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Ephesians 4

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Ephesians 4 (KJV)

OUR WALK WITH GOD

1I therefore, the prisoner G1198 of the Lord, G2962 beseech G3870 you that ye walk G4043 worthy G516 of the vocation G2821 wherewith ye are called, G2564 2With all lowliness G5012 and meekness, G4236 with longsuffering, G3115 forbearing G430 one another in love; G26 3Endeavouring G4704 to keep G5083 the unity G1775 of the Spirit G4151 in the bond G4886 of peace. G1515

Ephesians 4:1-3 Paul now gives advice on how we should walk. God has called each one of us to a specific job and we should walk worthily of that vocation with all humility, meekness, patience, bearing one another, and endeavoring to keep unity.

Compare “the prisoner of the Lord” to: Acts 16:19-40, 28:17, Rom 16:7, Eph 3:1, 2 Tim 1:8, Phm 1:1,9

Compare “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called” to: Gen 5:24, 6:9, 17:1, 48:15, Exo 16:4, 18:20, Lev 18:4, 26:3-4, Deu 5:33, 8:6, 10:12, 11:22, 13:4, 19:9, 28:9, 30:16, Jos 22:5, 1 Kings 2:3-4, 3:14, 6:12, 8:58,61, 9:4, 11:38, 2 Kings 20:3, 23:3, 2 Chr 6:14, 17:14, 34:31, Psa 15:2, 84:11, 119:1-2, 128:1, Pro 14:2, 28:18, Isa 33:15-16, 38:3, Jer 7:23, Eze 11:19-20, 20:19-20, Hos 14:9, Luke 1:5-6, Acts 9:31, 21:24, Rom 6:4, 8:1,4, Gal 5:16,25, Eph 2:10, 5:2,8, Col 2:6, 1 John 1:7, 2:6, 2 John 1:4,6, 3 John 1:3-4

Compare “Endeavouring to keep the unity” to: Gen 13:8, Psa 133:1, Pro 15:18, 17:14, Rom 13:13, Phi 2:3, Eph 4:13

BODY OF UNITY

4There is one G1520 body, G4983 and one G1520 Spirit, G4151 even as ye are called G2564 in one G3391 hope G1680 of your calling; G2821 5One G1520 Lord, G2962 one G1520 faith, G4102 one G3391 baptism, G908 6One G1520 God G2316 and Father G3962 of all, who is above G1909 all, and through G1223 all, and in you all.

Ephesians 4:4-6 The motivation we have to walk worthily is due to the fact that we have one body of Christ, one Holy Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. These 7 points should allow us to remain unified in our efforts because God is above us, works through us, and is inside of us. If you are wondering about the phrase “one baptism,” please see my blog entitled Baptism in the Main Studies.

Compare “one body” to: Rom 12:4-5, 1 Cor 10:17, 12:12-20, Eph 2:16, Col 3:15

Compare “one Spirit” to: 1 Cor 12:13, Eph 2:18

Compare “one Lord” to: Deu 6:4, Psa 89:18, Isa 1:4,24, 5:24, 10:20, 29:19, 30:15,29, 31:1, 41:14,16,20, 43:3,14-15, 45:11, 47:4, 48:17, 49:7,26, 54:5, 55:5, 60:9,14,16, Jer 20:11, 50:29, 51:5, Eze 39:7, Hab 1:12, Zec 14:9, Mark 12:29, 1 Cor 8:6

GIFTS FROM THE ASCENSION OF CHRIST

7But unto every one of us is given G1325 grace G5485 according to the measure G3358 of the gift G1431 of Christ. G5547 8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended G305 up G1519 on high, G5311 he led captivity G162 captive, G161 and gave G1325 gifts G1390 unto men. 9(Now that he ascended, G305 what is it but that he also descended G2597 first G4412 into the lower G2737 parts G3313 of the earth? G1093 10He that descended G2597 is the same also that ascended up G305 far above G5231 all heavens, G3772 that he might fill G4137 all things.) G3956 11And he gave G1325 some, apostles; G652 and some, prophets; G4396 and some, evangelists; G2099 and some, pastors G4166 and teachers; G1320

Ephesians 4:7-11 Verse 8 is a direct quote from Psalm 68:18 which I believe is a reference to Mt. Sinai at the giving of the commandments and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. God gave gifts to the children of Israel in the form of vocations. Now that Christ has ascended to heaven and the Levitical priesthood is no longer intact, He gave new gifts to His church in the form of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Please see my blogs on each of these vocations in the Main Studies to learn more about them.

