“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says, ‘WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVE A HOST OF CAPTIVES, AND HE GAVE GIFTS TO MEN.’ (Now this expression, "He ascended," what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

Since God has given “to each one of us grace” (verse 7), we must do our part to “preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (verse 3). God has given each individual Christian the full “measure” of “Christ’s gift” of saving grace and eternal salvation. Each and every member of a local church of Christ is responsible to contribute to the peace and unity of their spiritual family. No one is left out. No one is unimportant. No one is exempt from this responsibility. What Christ did for one, He did for all, and each of us must be grateful and responsible.

When Jesus arose from the grave, and “ascended on high” (verse 8) to the right hand of the Father in heaven, “He led captive a host of captives” (Psalm 68:18). This speaks to the victory that Christ secured over Satan and his forces of evil when He tasted death, but then defeated it, and ascended “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named” (Ephesians 1:21). Paul wrote in Colossians 2:15, “When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.”

Christ reigned and reigns triumphant over all His physical and spiritual creation, and to the Victor go the spoils. That is really the subject matter of Psalm 68 that Paul quotes in today’s verses. King David sings the praises of the Lord who returns to His people in total and complete triumph over His enemies. In this victory psalm, verse 18 actually reads, “You have ascended on high, You have led captive Your captives; You have received gifts among men, even among the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there.” The Lord “received gifts” but He did not, and does not, keep them for himself. Paul, in citing this Old Testament verse, said that God “gave” gifts to men.

More on Ephesians 4:7-13 and these wonderful “gifts” for tomorrow.

Please come worship God with us today at the Taylorsville Road church of Christ!

3741 Taylorsville Road. 9:30 AM Bible class. 10:30 AM worship period. 5:00 PM worship period.

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

- Louie Taylor

Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says,

“When He ascended on high,
He led captive a host of captives,
And He gave gifts to men.”

(Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)  And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.

--- End of Scripture verses---

Sometimes the greatest number of all is the number ONE. Just as surely as there is only one Father, one Spirit, and one Lord Jesus Christ; there is only one common faith that holds together the one body of Christ. Since the body is the church (Colossians 1:18), then the apostle Paul is stressing that there are not many churches belonging to Christ, but only ONE. That's the very same church that Jesus prayed for (John 17:20-21), and said He would build, and that the gates of Hades would not overpower (Matthew 16:18).

But the main focus of this passage, and of the number one here, is unity. Just as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are tightly bound together (in essence, power and purpose), so the one body is solidly united together by the bonds of peace. It is the one common faith that has been revealed by the one Spirit in the New Testament that provides the powers of adhesion.

God has given many gifts to many individuals in this one, blood-bought body (verses 7-11). But they all have been given to provide for the growth and development and maturity of the one body: the church of Christ (verses 13-16). And verse 12 tells us the works that are to be engaged in by the many gifted individuals that God has populated His church with. Our collective resources are to go toward "perfecting" or "equipping" the saints (building Christians up spiritually); for the "work of the ministry" (serving the needs of Christians); for the "edifying" or "building up" of the body of Christ (teaching and converting the lost so that God can add them to the church).

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

“Just as also you were called in one hope of your calling” (verse 4). Loving the words of Colly Caldwell on this particular “one”. Quoting from his commentary on Ephesians by Guardian of Truth Foundation:

“One hope involves unity of aspiration, purpose, and goals. Hope…is favorable expectation with trust and confidence. Those who are truly united have common goals, ambitions, and purposes. It is inconceivable that Christians would set their mission toward seeking earthly rewards or desire any promise other than the one hope of the gospel. On earth, men hope for different things materially: prestige, fame, wealth, possessions, and/or pleasures. The Christian earnestly desires and expects to attain everlasting glory. Children of God are looking toward heaven, and heaven is real (Rev. 21:1-7; 1 John 3:2-3; Heb. 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:10).

