5. God’s Incomparably Great Power

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I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know…his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.(Ephesians 1:18-23 )

How great is God’s power at work in the lives of believers?

In Ephesians 1:18-19, Paul prayed for the Ephesians to comprehend how great God’s power was in their lives. In fact, he says the power is “incomparably great,” meaning that there is no power like it (v. 19). There is no power greater—not the atomic bomb, not love, not hate, nor anything else. Paul tries to describe this power by heaping up synonyms for it in verses 19 and 20. Kent Hughes comments are helpful:

That is why Paul stacked all those power synonyms upon one another in verses 19 and 20 as he prayed that we might experience “his [God’s] incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead” (italics added). The stupendous power Paul is describing can be glimpsed in the nuances of the synonyms he used: 1) “[P]ower.” Dunamis is the word we get dynamite from and is used over 100 times in the New Testament. It indicates raw power or strength. 2) “[W]orking.” Energeia, from which we derive our word energy, means “inworking” and suggests the inward propulsion of power. 3) “[M]ighty” (kratos) means “ability to conquer,” as when Caesar conquered Cleopatra. Autocrat comes from this word. 4) “[S]trength” (ischus) refers to physical force. These graphic synonyms in the Pauline bouquet depict the awesome extent of God’s power.¹

The implication of Paul’s prayer and description of this power was that these believers were living below the power available to them. This no doubt showed up in an inability to conquer sin, to have joy in Christ, and to persevere through trials.

It’s no different for us. We often live lives that are sub-Christian—missing God’s best. However, the reality is that God through his divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). There is no legitimate reason why we should lack God’s abundant life and holiness—for God has given us his power and resources.

Therefore, in Ephesians 1:20-23, Paul goes to great lengths to describe this power. He says that God publicly displayed this power in Christ, and it is now operating in us.

In this study, we will consider the greatest power the world has ever seen in order to better comprehend what is available to us. And the reason we need to comprehend it is so that we will begin to daily operate in this power.

Big Question: In what ways does Paul describe the extent of God’s incomparable great power at work in us in Ephesians 1:20-23? How should we daily access this power?

Christ’s Resurrection Displayed God’s Incomparably Great Power

The greatness of God’s power to us was displayed in Christ’s resurrection. In the Old Testament, people often measured God’s power by the creation of the earth. Isaiah 40:28 says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” However, in the New Testament, it is measured by the miracle of the resurrection.

Why is this miracle so great? It is simply because nobody other than Christ has defeated death. Kings, presidents, heroes, and spiritual leaders all die and none have experienced this resurrection. Man has not and cannot conquer death regardless of the great scientific and medical advancements made. No one has or will ever figure out how to stop death. This power is only in God and was displayed in Christ.

Some might say, “Well, Christ was not the first person raised from the dead. There were others.” This is true. However, Christ’s resurrection was unique. He was the first to be raised from the dead and to never die again.

The first resurrection recorded in the Bible was when Elijah raised the widow’s son (1 Kings 17); however, this child eventually died again. Christ raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11), but he also died again later. And every other resurrected person in history eventually died again. Essentially, one could say, “Death, though delayed, eventually got the victory.” But this was not true of Christ. He rose from the dead, never to die again. God through his power conquered death. First Corinthians 15:20 says this about Christ: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

The firstfruits are the first of a harvest, and the firstfruits tell a farmer something about the coming fruits. Christ is the firstfruits of the dead. He was the first resurrected of those who will never die. He is the beginning of what will happen to the church. This was the greatest power ever seen on the earth.

Application Question: What are the applications of this resurrection power for the church?

1. The church has already experienced a spiritual resurrection at salvation through this power.

Ephesians 2:1, 4-5 says this,

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins… But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

One of the ways this resurrection power worked in us was by our spiritual resurrection. The word “death” really just means “separation.” When Adam sinned in the Garden, he died spiritually. Then when God came to meet with him, Adam hid. In the same way, man now hides from God. He is spiritually dead towards God. His mind is in a state of hostility towards him, and he cannot submit to God’s law (Rom 8:7). In fact, God’s Word is foolishness to him (1 Cor 2:14).

But when we were resurrected from spiritual death, this power removed the blindness from our eyes and opened our hearts and minds towards Christ. Now we are alive to God. The Word of God and prayer, which were once dead to us, are now very much alive. We are alive to righteousness and good works. This is God’s power at work in us—we have experienced a spiritual resurrection.

2. The church will experience a physical resurrection through this power when Christ returns.

First Corinthians 15:51-57 says,

Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul teaches the mystery of the physical resurrection. Some who are alive when Christ returns will never die—they will be changed “in the twinkling of an eye.” Their bodies will be transformed into heavenly bodies. And those who previously died will be resurrected from the dead. This is our future if we are truly born again followers of Christ. One day, through God’s power, we will be resurrected from the dead.

And no doubt, like Paul, we will sing, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”

Application Question: How should the reality of the resurrection from dead challenge and encourage believers?

Christ’s Ascension and Enthronement in Heaven Displayed God’s Incomparably Great Power

and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet … (Ephesians 1:19-22)

Just as man cannot conquer death, he cannot conquer evil. Man has tried education. They say, “If we educate people then the crime rate will go down.” Or, “If we place people in a different environment, it will change them.” However, these methods do not work. An educated person just commits more intelligent crimes, and a change of environment cannot change man’s heart. Man cannot ultimately conquer evil—but evil was conquered in Christ’s ascension and seating at the right hand of God. Ephesians 4:8 says, “This is why it says: ‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.’”

This is a picture of a conquering general marching through the city in a parade. Behind him in this parade are those he conquered—his captives—marching in chains with their heads bowed. And as the general marches, he gives gifts to his people. This is what happened with Christ in his ascension. He conquered the devil and gave spiritual gifts to his church (cf. Eph 4:11).

In addition, Colossians 2:15 says, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” In Christ’s ascension, he disarmed the powers and authorities. When Paul says, “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion” (v. 21), he seems to be primarily referring to a hierarchy of ruling demons. Just as human armies have generals, colonels, sergeants, and privates, it seems to be that way with demons. Paul also addresses this when he describes the church’s spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Christ conquered the devil in his resurrection and ascension. The evil forces gathered against him in his crucifixion were defeated in his resurrection and ascension.

But not only was Christ exalted to the right hand of God over the demonic realm, but over all of creation as King. God put him over “every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (v.21). Psalm 2, a messianic Psalm, says this:

Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the LORD and against his Anointed One. “Let us break their chains,” they say, “and throw off their fetters.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. Then he rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy hill.” I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

In Psalm 2, David prophesied that God would install his Son, the Messiah, over all the kings of the earth. Christ was the Davidic king prophesied about throughout the Old Testament. Paul, while speaking in a synagogue in Antioch, said Christ’s installment as the Davidic king was fulfilled at Christ’s resurrection. Acts 13:32-34 says,

… What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: “‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ The fact that God raised him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’

Christ now rules in heaven at God’s right hand as the Davidic King, but one day he will fully exercise his rule on this earth. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Phil 2:10-11). Amen!

Application Question: What applications can we take from God’s power displayed in Christ’s ascension and enthronement in heaven?

1. God’s power displayed in Christ’s ascension and enthronement reminds us that one day we will not only be resurrected but also ascend to heaven as Christ did.

The power of God not only raised Christ from the dead but also took him to heaven. In Acts 1:8-9, we see Christ talking to the apostles and then ascending to heaven in a cloud. Similarly, we will ascend to heaven to be with Christ.

Christ says this in John 14:1-3:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Christ promised his disciples that they would be where he is in heaven. One day he is coming again to take us to heaven. This will be done by the power of God already at work in us.

2. God’s power displayed in Christ’s ascension and enthronement reminds us that we will one day rule with him.

Scripture already says that we are positionally seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6). This is a present reality because of our union with Christ. However, one day we will rule with him in heaven and on earth, as his co-heirs. Romans 8:17 says, “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” We are co-heirs with Christ, and we will share in his glory. Paul teaches that we will even judge the world and angels with Christ (1 Cor 6:2-3).

This is the power operating in us. This power raised and seated us in the heavenly places with Christ. It is through this power that we will rule with Christ eternally on earth and in heaven. Paul wants believers to comprehend the present reality of this power in our lives.

3. God’s power displayed in Christ’s ascension and enthronement reminds us that we also can conquer sin, Satan, and all powers of the enemy.

This is the very reason that Paul commands the church in Ephesians 6:10-11: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” The same power that conquered the devil and his schemes in Christ’s ascension and enthronement is working in us to stand against the devil and his schemes. In fact, we are seated with Christ in a position of authority over the enemy (Eph 2:6). God’s power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)—including power to conquer sin and the enemy.

Application Question: How can we operate in Christ’s power to conquer sin and the devil in our lives?

Christ’s Headship over the Church Displayed God’s Incomparably Great Power

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:22-23)

The last aspect of the incomparable greatness of God’s power Paul emphasizes is Christ’s headship over the church. Paul says that God “appointed him to be head over everything for the church which is his body” (v. 22 and 23).

This means that Christ is not only the ruler of angels, demons, and people but also the church. However, the difference is that Christ will rule the powers and principalities and the unredeemed by force with an iron scepter (Psalm 2:9). On the other hand, he will rule with the church in an organic relationship as their head.

In Ephesians Chapter 2, Paul talks about God’s formation of a new entity through Christ’s death and resurrection. He states that believing Jews and Gentiles were created into a third race—the church (v. 14-15)—and this race has become the body of Christ. God’s power is not only displayed in Christ’s rulership over the church, but in the church becoming Christ’s body—inextricably linked forever.

In verse 23, Paul says, “which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” This verse has stimulated great discussion amongst commentators.

Interpretation Question: What does the “the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” refer to?

1. Some commentators believe this verse refers to Christ being the fullness of God who fills everything in every way.

“Him” would then refer to God instead of Christ. John Stott explains the first view this way:

The first explanation takes the phrase as a description not of the church (the body) but of Christ (the head), i.e. ‘… the church, which is the body of him who is the fullness of him who fills all in all’. In this case Paul is saying not that the church is the fullness of Christ, but that Christ is the fullness of God, who fills Christ as indeed he fills all things.²

This view presents several problems: “For one thing the syntax is awkward, requiring God to be both subject and object of the same sentence (‘God … gave as head to the church Christ who is the fullness of God’).”³ Another potential problem is that Scripture never explicitly says Christ is the fullness of God. It does say that God’s fullness dwells in Christ (Col 2:9).

However, Scripture does teach that God fills “everything in every way.” It says he fills the heavens and the earth (Jeremiah 23:24) and that the highest heavens cannot contain him (1 Kings 8:27).

2. Some commentators believe this verse refers to the church being the fullness of Christ and yet Christ filling everything in every way.

The problem with this view is that it would imply that Christ is incomplete without the church. If this is a correct interpretation, Paul obviously meant it in a paradoxical sense.⁴ The God who needs nothing and is independent has chosen to depend upon his church. In the same way that a body cannot function without a head, a head cannot function without the body. Christ has chosen to work through his church on the earth and throughout eternity, and if the church does not work, then his work does not get done. This is a great mystery. In view of this, John Calvin proclaimed:

This is the highest honor of the church that, unless He is united to us, the Son of God reckons Himself in some measure imperfect. What an encouragement it is for us to hear, that not until He has us as one with Himself is He complete in all His parts, or does He wish to be regarded as whole!⁵

3. Some commentators believe this verse refers to Christ being the fullness of the church and yet filling everything in every way.

Christ filling the church is taught throughout Scripture. Believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:19) and Christ indwells them (Eph 3:17).

In further support of this view, Paul says in Ephesians 4:10, “He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)” Since Paul connects Christ’s ascension with filling “the whole universe,” it’s very plausible that he is doing the same thing in Ephesians 1:23. This interpretation has the fewest difficulties and is most likely the correct interpretation.⁶

Application Question: What applications can we take from the concept of Christ being the head and the church being his body?

The church must submit to Christ, even as a body submits to its head. Without submitting to Christ, we can do nothing good; in fact, we harm ourselves when we operate outside of his will. Therefore, it is a necessity for us to abide in Christ and hear his voice.
The church need one another, even as the members of a body need one another. Paul says the eye can’t say to the hand, “I don’t need you” (1 Cor 12:21). We need each other because God’s power has made us one body, and therefore dependent upon one another. To try to be independent, as many in the church do, is to spiritually impoverish ourselves.
The church shares the glory of Christ—the Head. Whatever glory bestowed upon a head is also bestowed upon the body, for they are one and the same. It is the same with us, as the body of Christ. Christ has given us his glory and we will one day rule with him (cf. John 17:22, Rom 8:17).

As the ascended Christ is the conqueror of the powers and principalities, he is also the honored Head of the church. God’s great power has made Christ the head and us his body. Thank you, Lord! Amen.

Application Question: How is God calling you to honor Christ as your head in your daily life and also by working with and serving his body?

Application

Certainly, Paul did not want the Ephesians to just comprehend this power, but also to experience it daily. He himself desired this, as seen in Philippians 3:10: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” He also prays for the Ephesians to experience more of God’s power in Ephesians 3:16: “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

Application Question: How can we daily experience the power of the resurrection in our lives?

1. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must pray for it.

As Paul prays for the Ephesians to be strengthened with power in the inner being (3:16), we must also pray this for ourselves and others. Through prayer, we access God’s power. To fail to pray is to walk without it—in our own strength.

2. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must have faith.

Christ says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). Some Christians never experience this power because they believe God for too little. They want to get to heaven, but they have no real desire to be used by God on earth. When God calls them to step out in faith, they have every excuse to not believe or obey him (cf. Judges 6:15). Christ said he couldn’t do many miracles in his home town because of their lack of faith (Mk 6:5), and no doubt, this is also true for many believers and churches today.

3. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must allow God to use us in our weakness.

Second Corinthians 12:9-10 says,

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It is in our weakness that God shows himself strong. Many times he allows us to go through trials and become weak just so we can experience the power of the resurrection in our lives and ministries (cf. 2 Cor 1:9). Sometimes he calls us to serve outside of our giftedness—outside of where we are comfortable—so we can experience his power. And when we experience it, we start to learn that we can’t live without it.

How is God making you weak so you can experience his power?

4. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must abide in Christ.

John 15:5 says, ‘“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Remaining in Christ, or “abiding,” as it can be translated, is a discipline. It includes reading the Word of God, prayer, worship, church fellowship, and serving. By making our home in Christ, we experience the power of the vine in and through our lives. Those who fail to abide—those who fail to live a life of discipline—will lack power and therefore fruitfulness in their lives.