REASON FOR THE GIFTS

12For the perfecting G2677 of the saints, G40 for the work G2041 of the ministry, G1248 for the edifying G3619 of the body G4983 of Christ: G5547 13Till we all come in the unity G1775 of the faith, G4102 and of the knowledge G1922 of the Son G5207 of God, G2316 unto a perfect G5046 man, unto the measure G3358 of the stature G2244 of the fulness G4138 of Christ: G5547 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, G2831 and carried about with every wind G417 of doctrine, G1319 by the sleight G2940 of men, and cunning craftiness, G1722 G3834 whereby they lie in wait G3180 to deceive; G4106 15But speaking the truth G226 in love, G26 may grow up G837 into him in all things, G3956 which is the head, G2776 even Christ: G5547 16From whom the whole body G4983 fitly joined together and compacted G4822 by that which every joint G860 supplieth, G2024 according to the effectual working G1753 in the measure G3358 of every part, G1520 G3313 maketh increase of the body G4983 unto the edifying G3619 of itself in love. G26

Ephesians 4:12-16 The reason Christ gives these five vocations is because He wants them to perfect the saints so that they too can work the ministry and edify the church body of Christ. They will keep performing this work until the whole church is in unity with the faith, knows that Jesus is the Son of God, becomes perfect, and till we can measure ourselves with Christ. When this happens, we’ll no longer be children who believe any doctrine that we hear. In fact, we will speak the truth in love which helps us to grow in Christ and promote unity. Christ is the head of the church body which must work together, edifying itself, so that it functions properly.

Compare “work of the ministry” to: Num 4:46-47, Acts 6:4, 1 Cor 16:15, 2 Cor 4:1, 5:18, 1 Tim 1:12

Compare “edifying of the body of Christ” to: Acts 9:31, Rom 14:19, 15:2, 1 Cor 8:1, 14:3-5,12,26, 2 Cor 10:8, 12:19, 13:10, Eph 4:29, 1 The 5:11, 1 Tim 1:4

Compare “speaking the truth in love” to: Psa 15:2, Pro 8:7, 12:17, Zec 8:16, Acts 26:25, Eph 4:25, 1 Tim 2:7

THE WRONG WAY TO WALK

17This I say therefore, and testify G3143 in the Lord, G2962 that ye henceforth walk G4043 not as other Gentiles G1484 walk, G4043 in the vanity G3153 of their mind, G3563 18Having the understanding G1271 darkened, G4654 being alienated G526 from the life G2222 of God G2316 through the ignorance G52 that is in them, because  of the blindness G4457 of their heart: G2588 19Who being past feeling G524 have given G3860 themselves over unto lasciviousness, G766 to work G2039 all uncleanness G167 with greediness. G4124

Ephesians 4:17-19 When we receive these gifts from God, we should not continue to walk like we used to walk, nor as the Gentiles walk. They walk in the vanity of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from God because of the blindness of their heart. They have no compassion because they have given themselves over to unrestrained lusts who work in uncleanness because they are greedy. This is a call to have a complete lifestyle change.

