1 Year Bible—Ephesians Part C

C5 Thanksgiving for Preaching Gospel to Gentiles Chapter 3:1-13

D1 Paul was given this ministry of God’s grace for their sakes: Acts 9:15 GNB The Lord said to him, "Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel.

D2 Paul is a prophet, for God gave him revelation of the message he is to preach. He also heard the Gospel directly on the Damascus Road. Galatians 1:11-12 NRSV For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; 12 for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

D3 For a proud Jew to come to this knowledge would be very difficult, but Paul became a new creation. Plus, the information came directly from God. Ephesians 3:5-6 GNB In past times human beings were not told this secret, but God has revealed it now by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 The secret is that by means of the gospel the Gentiles have a part with the Jews in God's blessings; they are members of the same body and share in the promise that God made through Christ Jesus.

D4 Ephesians 3:8 WEL...the unsearchable riches of Christ…

E1 A few of these are:

F1 Wisdom and knowledge. Do we need an answer? We have the greatest source: Colossians 2:3 NASB in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

F2 Memorizing and deeply thinking about the words of Scripture are very rich: Colossians 3:16 WEL Let Christ’s word live in you abundantly in all wisdom. Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

F3 Kindness, forbearance, and patience: Romans 2:4 NRSV Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not realize that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?

F4 Grace: Ephesians 1:7 NASB In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace

F4 God’s glory: Ephesians 3:16 WEL That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner being,

E2 For both Jews and Gentiles, that is, Christians: Romans 10:12 NASB For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him;

D5 God has a purpose and plan in Ephesians 3:11

D6 We have boldness to pray directly to Him. All brothers and sisters in Christ can pray directly. We do not need any mediator, priest, holy person, etc. other than Jesus.

C6 Prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 3:14-21

D1 God’s glory:

E1 Christians will share: Romans 5:2 NLT Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.

E2 The Temple seen by the Apostle John was full of God’s glory, thus light, power, strength, holiness, etc.: Revelation 15:8 NLT The Temple was filled with smoke from God's glory and power. No one could enter the Temple until the seven angels had completed pouring out the seven plagues.

E3 As he was dying, Stephen saw God’s glory: Acts 7:55 NLT But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God's right hand.

E4 Jesus’s glory is God’s glory:

F1 Hebrews 1:3 NLT The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

F2 Luke 9:28-29, 32 CSB About eight days after this conversation, he took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. 29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. ... 32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who were standing with him.

F3 God’s glory is the beauty of His character, His attributes, expressed through His thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

D2 Paul prays that the believers

E1 May understand God’s

F1 Ephesians 3:18...the breadth, length, depth, and height which refers to the unlimitedness, boundless, and vastness of His love

F2 Ephesians 3:19 …to know (experience first hand) the love of Christ…

G1 Which is beyond our understanding. We receive this from studying the Scriptures: Psalm 119:104 NIV I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.

G2 Which endures forever: See Psalm 136.

F3 Starts when we believe and place our trust into Christ: Proverbs 9:10 NIV The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

F4 Understanding comes from God: 1 John 5:20 NIV We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

E2 Ephesians 3:20-21 WEL Now to him who is able to do way more than all we ask or think according to the power that works in us. 21 The glory be to him in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever and forever. Amen

F1 The power that works in us is the Holy Spirit:

G1 Romans 15:13 NIV May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

G2 The Holy Spirit does not make us timid, He gives the power, love, and self-discipline we need to accomplish His will: 2 Timothy 1:7 NIV For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

F2 It is not just can do all things that He wants us to do but way beyond all things: ὑπὲρ πάντα.

F3 We are to give God credit (glory) for all these things.

The prayer closes with a soul-inspiring doxology. The preceding requests have been vast, bold, and seemingly impossible. But God is able to do more in this connection than we can ask or think. The extent of His ability is seen in the manner in which Paul pyramids words to describe superabundant blessings:

Able

Able to do

Able to do what we ask

Able to do what we think

Able to do what we ask or think

Able to do all that we ask or think

Able to do above all that we ask or think

Able to do abundantly above all that we ask or think

Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think

The means by which God answers prayer is given in the expression, according to the power that works in us. This refers to the Holy Spirit, who is constantly at work in our lives, seeking to produce the fruit of a Christlike character, rebuking us because of sin, guiding us in prayer, inspiring us in worship, directing us in service. The more we are yielded to Him, the greater will be His effectiveness in conforming us to Christ.

