Ephesians 6

Introduction

Paul continues on with the idea of "submission" in the relationship between children and parents, and between servants and master. He then expound on the well known passage about the armor of God. The passage made it clear that each Christian is engaged in spiritual warfare, whether he is aware of it or not. Putting on the "whole armor" is essential to ensure we are protected from the devil's schemes to discredit our testimony and make us ineffective soldiers of Christ. Paul also add on the importance of prayer, which takes us into the realm of the spirit where the true battle is fought. Without a healthy prayer lifestyle, a Christian may have all the weapons but unable to use it effectively in spiritual warfare.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (v1,4)

Observation

The phrase "obey...in the Lord" has been used by some to say that we should obey our parents only if the commandment is according to the will of the Lord. This is an incorrect interpretation and poor excuse. Some translations put it this way: "Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do." (NLT) or "Children, obey your parents as you would the Lord, because this is right." (Holman Christian Standard)

The motivation for children to obey their parents is consistent with the commandment for wives to submit to their husbands or for employees to respect their employers - that is, because of Christ and as if unto Christ. It is not reasonable to ask children to decide for themselves what is the will of God before obeying their parents.

The only time we stop obeying is of the instruction is one that causes us to sin (eg, to lie, to steal, to kill, to worship idols, etc.) and this applies not just to parents but to all human authorities. We must obey until the obedience means direct disobedience to God. Even then, we must maintain respect when we decline such sinful requests. 

Fathers have a balancing act to carry out - to discipline and instruct their children, yet without turning them into angry and bitter people. Fathers need to be firm but not overly harsh, fair but not overly strict, set high but reasonable expectations and yet ensure the children understand that they are loved no matter how they fail.

Application

Obedience to parents is the first training ground for obeying authority, including God, your church leaders, your future employers and your (future) husband. It doesn't matter how insignificant you think the request is (eg, lock the door, keep shoes neatly, etc), because the significance is in the obedience to the Word of God, that says to obey your parents. (Read proverbs for benefits of obeying parents.)

As a father, I have made many mistakes being the first time, but I do my best to adjust and adapt. My motivation is always to ensure my children has a secure future in all aspects. My model is how my heavenly Father treats me, though I can never be as perfect. I hope my children can forgive my shortcomings.

Mothers play an important role to support and enforce the father's rules and wishes, to explain to children the importance of respecting the father, and to privately advise the father if she thinks he is wrong. Otherwise, the father will be perceived as the "bad guy" and discipline will be difficult to maintain.  

Scripture: Ephesians 6:5-9

"Bondservants, obey your earthly masters ... rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man...Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him."  (v5,7,9)

Observation

It's estimated that one third of Ephesus' population were slaves. However, Paul's instructions apply to free men as well (v. 8). Employees are to respect and obey their employers and managers, except when obedience mean sinning against God or violates the country's laws. 

There is no work more or less sacred than any other as long as our work is unto the Lord. Employers must remember that everyone answers to the ultimate master, the Lord God, and to treat their staff fairly and kindly.

Application

Everyone has a "boss", even CEOs and business owners. Shareholders and Customers are their bosses. For kings, rulers and political leaders, the citizens are the bosses. For students, their teachers are their authorities. When everyone respects and submits to each other, there is great productivity, progress and peace for the whole nation.

As individual, we must have the right perspective of our secular work. We are first of all a full time Christian and part time worker somewhere. In reality there should not be a division between our "secular" activities on weekdays and "spiritual" activities on Sundays. Every day and every hour, our activities and work is "unto the Lord" and is considered spiritual. When we are orientated correctly then God's presence is felt and influences us in whatever we do.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-12

"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  (v11,12)

Observation

There is a spiritual war between the army of Satan and the army of God, which started before the creation of man. (see Isa. 14:12-14).  Christians are always in the middle of the battle, though most are not always aware. Why? Because the war is for the souls of man, and Christians are God's instruments to save as many souls as possible.