Compare “walk not as other Gentiles walk” to: Lev 18:3, 20:23, 26:21-28, Deu 8:19, 29:18-20, 1 Sam 8:3-5, 1 Kings 11:33, 2 Kings 21:21-22, Psa 1:1, 81:12, Pro 1:15-16, Ecc 2:14, Jer 7:9,24, 8:2, 9:14, 11:8, 13:10, 16:11-12, 18:12, 23:14, 32:23, Eze 11:12,21, 20:13-16,21, Micah 4:5, John 8:12, 12:35, Acts 14:16, Eph 2:2, 2 The 3:6,11, 1 Pet 4:3, 2 Pet 2:10, 3:3, 1 John 1:6, 2:11, Jude 1:15-18

HOW TO WALK

20But ye have not so learned G3129 Christ; G5547 21If so be that ye have heard G191 him, and have been taught G1321 by him, as the truth G225 is in Jesus: G2424 22That ye put off G659 concerning the former G4387 conversation G391 the old G3820 man, which is corrupt G5351 according to the deceitful G539 lusts; G1939 23And be renewed G365 in the spirit G4151 of your mind; G3563 24And that ye put on G1746 the new G2537 man, which after God G2316 is created G2936 in righteousness G1343 and true G225 holiness. G3742

Ephesians 4:20-24 If you are now in Christ, then you have heard Him and been taught by Him. Therefore we are not to conduct ourselves according to our old lifestyle which is corrupt, but rather, renew the spirit of our mind by putting on the new man which is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Compare “put off concerning the former conversation the old man” to: Rom 6:6, 13:12, 2 Cor 5:17, Col 2:11, 3:8-9, 1 Peter 1:14

Compare “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind” to: Psa 51:10, Rom 8:6, 12:2, 2 Cor 4:16, Col 3:10

Compare “And that ye put on the new man” to: Eze 11:19, 18:31, 36:36, Rom 6:4, 2 Cor 5:17, Gal 6:15, Col 3:10

COMMANDMENTS TO KEEP

25Wherefore putting away G659 lying, G5579 speak every man truth G225 with his neighbour: G4139 for we are members G3196 one of another. 26Be ye angry, G3710 and sin G264 not: let not the sun G2246 go down upon your wrath: G3950 27Neither give G1325 place G5117 to the devil. G1228 28Let him that stole G2813 steal G2813 no more: but rather let him labour, G2872 working G2038 with his hands G5495 the thing which is good, G18 that he may have to give G3330 to him that needeth. G5532 G2192 29Let no corrupt G4550 communication G3056 proceed G1607 out of your mouth, G4750 but that which is good G18 to the use of edifying, G3619 that it may minister G1325 grace G5485 unto the hearers. G191 30And grieve G3076 not the holy G40 Spirit G4151 of God, G2316 whereby ye are sealed G4972 unto the day of redemption. G629 31Let all bitterness, G4088 and wrath, G2372 and anger, G3709 and clamour, G2906 and evil speaking, G988 be put away G142 from you, with all malice: G2549 32And be ye kind G5543 one to another, tenderhearted, G2155 forgiving G5483 one another, even as God G2316 for Christ’s G5547 sake G1722 hath forgiven G5483 you.

Ephesians 4:25-32 How should we practically walk out our faith in righteousness and true holiness? We stop lying, speak the truth, be angry without sinning, delay wrath, don’t give the devil a place, stop stealing, work honesty so that we can give to the needy, stop cussing or using filthy language, speak with edification, don’t grieve the Holy Spirit, stop being bitter, stop being full of wrath, stop being full of anger, stop crying out, stop wanting to do evil to others, be kind to others, be tenderhearted, and forgive each other. Is that so hard to ask! 🙂 Paul quotes many of the commandments concerning our relationship with mankind found in the Old Testament. If we are the saints of God, we should be doing the things that Paul tells us to do at the end of this chapter.

Compare “putting away lying, speak every man truth to his neighbor” to: Exo 20:16, Deu 5:20, Psa 31:18, 52:3, 59:12, 119:29, 120:2, Pro 6:16-19, 8:7, 12:17,22, 13:5, 14:5, 19:5,9, 21:28, 26:28, Isa 59:4, Jer 9:5, Hos 4:1-2, Jon 2:8, Zec 8:16, Mat 15:19, 19:18, Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20, John 8:44, 16:13, Rom 13:9, Eph 4:15, 1 Tim 2:7, Rev 21:8,27, 22:15