“Our hope is truly glorious (Rom. 5:2; Col. 1:5,27; Rom. 8:24-25). Our hope causes us as Christians to endure persecution, face crises, and remain faithful while those outside the Lord have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13; Eph. 2:12). There should be no rivalry as with men hoping for the same office or honor or possession… The common hope binds us together because we know that we shall all be one great band of heavenly worshippers around the throne of God throughout eternity.” (pg 166)

---End of commentary quote---

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:11-14)

Please stay in Ephesians 4:1-6 for tomorrow and please take the time to read these verses every day that we stay here since this is a Bible reading group and not a commentary reading group. Memorizing the verses wouldn’t be a bad idea either! Also take the time to at least read SOME of the accompanying verses that are referenced but not quoted.

Hope you all have a blessed and wonderful day.

-Louie Taylor

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

When the apostle Paul wrote that we must be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," he was stressing how vitally important it is for Christians to be united in the Lord's church. In verses 4-6 he mentioned seven things that there are only one of.

He started this list by saying that there is only one body. He wrote in Ephesians 3:6, "the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." Both Jews and Gentiles are welcome members in the church of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:10). That is really just another way of saying that all people of all races are acceptable to the Lord.

Paul knew it would take diligent effort for people from diverse backgrounds to get along together in peace and harmony in the church. But the good news is that all things are possible in Christ. He went on to write in Ephesians 3:20-21, "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

Paul tells us that when we give ourselves to the Lord, that His power works within us, and there is no good thing that He won't equip us to do. God has not left us alone to fight our battles on earth. If we are trying our best, He will do the rest. As surely as there is only one Father, one Lord (Jesus the Son), and one Spirit, there is only one body (the church). If we strive to be united in peace, love, truth, doctrine, and worship He will not allow us to fail.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

“There is one body.” No matter how many millions of times people insist that you should “attend the church of your choice,” and that it doesn’t matter what “denomination” you are a part of, there is only one church that is founded by and approved of by Jesus Christ. The “body” of Christ is the “church” of Christ (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:24). Jesus is the head of this body (Colossians 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:27), so it takes all of its instructions and receives all of its authority from Him as dictated by the inspired revelation of the New Testament (2 Peter 1:16-21).

There is only one church that Jesus personally “built” (Matthew 16:18), and that He “purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). This is the church that the Apostle’s “established” on the day of Pentecost nearly 2000 years ago when they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and began baptizing people into it through the authority of Christ (Acts 2:38, 47). This is the church of Jesus Christ, and all approved local congregations are “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16).

Christ, the head of the church, has only one and not many bodies. Are you a part of that one, Christ-built, blood-bought body?

More on Ephesians 4:1-6 for tomorrow Lord willing.

Blessings!

-Louie Taylor

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

Okay I guess we need to spend a few days on this passage in order to do it any justice at all. We mentioned in the introductory remarks about this letter that one of its main themes is “unity”. Paul really drives that theme home in today’s verses as he gives reference to the “seven ones” as motivation to “preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (verse 3). Just as surely as there is only one body (the church), one (Holy) Spirit, one hope, One Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith, one baptism and one (Heavenly) Father; we should strive to unite as one in the kingdom of our Savior.

In order to effectively become a truly united body of believers, we must, as individuals, make some personal sacrifices. We really need to learn the art of putting others before self, and that is not always an easy skill to acquire. We must strive to interact with our brothers and sisters in Christ with “all humility and gentleness” (verse 2). To be humble is to take a “lowly” view of oneself. If we think too highly of ourselves then we are always going to be putting our own needs, wants and opinions before everyone else’s, and that is a formula for disaster in a congregation.

“Gentleness” or “Meekness” is not “weakness” but strength under control. We will need to exercise this gentle disposition in order to resist the urge to retaliate when a fellow Christian does us wrong, because, let’s face it—we all treat each other poorly at one time or another. We need, by God’s grace, to develop the ability to absorb a wrong suffered and then to freely and eagerly forgive the offender. Paul wrote in verse 32 of this same chapter, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

We need to exhibit “patience” when we are dealing with Christians from a variety of backgrounds and at differing levels of spiritual development. This is the Greek word “makrothumias” and it is often rendered “longsuffering”. If we truly love our spiritual family, we will learn to “show tolerance” for their weaknesses and quirks, understanding that, yes, we all have our own! “Love is patient, love is kind…” (1 Corinthians 13:4). Love also “bears all things” and “endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). We dare not tolerate sin and error, but we must learn to deal patiently and tolerantly with imperfect people who sometimes stumble.