Are you experiencing God’s power in your life and ministry?

Application Questions: Are there any areas in your life where you especially need to experience God’s power? How is God calling you to more faithfully appropriate it?

Conclusion

How great is God’s power in the life of a believer? God’s divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). This power is at work in us (Eph 1:18-19), and we must comprehend it and appropriate it daily.

Christ’s resurrection displayed God’s incomparably great power.
Christ’s ascension and enthronement in heaven displayed God’s incomparably great power.
Christ’s headship over the church displays God’s incomparably great power.

Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (pp. 55–58). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

² Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 61). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

³ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 62). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁴ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (pp. 62–63). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁵ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (pp. 62–63). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁶ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 65). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

6. Characteristics of True Believers

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As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:1-7)

What are characteristics of true believers?

In Ephesians 1:19, Paul prays for believers to comprehend God’s great power at work in them. He then describes how this same power resurrected Christ from the dead and seated him in heavenly places, far above all rule and authority (Eph 1:20-21). God’s power in Christ conquered the grave and evil in Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and rule. This same power is at work in believers.

In Ephesians 2:1-7, Paul demonstrates how God’s power works in us by describing the believer’s past, present, and future. He describes what God’s power has done in our lives, what it is doing, and what it will do. Therefore, he is giving characteristics of true believers, those who have experienced God’s power.

This is one of the problems with the contemporary church. It is full of people who declare, “I know God,” and “I am a Christian.” But their lives bear no marks of his power—of a saving relationship with him.

If the power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him above all authorities is at work in us, there will be evidence. As we consider these characteristics of true believers, we must consider whether we possess them. For if the past and present reality of a true believer are not ours, we can be sure the future reality of a believer (mainly heaven) is not ours as well.

Christ said that in the last days many will declare, “Lord, Lord” but he will reply, “I never knew you.” (Matt 7:23). Are the characteristics of a true believer in your life? Have you experienced the incomparable power of God that is at work in those who believe (Eph 1:19)?

Big Questions: What are the characteristics of true believers—their past, present, and future? What applications should we take from these truths?

True Believers Were Delivered from Spiritual Death

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, (Ephesians 2:1)

The first thing God’s power does in the life of every true believer is deliver him from death. Paul says, “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins” (v.1). Since one of Paul’s major aims in this book is to teach the unification of Gentile and Jew in God’s church (cf. Eph 2:14-15), he often addresses one group, then the other. When he says “you” in verse 1, he is referring to the Gentiles. Before coming to Christ, the Gentiles were dead in their transgressions and sins. Then Paul includes the Jews as well in Ephesians 2:3, when he says, “All of us also lived among them at one time,” and “Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.” This was not just a reality for the Gentiles, but for all mankind.

Before Christ, all are dead in their transgressions and sins.

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by mankind being “dead” in their transgressions and sins?

Obviously, he was not referring to physical death for they were all alive—reading or listening to this letter. He was referring to spiritual death. “Death” really just means separation. When a person dies, his body is separated from his spirit. But when a person dies spiritually, he is separated from God.

When Adam sinned in the Garden, the first thing he did was hide from God. Sin affected his relationship with God. Adam no longer desired to walk and talk with him in the Garden. In fact, he hid from God. Adam’s sin caused this desire to hide, and it is now in his offspring.

When Paul says “transgression,” he is referring to an action or thought “committed in open violation of a known law.”¹ In the Garden, Adam committed a transgression when he broke the law God gave him. He also committed a “sin,” which means “to miss the mark.” This term was used of hunting with a bow and arrow.² Adam missed the mark of God’s holiness (cf. Rom 3:23). When God created Adam and all mankind, he made them in the image of God (Gen 1:27). And this is what all mankind has missed—they have missed the mark of God’s holiness in thought, speech, and action. Therefore, all men are dead in their transgressions and sins. Romans 6:23 says, “the wages of sin is death.” This is what transgressions and sins earned mankind—separation from God.

One characteristic of being dead is not responding to stimuli. If you play music to a corpse, it cannot hear it, feel it, or enjoy it, and therefore will not respond. A corpse cannot relate to someone because it is dead. This is the state of mankind spiritually. They are dead to God and the things of God. They cannot respond to God.

Paul says, “The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The natural man cannot accept the things that come from the Spirit, nor can he understand them. It is impossible because they are spiritually discerned. Spiritually dead men cannot accept the Word of God; they cannot accept the worship of God. There is a natural antagonism towards the things of God.

What about other religions and how people seek other gods?

Scripture says this is actually a rejection of the true God. Since man will not accept the true God, they make up idols in their own image or the images of other creatures (Rom 1:21-23). But they will not seek the true God. They cannot. Romans 3:11-12 says, “there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away.”

This is the state of mankind—dead to God. They cannot understand God, have turned away from him, and won’t seek him. They are dead in transgressions and sins.

Interpretation Question: Does this mean that man can do no good?

Man is still made in the image of God, even though he is damaged by sin and has a fallen nature (Gen 9:6). Therefore, he has a tremendous capacity to do good, as he naturally reflects God. However, man can do nothing good that pleases God, nor can he contribute to his salvation. Romans 3:12 says, “there is no one who does good, not even one.” Even man’s righteous deeds are like filthy rags in God’s eyes (Isaiah 64:6). This is true because man’s works come from a wrong heart—a heart full of pride, selfish ambition, envy, and jealousy—a heart lacking love (cf. 1 Cor 13:1-3). This is often called the “depravity of man.”

In considering both man’s good works and man’s state of spiritual death, John MacArthur’s comments are helpful:

Man’s common state of sin has often been compared to a diverse group of people standing on the bank of a wide river, perhaps a mile across. Each of them is trying to jump to the other side. The little children and old people can jump only a few feet. The larger children and agile adults can jump several times that far. A few athletes can jump several times farther still. But none of them gets near the other side. Their degrees of success vary only in relation to each other. In relation to achieving the goal they are equal failures.

Throughout history people have varied greatly in their levels of human goodness and wickedness. But in relation to achieving God’s holiness they are equal failures. That is why the good, helpful, kind, considerate, self–giving person needs salvation as much as the multiple murderer on death row. The person who is a good parent, loving spouse, honest worker, and civic humanitarian needs Jesus Christ to save him from the eternal condemnation of hell as much as the skid row drunk or the heartless terrorist. They do not lead equally sinful lives, but they are equally in the state of sin, equally separated from God and from spiritual life.³

Warren Wiersbe adds:

All lost sinners are dead, and the only difference between one sinner and another is the state of decay. The lost derelict on skid row may be more decayed outwardly than the unsaved society leader, but both are dead in sin—and one corpse cannot be more dead than another! This means that our world is one vast graveyard, filled with people who are dead while they live (1 Tim. 5:6).⁴

This is the state of all believers before they come to Christ. We “were” dead in our transgressions and sins, and every true believer understands their sinful state before God, even as the Ephesians did. First John 1:8 says, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.” When John says the truth is not in us, he is probably referring to the gospel. Assurance of salvation is one of the themes of 1 John. He writes to those who believe in the Son of God so that they may know they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). Without recognition of our sin, depravity, and deadness to God, nobody can be saved. In order to understand the gospel—the good news—one must first understand the bad news—man’s spiritual death and need for a savior. If one does not recognize and accept it, he cannot be saved. He cannot trust in his good works, baptism, the prayers of the saints, etc., and be saved.

This is important to understand, for there are those who think they are without sin or that their sins aren’t that bad, and that they can be saved apart from grace. It was especially important for the Jews to hear this, for many Jews believed they could keep the law perfectly and thus merit salvation. Even the rich man who approached Christ believed he had kept the law, and therefore was kept from salvation—though he desired it (Matt 19:20).

True believers recognize their sin. Paul said he was the chief or worst of sinners (1 Tim 1:15). When Peter met Christ, he declared “I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8). Isaiah declared that he had unclean lips, and so did his people (Isaiah 6:5). True believers recognize their deadness in sin and call out to Christ. Without understanding this reality, one cannot be saved.

Have you called out to Christ for salvation? Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

What are other characteristics of true believers?

Application Question: Briefly share your salvation story. How did you come to a conscious understanding of your sin and deadness before God so you could accept Christ?

True Believers Were Delivered from a Life of Disobedience

in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. (Ephesians 2:2-3)

Observation Question: What powers control and lead people into disobedience, as seen in verses 2-3?

Next, in verses 2-3, Paul describes how believers previously lived a lifestyle of disobedience. Ephesians 2:2 calls unbelievers “children of disobedience” (KJV). Before Christ, we followed the world, Satan, and the flesh into disobedience towards God. It is not that believers are no longer tempted by these three forces, because they are. However, true believers no longer follow these three forces as a lifestyle. A lifestyle of disobedience and captivity to these forces no longer characterizes them because of God’s power in salvation. First John 3:9-10 says this:

No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

A true believer no longer lives a lifestyle of disobedience by following these forces.

Now we will consider these three influences which control the lives of unbelievers and still tempt believers.

1. Before Christ, believers followed the ways of this world.

When Paul says “world,” he is not referring to the physical world but to the social value-system in the world, which is against God.⁵ The world is a system of thoughts and beliefs that contradict God and his Word. It is a system of groupthink, where everybody is expected to think the same. John Stott calls it “cultural bondage.”⁶ It includes how people view success, beauty, family, riches, power, and life in general.

The world is trying to conform everybody into the same image and draw people away from following God. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

The world is trying to mold people into the same pattern. This shows up in many forms and ideologies. One of the major patterns in this world today is pluralism and relativism. It says, “You can believe anything you want to believe, and if it’s good for you it’s OK, as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody else.” The problem with this is that you lose absolutes. There is no real right or wrong—except for believing in absolute truth. Sexual immorality is OK. Homosexuality is OK. Adultery is OK. Divorce is acceptable. But anything that claims to be absolute truth is wrong. In a society like this, Christianity becomes more and more marginalized and persecuted because it teaches “absolutes.” One should not lie, steal, or cheat. Sexual immorality is wrong. Homosexuality is wrong. Christ is the only way to heaven. This claws at the world system and stirs it to anger because the world constantly aims to mold people, even believers, into its form.

However, those who have been truly saved, though still affected by the world, are not characterized by it. Again, Paul says, “you used to live [in disobedience] when you followed the ways of this world” (Eph 2:2). This means true believers no longer live according to the groupthink and cultural bondage of the world. They are different, and this will heap up persecution towards them. First Peter 4:3-4 says,

For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you.

A true Christian will commonly find himself mocked, considered strange, or even persecuted. Others will say, “You don’t want to get drunk on the weekend.” “You don’t have sex before marriage.” “You won’t help us cheat on this test.” “You won’t lie.” “You don’t curse.” “What’s wrong with you?” Believers will continually be considered strange because they no longer follow the ways of this world. In fact, John said this reality is a test of true salvation. First John 2:15 says, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

When John says, “the love of the Father is not in him,” he is saying this person is not saved. He does not love God. In fact, assurance of salvation is the very theme of the book (cf. 1 John 5:13).

Are you still following the ways of this world? Or has God changed you? Those who are born again no longer follow the ways of this world. As Paul says in Galatians 6:14, “the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”

2. Before Christ, believers followed the ways of the devil.

Not only did believers follow the way of the world before they knew Christ, but they also followed the ways of the devil. Paul said the Ephesians followed “the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Eph 2:2). Now when Paul talks about “the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient,” he is not saying that every unbeliever is possessed. Scripture teaches that Satan is not omnipresent like God. He cannot be in more than one place at once. The way he works in unbelievers is by tempting them through the world system, demons, and the flesh to be disobedient to God.

Interpretation Question: What types of temptation does Satan use?

Satan tempts people through lies.

In the first temptation, he lied to Eve, saying that if she ate of the tree she would be like God. He also implied that God lied to her and didn’t want the best for her. This is true of Satan’s work in the world system as well. It is a system built on lies. It says, “People must do this; they must do that; they must think this way; they must dress that way.” It is a system based on the lies of the devil.

Satan tempts people through fear.

Scripture says he is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Lions roar to provoke fear in their prey. Satan tempts through fear—fear of the future, fear of the past, fear of what other people think. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man is a snare.” Through fear Satan handicaps people and keeps them from following God and doing his will.

Satan tempts people through the love of money and power.

When he tempted Jesus, he appeared to him and said, “If you bow down to me, I will give you all the kingdoms of this world” (Matt 4:9, paraphrase). This is exactly what the majority of the world is running after. They are seeking money and fame, and it keeps them away from following God. First Timothy 6:10 says, “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.”

Certainly, there are many other ways the enemy tempts people including “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16, KJV).

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by the “ruler of the kingdom of the air”?

When Paul says this, he seems to be talking about something in the heavenly realms. Scripture teaches that Satan has innumerable demons following his bidding, and they have some type of rule in the heavenly realms. We get a clear picture of this in Daniel 10. Daniel, a Jewish administrator in Babylon, was fasting for three weeks, and during that time, he saw a vision of an angel. The angel told Daniel that he initially came to answer his prayer when he first prayed, but he was resisted by the Prince of Persia, referring to a demon ruling in that country (v. 13). The angel gave Daniel revelation, and then said he was leaving to fight with the Prince of Persia and that the Prince of Greece would come as well (v. 20).

Scripture teaches that Satan is the prince of this world (John 12:31) and the prince of demons (Matt 9:34). He works to control this world and the people in it, not only through the world system but through a hierarchy of demons. Their place of rule is the heavenly realms—the air.

Paul talks about this further in Ephesians 6:12 when he says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Before Christ, we were not only following the world, but we were following the influence of the devil through his demons.

3. Before Christ, believers followed the lusts and desires of the flesh.

The final way believers were controlled and influenced to disobey God is through the flesh. When Paul said the flesh, he is not referring to the body. The body itself is neutral—it can be used for good or bad. However, within our bodies, we have a “fallen nature” passed on from Adam. We have a nature full of lusts and desires for evil things. MacArthur says this about lusts and desires:

Epithumia (lusts) refers to strong inclinations and desires of every sort, not simply to sexual lust. Thelēma (desires) emphasizes strong will-fullness, wanting and seeking something with great diligence. As with trespasses and sins, lusts and desires are not given to show their distinctiveness but their commonness. They are used synonymously to represent fallen man’s complete orientation to his own selfish way.⁷

We lust for sex outside of marriage, for wealth and power, for excessive food and sleep, etc. However, if we are now following Christ, we are no longer controlled by these desires because the power and control of the flesh was broken by Christ. Romans 6:6-7 says, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.” These desires no longer control us, but they still tempt us and can become strongholds in our lives.