Satan's strategy is simple - create disinterest of the gospel through temptations and discredit the gospel through ineffective Christians. If Satan can disrupt healthy spiritual lives of churches, families and individuals through internal conflicts and worldly distractions, he need not worry much about pre-believers as it's only by our examples will pre-believers be attracted to Christ.

Application

Most Christians struggle against life's challenges, difficulties and conflicts without understanding there's a parallel battle happening in the spiritual dimension that is disrupting their ability to respond correctly to God's will. 

If we have a better awareness, we will be able to see through the smoke screens that Satan and his forces throw in our way. We would realise that our parents, our spouses, our relatives or our church members are not the enemy. Saran is. 

We must not react to circumstances in our natural way or to take things into our own hands, but to rely on God's power for strength (v10), and to utilise the spiritual weapons that we will read about shortly.

We must realise that the most important thing - above our own pain and interests - is to stand firm in the unity of the Spirit. For once our unity is disrupted and Christians fight each other, then we are only helping Satan with his strategy and we begin to lose ground in many areas of our lives. 

Scripture: Ephesians 6:13-17

"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (v14-17)

Observation:

A few key words to note. Firstly, the instruction is to "stand". Our fight against spiritual power is largely a defense strategy, not offensive. Why? Because Christ has already won the war. Satan knows he has lost the kingdom to the Son, so now he just wants to make sure as many souls don't get into the kingdom. There is only one offensive weapon - the sword of the spirit - this weapon is the only thing that can be used to remove the presence demons and evil. 

The second word is the "whole" armor of God. Enemies are smart enough to know your areas of vulnerability. Our weaknesses exist in our minds, emotions, and will. The causes can range from wrong upbringing, traumatic experiences, incorrect teachings, social influences, strongholds in certain temptations, and so on. The demons can figure this out and keep attacking the same weak points until we give in. We need the "whole armor" for complete protection.

Application:

Have we appropriated the "whole" armor of God? I will highlight these three:

- Righteousness. Of Christ, not of our own. The moment we are too overconfident and too proud to confess our sins daily, we have removed the righteousness of Christ and put on sinful self-righteousness. Confess to each other and confess to God!

- Faith. Satan attacks our hope in Christ. If circumstances and people make you lose hope, your faith in God will be weaken. How do we counter this? Trust and obey His Word. If you can't see it is working, that's because it is working in the spiritual realm, and that is faith.

- Sword of the Spirit - the Word of God. The sword is double edged, it can defend against Satan's attacks (temptations and lies) and evil presence (oppression /possession),  but it is also to be used to remove impure or erroneous thoughts and emotions from our hearts. Keep reading the word and understands the will of God for your life.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-24

“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak." (v18-20)

Observation

To be an effective soldier of Christ, putting on the whole armor of God is necessary but not sufficient. Just as important, we must also be on our knees in prayer. It is significant that prayer is not listed as one of the armor components. Rather, prayer is the vehicle that brings us into the spiritual battle field. Remember, the battle is a spiritual one and we cannot fight it or defend ourselves without praying in the spirit. Prayer includes supplication for our brothers and sisters’ protection and boldness to speak the gospel when opportunity is given.

Applications

Without praying, we may be well equipped with the armor, but not engaged in the battle at all. Often times we only pray for what we want. But in all the prayer models in the bible, the prayers are to pray for other people and for God’s kingdom (except for confessions and asking for forgiveness.) God already knows what we need in our personal life, but if prayer is an engagement in spiritual battles, then prayer ought to be foremost about protecting our loves ones from evil influences, giving them strength to do God’s will, to grow in maturity and knowledge of God’s love, and for opportunity and boldness to share the gospel.

Prayers for Ephesians 6

Lord, thank you for your counsel in the book of Ephesians. Help us appropriate it in our lives, especially as children of our parents, and as servants to our employers, that we may show forth Christ in our attitudes, and that our diligence and faithfulness in whatever we do are motivated by our dedication to you and not to man. 

