust; put in order again; restore; repair; settle by mediation. It means to bring back to his place in Christ and in grace.

‘Spirit of meekness’ [Greek: praotes] the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge.

‘Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.’ Do not exalt yourself as being above the same fall (1Cor. 10:13; 13:1-13).

‘Bear you one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.’ Sympathize, show mercy and love, and do not brow-beat a fallen brother, and so fulfil the law of Christ (6:1-2; John 13:34; 15:12).

‘Think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.’ Bigotry, intolerance, and conceit rebuked (6:3-4; Isa. 65:5; Mark 2:16; Luke 18:9-14; Acts 10:28, 45; Rom. 3:1-23). Examples of bigotry: Joshua (Num. 11:27-29); some Jews (John 4:9, 27; 9:28-34); some Samaritans (Luke 9:52-53); the disciples (Matt. 19:13; Luke 9:49-56); Saul (Acts 9:1-5; 22:3-4; 26:9); some early Christians (Acts 11:1-3).

‘Prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.’ Test his own work and conduct by the law of Christ and not by others, and he will find out just what he has in himself to boast about (6:2-4).

‘Burden’ [Greek: phortion] load, responsibility (Matt. 11:30; 23:4; Luke 11:46). Every man must do this for himself, but one can help share the baros (burden, Gal. 6:2), grief, misery, and pressure of another.

The Fruit of the Spirit

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Galatians 5:22-26 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. 

‘Fruit of the Spirit is …’ The nine-fold fruit of the Spirit (5:22-23): Love. [Greek: agape] divine love. A strong, ardent, tender, compassionate, devotion to the well-being of someone (1Cor. 13:4-8). Joy. [Greek: chara] the emotional excitement, gladness, delight over blessings received or expected for oneself and others. Peace. [Greek: eirene] the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order, and security during turmoil, strife, and temptations. Longsuffering. [Greek: makrothumia] patient endurance; to bear long with the frailties, offences, injuries, and provocations of others, without murmuring, repining, or resentment (1Cor. 13:4-7; 2Cor. 6:4-6; Eph. 4:1-2; Col. 1:11; 3:12-13; 1Tim. 1:16; 2Tim. 3:10; 4:2). Gentleness. [Greek: chrestotes] a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured, and refined in character and conduct (2Tim. 2:24-26; Tit. 3:1-2; Jas. 3:17). Goodness. [Greek: agathosune] the state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and God-like in life and conduct (Ex. 33:19; 34:6; Ps. 23:6; 31:19; 33:5; 107:9; Rom. 2:4; Eph. 5:9; Matt. 5:44-48; Luke 6:27-32). Faith. [Greek: pistis] the living, divinely implanted, acquired, and created principle of inward and wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says. Meekness. [Greek: praotes] the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge. Temperance. [Greek: engkrateia] self-control; a moderation in the indulgence of the appetites and passions (Pro. 23:1-3; 25:16; Dan. 1:8-16; Rom. 13:14; 2Cor. 9:1-15 :25-27; Php. 4:5; 1Thess. 5:6-8; Tit. 2:2-3, 11-12; 2Pet. 1:5-10).

‘Against such there is no law.’ No law can condemn one with the fruit of the Spirit. Law only condemns sin, not righteousness (Rom. 3:19-20; 7:13; Gal. 3:19; 1Tim. 1:9-10).

‘They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.’ All true Christians have done this (2Cor. 5:17-18; Rom. 6:6-23; 8:1-13).

‘Desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.’ Three common temptations of saints: Desirous of vain glory (5:13; 6:12-13; Php. 2:1-3; Col. 2:18). Provoking one another (Php. 2:1-3; Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:8-10). Envying one another (Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; 2Cor. 12:20; 1Tim. 6:4; Tit. 3:1-15; Jas. 3:14-16; 1Pet. 2:1).