More tomorrow Lord willing!

Have a blessed and safe day!

-Louie Taylor

“Of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

It was such an honor for Paul, who considered himself the “very least” to be able to provide for the Gentiles the very most (verse 8). Paul knew he was unworthy to be given such a lofty and privileged position as an Apostle of the Christ whom he persecuted (Acts 9:4-5), so the thoughts of the “gift of God’s grace” that was given to him always humbled him.

The “riches” that are provided by the faithful preaching of the Gospel are “unfathomable,” so appreciate your Bible and your preacher. The wealth of spiritual blessings that gush forth from God’s living word are immeasurable and incomprehensible. The gospel is packed with amazing grace (John 1:16), surpassing peace (Philippians 4:7), complete joy (John 15:11) and great salvation (Hebrews 2:3). “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (Romans 11:33)

God has brought to light, through Christ Jesus, the truths that were once shrouded in darkness (verse 9). God’s word is given to us as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). It illuminates the darkness so that we can see to walk clearly, safely and righteously. “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8).

God’s “manifold” (multifaceted) wisdom is “made known through the church” (verse 10). It was God’s “eternal purpose” for Jesus to die for the sins of the world, and arise from the dead in order to build His church (verse 11). That means that God has had plans for you and me from eternity as well. The Lord “has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity” (2 Timothy 1:9).

Because of what Christ has done for us, we have access to the Father that is both bold and confident (verse 12). But let’s not confuse confidence with arrogance. Let’s remember Paul’s example of meekness and humility as people that are equally undeserving of God’s riches and grace and salvation. Let’s approach God’s mighty throne with boldness and humbleness.

Please read Ephesians 3:14-19 for tomorrow.

- Louie Taylor

“For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

In Christ Jesus, we have an all “access” pass to the Father in heaven (verse 18). Jesus is the door that provides us the freedom and the privilege to come into the presence of our Father and have a spiritual relationship with Him. In Christ, we can cast all our anxieties upon the Lord because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We can go to the Father in prayer and share with Him our failures and successes, our worries and delights, our fears and our joys. We can ask Him to help us with any of life’s challenges and difficulties. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

When we are born again in Christ Jesus, we are adopted into the household of God (verse 19). That means we are bona fide members of the family of God. With Jesus as our brother (Hebrews 2:11) and God as our Father (Romans 8:15), we never need want or fear for anything again. It is an awesome and comforting thought to know that we have the Creator of the universe as our Protector and Provider. In Christ Jesus, we are not only members of the household, we are actually part of the house (verse 22). As living stones (1 Peter 2:5), Christians are “being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” This is an every growing and expanding “holy temple in the Lord” (verse 21) which is the church of Jesus Christ.

One of the main focal points of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is the need for unity and harmony among brothers and sisters in Christ. As the body of Christ continues to grow and expand, its members should strive to grow stronger and closer together. As we are “being built together” into God’s dwelling place, the mortar that binds us in unity is the love and teaching of “Christ Jesus Himself” who is “the corner stone” of God’s spiritual temple (verse 20). As long as we are standing on the firm foundation of the truth taught by “the apostles and prophets,” and the love of the “chief corner stone” (Acts 4:11) who gave himself for the sins of the world, God will dwell among us and we will be His people (Revelation 21:3).

Please read Ephesians 3:1-6 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

- Louie Taylor

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

Quite often God’s blessings prompt people to be BOASTFUL instead of stimulating them to be THANKFUL. Every good thing that we have in life is provided through God’s grace. Grace is “unearned” or “unmerited favor”. We acquire many good things by our own mental and physical exertion, and we should utilize the resources that we have for advancement in life. But who gave us our intellect and physical wellbeing? They were gifts that we received from God that we had no control over.

Some people boast that they built their careers and net worth from the strength of their back, and the sweat of their brow, by their own two hands. But did they make their back, brow and hands? Of course not! God bestows those blessings upon people (who do not deserve them) through conference of His benevolent grace. So, let us allow God’s graciousness to cultivate gratefulness within our hearts, and strive to avoid arrogance at all costs.

The greatest manifestation of God’s grace is eternal salvation. We are completely dependent upon God’s favor, and totally helpless to devise the means to secure our deliverance from the death sentence that sin incurs. Praise be to God that He loved us enough to formulate the plan and provide the sacrifice that all people need to be saved.