Thank you for giving us the wonderful armor and weapons against the schemes of the devil. We know that although our Lord Christ has won the ultimate victory, the devil is still bent on disrupting our spiritual lives and to discredit our testimonies to the lost. Help us to be strong in your might and to pray at all times. Amen.

Ephesians 4

Introduction

Having explained how the saints were brought into the light and into one body, Paul now focus on behavior that promotes unity in the church. Unity happens when two things exist - when each person exercises his respective gift from the Spirit, and when each person is led by the Spirit to control his attitudes towards others.  The chapter lists partial gifts as well as the key personality values that make a church not only united, but effective for God.  Exercising of gifts together with internal character transformation leads to God's ultimate purpose for each person: spiritual maturity. 

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.   (v1,2)

Observations:

In this passage the key exhortation is to "bear each other in love." The word "bear" (GK. anechō) means to endure or to "suffer" each other. Paul does not ignore the fact that differences of opinions and clashes of personalities will arise, but the common objectives of all Christians is to preserve the unity and peace above protecting personal interests and emotions.  Such self-interest conflicts will harm other innocent bystanders (eg: young Christians) as well as the church's reputation among pre-believers.

Regardless of what differences in opinions or practice, we have the same God and same Spirit - to divide ourselves would be a great disrespect to God himself. God is the ultimate authority over all, and we all must subject ourselves,  our thinking, our preferences and our emotions under His written word.

Applications:

A pastor was approached by a middle aged lady who asked him how big is heaven. The pastor was puzzled with the question but simply said "I think it's quite big, very big."  Curious, he asked her why she wanted to know. She answered, "because there's someone I want to avoid when I get there!"

How much tolerance do we have of differences in people? Do we get agitated easily because the other person has different opinions, methods, mannerism or tones? Do we judge and bear grudges once offended? Do we fight to defend our preference, rather than compromise to defend the unity of the Body?

To bear one another in love, we need to develop humility, gentleness, and patience in our character. (v2)

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-12

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.  (v7, 11-12)

Observation:

Having said that we are all one and equal in the body of Christ, Paul qualified that grace (the ability to perform God's work) is given differently to different people through differing gifts. Five gifts are listed here: apostle, prophets, evangelist, shepherds, and teachers.

Many believe that with the completion of biblical foundation, the gifts of apostles and prophets are no longer required (though we should never tie God's hands to do as He wishes.)  Today's common "prophets" (interpreter of oracles) are those who have insights and foresights into consequences of sin by interpreting and applying scriptural principles to the present situation.

Evangelists, teachers and pastors all work together closely. The evangelist helps people take the step of faith; the teacher takes over and helps them understand the Word deeper; the shepherd (pastor) tends to life difficulties faced by the believer. The prophet has the unpleasant task of handing down warnings of sins to both pre-believers and believers, exhorting and rebuking them as necessary.

These and other gifts (eg. Romans 12:6-8) work together to create a holistic ministry and to build up the church.

Applications:

This passage helps us understand that each believer has a role to play in the body of Christ. Everyone has at least a gift, but no one has every gift. We should not despise another brother or sister because they are weak in certain areas, because we are meant to complement each other. Try and identify the gifts of your church mates and encourage them to use it to edify the members of the church. 

Scripture: Ephesians 4:13-16

"until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,..speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ..." (v13,15)

Observation: 

The ministry of  the various gifts are to (a) to provide unity of the one faith through one doctrinal truth, (b) to learn deeper about Christ, (c) to grow in maturity (GK. teleios - to become a "complete" man) ,  and (d) to be more Christ like.

As we grow in this manner,  we avoid being deceived by unfounded doctrines brought by false teachers.

Truth must not be compromised but is sometimes painful for those who have been misled or have been living in error to hear. Speaking truth in the gentleness of love is effective in restoring those astray.