Application Question: How can a believer walk in daily victory over these forces?

Believers maintain this victory by battling. They battle to no longer be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). They transform their minds by continually meditating on and practicing Scripture. They buffet their bodies and make them slaves through continual discipline (1 Cor 9:27). Paul says, “Discipline yourself unto godliness” (1 Tim 4:7). Through rigorous spiritual disciplines like meditating on Scripture, prayer, church fellowship, repentance and serving others, we control our flesh. Paul says, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). Finally, we defeat the devil by relying on God’s power. Nothing in our flesh will work. Paul tells these believers to be strong in the Lord and his mighty power to stand against the devil. They must put on the full armor of God—a daily righteous lifestyle—to have victory (Eph 6:10-18).

Application Questions: In what ways did the world, Satan, and the flesh control your unregenerate life? In what ways have you experienced freedom from the control of these forces? In what ways do you still find yourself tempted by them?

True Believers Were Delivered from Wrath

Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. (Ephesians 2:3b)

Next, Paul says the Ephesians were objects of wrath before they accepted Christ. When he says “we,” he includes the Jews with the Gentiles (v. 3). Though raised in the Jewish faith, they were objects of wrath before they were saved.

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean when he calls unbelievers objects of wrath?

Objects of wrath could mean one of two things:

1. Unbelievers have a natural disposition towards “anger, malice, bitterness, and hot temper.”⁸

Before Christ, we are naturally prone towards anger and wrath to various degrees. This anger is demonstrated towards both God and man. Romans 8:7 says, “the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.” The natural man is hostile towards God, his Word, and many times also his people. Jesus says, “If the world hates you, remember it hated me first” (John 15:18). In fact, the end times will be characterized by hostility towards Christians. Matthew 24:9 says, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”

This is part of the reason John teaches that love for the brethren is a proof of salvation. “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death” (1 John 3:14). Paul himself knew this well. Before Christ, he persecuted believers—he arrested and even consented to their death. But after Christ, he loved the brothers and even willingly suffered for them.

But not only were we prone towards anger at God, his Word, and believers, but also people in general. Anger and unforgiveness often characterize our relationships with others and sometimes even our families. Some of the characteristics of the sin nature within us are hatred, discord, fits of rage, and dissensions (Gal 5:20). However, when we are saved and walking in the Holy Spirit, we show love, peace, and patience towards God and others.

Before Christ, people are antagonistic towards God and his Word, and often towards both believers and people in general. But in Christ, these same people are now the meek who will inherit the earth (Matt 5:5). We are the merciful who will receive mercy (Matt 5:7), and the peacemakers who will be called sons of God (Matt 5:9).

Application Questions: In what ways did wrath characterize you before Christ? How did Christ change you? How do you still struggle with a tendency towards anger?

2. Unbelievers are objects of God’s wrath.

Not only do unbelievers have a disposition towards wrath, but they are under the wrath of God. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.”

Because God is a holy God, he cannot look upon sin. Therefore, mankind—who is characterized by sin— is under his just wrath.

Interpretation Question: In what ways is the unbelieving world under the wrath of God?

This wrath is seen in at least two ways.

The wrath of God is seen in God handing the world over to sin and disobedience and allowing mankind to reap the consequences of rebellion.

Romans 1:18 says, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

Throughout the rest of Romans 1, Paul describes how the world has chosen not to acknowledge God, and therefore, he has handed them over to idolatry, sexual immorality, homosexuality, and all types of sin. Essentially, God says, “Fine, you don’t want to acknowledge me. Reap the consequences of your sin.”

When we look at the world, we see the wrath of God. His wrath is seen in his handing man over to his own devices. God allows people to turn away from him and reap the consequences: division in families, discord in relationships, wounds and sickness from sexual immorality, government corruption, etc. All these sins and consequences reflect God’s wrath on unbelievers. When people refuse to acknowledge him, God hands them over to sin and its consequences

But ultimately, the wrath of God will be seen in eternal separation from him and judgment in hell.

Revelation 20:15 says, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

In hell there will be various degrees of punishment based on the amount/degree of sin committed and one’s knowledge of God and his Word. The one who knew the Master’s will and was still disobedient will be beaten with many blows. But he who did not know shall be beaten with few blows (Lk 12:47-48). In either case, hell is a place where unbelievers bear God’s eternal wrath for their sins.

Application Question: In what ways do you see the wrath of God clearly displayed in society (cf. Rom 1:18-32)?

True Believers Have Experienced a Spiritual Resurrection

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

In verse 4, there is a dramatic change in the direction of the passage. In verses 1-3, we see the depth of our sin and our depravity before Christ, and then in verse 4, we see God who saves us. Paul essentially says our salvation had nothing to do with us. Dead men and women can’t save themselves. It is totally a work of God based on his character. Paul doesn’t say that one day man decided to try harder; he says that God saved us.

Observation Question: What characteristics of God led him to save us?

1. God saved us because of his great love.

The word used for “love” here is agape in the Greek. It is a volitional love—an act of the will. God looked upon us as we were dead in sin and decided to bestow his love on us. One of the major characteristics of God is love. First John 4:8 simply says, “God is love.” It defines who he is. In fact, before he created man, he was not bored in heaven. He was living in a perfect love relationship with the Son and the Holy Spirit. His character is love.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (KJV).

John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” While in our sin, God loved us and moved to save us.

What other characteristics intrinsic to God’s nature led him to save us?

2. God saved us because of his mercy.

Mercy is “feelings of pity, compassion, affection, kindness. It is a desire to succor, to tenderly draw to oneself and to care for.”⁹

Because of his mercy, he withholds the wrath we deserve and provided a way for us to be saved through his Son, Jesus Christ.

3. God saved us because of his grace.

Mercy means he withholds the wrath we deserve. Grace means he gives us what we don’t deserve—unmerited favor. Salvation is a gift of grace. It means that we can do nothing to merit or earn it. It is nothing we can work for.

This is the fallacy of all the religions in the world: they teach that people can earn salvation. But the gospel tells us that we are not good enough to receive God’s favor. We are objects of God’s wrath because of our sin. Our only hope is grace—unmerited favor—which comes through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” No one can boast of their salvation, for even the ability to believe—faith—is a gift of God. We were too dead in our sin to believe, and therefore God gave us the grace to respond to him.

Interpretation Question: What does this new life—this spiritual resurrection—look like in the life of a believer?

In the same way that spiritually dead people are characterized by a lack of responsiveness to spiritual stimuli, spiritually alive people are characterized by responsiveness to spiritual stimuli. For example:

1. People who have been spiritually resurrected love God.

Instead of being hostile to God and Christ (Rom 8:7), these people love God and continually want to know him more. Consider these verses:

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11)

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:1-3)

2. People who have been spiritually resurrected love the people of God.

First John 3:14 says, “We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death.” True believers both love God and his people.

3. People who have been spiritually resurrected are drawn to prayer.

Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’” The Spirit of God draws us into intimacy and prayer with the Father.

4. People who have been spiritually resurrected study and obey the Word of God.

John 14:21 and 24 say this:

Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

5. People who have been spiritually resurrected continually put to death sin in their lives.

Romans 8:13-14 says,

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

When Paul describes those who live according to the sinful nature, he is talking about unbelievers. However, those who by the Spirit put sin to death are those who are alive—they are sons of God.

Is there a continual decreasing of sin in your life? If you are saved, the Holy Spirit continually works in your life to convict you of sin, to help you hate it and overcome it. Believers are continually putting sin to death in their lives.

Praise God for saving us because of his love, mercy, and grace! Praise God for his power which gave us new life! Thank you, Lord! Amen.

Application Questions: In what ways are you continually experiencing the fruits of the spiritual resurrection in your life? How should a person respond if he is lacking these fruits?

True Believers Have Been United with Christ

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)

Another present reality of all believers is their unity with Christ. Paul mentions this reality throughout the epistle in many different ways. He begins the epistle with the greeting, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1). These believers were physically located in Ephesus, and at the same time spiritually located “in Christ Jesus.” He goes on to say how they have every spiritual blessing “in Christ” (v. 3). He says believers were chosen “in him” (v. 4). In verse 7, “in him” we have redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins. Paul is enraptured with the theology of believers being in Christ, and we should be as well. This is what happened to us at salvation—we were spiritually united with Christ.

Observation Question: In what ways is our spiritual union with Christ reckoned in verses 4-7?

1. Believers were made alive with Christ in his resurrection (v. 4).

When Paul says, God “made us alive with Christ,” he is referring to our death and resurrection in Christ. When Christ died on the cross, God reckoned us as being with him. All our sins were with him on the cross. When he was put into the grave, we were with him. When he was resurrected, we were with him. Our sins and our old nature were left in the grave in order for us to live a new life in Christ. Paul focuses on this same reality when telling the Romans why they should no longer live in sin. Consider what he says in Romans 6:1-6:

What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin

This is why we should no longer live as slaves to sin—because we died to it and were raised to live a new life with Christ.

2. Believers ascended with Christ to the heavenly realms and now are seated with him (v. 6).

Paul says, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” When Christ ascended to heaven (Acts 1), we ascended with him. He is now seated at the right hand of God, far above all rule and authority (including the demonic rule, Eph 1:20-21). This means we rule with him and also have authority over the enemy with him. This is our new position in Christ—whatever is his is ours.

Application

As an application, this union must continually identify us. Paul says this in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Paul didn’t even see himself as living any more. Christ was living through him. It must be the same for us. We died with Christ and were resurrected and ascended with him. We are ruling with him in the heavenly realms. We are seated over all power and rule of the devil because of our union to our resurrected and ascended Lord.

This reality must grasp us, and it must become our identity, as it was Paul’s.

Application Question: How should our identity in Christ affect our daily lives? How can we become more consumed with this reality, even as Paul was?

True Believers Will Glorify God’s Grace in the Coming Ages

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6-7)

Finally, we see the future of believers. Though they are presently seated and ruling with Christ in the heavenly realms, this reality will not be fully consummated until the redemption of our bodies at Christ’s second coming.

In the future, we will physically rule with Christ in the heavens and on earth. With that said, our ascension and ruling with Christ was not God’s ultimate purpose in our salvation. God’s ultimate purpose was to “show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus” (v. 7).

Our salvation and union with Christ will be a testimony to all throughout eternity. It will bring glory to God’s grace. Paul has been emphasizing God’s purpose to glorify his grace in salvation from early in chapter 1. He says this in verses 1:6, 12, 14:

to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:6)

in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:12)

who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:14)

In fact, we see the angels and all the people in heaven glorifying God for his great salvation in Revelation 7:10-12:

And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

God’s grace in salvation will be our focus in worship throughout eternity. In fact, Paul shares how it was especially a part of God’s plan to demonstrate this grace and wisdom to the angels, who have never experienced God’s grace and mercy in salvation. Paul says this in Ephesians 3:10: “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” First Peter 1:12 says the angels long to look into the gospel. They desire to understand it. We are their teachers now and throughout eternity. This is God’s ultimate purpose in salvation—the glory of God.

With that said, this should not just be our focus in heaven, but also on earth. God saved us to bring glory to himself. Therefore, this must be our constant endeavor. Paul said, “Whether you eat or drink, do all things to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31, paraphrase).

Are you living to glorify God on a daily basis?

Application Question: How has God been challenging you to bring glory to him in your daily endeavors?

Conclusion

As we consider Ephesians 2:1-7, we see characteristics of true believers. We see their past, their present, and their future. If we have not experienced the realities of true believers in our past and present, we can be sure that the future of true believers—heaven, ruling with Christ, and bringing glory to his grace—will not be our reality.

What are characteristics of true believers?

True believers were delivered from spiritual death.
True believers were delivered from a life of disobedience.
True believers were delivered from wrath.
True believers have experienced a spiritual resurrection.
True believers have been united with Christ.
True believers will glorify God’s grace in the coming ages.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1916). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 54). Chicago: Moody Press.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (pp. 54–55). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 17–18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁵ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 73). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁶ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 73). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁷ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 57). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁸ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (pp. 1916–1917). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁹ Teacher's Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher's Outline and Study Bible – Ephesians: The Teacher's Outline and Study Bible.

Related Topics: Basics for Christians, Christian Life

7. Characteristics of True Believers—Part Two

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For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

What are characteristics of true believers? How does God save those he loves?

In Ephesians 2:1-7, Paul describes the Ephesians’ salvation experience—past, present, and future. They were dead in transgressions and sins; they followed the ways of the world, the devil, and the flesh. They were objects of wrath, but God, through his power, made them alive with Christ. He seated them in heavenly places. And his eternal purpose in their salvation is to display the glory of the riches of his grace. The believer’s salvation is for God—to bring glory to him.

These realities are true of every believer because of God’s power (cf. Eph 1:18-19). True believers have experienced the power of God in their lives. If we have not experienced these radical changes, we must ask whether or not we have truly been born again.

In Ephesians 2:8-10, Paul further describes characteristics of a true believer’s salvation.

Big Question: What are the characteristics of true believers? What is the process of salvation?

True Believers Are Saved by Grace Alone

For it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:8)

Interpretation Question: What does “grace” mean, and how are believers saved by it?

Salvation is by grace because dead men cannot save themselves (Eph 2:1). Salvation comes through the unmerited favor of God on sinful people. It is by God’s initiative alone, not man’s. After the fall, man naturally began to hide from God, as Adam did. God had to seek after Adam to find him. This is the message of the Bible; it is the gospel—God seeking after man.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16, KJV). Salvation is by God’s initiative.

In fact, Paul says, “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6). This means that one cannot be saved by church attendance, being born into a Christian family, baptism, observance of the Lord’s Supper, or any other “good work.”

It is a work totally of God. And for this reason, only those who recognize this can be saved. Listen to what Christ teaches in Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

When he says “poor in spirit,” he is referring to those who recognize their spiritual poverty. They recognize that they can do nothing to merit salvation. They are spiritually bankrupt, and therefore need the riches of God’s grace. This is very similar to what Christ teaches in Matthew 18 about the kingdom of heaven. He held a child and said this to his disciples, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (v. 3).

The word used for “child” was used of a very small child—an infant or toddler. Christ was saying, “Unless you recognize your weakness and inability to help yourself like an infant does, then you cannot be saved.” Salvation is only by grace.

Who or what are you trusting for salvation? Anything other than God’s grace will not work.

Application Questions: What are some common works that people trust in for their salvation? Why must salvation be by grace and not works?