But, just as our personal exertion is required in acquiring God’s good, temporal blessings, God also requires efforts on our part to receive His gift of eternal life. We must believe the Gospel (John 6:29), repent of our sins (Acts 2:38), confess our faith in Jesus (Matthew 10:32), be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16), and live lives of faithful obedience to all of the commands of Jesus (Matthew 28:20, Revelation 2:10). And, even when we have done these necessary acts of obedience, salvation is still a gift of God’s grace that we do not deserve and we could not possibly earn.

God saves us by His grace, but He spiritually recreates us in Christ Jesus to walk in good works (verse 10).

Please read Ephesians 2:11-13 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

- Louie Taylor

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

Four words stand out in today’s “after” portion of the “before and after picture” that Paul painted in Ephesians chapter 2: mercy, love, grace and kindness. God was “rich in mercy” and driven by “great love” when he “made us alive together with Christ.” God looked down in dynamic mercy upon us because we were “dead” in our “trespasses and sins” (verse 1). He loved us so very much “that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

We are saved by grace (verse 5), but not grace alone. We are saved by belief (John 3:16), but not belief alone. The same Apostle Paul tells us in Colossians 2:12-13 how and where God made us alive together with Christ. “Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions.”

Once we bury the old person of sin in the grave of baptism and arise to walk in newness of life, we are seated “with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (verse 6). As “reborn,” new creations in Christ, we reign with our Lord Jesus in the heavenly, spiritual realm. This is a reminder that this world is not our home, we’re just a passing through. Our treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.

“Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Please read Ephesians 2:8-10 for tomorrow.

Blessings!

- Louie Taylor

“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

As Christ arose from the dead and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven (1:20), His powerful display over death has also produced a resurrection in the lives of His followers. Paul said that his brethren in Christ “were dead” in their trespasses and sins (verse 1). In the Bible, death always indicates separation. When the spirit is separated from the fleshly body it results in physical death (James 2:26). When sin enters our lives, our spirits are separated from God, which is the equivalent of spiritual death (Isaiah 59:1-2).

When we were dead in sins, we “walked according to the course of this world” (verse 2). The Walking Dead may make for an interesting bit of science fiction (although I honestly don’t understand the fixation on that ridiculous show!), but conducting our lives as dead men walking in sin and estranged from the Father in heaven is certainly not the slightest bit amusing. I think John summed up quite well what it means to walk “according to the course of the world” in 1 John 2:15-17:

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” Living a life of lustful, fleshly indulgence that is given over to pride and arrogance is walking with the devil (the god of this world – 2 Corinthians 4:4), and succumbing to his “power”, and that is a sinful, destructive walk.

Paul distinguishes “you” from “we” to demonstrate that all people, both Jews and Gentiles, at one time or another, “lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind” (verse 3). We can become so comfortable with and accustomed to sin that it just becomes second “nature”. But, as children “born again” of God (John 3:3), “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5); buried through baptism into Christ’s death, and raised in the likeness of His resurrection (Romans 6:3-6); we are to walk in newness of life in the light of His word and love (1 John 1:7-9).

Please read Ephesians 2:4-7 for tomorrow.

- Louie Taylor

“These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

Paul is still expressing his heart-felt prayer to God on behalf of the Ephesian brethren. He is revealing the power source behind “the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (verse 18). “The surpassing greatness of the power” that He demonstrates “toward us who believe” (verse 19) emanates from the Father in heaven, and it is the same power that raised Christ “from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places” (verse 20).

Paul uses four words in verse 19 to place great emphasis on the supreme power of God. “Power” is the Greek word “dunameos” and from its root we get the English word “dynamite”. It means “capacity” or “potency” and Paul wrote that this power that belongs to God alone is of “surpassing greatness” (verse 19). The word “working” is “energeian” and I’m sure you can see the word “energy” it its root. This word “speaks of the powerful energizing force of God to cause action” (Caldwell’s Truth commentary on Ephesians). The other two words are “strength” and “might”.