Applications:

Despite applying our gifts, it is not easy to correct those who have gone wayward in doctrine or in behavior. Pride prevents people from admitting wrong, and everyone is naturally defensive if we are blunt in delivering the truth. Love must also be communicated to help the person feel accepted rather than judged, and thereby making it easier for them to change. Can you identify someone that you need to speak the truth to, but with love this time?

Scripture: Ephesians 4:20-24

"...put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (v22-24)

Observation: 

Is there a hint of sarcasm by Paul in v21: "assuming you have heard about Him (Jesus)" as if to say, if you know Jesus, why are you still walking in the old self? This is a rebuke to many of us!

Paul described spiritual transformation using two opposite actions: to "put off" the old self, and to "put on"  the new self. In between the two, there is a "renewal of the spirit of your minds". 

What is the "spirit of your minds?" I don't think it is a literal spirit that lives inside the brain. Rather its referring to the way we control our minds. The mind is under the control of the heart. Before we can change the way we think, we have to change our hearts, which is the seat of our will and emotions. (“the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” - Jer. 17:9). The heart can only change if we give control of it to the Spirit.

Once the heart and the mind is freed with obedience to the truth, then actions consistent with the "new self" can be put on, as Paul elaborates in the next section.

Applications:

“Trust and Obey, for there's no other way,  to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." This is the simplest way to rephrase what Paul said. To submit in humility and to surrender in faith,  is the only way for the heart to be changed. Then our thinking can be changed - we begin to "change our mind" about what we thought was right, what we thought was fair, what we thought was important.

There will always be the struggle between the old and new self, but Paul reminds us that grace has been given, that if we are willing, we can have victory. 

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-29

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (v26-29)

Observation:

When the mind is under control of the Spirit, external evidences should be seen in 3 areas of our lives:

1. Our Emotions

Anger is given as a key example, but this can also include other passions that overtake godly behavior.  Anger happens when we believe our rights or our image are violated. When we react to it wrongly in our actions or in our thoughts, that it sin, especially when we keep nurturing and make it grow over time. Anger is linked to giving the devil an opportunity for a foothold to launch all kinds of spiritual attacks. When the foothold becomes too deep, it becomes a stronghold in our lives that is difficult to eradicate.

2. Our Actions 

The example given here is to stop theft (greed) and to be honest, diligent and generous instead. The spirit controlled mind will have a conscience to stop wrong actions (or wrong inactions). When we ignore these conscience warnings, it will eventually fade and we go back into darkness.

3. Our Speech. 

We are to speak the truth, avoid words that tear down others but edifying words to encourage others.

Applications: 

Research shows that the brain structure is changed by frequent or prolong anger. Mice forced to fight became socially withdrawn and is easily provoked. They develop new neurons in the hippocampus of the brain that affects aggressive behavior. Anger and aggression arise quicker and last longer the next time when similar "triggers"  (eg. circumstances, similar face, environment, etc) is recognised by the brain, even if there is no actual threat.

That's why anger creates footholds for the devil is not squashed immediately. The cause of anger root is pride, judgementalism, and unforgiveness. This eventually leads to bitterness, hate and other toxic emotions. God asks us to recognise it, to forgive immediately (not even to wait till evening!), and to eventually be spiritually mature.

Prayer for Ephesians 4:

Father, help us understand the importance of preserving the unity of the Spirit in our church, in our community and in our homes.  Create is each of us a spirit of humility, gentleness and patience towards each other.  Reveal to us our respective gifts and let us use them to edify the church and to build each other up.  We surrender our hearts and minds to you, so that our character can be changed in our emotions, in our actions and in our words so as to attain spiritual maturity that you desire. Amen.