True Believers Are Saved through Faith

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Not only is a person saved by grace, every person who will be saved must put his faith in Christ. We see this taught throughout Scripture.

In Acts 16:31, Paul said this to a jailer about how to be saved, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Similarly, John says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

John MacArthur tells a helpful story:

The story is told of a man who came eagerly but very late to a revival meeting and found the workmen tearing down the tent in which the meetings had been held. Frantic at missing the evangelist, he decided to ask one of the workers what he could do to be saved. The workman, who was a Christian, replied, “You can’t do anything. It’s too late.” Horrified, the man said, “What do you mean? How can it be too late?” “The work has already been accomplished,” he was told. “There is nothing you need to do but believe it.”¹

Some people struggle with the concept of putting faith in Christ. However, faith is a crucial part of life and society. John MacArthur says,

Every person lives by faith. When we open a can of food or drink a glass of water we trust that it is not contaminated. When we go across a bridge we trust it to support us. When we put our money in the bank we trust it will be safe. Life is a constant series of acts of faith. No human being, no matter how skeptical and self–reliant, could live a day without exercising faith.²

Interpretation Question: What are the characteristics of true saving faith?

1. True faith believes the content of the gospel.

Paul declares that in order for a person to be saved, he must have belief, or faith (Eph 2:8). However, faith is only as good as the object of our faith. We don’t believe in faith; we believe in the object or the content of our faith.

What is the content of true saving faith?

The content includes an admission that we cannot save ourselves. We cannot work for our salvation, nor can we earn it. Everyone is totally lost because of sin. And as Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death.”

Because of our sins, we are separated from a holy God, and we will ultimately be separated from him eternally in a burning fire that will not be quenched. The writer of Hebrews says, “Without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Heb 12:14).

It is this reality that drives a person to come to Christ and be saved. He realizes that he needs a savior.

The content includes belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ for the sins of the world. Paul says,

By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:2–4)

The content is both bad news and good news. The bad news is that we are both separated from and under the wrath of a just God because of our sins. But the good news is that God’s Son came to earth and died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day so that one day those who believe in him will rise again. This is the content of the gospel.

However, it must be noted that intellectual belief in the gospel alone is not sufficient for salvation.

2. True faith is committed to the Lord of the Gospel.

The word “faith” used here in Ephesians 2:8 is more than just intellectual belief. In Greek this word can be translated as “trust,” “commit,” or even “obedience.” The word in classical Greek was used of those in a contractual relationship.³ There is a commitment of the will and not just the mind.

This is important to say because there are some who say that intellectual belief alone is enough for salvation. However, James tells us that even the demons believe and shudder—and they’re obviously not saved (James 2:19). Simple belief that Jesus is God and Savior isn’t enough. We must also choose to follow and obey him. In Luke 14:26-27, Jesus says this:

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

To have faith means to accept Jesus Christ as Lord of our lives (cf. Rom 10:9-10). It includes repentance as a person turns away from his former life and begins to follow Christ. A transfer of leadership must take place. This is important to understand because many make false confessions. Christ warns us about this in the Sermon on the Mount. He says,

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21–23)

Many in the church have only belief—only profession. They have right doctrine. They know that Christ is Lord, and they even serve him in the church, but they are not truly saved. Christ says true faith leads to doing the “will” of the Father in heaven (v. 21).

3. True faith is a gift of God.

Warren Wiersbe says, “The word ‘that’ in Eph. 2:8 [this in the NIV], in the Greek, is neuter; while ‘faith’ is feminine. Therefore ‘that’ cannot refer to ‘faith.’ It refers to the whole experience of salvation, including faith.”⁴ Faith is a gift that God gives believers by his grace. Consider these verses:

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, (Philippians 1:29)

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:18)

True faith is a gift from God, and for this reason no one can boast about saving themselves. In heaven, there will not be a bunch of people beating their chests over achieving salvation. All will be humbled before God’s great grace.

Application Questions: Why do you believe false faith is so common in the church (cf. Matt 7:21-23)? What are some characteristics of false faith?

True Believers Are Saved Eternally

For it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:8)

Not only is salvation by grace and through faith, salvation is also eternal. We can see this in the Greek tense used in “you have been saved” (Eph 2:8). “The tense of the Greek participle shows that salvation has happened in the past with continuing results. It’s a done deal.”⁵ Salvation is eternal and cannot be lost.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Eternal life by nature is life that never ends. If a person could lose this life or if it stopped, it would have never been eternal.

Interpretation Question: How does Scripture teach that salvation is eternal and cannot be lost?

1. Salvation is eternal because Christ keeps believers eternally.

Listen to what Christ says about the salvation of those who come to him:

“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (John 6:38-40)

Christ came down to earth to do his Father’s will, and his Father’s will was that he would lose none of those given to him. Who are the ones given to him? They are the elect, chosen before the foundation of the earth, as Paul talks about in Ephesians 1:4. “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.”

All those who were chosen before the foundation of the earth, all those who come to Christ, shall have eternal life and be raised up on the last day. If Christ could fail at this, how could he be God—for God cannot fail?

Interpretation Question: How does Christ keep those who are saved?

In heaven, Christ prays for the believers. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” He prays for those who come to him so he can save them “completely.” This is exactly what Christ did for Peter when he was tempted by Satan to deny Christ. He said, “I have prayed for your faith so that it will not fail” (Lk 22:32, paraphrase).
Christ never allows believers to be tempted beyond what they are able to bear (1 Cor 10:13). In John 18, when Jesus was betrayed, he protected the disciples from being taken by the soldiers. John says, “This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: ‘I have not lost one of those you gave me’” (John 18:9). Christ did this because he knew the disciples’ faith was too weak. They would have ultimately fallen away from God if they had to give their lives for Christ at that point. He protected their faith in the trial.
Christ keeps believers secure in his hand. In John 10:28, he says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.”

2. Salvation is eternal because the Holy Spirit keeps believers eternally.

Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” He seals and keeps believers until eternal redemption.”

3. Salvation is eternal because God, the Father, keeps believers eternally.

John 10:29 says, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

Salvation is eternal because God does it. He saves his people by grace. It is not based on anything they did or will do. It is based totally on the unmerited favor of God. Therefore, salvation is eternal. It was completed in the past and has continuing results in the future. The entire Trinity keeps the salvation of believers through grace.

Application Questions: Many believers believe that one can lose his salvation. Why? What is the evidence for this position? Which view do you believe is most supported by Scripture?

True Believers Are Saved for Good Works

For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)

Interpretation Question: What does it mean for believers to be God’s “workmanship”?

Ephesians 2:10 can also be translated “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” as seen in the ESV. One of the reasons God created us was for the purpose of doing good works. Titus 2:13-14 says,

while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

Christ is making a unique people on the earth who are eager for good works. Paul calls believers God’s workmanship. Kent Hughes said this:

The word “workmanship” comes from the Greek word poiema, from which we derive our English word “poem.” The Greek literally means, “that which has been made — a work — a making,” and sometimes it is even translated as “poem.” ⁶

This word can also be translated “masterpiece,” as in the New Living Translation. MacDonald adds:

In other words, God has a blueprint for every life. Before our conversion He mapped out a spiritual career for us. Our responsibility is to find His will for us and then obey it. We do not have to work out a plan for our lives, but only accept the plan which He has drawn up for us. This delivers us from fret and frenzy, and insures that our lives will be of maximum glory to Him, of most blessing to others, and of greatest reward to ourselves.⁷

God has a calling on each of our lives. In the same way God called Jeremiah to be a prophet even before he was born, he calls us for his purpose as well (cf. Jer 1:5). There are two things we must consider about this. (1) God works in us to prepare us for good works. (2) God works through us to complete the good works. Philippians 2:13 says, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

However, the order is important. Before God works through us, he must first work in us. How does God work in those he saves? How does he prepare his masterpieces?

Interpretation Question: How does God prepare his masterpieces? How does he work in those he has saved to prepare them for good works?

1. God prepares his masterpieces through giving them the Holy Spirit.

Ezekiel 36:27 says, “And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” God gives us his Spirit to change us, to empower us, and to guide us into the good works he prepared for us. Romans 8:14 says that those who are sons are led by the Holy Spirit. God leads believers into good works as they submit to him.

2. God prepares his masterpieces through the Word of God.

Second Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Through studying Scripture, God conforms us into his image and equips us for every good work. If we aren’t studying his Word, we cannot complete the works God prepared for us. It is by his Word that he makes us grow. First Peter 2:2 says, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”

Are you allowing God to prepare you for good works through his Word?

3. God prepares his masterpieces through prayer.

Before Christ began his ministry, he spent forty days praying and fasting in the wilderness (cf. Lk 4:1-14). When he left the wilderness, he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit in order to do his ministry (v. 14).

In addition, there was a time when the disciples could not cast out a demon, even though Christ had given them the power to do so. When they asked why they couldn’t cast it out, Christ responded, “This kind only comes out through prayer” (Mark 9:29). This probably meant that the disciples had ceased to live a lifestyle of prayer, and therefore were powerless to do God’s work. Often, we can’t complete God’s work because we also have ceased to pray.

Moreover, God prepares his masterpieces through the prayers of others. Paul commonly asked for prayer in order to do the works God called him to accomplish. In Ephesians 6:19, Paul petitioned, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”

Are you dwelling in prayer and asking others to continually pray for you? God prepares men and women for good works through prayer.

4. God prepares his masterpieces through waiting seasons.

Abraham was prepared through years of waiting in the promised land. Moses was trained by forty years of waiting in the wilderness. God prepared David through waiting. God prepared Paul through years in Arabia and then in Tarsus before he began his ministry in Antioch. Christ waited thirty years for his ministry. While waiting, God works in our hearts and teaches us how to trust him to fulfill his call on our lives.

Are you willing to patiently wait?

5. God prepares his masterpieces through trials.

Hebrews 12:7 and 11 say this:

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ...No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

God prepares his saints for a harvest of righteousness and peace through trials. God prepared Joseph while he served as a slave and a prisoner in Egypt. God prepared David by giving him an employer, King Saul, who constantly hunted and tried to kill him. God prepared Christ through the wilderness, temptation, and suffering (cf. Heb 5:8). God prepares his people for good works through trials. Paul says this:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Paul says the very reason God allowed him and his associates to suffer was so that they could comfort others with the comfort received from God. God prepares his ministers through trials.

Are you submitting to God in your trials so he can prepare you for greater ministry?

6. God prepares his masterpieces through the discipleship of other mature Christians.

Elisha was trained by Elijah. Samuel was trained by the priest Eli. The apostles were trained by Jesus. Mark was trained by Barnabas and Peter. Timothy was trained by Paul. In fact, Paul said this to Timothy: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). Through this relationship, God imparted a spiritual gift to Timothy. This was probably very similar to how Elisha received a double portion from Elijah.

In the same way, when one is discipled by a mature Christian, God will often impart the gifts of the discipler to the disciple. He gifts people in evangelism, counseling, helps, administration, leadership, etc. I personally have watched the gifts of others materialize in my life as I was poured into by them.

Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron so one sharpens another’s countenance.” God prepares his masterpieces for good works by the sharpening of other godly masterpieces.

Who is sharpening you? Who are you sharpening?

Let us remember that in order for God to work through us, we must allow him to work in us. He has given us his Spirit to guide this process. Are you allowing him to continually prepare you for good works?

Application Questions: In what ways has God prepared you for specific works? In what ways is God continually preparing you? Are there any ministry visions that God has given you?

True Believers Should Have Assurance of Salvation

The final thing that we must notice is that Paul knew the Ephesians were saved, with the implication that the Ephesians knew it as well. The doctrine of assurance of salvation is unique to Christianity. In other religions, there can be no assurance because salvation is based on one’s works. If people are saved by their works, how can they know if they attained salvation or are good enough to be accepted by God? Even Catholicism does not teach assurance of salvation. I recently read that when Pope Benedict XVI died, Pope Francis called for the faithful to pray him into heaven.⁸ If the Pope can’t have assurance of heaven, how can anybody else?

This is because Catholicism teaches that faith plus works is needed for salvation, and therefore, one cannot have assurance. However, Paul teaches that the Ephesians had “been saved”. Again, the perfect tense means something completed in the past with continuing results. And the rest of Scripture teaches this as well. Because we are saved by grace alone and not our works, lest any man should boast, we can have assurance of salvation.

In fact, Scripture teaches that every Christian should seek assurance. Assurance is different from eternal security. Eternal security teaches that if a person is truly saved, he will never lose his salvation because God will keep him. God knows those who are his (2 Tim 2:19); however, assurance is the believer knowing that he is saved. And this is something the believer must seek. Consider these passages:

Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, (2 Peter 1:10)

First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. (Acts 26:20)

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Peter says that believers must make their calling and election sure. Paul says that after they repented, believers must prove their repentance by their deeds. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, he commands believers to test the reality of their salvation.

This is how one gains assurance. Believers are God’s workmanship, created for good works. These good works prove one’s salvation. If we are without them, then we are probably not saved. John Calvin wrote, “It is faith alone that justifies, but faith that justifies can never be alone.”⁹ Similarly, consider what Christ declares in Matthew 7:21 about some who profess salvation. He says, ‘‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

These are the ones who are saved—those who faithfully do God’s will.

Interpretation Question: How can we test our salvation so we can have assurance?

1. Assurance of salvation comes from a changed relationship to sin.

First John 3:9-10 says,

The believers’ relationship to sin changes because God placed his divine nature within them. They don’t desire to sin and can’t enjoy it as they used to. When they fail, that failure leads to conviction and mourning. Has God changed your relationship to sin? This is one of the proofs of salvation.

2. Assurance of salvation comes from a changed relationship with other believers.

First John 3:14-15 says,

We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

Christ says this in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’”

Has God given you a love for other believers? If so, you love to be with them. You love to serve them with your spiritual gifts. You love to pray for them. You love to sacrifice for them. This radical love for believers will identify you as a Christian to others, and it also will help assure you of your salvation.

3. Assurance of salvation comes from obedience to God’s Word.

Consider these texts:

“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:22-27)

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:22)

The church is full of those who listen to the Word every Sunday but do not obey it. They are deceiving themselves about their salvation. One day the judgment will come and prove that the foundation of their house was not on God and his Word. Only those who do the Father’s will are saved (Matt 7:21).

It is God’s will for you to have not only salvation, but also assurance of salvation. Paul says, “Repent and prove your repentance by your deeds.” Peter says, “Make your election sure.” The way we do this is by growing. We are not saved by good works, but true salvation will always produce good works. Those who are truly saved are new creations in Christ; old things have passed away, all things have become new (2 Cor 5:17).