Compare “be angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” to: Exo 4:14, 32:19, Lev 10:16, Num 11:1,10, 12:9, 22:22, 25:3-4, 32:10-14, Deu 1:37, 4:21, 6:15, 9:8,20, 29:20-28, 31:17, Jos 7:1, 23:16, Jud 2:12-20, 3:8, 10:7, 2 Sam 6:7, 24:1, 1 Kings 11:9, 2 Kings 13:3, 17:18, 23:26, 1 Chr 13:10, 25:15, Neh 5:6, 9:17, Psa 7:11, 76:7, 103:8-9, 145:8, Pro 14:29, 15:18, 16:32, Isa 5:25, 12:1, Joel 2:13, Jon 4:2, Nah 1:3, Mat 5:21-22, Gal 5:19-21, Col 3:8, James 1:19

Compare “the devil” to: Gen 3:1-15, 1 Chr 21:1, 2 Chr 18:18-22, Job 1:6-12, 2:1-7, Psa 109:2-6, Isa 14:12-15, Eze 28:12-19, Zec 3:1-2, Mat 4:1-11, 12:24-28, 13:18-19,24-30,37-43, 16:23, 25:41, Mark 1:12-13, 3:22-26, 4:14-15, 8:33, Luke 4:1-13, 8:11-12, 10:18, 11:15-19, 13:16, 22:3,31, John 8:44, 12:31, 13:2,27, Acts 5:3, 10:38, 13:8-10, 26:18, Rom 16:20, 1 Cor 5:5, 7:5, 2 Cor 2:11, 4:4, 11:14-15, Eph 6:11-12, 1 The 2:18, 2 The 2:8-10, 1 Tim 1:18-20, 3:6-7, 5:15, 2 Tim 2:26, Heb 2:14, James 4:7, 1 Pet 5:8, 1 John 3:8-12, Jude 1:9, Rev 2:9-10,12-13,24, 3:9, 12:3-17, 20:1-3,7-10

Compare “let him who stole steal no more” to: Exo 20:15, 21:16, 22:1, Lev 19:11, Deu 5:19, 24:7, Jer 7:8-10, Hos 4:1-2, Zec 5:3, Mat 5:19, 19:18, Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20, John 10:1,10, Rom 2:21, 13:9, 1 Cor 6:10, 1 Pet 4:15

Compare “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” to: Psa 10:7, Rom 3:13-14, Col 3:8, James 1:26

Compare “that which is good to the use of edifying” to: Acts 9:31, Rom 14:19, 15:2, 1 Cor 8:1, 14:3-5,12,26, 2 Cor 10:8, 12:19, 13:10, Eph 4:29, 1 The 5:11, 1 Tim 1:4

Compare “whereby ye are sealed” to: Son 8:6, John 6:27, Rom 4:11, 2 Cor 1:22, Eph 1:13, 2 Tim 2:19, Rev 7:1-8, 9:4

Challenge Questions:

Why does the Bible talk about our experience after salvation as ‘our walk?’

Do you believe that the church today should operate with apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers?

This chapter says that we are to “not walk as the Gentiles walk.” How does that relate to your old lifestyle?

You can contact me directly using the following form or leave a comment below.

Ephesians 1

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Ephesians 1 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

1Paul, G3972 an apostle G652 of Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 by  the will G2307 of God, G2316 to the saints G40 which are at Ephesus, G2181 and to the faithful G4103 in Christ G5547 Jesus: G2424 2Grace G5485 be to you, and peace, G1515 from God G2316 our Father, G3962 and from the Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ. G5547Map_of_churches_likely_established_on_Paul's_second_journey

Ephesians 1:1-2 These two verses are the introduction to the letter. Paul is the author and the audience is the saints at Ephesus and anyone who is faithful in Christ Jesus. The word grace here does not necessarily mean ‘unmerited favor,’ but rather, good will, loving-kindness, favor, or thanks. Paul is acting as somewhat a mediator to these people by saying that grace and peace should be to them from God the Father and Jesus Christ. This church has an angel over it as referenced in Revelation 2:1-7.