(Source:Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald 1995

How to Answer Questions More Correctly

Found this post on Dr. Wayman's site and written by Marc Cortez


The following is a conversation that recently took place in my daughter’s middle school group. And I think it does a good job highlighting three mistakes that we often make when we talk about the sovereignty of God and how it relates to sin and suffering in the world.

Youth pastor: God is sovereign. That means he controls everything that happens.

Middle-schooler: So God was in control when my dog died? Why would God kill my dog?

Youth pastor: That’s a tough one. But sometimes God lets us go through hard times so that we’re prepared for even more difficult things in the future. I remember how hard it was when my dog died. But going through that helped me deal with an even more difficult time later when my grandma died. Does that make sense?

Middle-schooler: (Long pause.) So God killed my dog to prepare me for when he’s going to kill my grandma?

Youth pastor: (Silence.)

You can read the rest here.

A Few Thoughts About Giving Answers

Two passages

B1 Matthew 9:9-17 GNB Jesus left that place, and as he walked along, he saw a tax collector, named Matthew, sitting in his office. He said to him, "Follow me." Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having a meal in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and other outcasts came and joined Jesus and his disciples at the table. 11 Some Pharisees saw this and asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with such people?" 12 Jesus heard them and answered, "People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 13 Go and find out what is meant by the scripture that says: 'It is kindness that I want, not animal sacrifices.' I have not come to call respectable people, but outcasts." 14 Then the followers of John the Baptist came to Jesus, asking, "Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast at all?" 15 Jesus answered, "Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to be sad as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course not! But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. 16 "No one patches up an old coat with a piece of new cloth, for the new patch will shrink and make an even bigger hole in the coat. 17 Nor does anyone pour new wine into used wineskins, for the skins will burst, the wine will pour out, and the skins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins, and both will keep in good condition."

B2 Proverbs 26:4-5 NRSV Do not answer fools according to their folly, or you will be a fool yourself. 5 Answer fools according to their folly, or they will be wise in their own eyes.

Two types of questions

B1 The questioner/s in our first passage

C1 In Matthew 9:9-13, A Pharisee is asking a question, but his attitude is snarky. (of a person, words, or a mood) sharply critical; cutting; snide—source is Bing search)

C2 In Matthew 9:14-17, John the Baptist’s disciples are asking a question and their attitude is one of seeking clarification. They want to learn.

B3 The questioners in our second passage

C1 The word fool in Proverbs 26 passage is the Hebrew word כְּסִיל kᵉçîyl.

D1 It means someone who is arrogant and has all the answers. These fools

D2 Hate knowledge: Proverbs 1:22 NIV How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

D3 Don’t want to understand; they just want to give their opinion (which is the best answer of course and full of wisdom). This kind doesn’t listen well, for they interrupt and start giving advice. Proverbs 18:2 NIV Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

D4 Love wicked schemes:

E1 Proverbs 10:23 NIV A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

E2 2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

D5 Believe it is fun to do wrong: Proverbs 10:23 CEV Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely.

D6 Blurt out their evil foolishness: Proverbs 12:23 GNB Smart people keep quiet about what they know, but stupid people advertise their ignorance.

D7 Their foolishness just pours out, bursts out, and even belches out: Proverbs 15:2 NLT The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

D8 Love their own foolishness and love hearing and reading the same type of foolishness in others: Proverbs 15:14 NRSV The mind of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

C2 Sometimes the best answer is silence. Why even bother answering them?

D1 An example: 1 Samuel 10:27 LEB However, some worthless men said, "How can this man deliver us?" So they despised him and brought no gift to him, but he kept silent.

D2 Proverbs 10:19 NRSV When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.

B3 The Lord Jesus’s answer for the first passage

C1 To the Pharisee

D1 “I’m here on a healing mission. It is to heal souls sick from the stains of sin.”

D2 “I want you to study this passage: (Hosea 6:7 Brenton/LXX. In our Bibles it is Hosea 6:6) For I will have mercy rather than sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than whole-burnt-offerings.”

D3 God would rather show mercy than judgment. The Pharisee needs to learn this truth.