It provides the utmost comfort and encouragement to know that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is also more than capable of pulling us out of the death-grip of sin, and transforming our lives into something beautiful in the sight of the Lord. Christ fills His church, and our individual lives, with the “fullness” of God. He fills us up with the riches and the goodness of all His spiritual blessings!

Please read Ephesians 2:1-3 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

- Louie Taylor

“For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

It is a beautiful petition on Paul’s part to pray that the “spiritual eyes” of his brethren be opened and enlightened (verse 18). He had written about all the spiritual blessings which reside in Christ in the “heavenly places” (1:3), and he wanted to help elevate the Ephesians to greater heights in that spiritual realm. He prayed that the Lord would give them a “spirit of wisdom” to perceive and discern the desires of God, and how best to apply God’s will to their lives. He prayed for a spirit of “revelation” in order that they might gain deeper insight and understanding into the revealed mind of the Creator.

He prayed that they would acquire a greater “knowledge” of their heavenly Father. That they would not just learn more ABOUT Him, but have a stronger relationship WITH Him by striving for a closer walk by His side. The prophet Jeremiah wrote in Jeremiah 9:23-24: “Thus says the LORD, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the LORD.”

“I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).

No earthly possession or sensation or relationship is worthy of comparing to a true knowledge of the Lord Yahweh!

Please read Ephesians 1:20-23 for tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day!

-Louie Taylor

“Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

More on the idea of “receiving the Holy Spirit” for today. Receiving the Holy Spirit cannot be separated from “listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation” and “having also believed” (verse 13). Hearing (or reading) and believing the Spirit-revealed message (the Truth taught in the Bible, the Gospel, the New Testament) is exactly how we receive Him. If we reject His revelation then we reject Him and have no part with Him, and He will not “seal” us and we cannot receive Him as a “pledge” of a future inheritance. If we receive His message and believe and obey it, and allow the Truth to transform us, we welcome the Spirit into our lives and have fellowship with Him.

Quoting from the Truth Commentary series on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians written by Colly Caldwell, Guardian of Truth Foundation, Copyright 1994:

“Scripturally, being sealed does not entail supernatural intervention by the Holy spirit. We are marked or certified by the Spirit as children of God when our character and attitudes are changed by our response to the Word delivered through the Spirit. Paul said, ‘And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, and forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you’ (Eph. 4:30-32). We are sealed by the Holy Spirit when we put away evil and become kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. All this occurs through the instruction of the Spirit, not through some miraculous or supernatural indwelling or special activity of the Spirit.”

Please read Ephesians 1:15-19 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

-Louie Taylor

“Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

What I want to be more than anything in this world is “God’s own possession” (verse 14). The KJV and NKJV use the term “purchased passion.” We usually treat the things that we buy with our own, hard-earned money with great care and vigilance. How much more will our Father in heaven love and protect and provide for us since He paid the price in the precious blood of His own beloved Son to purchase our redemption?

When God owns us, then we actually possess all that He owns because we are His rightful heirs, and there is no better inheritance that anyone could hope for than all the riches and glory of heaven. As security for this future inheritance, the Father has given to us “the Holy Spirit of promise” (verse 13). 

The Spirit is given to us as a “seal” and a “pledge”. God has “stamped” those who obey “the message of truth” with His “seal” of authenticity as proof of His ownership. And He has given His possessions the Holy Spirit as a “pledge” or “earnest” which is a down payment, or a “good faith deposit”, as a guarantee that the full price of the inheritance will be paid in the future.

People receive the “gift” of the Holy Spirit when they are baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Many people believe that the gift of the Holy Spirit that Peter promises is the gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8). I believe that the gift we receive at baptism is the Holy Spirit himself. That is when God gives us His “seal” and “pledge”.

More on this idea of “receiving the Holy Spirit” tomorrow.

Stay with Ephesians 1:11-14.

Have a great day!

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

I love the proclamation of God lavishing his riches and grace upon us through Jesus Christ (verses 6-8). There is really no better expression of His love that He could offer humanity than the sacrificial gift of His Only Begotten Son. Think of all the wonderful gifts and blessings that God has loaned to you in your earthly life. None compare to the gifts of “redemption” and “forgiveness” that provide for your eternal security through the Savior. You can really sense Paul’s grasp of this as his heart gushed forth with appreciation in this first chapter.