Compare Paul’s introduction to: Rom 1:1,7, 1 Cor 1:1-3, 2 Cor 1:1-2, Gal 1:1-3, Phi 1:1-2, Col 1:1-2, 1 The 1:1, 2 The 1:1-2, 1 Tim 1:1-2, 2 Tim 1:1-2, Tit 1:1-4

PREDESTINED

3Blessed G2128 be the God G2316 and Father G3962 of our Lord G2962 Jesus G2424 Christ, G5547 who hath blessed G2127 us with all spiritual G4152 blessings G2129 in heavenly G2032 places in Christ: G5547 4According as he hath chosen G1586 us in Him before G4253 the foundation G2602 of the world, G2889 that we should be holy G40 and without blame G299 before him in love: G26 5Having predestinated G4309 us unto the adoption of children G5206 by Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 to himself, according to the good pleasure G2107 of his will, G2307 6To the praise G1868 of the glory G1391 of his grace, G5485 wherein he hath made G5487 us accepted G5487 in the beloved. G25

Ephesians 1:3-6 Paul wants to bless God because He has blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places. Paul mentions that God chose, or predestined, us before the foundation of the world. This speaks of His all-knowing power that’s practically incomprehensible to us. Before God created the world, He wanted us to be holy, without blame in love, adopted as children to Himself, and to praise Him. To be without blame means to be morally right and without fault.

Compare “that we should be holy and without blame” to: Exo 19:6, 22:31, Lev 11:44-45, 19:2, 20:7,26, Num 15:40, Deu 7:6, 14:2,21, 26:19, 28:9, Luke 1:74-75, Rom 12:1, 1 Cor 3:17, Eph 5:27, Col 1:22, 1 Pet 1:15-16,2:9

Compare “Having predestined us” to: Rom 8:29-30,33, 9:11, 11:5-7,28, Eph 1:11, Col 3:12, 1 The 1:4, 1 Pet 1:2

Compare “the adoption of children” to: Lev 19:34, 24:22, Num 15:16, Deu 31:12, John 1:12, Rom 8:15, Gal 4:3-5, 1 John 3:1 

REDEMPTION

7In whom we have redemption G629 through his blood, G129 the forgiveness G859 of sins, G3900 according to the riches G4149 of his grace; G5485 8Wherein he hath abounded G4052 toward us in all wisdom G4678 and prudence; G5428

Ephesians 1:7-8 Christ has redeemed us through His sacrifice on the cross. When this occurred and then later resurrected, He took His blood into the sanctuary in Heaven and offered the final sacrifice for our sins so that we can truly have forgiveness. See Hebrews 9:11-28. This is only due to the riches of His grace. God has abounded this grace towards us in all wisdom and understaning.

Compare “redemption through his blood” to: Exo 12:3-13, 30:10, Lev 16, Mat 26:28, Mark 14:24, Luke 22:20, Acts 20:28, Rom 5:9-12, 1 Cor 11:25, Eph 2:13, Col 1:14, 20, Heb 9:12-14, 1 John 1:7, Rev 1:5

FUTURE GATHERING OF BELIEVERS

9Having made known G1107 unto us the mystery G3466 of his will, G2307 according to his good pleasure G2107 which he hath purposed G4388 in himself: 10That in the dispensation G3622 of the fulness G4138 of times G2540 he might gather together in one G346 all things G3956 in Christ, G5547 both which are in heaven, G3772 and which are on earth; G1093 even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, G2820 being predestinated G4309 according to G2596 the purpose G4286 of him who worketh G1754 all things G3956 after the counsel G1012 of his own will: G2307 12That we should be to the praise G1868of his glory, G1391 who first trusted G4276 in Christ. G5547

Ephesians 1:9-12 What is the mystery of God’s will? That He will gather together all things that are in Christ so that we can praise Him. This of course was predestined before the foundation of the world.