D4 We see an example of this in Jonah 3:10 LEB And God saw their deeds—that they turned from their evil ways—and God changed his mind about the evil that he had said he would bring upon them, and he did not do it.

C2 To John’s disciples

D1 The Believer’s Bible Commentary answers this question:

The Lord answered with an illustration. He was the bridegroom and His disciples the wedding guests. As long as He was with them, there was no reason to fast as a sign of mourning. But He would be taken from them; then His disciples would fast. He was taken from them—in death and burial, and since His ascension He has been bodily absent from His disciples. While Jesus' words do not command fasting, they certainly approve it as an appropriate exercise for those who await the Bridegroom's return.

D2 Bishop Ryle writes:

[Ye shall weep and lament, etc.] I believe, with Augustine and Bede, that the whole verse is meant to be a general description of the state of things between the first and second advents of Christ. "During my absence from the world after my ascension, you, my beloved disciples, and all believers after you, shall have many reasons to lament and mourn, like a bride separate from her husband, while the wicked world around you shall rejoice in my absence, and not wish to see Me return. During this long weary interval, you and all believers after you shall often have sorrow and tribulation; but at last, when I come again, your sorrow shall be turned into joy." In support of this view I advise the reader to study Mat 9:15. The idea in each place seems the same. (Compare also Isa 65:14.)

D3 Two responses to their question

E1 Jesus states that as long as He is here, there is no need to fast, but the time is coming when He will return from heaven. While the believers wait, they will mourn and fast for His return.

E2 The old ways, the Old Testament, were still in effect, but the time is coming when the Old Testament will be done away with. (Hebrews 8:12-13) The New Testament and its rules will be what believers are to live by.

Two types of response

B1 The genuine questioner needs an answer that teaches them truth. It is to lead them to wisdom and knowledge.

C1 In the Matthew 9:9-13 passage, the Lord Jesus wishes to teach them

D1

C2 In the Proverbs 26:4-5 passage, we are instructed to expose foolishness, thus lead them to true wisdom, that is, God’s wisdom.

D1 We need God’s armor: Ephesians 6:10-18.

D2 We need God’s grace to recognize these schemes. Studying the only source of 100% truth helps.

E1 2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

E2 John 8:32 NIV Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

B2 The snarky questioner needs an answer that is to expose their foolish attitude. It is to lead them to repentance.

We need to give an answer to all. 1 Peter 3:15 NLT Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it.

B1 If the questioner is asking a serious question, we need to answer with truth.

B2 If the questioner is sarcastic, rude, mocking, etc., we still need to answer them. We don’t answer them the same way they asked, but we love them and want them to think.

B3 We must pray to God:

C1 In boldness: Hebrews 4:16 NRSV Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

C2 Seeking wisdom: James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

C3 Example: Exodus 17:4 NET Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What will I do with this people? - a little more and they will stone me!”

B4 Our attitude must be gentle yet true: Proverbs 15:1 NLT A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

B5 Think carefully before answering: Proverbs 15:28 NLT The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.

B6 Trust God to give the correct answer: Proverbs 16:1 NLT We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.

Proverbs 22:20-21 RSV Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge, 21 to show you what is right and true, that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?

1 Year Bible—Ephesians Part B

C3 Thanksgiving for Spiritual Life Chapter 2:1-10

D1 Trespass

E1 It means to cross a line, a boundary, a standard.

E2 If my neighbor paints line on the border of our properties, and I walk just on my side of the property, I am OK. I am not trespassing. But, if I put my foot on the other side, I trespass. God has a standard that if we cross over, we trespass. God says, “You must not lie. You must not worship any other gods. You must not steal.” If we cross over that line and do those things, we trespass. It is a felony that must be punished.

D2 The actions we did as non-Christians was what the devil, his worldview, his lifestyle, and how lived, is trespasses and sins. Trespasses are specific sins. Sins refers to all types of rebellion and disobedience to God in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

D3 This lifestyle is described as

E1 Lusts and desires of the flesh. We do what feels good, not what is right.

E2 Lusts and desires of the mind. We do what we think is good, things that we imagine in our minds.

E3 Sinful nature. It is the inborn nature/character of every human.

E4 Sin must be punished. These things are the actions of the children of wrath. John 3:36 WEL He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, but he who refuses to believe the Son will not see life, on the contrary the fierce anger of God remains on him.