The “mystery” that God made known to us is that, “the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (Ephesians 3:3-6). All of us non-Jewish people should continually praise the Lord that His “kind intention,” from the foundation of the world, was to include all of humanity in His covenant promises, even though this did not become fully evident until He sent Jesus into the world in “the fullness of the times” (verse 10).

“The summing up of all things in Christ” includes the uniting of both Jews and Gentiles into one body, which is His church (verses 22-23). Paul wrote in Colossians 1:20 that God reconciled “all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.” Every good plan that God had purposed for the world He created was coalesced and accomplished in the giving of His Son. All that remains is the final culmination when Christ returns to Judge the world and deliver up His beloved brethren to the Father in heaven.

Please read Ephesians 1:11-14 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed day!

-Louie Taylor

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”

--- End of Scripture verses---

Verse 3 – “Every spiritual blessing” – There are lot of “spiritually minded” people in the world today who do and receive some good on this physical plane from their “religious” pursuits. But the “spiritual blessings” of the eternal variety can only be found and obtained through a covenant relationship with God “in Christ”.

Paul enumerates some of these special blessings in this chapter. They include “redemption through His blood” and the “forgiveness of our trespasses” (verse 7). Christ paid the purchase price in His blood to “buy us back” after we had been “sold into bondage to sin” (Romans 7:14). Once we are forgiven of our sins by contacting that blood through the waters of baptism (Acts 2:38), we have eternal “salvation” (verse 13) and can live our lives in the eternal “hope” (verse 12) that we will receive an eternal “inheritance” (verse 11) in heaven.

Verse 3 – “In the heavenly places” – There is an “invisible world” and spiritual activity is going on all around us that we cannot see and have no perceptual awareness of. Paul uses the term “the heavenly places” five times in his letter to the Ephesians, and most are in relation to the blessings we receive in our “positive”, spiritual relationship with God through Christ Jesus.

But there is a “dark side” to this realm as well that we must do battle with. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). These “spiritual forces” are real and they are powerful. But praise the Lord that they are no match for our All-powerful God. We will reign victoriously with Jesus and overwhelmingly conquer our spiritual foes if we remain faithful to Christ until death (Romans 8:37; Revelation 2:10).

Verse 4 – “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” – God “wants all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4), so Ephesians does not teach us that He has “chosen” or “predetermined” the people who will be saved and lost before they were even born. Instead, Ephesians teaches us that God has “predetermined” from eternity that everyone who will be forgiven, redeemed and saved eternally, must live a life that is “holy and blameless before Him.” He “predestined” the plan, not the man (or person).

Verse 5 – “He predestined us to adoption” – This statement is further evidence of the fact that God predestined the plan of salvation and not the individual people who will be saved. All people are “born saved” because they are spiritually innocent and incapable of having committed any sin that could condemn them (Ezekiel 18:20; Matthew 18:3; 1 John 3:4). But, once a person of adequate intellectual capacity transgresses God’s will, he is then lost and in need of “adoption” into the family of God. If people were truly predestined by God to be saved, they would never be lost in the first place, and need to be adopted into God’s family.

All praise and glory be to God for “the kind intention of His will” (verses 5-6)!

Please read Ephesians 1:7-10 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

We are starting our reading program for Paul’s letter to the Ephesians today. I encourage you to read about Paul’s work in the city of Ephesus and the establishment of the church there in Acts chapters 18-19. Paul wrote this letter from a prison in Rome (Ephesians 3:1; 6:20) sometime around 62 AD.

I have often heard it said that the grand theme of Ephesians is “the summing up of all things in Christ.” “He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.” (Ephesians 1:9-10).

With this in mind, Paul tells us that “all spiritual blessings” have been made available “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3-14). These abundant blessings are only realized and attained in His church, which was eternally purposed in the mind of God, according to His “manifold wisdom” (Ephesians 3:10-11). Within this precious, tightly-knit, blood-bought body, the members should strive for perfect peace and unity, while growing in faith and maturity (Ephesians 4:1-16).

This thumbnail sketch only scratches the surface of this profound piece of inspired New Testament literature. Looking forward to diving deeper with you over the next few weeks.

Please read Ephesians 1:1-6 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!

-Louie Taylor