Do you have assurance of salvation?

Application Questions: Some have said that assurance of salvation is a lost doctrine—most churches don’t teach it and most Christians don’t understand it. Do you think this is true? Why or why not? Do you have assurance of salvation? If so, how? If not, why not?

Conclusion

True believers are saved by grace alone.
True believers are saved through faith.
True believers are saved eternally.
True believers are saved for good works.
True believers should have assurance of salvation.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 61). Chicago: Moody Press.

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 61). Chicago: Moody Press.

³ G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed., Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Electronic ed. (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1964), 6:175.

⁴ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 19). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁵ Accessed 4/25/15 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-14-salvation-grace-through-faith-alone-ephesians-28-9

⁶ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (pp. 80–81). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁷ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1919). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁸ Accessed 4/25/15 from https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-14-salvation-grace-through-faith-alone-ephesians-28-9

⁹ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 20). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

Related Topics: Basics for Christians, Christian Life

8. Remembering Christ the Peacemaker

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Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:11-18)

How can we live in peace with one another and with God?

After the fall, a great division entered the world. Adam and Eve hid from one another, and they both hid from God. From that moment, Eve would always try to usurp her husband and Adam would try to dominate his wife (Gen 3:16). Sin caused separation among people and between God and man. We now live in a world marked by division. The world is full of racism, ethnocentrism, elitism, agnosticism, atheism, and many other views that separate.

However, in the midst of this darkness, God promised to send a seed that would crush the head of the serpent—Satan—who started the conflict (Genesis 3:15). This seed would mend the division that was in the world and bring peace and unity. Here in Ephesians 2:11-18, Paul emphasizes how Christ is this peacemaker.

The major theme of this passage is peace; it is mentioned four times (14, 15, and twice in 17). When Christ was born on earth, the angels announced, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Lk 2:14). Christ came to the earth to bring peace to men—peace with one another and with God. Therefore, the answer to the division in the world is Christ—the peacemaker.

Sadly, even those who know Christ are still prone to division. Churches split, couples divorce, and believers harbor deep seated unforgiveness towards one another and sometimes even towards God. How then can believers operate in the peace that Christ brought?

Moreover, Matthew 5:9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.” Those who have experienced Christ’s peace should be peacemakers in this world. How can we live in peace and be those who bring peace?

These questions were important to the Ephesians, as discord seemed to be a problem in this mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles. The Jews and the Gentiles had conflict over culture, and deep seated animosity from their past. In this passage, Paul speaks to these Christians struggling with division and reminds them of their peace in Christ. We often need reminders of this as well, so we can live in peace instead of the discord which often mars our contemporary churches.

Big Questions: How does Christ provide peace for the world? How can believers continually live in peace with God and with one another?

In Order to Have Peace, Believers Must Remember Their Sad State Before Christ

In targeting the Ephesian discord, Paul calls the Gentiles to remember their sad state before they met Christ. He gives six characteristics of their pre-Christian life.

Observation Question: How does Paul characterize the Gentiles before they met Christ?

1. The Gentiles had a hostile relationship with the Jews.

He says, “Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called ‘uncircumcised’ by those who call themselves ‘the circumcision’ (that done in the body by the hands of men)” (Eph 2:11).

The Jews called Gentiles “uncircumcised” as a racial slur. David called Goliath an “uncircumcised Philistine” before slaying him (1 Sam 17:26). Circumcision was the sign of God’s covenant with the Jews, which he originally gave to Abraham (Gen 17:11). On the eighth day, Jews surgically removed the foreskin of their male children’s reproductive organ.

Circumcision was always meant to represent an inward circumcision—a change of heart. Moses said this to Israel in Deuteronomy 10:16, “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”

In fact, Paul says that to have a circumcised flesh and not a circumcised heart was uncircumcision—it counted for nothing. Romans 2:28-29 says,

A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.

Unfortunately, the Jews, who were called to be God’s priests to the world (Ex 19:6), hated the Gentiles and ceased to be missionaries to them. Instead, they despised the Gentiles and exalted themselves. A good example of this is the story of Jonah. God called Jonah to preach repentance to the Ninevites, but instead of speaking to them, he ran from God. And when he repented and did preach to the Ninevites, he was angry at God for saving them.

The ancient division between Jews and Gentiles is comparable to that between blacks and whites in America during slavery and immediately after. It’s comparable to the war between the Shiites and Sunni Muslims. One commentator says the “enmity between Jews and Gentiles was the greatest racial and religious difference the world has ever known.”¹ It was deep-seated, and it is still prominent throughout the world, as seen in anti-Semitism.

William Barclay helps us understand this ancient hostility, especially on the Jewish side. He writes:

The Jew had an immense contempt for the Gentile. The Gentiles, said the Jews, were created by God to be fuel for the fires of hell. God, they said, loves only Israel of all the nations that he had made … It was not even lawful to render help to a Gentile mother in her hour of sorest need, for that would simply be to bring another Gentile into the world. Until Christ came, the Gentiles were an object of contempt to the Jews. The barrier between them was absolute. If a Jewish boy married a Gentile girl, or if a Jewish girl married a Gentile boy, the funeral of that Jewish boy or girl was carried out. Such contact with a Gentile was the equivalent of death.²

Paul called for the Gentiles to remember the great hostility they once had with their (now) Jewish brothers in Christ.

2. The Gentiles were without Christ.

Paul also says, “remember that at that time you were separate from Christ” (v. 12). How were they separate from Christ? The promise of the messiah was given to Israel (cf. Gen 22:18). Most Gentiles knew nothing of it. In fact, when Christ came to the earth, he came first to the lost sheep of Israel (Matt 15:24). The Gentiles were without the messiah.

3. The Gentiles were without citizenship in Israel.

The Gentiles were excluded from citizenship in Israel. Why did this matter? God gave the Jews his commandments and his temple—where his presence dwelled. God gave Israel priests who were called to minister before him day and night. In order to worship God, Gentiles had to become Jewish converts like Ruth and Rahab, but even then, they were still excluded from many aspects of worship because they lacked citizenship.

4. The Gentiles were without covenants.

When people disobeyed God at the tower of Babel, God chose to redeem the earth through a new way—through Abraham. Therefore, God made covenants with his children—Israel. Consider what Paul says about the Jews in Romans 9:4-5:

the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.

God made covenants with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and the nation of Israel. He promised to give them a land, to give them the messiah, and to use them to spread the knowledge of God throughout the earth. God said this through Jeremiah:

“This is what the LORD says: ‘If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night no longer come at their appointed time, then my covenant with David my servant—and my covenant with the Levites who are priests ministering before me—can be broken and David will no longer have a descendant to reign on his throne. (Jeremiah 33:20-21)

The Gentiles had no such covenants. They were without them.

5. The Gentiles were without hope.

How were they without hope? John MacArthur’s comments are helpful:

Most Gentiles of Paul’s day either thought that death ended all existence or that it released the spirit to wander aimlessly in some nether world throughout the rest of eternity. Death brought only nothingness or everlasting despair. The Greek philosopher Diogenes said, “I rejoice in sport in my youth. Long enough will I lie beneath the earth bereft of life, voiceless as a stone, and shall leave the sunlight which I love, good man though I am. Then shall I see nothing more. Rejoice, O my soul, in thy youth.” ³

Since there was no true hope in the afterlife, many lived for pleasure. Like Paul, they said, “If the dead are not raised, ‘‘Let us eat drink and be merry for tomorrow we die’” (1 Cor 15:32).

Even those who worshiped the gods of the ancient world lived in fear, not hope. Since their gods were made in the image of men, they were evil, jealous, lustful, and wicked. They often warred with people. Theirs was truly a life without hope, even if they lived a religious life.

6. The Gentiles were without God.

As mentioned, most believed in many gods; however, they didn’t believe in the one true God. This speaks to those today who believe that to worship Buddha, Allah, Yahweh, etc., is to worship the same God. Scripture does not teach such a view. The pagans were polytheistic, and yet, they were without God. There is only one God—the God of Scripture.

In fact, Scripture teaches that to worship other gods is a result of denying the true God. Romans 1:21-23 says,

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

The Gentiles were in discord with the Jews, without Christ, without citizenship, without the covenants, without hope, and without God. And this was true for all of us as well, in a sense. Apart from Christ, our life was full of discord—often with those we saw as different from ourselves. We were without hope and without God.

Application Question: Why was it important for the Gentiles and why is it important for us to remember the past?

1. Remembering the past is important for remaining thankful.

Many times we live unthankful lives because we have forgotten what we used to be, and how God has changed us. Paul reminds them and us so that we can remain thankful for God’s grace in our lives. God delivered us from lives full of division and unified us with himself and one another. He gave us peace through Christ. Thank you, Lord!

2. Remembering the past is important so we never fall back into old patterns—discord with one another and distance from God.

Sadly, discord was rampant in the early church, especially between Jews and Gentiles. In Galatians, we read that even the apostle Peter would at times still not eat with Gentiles because of pressure from other Jews (Gal 2:12). In Romans 14, it seems that Jews and Gentiles were dividing over eating food offered to idols, the practice of the Sabbath, and other aspects of the law. In addition, Acts 6 records that the Grecian Jewish widows were neglected by the Hebraic Jews in the daily food distribution. There was even discord between Jews of different cultures. This division continued to reap animosity and discord in the early church. No doubt some separated into totally Jewish congregations and totally Gentile congregations to avoid discord. But that wasn’t God’s perfect will. As revealed next, God called for them to be one body (Eph 2:14-15). And this is true for us today as well.

The church is meant to be multicultural, multiracial, and multiethnic in order to bring glory to God. We must remember what we came from so that we will not go back to living a life full of discord, anger, and unforgiveness.

Christians who have forgotten their previous state and what God has done for them will be prone towards racism, ethnocentrism, elitism, and even denominationalism. We see this all the time. In fact, Sunday has often been called the most divided day in the world. On Sundays, various races and denominations gather together in places separate from one another to “worship God.” We must remember our previous state so we won’t return to the division which marks the world, and also so we can continually praise God for his transformational work in us.

Application Questions: In what ways do we still see hostility between races, classes, genders, etc., among Christians today? In what ways have you been delivered from this type of hostility through Christ?

In Order to Have Peace, Believers Must Remember that Christ Brought Us Reconciliation with One Another

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, (Ephesians 2:13-15)

Next, Paul addresses how Christ united these two hostile people groups—the Jews and the Gentiles.

Observation Question: How has Christ united Jews and Gentiles?

1. Christ united Jews and Gentiles by bringing both groups near God.

Paul says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near” (v. 13). When he says they were brought near, he means near God. Unity has been developed by both Jew and Gentile being brought closer to God.

A great illustration of this is a triangle. At the peak is God and on the two sides are people. The closer we get to God, the closer we will naturally get to one another. This was Christ’s method of unifying people—he brings them closer to God.

And this is true for all division—division in friendships, family, marriage, etc.—the closer we get to God, the closer and more unified we become with one another. However, the farther we get from God, the more we will find division and discord in our relationships.

In fact, this also works in reverse. If we are right with others (walking in righteous relationships with them), then we will naturally become closer to God. Our horizontal relationships always reflect our vertical relationship and vice versa. Christ says this in Matthew 5:23-24:

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

If we are in discord with others, we must first make those relationships right so we can properly worship God. Our horizontal relationships affect our vertical relationships and our vertical relationship affects our horizontal.

Are you in discord with anybody? Many times the answer to fixing that relationship is as simple as drawing near God. When we draw near God, he changes our hearts so we can better work for reconciliation.

Are you distant from God? Many times the answer to fixing that relationship is drawing near others—having proper fellowship with his body. I have often experienced times of dryness in my spiritual life simply because I was not in proper fellowship. The more isolated we are from believers—God’s family—the more we will find ourselves isolated from him.

2. Christ brought unity through his death for sin.

Paul says the way we are brought near God is “through the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:13). The blood of Christ is a “euphemism” (a mild expression substituted for a harsh one) for Christ’s death. Christ died for the sins of the world. Romans 4:25 says, “He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.”

For Christ to bring unity among people, he had to deal with the very thing that separated them, which was sin. Again, when man sinned in the Garden, it naturally brought separation both in human relationships and our relationship with God. Therefore, Christ died for our sin to deliver us from its power so we could be united.

Romans 6:6 says, “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” When Christ died for our sins, our old self—our sin nature—died with him. It died in the sense that the power of sin over us was broken.

The root of division is sin—our pride, our selfishness, our insecurity, our anger, our jealousy, our envy, etc. We argue and fight because we want our own way. But through Christ’s death, believers are now no longer bound to follow the sinful urges that result in discord.

Are you in discord? Then, how is God calling you to practically live out your death to sin? In Romans 6:11, Paul says, “Therefore, reckon yourself dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Humble yourself—reckon your pride and anger dead. As one person said, “Dead people don’t get offended.” Stop living in that old nature since Christ set you free from it. It died on the cross with Christ, and you must reckon it so.

3. Christ brought unity by becoming our peace.

Ephesians 2:14 says, “For he himself is our peace.” It must be noted that Christ did not simply bring peace, he became our peace. John MacArthur shares this story about World War II to illustrate how Christ is our peace:

During World War II a group of American soldiers was exchanging fire with some Germans who occupied a farm house. The family who lived in the house had run to the barn for protection. Suddenly their little three–year–old daughter became frightened and ran out into the field between the two groups of soldiers. When they saw the little girl, both sides immediately ceased firing until she was safe. A little child brought peace, brief as it was, as almost nothing else could have done.⁴

Similarly, Jesus Christ came to the earth as a baby so that he could bring peace between those who were warring and divided. However, this peace is not temporary; it is an eternal peace. Christ became peace for us. And therefore, he must be the reason we labor for peace in our relationships. Consider what Paul said to two ladies fighting in the Philippian congregation: “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord” (Phil 4:2).

How were they supposed to work things out? They needed to agree with each other in the Lord. They needed to resolve their conflict on the basis of Christ having brought peace. They needed to resolve their conflict on the basis of Christ’s character. They needed to resolve their conflict by being like Christ—the one who humbled himself to serve and unify others (Phil 2:5). This is true for us as well. Christ is our peace.

4. Christ brought unity by abolishing the Mosaic law that separated Jews and Gentiles.

Ephesians 2:14-15 says: “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations.”