D4 Because of God’s love, He extended mercy to us by freeing our mind and heart to understand our sin and the just punishment we deserve. We were dead. We were just waiting for the last breath, then we would receive God’s just wrath. That wrath is conscious torment forever and ever. Matthew 25:46 GNB These, then, will be sent off to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life.

D5 But some of us (may all people do so) placed our faith in trust in Jesus Christ believing and thus being born again (a new creation) with the promise of coming resurrection and a home in heaven for fellowship and to serve God forever.

D6 Forever and forever we will learn new things and serve Him.

D7 Salvation is not of our initiation; it is God’s initiating grace. Salvation is not our doing, but God’s. Salvation is God’s gift. Faith is not a work that pays wages. Romans 4:3-5 GW What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and that faith was regarded by God to be his approval of Abraham." 4 When people work, their pay is not regarded as a gift but something they have earned. 5 However, when people don't work but believe God, the one who approves ungodly people, their faith is regarded as God's approval.

D8 Our goal now is a life serving God doing the deeds that please Him.

C4 Thanksgiving for Unity of Jew and Gentile Chapter 2:11-22

D1 Because of the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, Jews and Gentiles are now one. We are Christians.

D2 Because of the ministry of God the Son, Jesus Christ, we both now can pray to God directly. Hebrews 10:19 WEL Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter into the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus

D3 Now Jews and Gentiles, Christians, have a citizenship in heaven with the saints and God’s household.

D4 God Himself is building a living, holy Temple of all believers (Christians). The foundation is the Apostles, the chief cornerstone is Jesus Christ, and the living stones of this temple are us. The God who designed and built the original creation (the first 3+ chapters of Genesis) that sinless, beautiful place is now building this holy Temple with the same skill, wisdom, love, and holiness. God lives in that Temple. See Revelation 21.

D5 We’ll end with this passage: Revelation 21:2-8 WEL I, John, saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Look! The tabernacle of God is with people, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God, himself, will be with them and be their God. 4 “God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor will there be any more pain, for the former things are gone.” 5 The one who sat on the throne said, “Look! I make all things new.” Then he said to me, “Write this, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 Next, he said to me, “It is here! I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to anyone who is thirsty [a drink from] the spring of the water of life. 7 “He who overcomes will inherit everything, I will be his God, and he will be my son, 8 “But the cowardly, unbelieving, loathsome, murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will have their share in the lake which burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

1 Year Bible—Ephesians Part A

Ephesians is divided into 2 parts—the first 3 chapters are doctrinal and the last 3 chapters are practical.

1 Year Bible—Ephesians

A2 Outline

B1 Doctrinal Chapters 1-3

C1 Thanksgiving for Salvation Chapter 1:1-14

C2 Thanksgiving for Spiritual Growth Chapter 1:15-23

C3 Thanksgiving for Spiritual Life Chapter 2:1-10

C4 Thanksgiving for Unity of Jew and Gentile Chapter 2:11-22

C5 Thanksgiving for Preaching Gospel to Gentiles Chapter 3:1-13

C6 Prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 3:14-21

B2 Practical Chapters 4-6

C1 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth Chapter 4:1-16

C2 Encouragement for Spiritual Life Chapter 4:17-32

C3 Encouragement for Spiritual Lifestyle Chapter 5:1-20

C4 Encouragement for Living as a Godly Family Chapter 5:21-6:4

C5 Encouragement for Living as a Godly Employee Chapter 6:5-9

C6 Encouragement for Living with God’s Armor Chapter 6:10-20

C7 Prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 6:21-24

B1 Doctrinal Chapters 1-3

C1 Thanksgiving for Salvation Chapter 1:1-14

D1 Verses 3-14 is one sentence. God the Father had a plan that He is following. God the Son is the source of the heavenly blessing. There would be no spiritual blessings for believers unless the Jesus came as Messiah to redeem us.

D2 Some of these blessings are:

E1 Every heavenly blessing. Each and every blessing is ours.

F1 Salvation: Romans 1:16 ESV For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

F2 Heavenly citizenship: Philippians 3:20 ESV But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

F3 Fellowship with God, the holy angels, and the believers:1 John 1:3 ESV that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

F4 Many other things as the Fruit of the Spirit, Hope of deliverance, Hope at death, comfort in the Spirit, fulfillment of His promises, etc.