Ephesians 3

Introduction

In chapter 2, Paul explained in detail how gentiles are included in the salvation plan. Chapter 3 follows the explanation with two outcomes. The first outcome was the calling of Paul to "specialize" in the ministry to the Gentiles (v2-v13). Paul was both an orthodox Jew as well as a persecutor of Christians - he would not be someone we would choose to spread the gospel to gentiles, yet once again God did the unexpected and changed a hardened person inside out. The second outcome (v14-v21) encourages the saints to be grounded and to be confident in God's love, and to know that they have been given the power to live the new faith in victory. Because of what Christ had done, we fight not for victory, but from victory.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-6

"This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel." (v6)

Observation 

Paul explained that the plan (or the so called "mystery") for the gentiles to be fellow heirs with the Jews - were given to him via revelation. This first occurred on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–7) and at other times (Acts 22:17–21). 

The old testament did have references to the promised Messiah and eluded that He will save the gentiles as well but it was only at the time of the apostles that the full meaning and implications were plainly explained. (eg. See Isaiah 49:  `It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.'")

Application 

Paul uses a number of flowery descriptions about himself here: "prisoner of Christ" and  "steward of God's grace."  Do we identify with these description as we live for Christ and minister to His people? In what specific aspects or for what specific purposes are you (willing to be) a prisoner of Christ and a steward of his grace?

Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-13

"to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things," (v9)

Observation: 

Paul shared how he was called to be the minister of the gospel to the gentiles. He admitted  it wasn't because he is the best of the apostles or have great qualification in this area. As a Jewish, dealing with gentiles won't come naturally.

Paul said it is by the gift of God's grace - this is not referring to the grace of Salvation, but the grace that that gives him the power and desire to do God's will, and to endure the hardship. Together with such grace comes spiritual gifts that equip Paul for this great and difficult mission.

Application:

Pastor Edmund Chan from CEFC Church  said: "discovering your gift gives you purpose, giving it away gives you meaning."

We cannot rely on human strength to do God's work. God gives grace with power to all believers. Are you aware what is your spiritual gift? And what is your calling to use that gift? Is it to minister to a specific group of people (race, age, gender, social status?) To a specific geography? Or simply within your own family and church? You need to find out,  and when you do, discuss with your house and church authority how best to serve.

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-17a

"that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith" (v16-17)

Observation:

Paul repeats "for this reason" here in verse 14 to continue his thought he started in verse 1, after side tracking to explain his calling to be the apostle to the gentiles (v2-13). In this prayer, he wishes the saints to be strengthened by power, and to be grounded in love.

The purpose of the power is to strengthen their faith in Christ,  especially in times of persecution and difficult life circumstances. The power flows through the Spirit which is already in each of us, into our inner being. (see acts 1:8)

Application: 

The power (GK. dynamis) enables us to be "dynamic" in our faith, embolden us supernaturally when the time calls for - be it to share the gospel, to stand up for our faith in public, to resist peer pressure to compromise our values, to pray for miraculous intervention, to endure persecution and even to lay down our lives for Christ.

Let us claim this power that is already within us, to accomplish things that we can never imagine we could do. "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."  2 Tim 1:7

Scripture: Ephesians 3:17b-21

"that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."  (v17-19)

Observation: 

How does a human become "God like"? It is by having the perfect understanding of all the dimensions of Christ's love - for God is love, and Christ the manifestation of love in the flesh. 

Christ's love will take a lifetime to truly appreciate. And if one has perfect understanding of it, one would not be able to describe it, for it surpasses (transcend) all rational knowledge. What is more important is that as we understand His love more and more, it should transform our inner and outer perspectives, so that we are filled with more fullness of God.

Application:

What do you think are the "God like" characters? I suppose the obvious one is that our love will be more consistent with the description in 1 Cor 13. We would also have more humility, more understanding and tolerance, more forgiving, have greater compassion,  and so on. 

What are the qualities you wish to be more Christ like? Will praying Paul's prayer above - that God gives you the desire and ability to know Christ's love deeper help to develop those qualities? Pray and see.


