1 Year Bible—Ephesians Part D

B2 Practical Chapters 4-6

C1 Encouragement for Spiritual Growth Chapter 4:1-16

D1 Spiritual growth is compared to physical growth. We mature in our knowledge, experience, wisdom, actions, etc.

D2 The potential is already there, but it needs proper nutrition to reach that potential.

D3 What does God require as seen in this passage?

E1 A holy life—as God has defined it in the New Testament

E2 Humility—not self promotion

E3 Gentleness—instead of abuse and control

E4 Forbearance—instead of rehearsing failures

E5 Love—as defined in 1 Corinthians 13 both public and private

E6 Unity in peace—instead of self-seeking

D4 It is not unity at any cost. It is not unity to tolerance in false doctrine, practices, or life. We must be in unity not only with believers today but also the whole body of believers from Pentecost to today.

D5 It is unity defined as

E1 One body—from Pentecost until the Rapture

E2 One Spirit—as a holy temple: Ephesians 2:21-22 BSB In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

E3 One hope—of Him, our Messiah. This is one of many hopes we have: I John 3:2-3 BSB Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

E4 One Lord—Jesus There is no other lord whether spirit or human. There is only one authority—Jesus.

E5 Faith—the doctrines we believe. There is no change. What was taught by the Lord Jesus and His Apostles is still the same faith.

F1 1 Corinthians 16:13 NRSV Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong.

F2 1 Timothy 6:20-21 WEB Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge; 21 which some profess, and thus have wandered from the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

E6 Baptism—probably referring to the Baptism by the Holy Spirit.

F1 1 Corinthians 12:13 NRSV For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

F2 But also in water at our public profession of faith: Romans 6:3-4 NRSV Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.

E7 One God and Father—there is no other God: Isaiah 43:10 NRSV You are my witnesses, says the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.

D4 2 Peter 2:1-5 WEL Beside this, be diligent to add to your faith moral excellence; to moral excellence add knowledge. 6 To knowledge add self-control; to self-control add perseverance; to perseverance add godliness. 7 To godliness add brotherly love; to brotherly love add unselfish, unconditional love. 8 For if these qualities are in you and are plentiful, they will make you not to be barren or unfruitful in the thorough knowledge concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he who lacks these qualities is blind, short sighted, and become forgetful that he was totally cleansed from his past sins.

C2 Encouragement for Spiritual Life Chapter 4:17-32

D1 We must get rid of the old way of life as described in many places particularly in Galatians 5:19-21. Then, we must put on the new: Ephesians 4:22-24 WEL Get rid of the former lifestyle, the old nature, which is rotten from deceitful lusts, 23 Instead, be renewed in the spirit of your mind. 24 Put on the new nature, which according to God’s [likeness] is created in righteousness and true holiness.

D2 The rest of the chapter lists some of these new ways of life. These characteristics are the ones God has and is in His kingdom.

C3 Encouragement for Spiritual Lifestyle Chapter 5:1-20

D1 There is an obvious Christian life.

D2 It is not in a man-made list. The lifestyle is listed in Scripture.

D3 This is why we must read chapters like this and live it. We can do so with God’s grace.

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

D1 Notice how husband and wife both must submit, that is, NOT be adamant and controlling. Ephesians 5:21 GW Place yourselves under each other's authority out of respect for Christ.

D2 Leadership in the family must be the same leadership style as Jesus has.

D3 A husband must love his wife (with the actions of 1 Corinthians 13), and the wife respect her husband.

D4 Fear has 2 senses

E1 A running away from: Genesis 3:8-10 GW In the cool of the evening, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking around in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees in the garden. 9 The LORD God called to the man and asked him, "Where are you?" 10 He answered, "I heard you in the garden. I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid."

E2 A running to:

F1 Cornelius feared God, yet came praying every day: Acts 10:2 NRSV He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God.

F2 Proverbs 18:10 GW The name of the LORD is a strong tower. A righteous person runs to it and is safe.

E3 Both seen. One does not come, the other does: John 3:20-21 NRSV For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. 21 But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.

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

D1 Carrying out their duties without pressure.

D2 Carrying out their duties properly.

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

D1 Christians have 3 enemies: the devil, the world, and the flesh.

D2 The world is the mindset and worldview of those who are not believers.

D3 The flesh refers to the sinful desires of the flesh as seen in Galatians 5:19-21.

D4 God has given provision for fighting these 3 things.

D5 The armor of God is for all Christians.

E1 Truth

F1 John 8:32 NRSV and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.

F2 Many interpret truth in various ways such as the Gospel, etc. Personally, I think the Lord means “truth.”

F3 Truth delivers from sin, from addiction, from stupidity, from wrong decisions, etc. Truth is delivering. Truth is the start of healing from abuse, addiction, stupidity, foolishness, etc.

F4 Truth as to doctrine and Christian living. The Bible must be interpreted in its plain, normal sense.

E2 Righteousness—to be free of guilt, a bad testimony, bad choices, etc. It leads to a good testimony, better choices, etc. It is protective. The devil wants us to sin.

E3 The Gospel—this is salvation. It is protective by God’s protecting the soul. The devil can kill, but he cannot kill the soul.

E4 Faith—this is believing God instead of something else.

E5 Salvation—this is deliverance. A promise of deliverance now and in the future. A person might be persecuted, but the knowledge and the possession of salvation comforts and gives assurance.

E6 The Word of God—the only source of 100% truth

E7 Prayer—this is asking for wisdom, deliverance, help in many ways. God’s wisdom is perfect. His decisions are done in wisdom, love, and holiness.

D6 The struggle is written about in Romans 7, while the cause is Romans 6, and the solution in Romans 8.

E1 Romans 6:12 GW Therefore, never let sin rule your physical body so that you obey its desires.

E2 Romans 7:23-24 GW However, I see a different standard at work throughout my body. It is at war with the standards my mind sets and tries to take me captive to sin's standards which still exist throughout my body. 24 What a miserable person I am! Who will rescue me from my dying body?

E3 Romans 8:26 NRSV Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. AND Romans 8:34 NRSV Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.

C7 Prayer for the Ephesians Chapter 6:21-24

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.