E2 A purpose—to be holy and blameless when we stand in front of God.

E3 Our adoption to be joint heirs with Christ.

E4 The greatness of God’s grace.

E5 Our redemption

F1 Bought back from the market of sin. We are addicted to sin in our natural self. The payment is Jesus’s blood. It was paid to the Father to purchase our salvation in that Jesus paid the penalty we deserved for sinning. He, as High Priest, offered His blood as atonement in the Heavenly Holy of Holies.

G1 Acts 20:2 PickNT So take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as overseers, to shepherd the congregation of the Lord and God which He purchased with His own blood.

G2 Hebrews 9:13-14 GNB The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a burnt calf are sprinkled on the people who are ritually unclean, and this purifies them by taking away their ritual impurity. 14 Since this is true, how much more is accomplished by the blood of Christ! Through the eternal Spirit he offered himself as a perfect sacrifice to God. His blood will purify our consciences from useless rituals, so that we may serve the living God.

F2 By Jesus’s blood. This is a substitutionary atonement.

G1 1 John 1:7 NIV But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

G2 Revelation 1:5 EMTV and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and who washed us from our sins in His own blood

E6 His decisions are based on love and grace. Our decisions should well include these elements, too.

E7 Knowledge of His will for us. If He is for us, who can be against us?

E8 His plan, done at the correct time, was for all creation to be under the authority of God the Son, Jesus. Isn’t it wonderful that we are part of God’s plan?

E9 An opportunity to praise God and for others to praise God (holy angels, etc.)

E10 The Gospel, especially since it was preached to the Ephesians (and to us who have believed).

E11 The Holy Spirit being the down payment of our future salvation (heaven). Also see 2 Corinthians 1:22 WEB who also sealed us, and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

C2 Thanksgiving for Spiritual Growth Chapter 1:15-23

D1 This portion addresses spiritual growth.

D2 Ephesians 1:17 WEL So that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him,

E1 Paul prays for the believers to be given

F1 The Spirit of Wisdom

G1 The Spirit of Wisdom is mentioned in the Old Testament: Isaiah 11:2 NIV The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD

G2 Wisdom is both a skill (Exodus 36:1) and

H1 an understanding of that which is true or good combined with an ability to make sound judgments. (Source)

H2 1. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. I differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus. (Source—Webster’s Dictionary 1828)

F2 Revelation in the knowledge of Him. The only 100% truth is the Word of God. This is both the Scriptures and the Lord Jesus. We grow in wisdom by reading, studying, and applying the truths of Scriptures. Since God is omniscient and omnisapient, He can also communicate perfectly clear. We can have confidence to interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense.

F3 God wants us to know and understand the hope we have, the greatness of our eternal inheritance, and the greatness of His power.

F4 The greatness of His power is described as

G1 A power and authority greater than any spirit, any human, or any force.

G2 A name associated with power that is greater than anything, thus more honorable than any other name even known.

A Few Thoughts About Ephesian Church and First Love

Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless, I have [something] against you, because you have forsaken your first love.

First love = the most important love. This love has the highest priority and more important than anything else.

Other loves in the Scriptures:

B1 Money

C1 Luke 16:13 NIV No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

C2 1 Timothy 6:10 NIV For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

C3 Hebrews 13:5 NIV Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.

B2 Power

C1 3 John 1:9 PickNT I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who wants to dominate the others, does not acknowledge us.

D1 The Greek word for dominate is φιλοπρωτεύω philoprōteúō. It means to love being first.

D2 The only one qualified to have the preeminence, the first place, is Jesus Christ: Col 1:18 WPNT Also, He is the Head of the body, the Church. He is Beginning, the firstborn from among the dead, so that He may be preeminent in everything.

D3 In Robertson’s Word Pictures on 3 John 1:9 it is written: This ambition of Diotrephes does not prove that he was a bishop over elders, as was true in the second century (as Ignatius shows). He may have been an elder (bishop) or deacon, but clearly desired to rule the whole church. Some forty years ago I wrote an article on Diotrephes for a denominational paper. The editor told me that twenty-five deacons stopped the paper to show their resentment against being personally attacked in the paper.