Prayer for Ephesians 3

Lord, we thank you for raising up servants like Paul and all the subsequent evangelists, preachers and pastors so that we, the gentiles, can hear of the good news and be saved. We submit ourselves to be prisoners of Christ, and the stewards of your grace, so that through us others may also hear of your unsearchable riches stored for us together. Help each of us to continue to grow in the knowledge of your love and in spiritual maturity and to be more like Christ. Amen.

Ephesians 2

Introduction

In Chapter 2, Paul went back to the basics of how God saved us from slavery to sin and death, and raised us up to a status beyond what anyone could have imagined - not just merely forgiven but becoming part of His family. And this is even more significant as far as Gentiles are concerned, which is the emphasis of Paul in this letter. We were once excluded from the Messianic promises (or so thought the Jewish religious leaders), but now being made one and equal. In Christ, there are neither Jews or Gentiles, nor male or female - we were all in sin, and saved only by grace.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-3
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, ... carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind." (v1, 3)

Observation:
The bible teaches that all mankind were born "dead in sin." In this default state we only have one nature to follow, which is the nature of the flesh. Paul himself admits that in the past, he too was slaved to passion of the flesh, even though he was a devoted Jewish religious leader.

The nature of the flesh had fallen under the rule of Satan. Unlike what we may think, Satan does not necessarily try to make men do the most evil of things, as that would make evil too obvious. Rather, Satan just need to simply encourage men to do what is "natural" and to follow where their passions and desires lead them. As long as it feels good, then no harm doing it. Men, by their own corrupted thinking will accept greater and greater evil in society as being "normal" over time. 

Application:
As Christians we are contrasted as the children of light, and we follow the Holy Spirit, and the Prince of Peace. We are given a new nature that enables us to respond to God and do what God desires.

However, Satan's strategy can be so subtle and deceiving that even Christians can be drawn into it without realizing it. We still have the old nature that we may instinctively follow. But God has given us the written, unchanging Word that must be our anchor. The Word cannot govern every minor aspect of our lives, but whatever is written must first be read, understood and obeyed. Then at the same time the Spirit will help us transform our thinking and attitudes for every moment of our lives.

Understanding and obeying the Word is like shifting the car into the right gear, and the Holy Spirit guidance helps you with the gas paddle (speed) and the steering (direction.) If you are not even in the right gear, there is nothing much the Spirit can do to guide you with your life.


Scripture: Ephesians 2:4-7
"But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ" (v4)

Observation: 
In this passage, three attributes of God were mentioned: mercy, love, and kindness. These are part of His divine nature, and from this nature grace is manifested in His desire to save us.

He saved us at 3 levels - he made us alive when Christ died for our sins. He raised us up in the power of Christ's resurrection and by this to regenerate us with a new godly nature. Lastly, he seated us together with Christ so that we share a measure of His power and authority as we studied earlier.

Application:
One tour guide told me as we looked at the tallest pagoda in Vietnam: "all religions are the same, and people believe in heaven to have hope and to motivate themselves to be better." I responded, "well, except for Christianity because we can't get to heaven by being better. We can only get to heaven by being forgiven." He was surprised with this new information. Then I told him, "I can see that you are already a good person. You just need Jesus in order to be forgiven."

This passage reminds us of the kind of God that we worship. Different religions may describe their gods differently, but ours is merciful, kind and loving, leading to forgiveness and grace.


Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-10
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.."

Observation:
We are not saved by good works, but saved for good works. For even our righteous acts are like filthy rags to God (Isaiah 64:6). Those who believe in good works for salvation has their faith on their own righteousness. Our faith is on the righteous sacrifice of Christ, given to us as a gift by grace (GK. charis - meaning favour or good will).

Application:

What should be our right response when we realize that even our very best cannot earn us a place in heaven?  Perhaps it should remind us to be patient with the failures and imperfection of our brothers and sisters in Christ, for if God has shown them (and to us) grace and forgiveness, who are we to judge them? To do so is to say that our standard is even higher than God's. And to pre-believers, we should spread the great news of hope, no matter how sinful their lives are. And for ourselves, remember that grace was given so we can be good workmen for God - how can you serve God today? 