Compare “we have obtained an inheritance” to: Gen 15:7, Exo 15:17, 32:13, Lev 20:24, Mat 5:5, 19:29, 25:34, Acts 26:18, Col 3:24, Rev 21:7

SALVATION

13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard G191 the word G3056 of truth, G225 the gospel G2098 of your salvation: G4991 in whom also after that ye believed, G4100 ye were sealed with G4972 that holy G40 Spirit G4151 of promise, G1860 14Which is the earnest G728 of our inheritance G2817 until the redemption G629 of the purchased possession, G4047 unto the praise G1868 of his glory. G1391

Ephesians 1:13-14 Here Paul talks about the gospel of our salvation in how we put our trust in Christ and were sealed with the Holy Spirit that was promised to us. The word earnest here does not mean ‘intense conviction,’ but rather, money which is given as a down payment that the full amount will later be paid. The Holy Spirit inside of us is our down payment that leads up to the full purchase.

Compare “gospel of your salvation” to: Mat 4:23,9:35,24:14, Mark 1:14,13:10,16:15, Luke 4:18, Acts 8:25,14:7,16:10,20:24, Rom 1:15-16,10:15,15:16-21, 1 Cor 1:17, 2 Cor 10:14-16, Gal 3:8,4:13, Eph 3:6,6:15, Phi 1:27, Col 1:23, 1 The 2:2-4,9, 1 Tim 1:11, 1 Pet 4:6, Rev 14:6

Compare “sealed with that holy Spirit” to: John 3:5-8, 14:26, 16:5-14

Compare “the earnest of our inheritance” to: 2 Cor 1:22, 5:5

PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE EPHESIANS

15Wherefore I also, after I heard G191 of your faith G4102 in the Lord G2962 Jesus, G2424and love G26 unto all the saints, G40 16Cease G3973 not to give thanks G2168 for you, making mention G3417 of you in my prayers; G4335 17That the God G2316 of our Lord G2962 Jesus G2424Christ, G5547 the Father G3962 of glory, G1391 may give G1325unto you  the spirit G4151 of wisdom G4678 and revelation G602 in the knowledge G1922 of him: 18The eyes G3788 of your understanding G1271 being enlightened; G5461 that ye may know G1492what is the hope G1680 of his calling, G2821 and what the riches G4149 of the glory G1391 of his inheritance G2817 in the saints, G40 19And what is the exceeding G5235 greatness G3174 of his power G1411 to us-ward who believe, G4100 according to the working G1753 of his mighty G2479 power,G2904

Ephesians 1:15-19 Paul received news on the faith that the saints in Ephesus had towards Jesus Christ. This led him to pray even more for them. His prayer included that God give them wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God, that the eyes of their understanding would be enlightened, that they may know the hope of His calling, to know what the riches of God’s inheritance is, and to know the exceeding greatness of His power toward us is.

Compare “Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers” to: Acts 12:5, Rom 1:9, Col 1:9, 1 The 5:17, 2 Tim 1:3

Compare “spirit of wisdom” to: Exo 28:3, Deu 34:9, Isa 11:2, Eph 1:17

 SUMMARY OF CHRIST’S WORK

20Which he wrought G1754 in Christ, G5547 when he raised G1453 him from the dead, G3498 and set G2523 him at his own right hand G1188 in the heavenly G2032 places, 21Far above all principality, G746 and power, G1849 and might, G1411 and dominion, G2963 and every name G3686 that is named, G3687 not only in this world, G165 but also in that which is to come: G3195 22And hath put G5293 all things under his feet, G4228 and gave him to be the head G2776 over all things to the church, G1577 23Which is his body, G4983 the fulness G4138 of him that filleth G4137 all in all.

Ephesians 1:20-23 Paul says that the mighty power of God is what resurrected Christ from the dead and that same power set Him at the right hand of God in heaven. This position that was given to Christ far exceeds any human authoritative position of power. Christ also received all of creation as His dominion and is now at the head of the church. The church being the ‘body of Christ’ which is His fullness.

Compare “set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places” to Mat 20:23, 26:64, Mar 14:62, 16:19, Luke 22:69, Acts 2:33, 7:55-56, Rom 8:34, Col 3:1, Heb 1:3, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2, 1 Pet 3:22

Compare “the church, which is his body” to: Mat 16:18, Acts 7:38, Rom 12:4-5, 1 Cor 12:12-27, Eph 4:12,5:23-24, Col 1:18,24 

Challenge Questions:

What exactly has God predestined for us?

If we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit, can we ever break that seal?