One of the things that divided Jews and Gentiles was the Mosaic law, which God originally gave to the Jews. According to this law, the Jews were to be separate. They were not allowed to intermarry with other nations. They had to wear different clothes and eat different foods. However, God’s purpose in the Jews being separate was to prevent contamination by the sinful pagan cultures. The hope was that pagans would notice the righteousness of the Jews and be drawn to God (cf. Deut 4:6-8). The law commanded separation for this purpose.

In fact, the temple itself had several courts. East of the temple was the Court of Priests, then the Court of Jews (for laymen), then the Court of Women, and then the Court of Gentiles. And between the Court of Gentiles and the rest of the temple was a wall with inscriptions in Greek and Latin saying: “No foreigner may enter within the barricade which surrounds the sanctuary and enclosure. Anyone who is caught doing so will have himself to blame for his ensuing death.”⁵

It was this wall that the Jews claimed Paul and his Gentile friend, Trophimus, crossed, when they attacked and threatened to kill Paul—leading to his first imprisonment (Acts 21:28-33). However, Christ abolished, literally annulled, the regulations in the Jewish law so that believers are no longer under it (Eph 2:15). Jews and Gentiles are no longer called to be separate.

Interpretation Question: In what ways did Christ abolish the law?

Christ abolished the law by paying the penalty required by it for our sins. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (KJV).
Christ abolished the law by fulfilling the perfect righteousness required by it that we could not fulfill. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, “He who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God.”
Christ abolished the law by his death, and our death with him, to the law—delivering us from its governance.

Romans 7:1-4 says,

Do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to men who know the law—that the law has authority over a man only as long as he lives? For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. So then, if she marries another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress, even though she marries another man. So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God.

Paul compares our union with Christ to the marriage union. When one spouse dies, the other is free to remarry—he or she is no longer bound by the law of marriage. In the same way, we died with Christ on the cross, and therefore our previous marriage to the law was broken. We are now married to Christ and called to submit to him instead of the law. In fact, Paul later says that although as believers we are not under the Mosaic law, we are under the law of Christ. First Corinthians 9:21 says, “To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law.”

The law of Christ is his teachings in the New Covenant (i.e. the New Testament) coming through both Christ himself and his apostles. Many of the teachings in the New Covenant are the same as those in the Old Covenant. Do not lie, do not steal, do not cheat, etc.; however, the governance is different. It’s like being punished by Korean law while residing there instead of in the United States. Similarly, we are now married to Christ, and we are under his governance and not that of the Mosaic law. It should be noted that while many teachings in Christ’s law are the same as in the Mosaic law, others are different. For instance, under the New Covenant we are not under the food, Sabbath, and festival laws and rituals (cf. Col 2:16-17).

Christ destroyed the law to unite us as one. The Jew is not nearer to God than the Gentile, and the Gentile is not nearer than the Jew. We are all on equal standing in the New Covenant. Colossians 3:11 says, “Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”

5. Christ brought unity by creating a new man.

Ephesians 2:15 says, “His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.” Christ brought unity by creating something new—a new race. Kent Hughes’ illustration and comments on this are helpful:

Bishop John Reed tells about driving a school bus in Australia which carried whites and aborigines. Tired of all the squabbling, one day far out in the country he pulled over to the side of the road and said to the white boys, “What color are you?” “White.” He told them, “No, you are green. Anyone who rides in my bus is green. Now, what color are you?” The white boys replied, “Green.” Then he went to the aborigines and said, “What color are you?” “Black.” “No, you are green. Anyone who rides on my bus is green.” All the aborigines answered that they were green. The situation seemed resolved until, several miles down the road, he heard a boy in the back of the bus announce, “All right, light green on this side, dark green on that side.” Bishop Reed had the right idea. What was needed was a new race, “the greens,” but he couldn’t pull it off! Our text says that Jesus created a new man, a new humanity, a new race.⁶

In the New Covenant, a Gentile doesn’t have to become a Jew to worship God, and a Jew doesn’t have to become a Gentile. When we are saved, God essentially shatters the racial and ethnic barriers that divide us as we are united in the church. We are not black, white, Jew, Gentile, Asian, African, or any other race or ethnicity. We are all part of the church—citizens of heaven living on the earth (Phil 3:20). It is for this reason that the church should not be divided by racial, social, or economic distinctions—for we are all one in Christ. Galatians 3:28 says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Christ unites us, drawing us near God and each other by breaking the power of sin through his death, by becoming our peace, and by removing the barrier of the Mosaic law—making us a new people. Therefore, we must labor to keep the unity God has given us (cf. Eph 4:3).

Application Question: How should we as Christians apply Christ’s work of unifying people in our lives, churches, and communities?

In Order to Have Peace, Believers Must Remember that Christ Brought Us Reconciliation with God

and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. (Ephesians 2:16-18)

Finally, Paul talks about how Christ reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God through the cross. To reconcile means to “renew a friendship.” Christ did this in many ways.

Observation Question: In what ways did Christ reconcile both Jewish and Gentile believers to God?

1. Christ reconciled believers to God through his death (v. 16).

Paul says that Christ reconciled us to God through the cross. Before salvation, we were separated from God because we weren’t like him—we weren’t holy. Hebrews 12:14 says, “Without holiness no one will see God.” Holiness is a separation from sin to righteousness. And Christ accomplished this for us by his death. He made us holy by taking our sin on the cross with him and giving us his perfect righteousness (2 Cor 5:21). The righteousness of Christ imputed to our account allows us to come into God’s presence and have a relationship with him.

2. Christ reconciled believers to God through preaching the gospel of peace (Eph 2:17).

The Greek word for “preached” is euangelizō, and it “literally means to bring or announce good news, and is almost always used in the New Testament of proclaiming the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.” ⁷ It is the same term from which we get the English words “evangelize,” “evangelist,” and “evangelical.”

As seen by the context, this preaching happened after the cross (cf. 16-17); therefore, it does not primarily refer to his pre-resurrection ministry but to his post-resurrection ministry. After Christ’s resurrection, he appeared to his apostles and said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). This also probably refers to Christ’s gospel ministry through the apostles and subsequent generations of Christians. Jesus still preaches today through his followers. It is wonderful to consider that when Christians preach the gospel, Christ preaches through them. Romans 10:15 says, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (KJV).

Do you have beautiful feet? Are you allowing Christ to preach through you and reconcile people to God?

3. Christ reconciled believers to God by giving them access by one Spirit.

Ephesians 2:18 says, “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” One cannot but notice the Trinitarian work involved in this reconciliation. Christ gives Jews and Gentiles access to God by the Holy Spirit. John MacArthur’s comments are helpful in considering the word “access.” He says,

Prosagōgē (access) is used only three times in the New Testament, in each case referring to the believer’s access to God (see also Rom. 5:2; Eph. 3:12). In ancient times a related word was used to describe the court official who introduced persons to the king. They gave access to the monarch. The term itself carries the idea not of possessing access in our own right but of being granted the right to come to God with boldness, knowing we will be welcomed.⁸

We often think of Christ as once and for all giving us access to God through the cross, but according to Scripture we still go through Christ in approaching God. Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.”

In the Old Testament, the priest and the people of Israel could only approach God through the blood of a lamb. Every year the people sacrificed a lamb so they could approach God and be accepted by him. It is the same for us, except that our Lamb was slain once and for the sins of the entire world. Every time we enter into God’s presence, God still sees the perfect sacrifice and righteous life of the Lamb. It is for this reason that we have access.

In fact, this somewhat reflects Christ’s teaching in John 10:1-14 about him being the Good Shepherd and the Gate for the sheep. John 10:9 says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.” In John 10:11, Christ says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” It almost seems like he is mixing metaphors, but he is not. The Palestinian shepherd gathered all the sheep into a pen or erected a temporary fence at night—leaving a narrow opening for a door. The shepherd then laid across the narrow opening, as the door to the pen.⁹ Christ, the Good Shepherd, is still the doorway to God, not just for salvation, but daily. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Therefore, as believers we can “approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Heb 4:16).

And it is by the Holy Spirit that we continually approach God (Eph 2:18). The Holy Spirit works in our hearts to draw us near God and to seek his face. Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”

Are you still drawing near God? Christ paved the way for us to have continual access to God. Christ gave us the Holy Spirit to encourage us and draw into God’s presence (cf. John 16:7, Eph 2:18). The Holy Spirit enables us to cry out, “Abba Father”— “Daddy Dearest.”

Why is this important? Often Christians deem themselves unworthy to come into God’s presence because of some failure or sin. However, God never accepts us because of our righteousness. We weren’t saved because of our righteousness, and it is not our current righteousness that gives us access to God. It is still Christ’s.

God doesn’t accept us because we did our daily devotions or went to church on Sunday. We are always accepted on the basis of Christ’s righteousness. Christ is still our doorway; he is our public official that brings us into the court of God. Therefore, we can always come with boldness. We are righteous in Christ and accepted because of him.

Christ removed the hostility between us and God—reconciling us to the Father. He is truly the seed that would crush the head of the serpent and make all things right (Gen 3:15). He is our peacemaker.

Application Questions: How has Christ, through the Holy Spirit, been drawing you to deeper intimacy with God? Describe your experiences in evangelism. How has Christ been challenging you to participate in reconciling others to God?

Conclusion

How can we maintain the peace Christ, our peacemaker, has given us with one another and also with God?

In order to have peace, believers must remember their sad state before Christ.
In order to have peace, believers must remember that Christ brought reconciliation with one another.
In order to have peace, believers must remember that Christ brought reconciliation with God.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1920). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

² Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 91). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (pp. 73–74). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 76). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁵ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 23–24). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁶ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (pp. 92–93). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁷ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 79). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁸ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 80). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 80). Chicago: Moody Press.

Related Topics: Character of God, Christian Life

9. Three Metaphors of the Church: How to Be the Church and Not Just Attend It

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Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:19-22)

What is the church? How can believers be the church instead of just attending the church?

The problem with most Christians is that they have a low “ecclesiology”—a low understanding of what the church is and their role in it. For most, being the church simply means that they call themselves Christians and attend church on a regular or semi-regular basis. But outside of that, they have no real commitment to or investment in the church.

If we don’t fully understand the purpose of something, it is destined for misuse. And that is exactly what is happening in Christ’s church today. Most Christians don’t really understand it; therefore, they misuse it.

There was something of this happening in the early church, and Paul addresses it in Ephesians 2:19-22. In the previous verses (11-18), Paul calls for the Gentiles to their past—they were hated by the Jews, called “the uncircumcision,” without citizenship in Israel, without covenants, without hope, without Christ, and without God.

The Jews were called to be a holy nation that drew the other nations to God. However, they became prideful in their lofty position as God’s people, and instead of ministering to the Gentiles, they hated them. There was tremendous animosity between the two groups. But through his death, Christ brought these two hostile groups near God. He made them one man—one body; he made them his church.

It seems that Paul addressed this, because there was still division happening in the early church. Though they were saved and part of Christ’s body, they weren’t being the church. In Romans 14, Paul writes of division over eating meat offered to idols, practicing the Sabbath day, and other things that divided Jew and Gentile Christians. Even the apostle Peter would not eat with Gentiles when certain Jews were around (Galatians 2). No doubt, they started to form separate congregations—Jewish churches and Gentile churches. The early church did not fully understand what Christ had done for them, and therefore they were not being the church.

The same is true today. Many Christian don’t understand the church and therefore are not living as the church. Church is often something simply attended—with few ramifications other than that.

What is the church and how can we be the church and not just attend it? In this text, Paul gives three metaphors to help us “Be the Church.”

Big Question: What three metaphors does Paul use for the church, and how can we live out these realities?

To Be the Church, We Must Live as Heavenly Citizens

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)

The first metaphor Paul uses is that of citizens in the kingdom of heaven. He says, “you are no longer foreigners and aliens.” William Barclay’s comments are helpful in understanding the terms “foreigners” and “aliens”:

Paul uses the word xenos for foreigner. In every Greek city there were xenoi, and they did not lead an easy life. One wrote home: ‘It is better for you to be in your own homes, whatever they may be like, than to be in a strange land.’ The foreigner was always regarded with suspicion and dislike. Paul uses the word paroikos for stranger. The paroikos was one step further on. A person described in this way was a resident alien, someone who had taken up residence in a place but who had never become a naturalized citizen; such people paid a tax for the privilege of existing in a land which was not their own. Both the xenos and the paroikos were always on the fringe. Paul uses the word xenos for foreigner. In every Greek city there were xenoi, and they did not lead an easy life. One wrote home: ‘It is better for you to be in your own homes, whatever they may be like, than to be in a strange land.’ The foreigner was always regarded with suspicion and dislike. Paul uses the word paroikos for stranger. The paroikos was one step further on. A person described in this way was a resident alien, someone who had taken up residence in a place but who had never become a naturalized citizen; such people paid a tax for the privilege of existing in a land which was not their own. Both the xenos and the paroikos were always on the fringe.¹

Foreigners and aliens were often looked at with suspicion and discriminated against, and this is how the Gentiles were treated before Christ formed the church. They were like second class citizens as far as worshiping God. They could not enter the temple; they could not be priests and, in most cases, were despised by Israel. However, in Christ, Gentile Christians are now full citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

Among Christians there is some disagreement over what the kingdom of heaven is. John the Baptist preached the kingdom of heaven and so did Christ and his apostles (cf. Matt 3:2, 10:7). However, in studying texts on the kingdom of heaven, it clearly has both a present and future reality. For instance, Luke 17:20-21 says:

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”

Christ says the kingdom of God is within you, or it can be translated “in your midst.” The kingdom of heaven is present, and yet, we still wait for it. In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10, KJV). Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is wherever people proclaim submission to God. It is in our hearts, and yet it is a coming reality. One day, at Christ’s coming, he will literally rule on this earth as in heaven. And as the church, we should currently live as citizens of this kingdom.

Application Question: How should believers live out the reality that they are citizens of heaven?

1. Heavenly citizens have different cultural norms than those of the earth.

These different cultural norms include different speech, dress, values, etc. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Citizens of heaven should only let words come out of their mouths that will be helpful and build others up. They should not be known for sexual jokes, cursing, or other language that defiles.

First Timothy 2:9 says, “I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.” Though Paul speaks to women in this text, the principles apply to all Christians. Christians should be known for their modest dress, avoiding extremes in clothing. In the world, clothes are often used to show one’s wealth and to draw attention and glory to the wearer. But the Christian should want all glory to go to God, and therefore avoid lavish, sexually alluring, or ragged clothing (often another way of seeking attention).

Not only should Christians be different in their talk and their clothing, but also in the way they think. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The world culture trains people how to think about beauty, success, life, and death. However, citizens of heaven should think very differently about these things, because their views are based on Scripture. Citizens of heaven should be continually transforming their minds through the Word of God.