C2 What we are to be: Luke 22:26-27 NIV But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

B3 Prestige and honor

C1 Scribes and Pharisees: Matthew 23:6-7 LEB And they love the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and the greetings in the marketplaces and to be called 'Rabbi' by people.

C2 John 12:43 LEB For they loved the praise of men more than praise from God.

B4 Teachers: Jeremiah 5:31 NRSV the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule as the prophets direct; my people love to have it so, but what will you do when the end comes?

C1 It’s amazing how many people will listen and believe their favorite speaker, author, commentator, blogger, pastor, theologian, etc. instead of God and His book.

C2 If any criticism comes upon their favorite speaker, etc., they will attack the critic.

C3 The danger, of course, is their favorite speaker, theologian, etc. can be wrong. It will lead to the people being wrong as well.

C4 We must always have the Scriptures as the highest priority.

C5 The Lord Jesus must always be the first love of people.

C6 We must always be a little skeptical.

C7 We must be Bereans and read and study the Scriptures for ourselves. Acts 17:11 NIV Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

B5 The world, that is, its desires, lifestyle, motives, beliefs, philosophies, etc.

C1 1 John 2:15 NIV Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.

C2 2 Timothy 4:10 NIV for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

B6 Darkness

C1 John 3:19 NIV This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

C2 Darkness is the opposite, the absence of light. The sinful nature of all humans wants sins, guilt, errors, etc. etc. covered up, hidden unknown. The sinful nature loves the deeds of darkness.

D1 Ephesians 5:11-13 NRSV Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,

D2 Colossians 1:11-14 NRSV May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

B7 Family and life: Matthew 10:37-38 NRSV Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38 and whoever does not take up the cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Loving God, His kingdom, His people, His ways, His worldview, His lifestyle is what we are to seek first.

B1 Matthew 6:33 LEB But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

B2 Psalms 27:4 NRSV One thing I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

B3 We show our love

C1 By praising Him: Psalms 5:11 LEB But let all who take shelter in you rejoice. Let them ever sing for joy, because you spread protection over them; And let those who love your name exult in you.

C2 By trusting Him: Psalms 13:5 LEB But as for me, I have trusted in your steadfast love. My heart will rejoice in your deliverance.

C3 By loving His name (showing respect and honor, that is, fearing God): Psalms 69:36 NRSV the children of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall live in it.

C4 By obeying His commandments

D1 Jesus directly or through His Apostles and prophets (the Bible writers who are not Apostles) has given us over 1,000 rules to obey. They are for peace and life. We are not saved by obeying, but since we are saved, we want to obey: John 14:15 GNB If you love me, you will obey my commandments.

D2 There is a blessing in obeying. There is a Christian life to live. These are the rules we will obey in His Kingdom for eternity. We must start now. John 14:21 Weymouth He who has my commandments and obeys them--he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly reveal myself to him.

D3 Obeying His commandments is a sign that we are genuinely saved: 1 John 5:2 ESV By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments.

D4 His commandments are not burdensome: 1 John 5:3 ESV For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.

C5 By obeying His teaching: John 14:23 Weymouth "If any one loves me," replied Jesus, "he will obey my teaching; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

C6 By rejoicing that He ascended to heaven and remains there until He returns: John 14:28 ESV You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

C7 By loving our fellow believers (this doesn’t mean we agree with everything and the idea of tolerance, tolerance, tolerance): John 15:12 GNB My commandment is this: love one another, just as I love you.

C8 By growing in knowledge of Him and His ways: Philippians 1:9-11 ESV And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

The actions of love are found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a WEL Love is very patient and kind; love is not envious; love doesn’t brag about itself, is not haughty, 5 Doesn’t behave improperly, is not self-seeking; love isn’t easily aggravated, doesn’t keep a list of wrongs, 6 Doesn’t rejoice in injustice, but rejoices in the truth, 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, calmly endures all things. 8 Love never ends,

By disobeying Him, we dishonor God and that has an effect on us: John 15:10 GNB If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

We are to initiate the lifestyle and worldview the Lord Jesus lived and taught: Ephesians 5:1 ESV Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.

1 Year Bible: Galatians

Main Topic is the True Gospel in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds.