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13

"remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." (v12,13)

Observation:
Paul listed ten "insults" or condemnation of the state of our unsaved past, at least from the perspective of the Abrahamic covenant. We were Gentiles, in the flesh, the "uncircumcised" , alienated from Israel, etc.. Israel looked down on Gentiles as people with no hope in God's promised kingdom, nor even the access to their promised messiah. We were not the "chosen" people, and "far off" from God.

These condemnations and exclusions were removed by Christ when He established a new, inclusive, covenant by first fulfilling the old covenant with his blood. "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant..." (Hebrews 9:15)

Application:
Christ has made us alive from being dead, and brought us near from being far off. The contrast emphasises the personal, loving God who did not just merely "forgive and forget" but seeks intimacy with us. Given such undeserved grace and love, shall we be drawn to Him and in turn practice the same towards others.


Scripture: Ephesians 2:14-18
For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility." (v14-16)

Observation:
Paul elaborates how Christ had removed the division between Israel (those near - GK. eggy) the gentiles (those far off.)

It must be noted that the intention was not to integrate gentiles into Israel, but to bring both into a new covenant - a "new man." Both had no access to God - one were encumbered with laws and ordinances that cannot make them perfect, while the other had no covenant at all.

By fulfilling the requirements of the law for sin sacrifice, Christ brought peace between the two peoples and also peace between all mankind with God. It is up to individuals to accept that peace that have been preached to them.

Application:
In the past, a gentile who believed in the God of Israel and wants to worship Him in the temple can become a proselyte - or converted to Judaism. Rabbis uses the term "to make nigh" (GK. eggy) in reference to proselytising. A proselyte has to be circumcised and follow all ordinances of Moses' law.

However even a born Jew is unable to enter the Holy of Holies. With the new covenant in Christ, we both have access directly to God through the Holy Spirit. We are not just "near" God but is in His presence. Remember that whatever we do and wherever we are, Gods presence is always with us.


Scripture : Ephesians 2:19-22
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Observation:
Notice how Paul made a progression of our status from being initially "dead" to God, but were made alive, saved, reconciled to peace with God,  and made citizens. Not only ordinary citizens but members of the family, and lastly even where God Himself  dwells in the form of the Holy Spirit. This refers to the church which is a living temple built out of believers.

Why did Paul went at length to explain to the Ephesians how God has raised them up from being dead to an unimaginable status as the dwelling place of God? What's  Paul's main point?

Perhaps there was some sense of inferiority among the Gentiles as compared to Jewish Christians, or they had been viewed as such.  There may even be lingering guilt, realising their idolatry and immoral past. So Paul made it clear to them (and to any Jewish Christians who may read this letter) that:

1. Everyone is saved by Grace, not by works or religion.
2. Gentiles, who once were not part of God's elect are now included in the new covenant.
3. Both people are now one, built into a holy temple, and that there should be unity.

Paul continued to write about the "mystery" of Gentile inclusion and the unity of the church in subsequent chapters.

Application:
If we as gentiles have been given such grace, then one thing we must learn is not to discriminate against anyone by their race, by their past or even by their present spiritual practices. If God has accepted them, then we have no right to be biased against them.

Prayer for Ephesians 2

Father, we thank you that you have rescued us from the cradle of death and given us a new life in Christ. You did this not because we deserve it, but because of undeserved grace which is free to us and is priceless to You, for it cost You your holy Son. The blood of Christ has blotted out our sins and defeated eternal death. You raised us up together with our resurrected Lord and seated us together with Him. You have made us into one body and one temple - a dwelling place for the Holy God from what once was the filthiest creatures. We bless You, thank You and worship You for your great love and mercy lavished on us.  Amen.