2. Heavenly citizens should continually practice the righteousness of the kingdom.

Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” These are all present realities that should be growing in our lives. We should be growing in righteousness and helping others to do so as well. We should be growing in peace with God, peace with others, and peace of heart. We should also be growing in joy regardless of our circumstances because our joy is in God. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord, again I say, ‘Rejoice!”

3. Heavenly citizens should continually proclaim the kingdom to others.

Acts 28:31 says this about Paul: “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Paul continually proclaimed the kingdom of God—preaching the gospel and the return of Jesus Christ.

This should be true for us as well. As citizens of heaven, we must continually proclaim the gospel to all who will hear. The gospel is that this present world is not it—there is more. The sin, discord, death, and decay of this world are not it. God has more. There is a kingdom coming, and those who repent and follow Christ shall enter it.

4. Heavenly citizens should long for the kingdom of heaven.

Hebrews 11:16 says this about Abraham and the other patriarchs of the faith: “Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Though living on the earth, Abraham and the patriarchs longed for their heavenly home—and God is not ashamed to be called their God. No doubt God is ashamed of some Christians. Why? Because they don’t really desire the city he prepared for them; instead, they love and worship the things of this world (1 John 2:15). However, God is pleased with those who long for the coming kingdom.

One of the ways we long for this coming kingdom is by praying for it. Again, the Lord’s Prayer is “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.” We should long for it especially as we see the sin and destruction happening daily in our world.

Another way we long for the kingdom is by longing for our King—our Savior—to come. Paul says this in Philippians 3:20-21:

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Are you being the church? Are you living as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven? Is your language, your behavior, your priorities, and your hopes different? To be the church, we must live as citizens of heaven.

Application Questions: What aspect of being a heavenly citizen is most challenging to you and why? How is God calling you to grow in this area? What keeps us from longing for his kingdom? How can we foster a longing for his kingdom and its righteousness?

To Be the Church, We Must Live as Family Members

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household (Ephesians 2:19)

The next way that Christians can be the church is by living as family members. Not only has Christ made us heavenly citizens, but also members of the same family. There is greater unity and intimacy between family members than between citizens.

This should be something that characterizes Christians. Christ says this about his followers in Matthew 12:48-50:

“Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Christ regarded his disciples as family members and God as their Father. He taught the disciples to pray, “Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be thy name” (Matt 6:9). When we began following Christ, we became family. This family includes people from different socio-economic backgrounds, races, and ethnic groups, and it includes believers both in heaven and on earth. Ephesians 3:14-15 says, “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”

In 1 Timothy 5:1-2, Paul says this about how believers should treat one another: “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” We should treat one another as family. Christ said, “They will know you are my disciples by the way you love one another” (John 13:35). We are to be known by this intimate familial love.

Application Question: How should we practically apply the reality of the church being family?

1. As family, believers should consider using familial terms.

Paul calls Timothy his “son in the faith” (1 Tim 1:2). He refers to himself as a “father” to the Corinthians (1 Cor 4:15), and calls the Romans “brothers” (Rom 12:1). We should consider using these familial terms as well.

2. As family, believers must make the church their priority.

Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Yes, we should do good to all, but especially to believers. They must be our priority. When something is your priority, you invest your time, money, and energy in it, and you give up other things to focus on it. This should be true of our investment in the Body of Christ.

Sadly, for most, job, schooling, and housing are the main priorities instead of their church. Believers often uproot their families from a great church where God is using them and move for career and other opportunities. This often leads to spiritual struggles. They find a new church, but often struggle to get involved—and it never feels like home. Their spiritual life suffers because they didn’t prioritize their church home—their Christian family.

Where has God planted you? How is God calling you to make church your priority?

3. As family, believers must develop intimate relationships with one another.

Family is a place where we share intimate secrets and struggles, and this should be true of the church as well. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Sadly, many have no transparency in their church relationships. Everybody in the church is kept at arm’s length, if not an entire body’s length.

We must develop intimate relationships within the body of Christ. We must learn to confess our sins and share our successes with one another, and also to seek the prayers of the saints. These are practical aspects of being family.

4. As family, believers must encourage one another in their spiritual growth.

In families, parents invest their lives, money, and time in helping their children grow as individuals. Church members should help one another grow as well, especially in their relationship with Christ. This is the priority of people who are “being” the church. As the writer of Hebrews says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24).

Are you considering how you can help your church—your brothers and sisters in Christ? Are you considering how you can serve and help them reach their potential in Christ? If we are going to be the church and not just attend it, we must live as family members.

Application Question: In what ways is God calling you to apply the reality of the church being a family?

To Be the Church, We Must Live as God’s Temple

built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22)

Next, Paul teaches that the Gentiles are being built into a holy temple where God dwells. No doubt this conjured up images of the Jewish temple, which Gentiles could never fully enter. However, they were now God’s temple.

Application Question: How can we apply the reality of the church being God’s temple?

As God’s temple, we must constantly worship God.

That was the primary purpose of the temple. There, people gathered to worship and offer sacrifices pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:15-16 says: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

Here the author says praise, good works, and giving are sacrifices that please God. This must be our continual endeavor as God’s temple. We must ask ourselves daily, “How can I please and worship God today both individually and with other believers?”

Similarly, Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Everything we do can and should be worship.

As God’s temple, we must live carefully—in a God-honoring manner.

In one of Watchman Nee’s books, he says that if you have a little bit of change in your pocket, you can walk around carefree. However, if you have a large sum of money in your pocket, you will walk very carefully lest you lose it. Not that we can lose God, but he who dwells in us is so valuable that his indwelling should drastically change how we walk.² We should be different. Let us walk carefully in order not to dishonor God with our mouths and our meditations. Let us always remember that our individual bodies, and also we as the church, are his temple.

As God’s temple, we must practice holiness.

The priests and Levites made sure that God’s temple never became defiled. There were ceremonial washings and cleansings even for the plates in the temple. In the same way, as the temple of God, we must keep ourselves from anything that might defile. First Thessalonians 5:22 says, “Avoid every kind of evil.” When Jesus went into the temple, he made a whip and turned over tables because God’s house was being defiled. We must have that same type of zeal for God’s temple—our bodies and the church. We must get rid of all sin and anything that does not honor God.

Paul further expands on this idea of God’s temple by considering three critical elements.

Observation Question: What are the three elements of the temple that Paul refers to in Ephesians 2:20-21?

1. The apostles and prophets are the foundation of the temple.

Interpretation Question: Who were the apostles and prophets and in what way are they the foundation of the temple?

Ephesians 2:20 says the temple is built on the “foundation of the apostles and prophets.” There is some controversy over this. Is Paul referring to the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament apostles? Or is he referring to New Testament apostles and prophets? Most likely he is referring only to those who ministered in the New Testament. The primary support for this view is the order in which he lists the two groups. If he is referring to the Old Testament prophets, then it would make sense that the prophets would be listed first. Instead, he is probably referring to those who ministered with the apostles in building the foundation of the church. Ephesians 3:4-5 also supports this:

In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.

The apostles were specifically a “small and special group whom Jesus chose, called and authorized to teach in his name, and who were eyewitnesses of his resurrection, consisting of the Twelve plus Paul and James and perhaps one or two others.”³

How are the apostles and prophets the foundation of the church, especially since Scripture says Christ is the foundation of the church (1 Cor. 3:11)? The primary way the apostles and the prophets are the foundation of the church is through their teaching. They wrote the New Testament Scripture on which the church is built, and they founded local churches based on these truths. Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11:

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

The apostles and prophets laid the foundation of the church through their teachings, and their emphasis on the resurrected Christ. There are several principles that we can learn from this about being the church.

Application Question: How can we apply the reality that the church is built on apostolic teaching?

Since the church is built on apostolic teaching, we, as members of the church, must be devoted to apostolic teaching.

The early church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42). We must be devoted to daily studying God’s Word, memorizing it, teaching it, and sharing it with others.

Since the church is built on apostolic teaching, when seeking a church, we should look for one that faithfully preaches the Word of God.

Many churches no longer preach the Bible. They say it is too antiquated, full of errors, and irrelevant to the needs of the people. Instead, they preach psychology, history, stories, and jokes. Second Timothy 4:3-4 says:

For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

Because Satan realizes the Word of God is the foundation of the church, he always attacks it to bring the church down. Even at the beginning of time, Satan attacked the Word. He asked Eve, “Did God really say?” When seeking a church to raise your family in, find one that unashamedly preaches the Word of God.

Application Questions: In what ways have you seen churches stop preaching the Word of God, particularly the gospel? What effect does it have on believers? How is God calling you to be more devoted to apostolic teaching?

2. Christ is the cornerstone of the temple.

Ephesians 2:20-21 says: “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” The cornerstone was a messianic picture of Christ in the Old Testament. Isaiah 28:16 says, “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.”

Interpretation Question: What is a cornerstone and how does Christ fulfill that role?

James Boice says this:

A cornerstone was important for two reasons. It was part of the foundation, and it also fixed the angle of the building and became the standard from which the architect traced the walls and arches throughout.⁴

Since Christ is the cornerstone of the church, it is on him that the church is built.

When Jesus asked Peter who he was, Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of God.” And Jesus replied, “On this rock, I will build my church” (Matt 16:16-18, paraphrase). Christ is this rock. He is the cornerstone on which the church is built. Only those who accept Christ and his teachings are part of the church (cf. Matt 7:24-27).

Is your life built on Christ—his life, death, resurrection, and teaching? Any other foundation will fail.

Since Christ is the cornerstone of the church, it is through him that the church is unified.

Paul says this in Ephesians 2:21, “In him the whole building is joined together.” As mentioned in Ephesians 2: 14, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one.” He is the one who joins the Jew and Gentile together, abolishing the ancient hostility. And he is the one who brings the church together today. We can be unified because of him, whether we are Jew, Gentile, rich, poor, male, or female.

In fact, Paul pleaded with two women fighting in Philippi to be unified because of Christ. Consider what he says in Philippians 4:2, “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.”

It must be noticed that he doesn’t say, “Work out your differences.” He says, “Agree with each other in the Lord.” They were to agree based on their commonality, which was bigger than any difference they had. In the same way, we can only have unity based on Christ. If our unity is based on culture, affinity, gender, socio-economic status, hobbies or anything else, it will not stand. Only Christ can unify the church and keep it unified.

Are you walking in unity with the rest of the church? Yes, certain people’s personalities may get on your nerves. They may think differently than you, and they may even hurt you. However, you can seek unity because of Christ—he is the unifier. Let that commonality trump all differences. Christ is our cornerstone.

Since Christ is the cornerstone of the church, it is through him that we grow.

Ephesians 2:21 says, “In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” It was upon the foundation, the cornerstone, that the rest of the building was built. In the same way, both our individual and our corporate spiritual growth come through Christ. Christ says, “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). It is only by abiding in Christ, our cornerstone, that we can we grow and ultimately fulfill our purpose.

We abide in Christ and therefore grow spiritually through studying Scripture, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and serving. Many are not growing because they are not abiding in Christ—they are not staying connected to the cornerstone. Therefore, they are useless in building up the temple of God.

What is the next aspect of the temple that Paul refers to?

3. The people of God are bricks in the temple.

Again, Ephesians 2:22 says, “And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Though Paul does not actually say so, the implication is that he is referring to individual believers as bricks or stones in the temple of God. Peter uses this same analogy in 1 Peter 2:5 when he says, “you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Yes, Scripture teaches that individual believers are the temple of God. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”

However, Scripture also teaches that when believers gather together, God is with us. First Corinthians 3:16 says, “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” The word “you” in this passage is plural, referring to the church. Similarly, Christ says in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.’” When believers are present together, there is a special way in which God meets with them. In fact, there are some things he does in a corporate gathering that he does not do when we are alone.

Application Question: How can we apply the reality that individual believers are bricks in the temple of God?

As bricks in the temple of God, we need one another.

A brick is not good for much by itself. But when it is with other bricks, it goes into making a beautiful building. In the same way, apart from the body of Christ, we may miss God’s best.

Are you living in union with the body of Christ—the beautiful bricks that make up God’s temple?

As bricks in the temple of God, God is constantly adding other bricks until the temple is complete, and we must aid in that process.

One day the temple will be complete. God will add the final Jews and Gentiles to the church, and the temple will be finished. He has called us to aid in that process by faithfully sharing the gospel with others. As Matthew 28:19 says, we must go throughout the earth and make disciples of all nations.

Are you being the church and not just attending it? In order to do that, we must remember that we are God’s temple.

Application Questions: In what ways is God calling you to live out the reality that the church is the temple of God—built on the foundation of apostolic teaching, with Christ as the cornerstone and believers as bricks? In what ways is this teaching new or challenging to you?

Conclusion

How can believers be the church instead of simply attending it?

To be the church, we must live as heavenly citizens.
To be the church, we must live as family members.
To be the church, we must live as God’s temple.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ Barclay, W. (2002). The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians (p. 136). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

² https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-18-church-why-marry-it-ephesians-219-22

³ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 107). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁴ Boice, J. M. (1988). Ephesians: an expositional commentary (p. 92). Grand Rapids, MI: Ministry Resources Library.

Related Topics: Ecclesiology (The Church)

10. Marks of Faithful Servants

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For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. (Ephesians 3:1-13)

What are marks of faithful servants—those who will hear God say, “Well done!”?

In Ephesians 2:11-22, Paul teaches how Jews and Gentiles, who were formerly antagonistic towards one another, were now both part of Christ’s body. God made the two one. This teaching was tremendously controversial in the early church. In fact, the Jews had Paul arrested, in part, for teaching it (cf. Acts 21:29).

In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul explains his authority to teach this mystery. He emphasizes that it is a stewardship from God. Ephesians 3:2-3 in the ESV says, “assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation.” The NIV calls this stewardship an “administration.” Paul calls himself a steward of this mystery and later a servant of the gospel (3:7).

It appears that Ephesians 3:2-13 is a parenthesis to his original thought. In verse 1, he says, “For this reason.” Then, almost abruptly, he explains his authority as a steward and servant of the gospel, as if some were not aware of it. Then he returns to his original thought in verse 14 with “For this reason,” as he shares his prayer for God’s church.

In Paul’s parenthesis, we learn about his stewardship, or servanthood, of God’s mystery. Not only do we learn about Paul’s servanthood, but also, through his example, we learn about how we can be faithful servants.