B1 Outline

Salutation Chapter 1:1-5

False Gospels Condemned Chapter 1:6-10

God Instructed Paul on Gospel Chapter 1:11-17

Paul Met With Apostles Chapter 1:18-24

The Apostles and Paul Have Same Gospel Chapter 2:1-10

Peter’s Hypocrisy Chapter 2:11-14

Obedience To The Law Does Not Save; Faith Does Chapter 2:15-21

We Preach the Same Gospel As Abraham Heard Chapter 3:1-9

The Righteous Live By Faith Alone Chapter 3:10-14

The Law Came After the Gospel Chapter 3:15-18

The Law Reveals Our Sins Chapter 3:19-29

Messiah Jesus Came to Save Those Under the Law Chapter 4:1-7

Why Do You Want to be Enslaved to the Law? Chapter 4:8-20

The Illustration of Hagar and Sarah Chapter 4:21-31

Stay Free! Do Not Be Enslaved to The Law Chapter 5:1-15

Live By the Spirit Not The Law Chapter 5:16-26

Help Each Other’s Burdens Chapter 6:1-5

Sow To The Spirit Not The Flesh Chapter 6:6-10

Keeping the Law Is Nothing; A New Creation Is Everything Chapter 6:11-18

B2 Chapter 1

C1 Salutation Chapter 1:1-5

C2 False Gospels Condemned Chapter 1:6-10

D1 Humans have a tendency to change God’s Gospel into something they are more comfortable with, intellectually agree with, and personally approve.

D2 Having, believing, and preaching the correct gospel is so important that having, believing, and preaching the wrong gospel brings God’s curse. The Gospel is

E1 To believe God.

F1 God is correct.

F2 People are not good. People are evil.

F3 Evil people are going to be punished in hell fire.

E2 Exclusive. Only Jesus is savior. Acts 4:11-12 NLT For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.

E3 Jesus’s life, death, burial, and resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NLT I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.

E4 Repentance and acknowledging who Jesus is.

E5 That a perfect knowledge of theology is not needed.

E6 Three examples

F1 Galatians 3:6 NRSV Just as Abraham "believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,"

F2 Luke 18:13-14 NLT But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, 'O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner. 14 I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

F3 2 Chronicles 33:6, 10-13 NLT Manasseh also sacrificed his own sons in the fire in the valley of Ben-Hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and he consulted with mediums and psychics. He did much that was evil in the LORD's sight, arousing his anger. ... 10 The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they ignored all his warnings. 11 So the LORD sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. 12 But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the LORD his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. 13 And when he prayed, the LORD listened to him and was moved by his request. So the LORD brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the LORD alone is God!

F4 Different testimonies, yet all saved.

E7 We are not saved

F1 By doing or believing something else

F2 By good works

F3 By rituals

F4 By a pronouncement of a religious leader

E8 We are saved only by grace alone by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone.

E9 Faith is NOT a human work as many teach: Romans 4:3-4 WEL What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited as righteousness to him.” 4 Now for the one who works, wages are not considered to be a gift but something owed.

C3 God Instructed Paul about the Gospel Chapter 1:11-17

D1 Paul states that he did not learn the Gospel through human teachers but through God Himself.

D2 Galatians 1:11-12 GNB Let me tell you, my friends, that the gospel I preach is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any human being, nor did anyone teach it to me. It was Jesus Christ himself who revealed it to me.

C4 Paul Met With Apostles Chapter 1:18-24

B2 Chapter 2

C1 The Apostles and Paul Have Same Gospel Chapter 2:1-10

C2 Peter’s Hypocrisy Chapter 2:11-14

D1 Peter was affected by fellow Jews. He didn’t want to be offensive.

D2 Paul had to straighten Peter out.

D3 Sometimes we need to be straightened out by others and to confront others of the truth.

C3 Obedience To The Law Does Not Save; Faith Does Chapter 2:15-21

D1 The Mosaic Law does not save: Galatians 2:16 NLT Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.

D2 Leaving that Law or falling back into that Law is sin: Galatians 2:17-18 NLT But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down.

D3 Keeping Mosaic Law cannot save: Galatians 2:21 NLT I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

B3 Chapter 3

C1 We Preach the Same Gospel As Abraham Heard Chapter 3:1-9

D1 Paul asks the people if they were saved (received the Holy Spirit) by following the Law or by faith. Then, he asks them why are they now wanting to follow the Law?

D2 Galatians 3:5-6 NLT I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. 6 In the same way, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith."

C2 The Righteous Live By Faith Alone Chapter 3:10-14

C3 The Law Came After the Gospel Chapter 3:15-18

D1 God’s agreement, covenant, with Abraham was regarding Abraham and Messiah.

E1 KJV Galatians 3:16-17 KJV Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

E2 Galatians 3:16-17 NLT God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn't say "to his children," as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says "to his child"—and that, of course, means Christ. 17 This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise.

D2 This agreement was not annulled 430 years later by the giving of the Mosaic Covenant.

C4 The Law Reveals Our Sins Chapter 3:19-29

B4 Chapter 4

C1 Messiah Jesus Came to Save Those Under the Law Chapter 4:1-7

D1 The Jews followed, that is, obeyed the Mosaic Law, but they still needed a redeemer, because the law cannot save any from God’s wrath.

D2 Paul asks, “Why would you want to obey Mosaic Law now?”

C2 Why Do You Want to be Enslaved to the Law? Chapter 4:8-20

D1 The Gentiles were enslaved to the principles of the world. Gentiles lived according to the world’s worldview and lifestyle.

D2 So why do you now want to be enslaved to Jewish feasts and other ceremonial laws?

D3 Truth must have a standard. Truth must be reality. Often those who speak truth are hated, marginalized, and persecuted. Galatians 4:16 GNB Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

D4 These Judaizers want followers: Galatians 4:17-18 GNB Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. 18 Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you.

C3 The Illustration of Hagar and Sarah Chapter 4:21-31

B5 Chapter 5

C1 Stay Free! Do Not Be Enslaved to The Law Chapter 5:1-15

D1 It is the commandment of God Himself: Galatians 5:1 NLT So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.

D2 Albert Barnes commenting of Galatians 5:1 writes: ...and be not entangled again - Tyndale renders this, “And wrap not yourselves again.” The sense is, do not again allow such a yoke to be put on you; do not again become slaves to any rites, and customs, and habits.

D3 Galatians 5:1 Tyndale Stond fast therfore in ye libertie wher with Christ hath made vs fre and wrappe not youre selves agayne in ye yoke of bondage.

D4 Following the Mosaic Law does not produce change in the heart. One can follow all the laws but be evil at their core. Matthew 23:27-28 NLT What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs—beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity. 28 Outwardly you look like righteous people, but inwardly your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

C2 Live By the Spirit Not The Law Chapter 5:16-26

D1 The unsaved may be wonderful people but to God they are not “good.” They follow the worldview and lifestyle of the world to vastly variable degrees.

D2 A believer is to follow the worldview and lifestyle of God as the Lord Jesus has taught us.

D3 The world’s lifestyle is characterized by Galatians 5:19-21 WEL Now the works of the flesh are obvious. They are adultery, sexual sins, moral corruption, unrestrained lust, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, provoking jealousy, hot anger, pushing to be first, selfish scheming, dissensions, heresy, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, wild partying, and so on, about which I have told you before, and as I have also told you in the past that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

D4 God’s lifestyle, the one we are to live, is characterized by Galatians 5:22 But, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.

B6 Chapter 6

C1 Help Each Other’s Burdens Chapter 6:1-5

D1 We are to help each other, motivate each other, encourage each other. We are a family to care for each other. Galatians 6:2 NLT Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

D2 Yet, we are still responsible for ourselves. We cannot blame others for our failures. Galatians 6:4-5 NLT Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

C2 Sow To The Spirit Not The Flesh Chapter 6:6-10

C3 Keeping the Law Is Nothing; A New Creation Is Everything Chapter 6:11-18

D1 Following Mosaic Law leads to pride. This is religious pride and depends are closely we follow Mosaic law. God hates pride.

D2 What God has worked and recreated in us is what is important. There is no place for pride. It is God’s work in us. Galatians 6:15 NLT It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not. What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.

It might seem like we cannot make it as Christians. It seems that we don’t have enough strength to continue, BUT

Isaiah 40:29-31 LEB  He gives power to the weary, and he increases power for the powerless.  30  Even young people will be faint and grow weary, and the young will stumble, exhausted.  31  But those who wait for Yahweh shall renew their strength. They shall go up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not be faint.