In the Parable of the Talents, God describes each believer as a servant, or steward, given various gifts and responsibilities. He will bless the faithful and declare to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt 25:23). As we serve our Master, God, it should be our desire to be faithful and honored by him.

Similar to Paul, God gave us his gospel, his power, and his gifts to serve him and others. And, as stewards, we must be faithful. First Corinthians 4:2 says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (KJV). One day, at Christ’s second coming, he will survey our stewardship. Were we faithful stewards of all he gave us? The faithful will be commended and rewarded, and the unfaithful will be rebuked and lose their reward (Matt 25:24-30).

While considering Paul’s parenthesis about his stewardship, we discern marks of a faithful servant—and these should both encourage and challenge us.

Big Question: What marks of faithful servants can be discerned from Paul’s description of himself and his ministry?

Faithful Servants Suffer Willingly for Christ and Others

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1)

In verse 1, Paul says he is a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of the Gentiles. Paul suffered for Christ and also for the Gentiles. The very reason Paul was in prison was because he taught that Gentiles now shared the same spiritual privileges as Jews. While in Jerusalem, he was accused of bringing an Ephesian, Trophimus, into the temple (cf. Acts 21:29). This was an accusation the Jews fabricated because of their animosity towards him and his teachings. Paul was not only in prison for the Gentiles, but for the Ephesians specifically.

Paul willingly taught the truth even if it offended others and caused him suffering. He was willing to be persecuted for Christ. When Christ originally appeared to Paul in a vision, he showed Paul how much he would suffer for his name. Acts 9:15-16 says:

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul describes much of his suffering. He says,

Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.

One of the problems with much of the church today is its unwillingness to suffer. The church wants its “Best Life Now,” and therefore is not willing to suffer for Christ and others. Faithful servants will experience suffering. Matthew 5:10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Suffering for righteousness marks those who are part of God’s kingdom. In fact, Christ says that if one is not willing to take up his cross and follow him, he cannot be his disciple (Luke 14:27).

Therefore, there will be aspects of suffering in the life of every true believer. Faithfulness has a cost, and every true servant bears it. Sometimes it means being considered weird or different because of our views or beliefs. Sometimes it results in physical suffering. First Peter 4:3-4 says,

Faithful servants will experience some form of suffering—some form of our Lord’s cross—and Jesus promises blessings to those who do. He says,

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:11-12)

Are you willing to suffer for your Master and for others? Those who do so will be blessed—approved—by God.

Application Questions: Would you say that persecution towards Christians is growing or lessening? In what ways have you experienced suffering for your faith?

Faithful Servants Trust God’s Sovereignty

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— (Ephesians 3:1 )

Interestingly, Paul calls himself a prisoner of Christ Jesus. He didn’t see himself as a prisoner of the Jews or of Rome. He was in prison because Christ allowed it—Christ was his captor.

We see this attitude in many of God’s faithful servants. When Job’s camels were kidnapped by raiders, he didn’t blame them. He saw God as in control. He said, “The Lord gives and he takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). When Joseph’s brothers begged for mercy for selling him into slavery, he said, “What you meant for bad, God meant for good” (Gen 50:20, paraphrase).

These servants saw God as sovereign over everything, even the workings of evil men and Satan himself. This is important because if God’s servants don’t see him as sovereign, they often become bitter when bad things happen. They focus on their own failures, the evil works of men, and the evil works of the enemy, and their focus on God is lost.

Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Bitterness in the heart causes people to miss the grace of God, and it also causes trouble and defiles many. Instead of being bitter, faithful servants see God’s sovereignty over everything. Paul knew he was a prisoner of Christ—not of Rome or the Jews.

Do you see God as in control of all things? Our God holds the king’s heart in his hand like a watercourse (Prov 21:1). Even the roll of the dice is of him (Prov 16:33). Our God is sovereign, and he works all things for the good of those who love him (Rom 8:28).

Application Questions: In what ways do you find God’s sovereignty even over evil comforting? How do you reconcile God’s sovereignty with human and demonic responsibility?

Faithful Servants Seek to Understand God’s Mysteries

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:2-6)

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by the word “mystery”?

Next, Paul teaches how he received grace to understand the “mystery of Christ” (v. 4). What is Paul referring to by the word “mystery”? Unlike the English meaning of “mystery,” which refers to something not understood, a biblical mystery refers to a secret previously hidden in the past but now revealed. This secret is that “through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). Of course, God’s plan has always been to bless the Gentiles through Abraham’s seed (Gen 12:3, 22:18), but the Old Testament doesn’t specifically teach that Jews and Gentiles will become one body and co-heirs together.

It was this truth that the Jews found so hard to understand and accept. In the book of Acts, we see God begin to reveal this mystery. He reveals it first to Peter—leading him to preach the gospel to the Gentile Cornelius and his family (Acts 10). Then the Jerusalem church, with James, affirms that the Gentiles do not need to become Jews to follow God—they are co-heirs with the Jews (Acts 15). Christ reveals this truth more fully through Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul says, “surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me” (Eph 3:2). As mentioned, the word “administration” can be translated “stewardship.” By God’s grace, Paul received this mystery as a stewardship from God.

However, this is not only true of Paul but also of every believer. First Corinthians 4:1-2 says: “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (KJV).

We are called to be stewards of everything taught in Scripture—to protect it and teach it to others. Now, I am not sure how Paul received this mystery. Galatians 1:17 indicates that he was taught by Christ for three years in Arabia, so he must have received most of it through special revelation. However, God unveils these mysteries to us through his Word, and therefore we must study it. Second Timothy 2:15 says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” The servants that will be approved are the ones who study and correctly handle God’s truth.

The Great Commission is to “make disciples of all nations … teaching them to obey everything I commanded you.” (Matt 28:19-20). In order to teach people to obey everything he commands, we must by necessity know all of God’s Word. The Great Commission is not just about sharing the gospel; it is about leading people to Christ and discipling them according to his Word.

Are you a faithful servant? Faithful servants devote themselves to studying and understanding God’s mysteries, just as the early church, “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42).

Are you devoted to God’s Word? Are you seeking to understand its mysteries? Sadly, many Christians say, “Doctrine doesn’t matter. All that matters is to love one another.” This is not true; in fact, understanding God’s Word directs and increases our capacity to love. It equips the man of God for all righteousness (2 Tim 3:17). Faithful servants study God’s Word so they can understand its truths and live lives that are pleasing to God.

Application Questions: Why is it important to study God’s Word and to understand its mysteries? What is your spiritual discipline like in studying the Word? How can you strengthen it?

Faithful Servants Are Made by God

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. (Ephesians 3:7)

One of the things that stands out about Paul’s testimony is that he says, “I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace” (v. 7). The word “became” can also be translated “was made” (ESV). The verb is passive—meaning that God acted upon Paul to make him a servant of the gospel. It is hard not to think of Christ’s words to his original disciples. “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mk 1:17). Acts 26:16 records these words of Jesus to Paul, ‘‘Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you.” When Paul was blinded on his way to Damascus, Christ appointed him to be a servant and a witness. God chose to make him into a faithful servant of the gospel.

Paul says that receiving the message—the mystery—was by grace (Eph 3:2-3), the calling to be a servant of the gospel was by grace (3:7), and the power to do the work came from God as well (3:7). Paul was made a servant by God. John MacArthur adds:

It was not Paul’s education, natural abilities, experience, power, personality, influence, or any other such thing that qualified him to be a minister of Jesus Christ. He was made an apostle, a preacher, and a servant by the will and power of His Lord.¹

And this is true of every faithful servant of God. God makes his servants. Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works which he prepared beforehand that we should walk in.”

Application Question: How does God make his faithful servants?

1. God makes faithful servants through trials.

James 1:4 says, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (KJV). We must allow patience, or “perseverance,” to have her perfect work in us. God develops his servants through trials and difficulties. God allowed Joseph to be a slave and a prisoner in preparation for saving many as second in command in Egypt. God allowed Moses to spend forty years in the wilderness to prepare him to lead Israel. God allowed David to be persecuted by Saul in preparation for his ascent to the throne. In trials, God humbles his people and teaches them to depend solely on him—not their gifts or abilities. He makes his servants in the fire.

2. God makes faithful servants through waiting seasons.

God made Abraham wait for twenty-five years for his son, Isaac, and Abraham is still waiting for his seed, Jesus, to fully bless all the nations. Joseph had to wait years before his father and brothers bowed down before him as in his dream. David waited to become king. In waiting, we learn to trust God and not ourselves.

3. God makes faithful servants through his Word.

Second Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When God prepares someone for good works, he trains him through the Word. He gives him an insatiable desire for it, and enables him to study it faithfully. Job says that he has treasured the Word of God more than his daily bread (Job 23:12). David says he praises the Lord seven times a day for his righteous laws (Psalm 119:164). God calls Joshua to meditate on the law day and night and to obey it, with the promise that he will prosper if he does so (Josh 1:7-8). Faithful servants are made through faithful study of the Word of God.

4. God makes faithful servants through discipleship.

Typically, God makes a faithful servant by training him through other faithful servants. Proverbs says, “As iron sharpens iron so one sharpens another’s countenance” (Prov 27:17). Elijah discipled Elisha. Jesus discipled the twelve. Paul discipled Timothy, and Barnabas discipled Mark. God makes his servants through the discipleship of other faithful men and women of God.

Are you allowing God to prepare you to become a faithful servant?

Application Questions: In what ways have you seen God preparing you for servanthood? How can you more actively submit to this preparation?

Faithful Servants Work through God’s Power

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. (Ephesians 3:7)

Not only does Paul call himself a servant of the gospel by God’s grace, but he also says that God’s power works in him to serve (v.7). This is also true of every faithful servant of the gospel. They don’t operate within their own power, but consciously strive to work through God’s power.

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” The faithful servant knows the difference between Christ’s power and his own. Working in his own strength is marked by frustration, anxiety, and fruitlessness, but Christ’s power brings peace and fruitfulness. The faithful servant knows the difference, and labors to continue in Christ’s power alone.

Paul previously taught the Ephesians about this power. In Ephesians 1, he prays that they may comprehend the great power at work in them, the same power that raised Christ from the dead (v. 19-20). In Ephesians 3:16, he prays for them to “turn on” this power. “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”

This is true of every faithful servant; they operate in the power of God. Listen to what Paul says of himself in Colossians 1:29: “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.”

Application Question: How can we allow God’s power to work through us?

1. God’s power works through believers as they recognize their weakness.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul tells how he prayed for God to take away his thorn in the flesh—a demon that was tormenting him. However, God replied, ‘‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’”

Many times God allows trials for this very purpose in our lives. He allows difficulties and hardships so we can recognize our weakness. Apart from trials and difficulties, we are often too independent—too “strong” for God to work through us. Therefore, he humbles us through difficulties and trials so his power can be made perfect in our lives. Sometimes, he may actually call us to serve in areas where we are weak or even incompetent, so his power can be clearly displayed. However, many times we must step out in faith to experience God’s power—like Peter stepping out of the boat to walk on water (Matt 14:29).

2. God’s power works through those who pray.

In Mark 9, we learn that the disciples failed to cast a demon out of a young boy. After Christ healed the boy, they asked, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” Christ replied, “This kind only comes out through prayer” (v. 29). Christ probably wasn’t saying that the disciples hadn’t prayed to cast out the demon. The problem seems to be that they had ceased to live a lifestyle of prayer. Christ had previously left the nine while he and Peter, James and John went up the mountain for his transfiguration (v. 2). While Jesus was on the mountain, nobody woke the disciples up early to read the Word and pray. Most likely they became spiritually lazy and therefore lacked power. Similarly, our lives must be marked by faithful prayer for God’s power to work through us.

3. God’s power works through those who have faith.

In a parallel passage, Christ told the disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed, they could move mountains (Matt 17:20). It seems that not only had they ceased to pray faithfully, but they also had little faith. The power of this demon had created doubt in the hearts of the disciples, and therefore they didn’t really believe God could work through them.

Most Christians are like this; they believe God for their salvation, but when it comes to their daily bread, their needs, or the needs of others, they doubt God’s faithfulness. Christ said that he could not perform many miracles in his hometown because of their lack of faith (Mk 6:5). We often are like this as well. In order to have God’s power work in us, we must believe the promises in God’s Word.

4. God’s power works in those who abide in his Word.

We mentioned this earlier, but it is worth repeating. Scripture “equips” the man of God for all righteousness (2 Tim 3:17). It empowers us and strengthens us to do God’s work. We must live in God’s Word to minister in his power.

Are you allowing God’s power to work through you? Christ says that apart from him you can do nothing (John 15:5). Faithful servants know the difference between God’s power operating in their lives and their own power. Therefore, they ardently seek to live and serve through God’s power alone.

Application Questions: In what ways is God challenging you to allow his power to work in your life? What steps will you take to become more of a channel of God’s power?

Faithful Servants Are Humble

Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (Ephesians 3:8)

Next, Paul says something that is linguistically impossible but, at the same time, theologically possible, when he calls himself “less than the least of all God’s people.” It literally means the “leaster” or “less than the least.”²

This demonstrates another characteristic of a faithful servant: he is humble. James 4:6 says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” When a servant is humble, God’s gives him grace. Paul already mentioned how he received grace to understand and share the mystery. This is true for all who humble themselves before God and others; they receive grace.

This is not a false, conjured-up humility; rather it is a true humility that comes from being in the presence of God. Paul was keenly aware of his weakness and failures because of his walk with God. Similarly, when Isaiah saw God, he declared, “Woe to me! I am ruined for I have unclean lips, and I come from a people of unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5, paraphrase). When Peter realized that Jesus was God, he cried out, “Away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man” (Lk 5:8). Being in God’s presence humbles us, as we clearly see our sin and weakness displayed against his perfection. This was true of Paul. In fact, in 1 Timothy 1:15, he calls himself the chief of sinners.

However, when a servant ceases to be humble and starts to see his good works as coming from himself instead of God, he forfeits God’s grace. God opposes the proud (cf. James 4:6)—he fights against them so that they will become humble.

Application Question: How can we develop the humility of a servant?

1. As mentioned, humility comes from continually living in God’s presence.

This is done through prayer, fellowship, studying God’s Word, and living a holy life.

2. Humility comes from not comparing ourselves with others.

In 2 Corinthians 10:12, Paul says, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.”

When we continually compare ourselves with others, we either become discouraged and insecure, or prideful. In order to become humble, we must focus solely on God and his work; this results in humility and receiving more of God’s grace.

3. Humility comes as a result of discipline as we put others before ourselves.

In order to grow in humility, we must practice humility by submitting to others and putting them first. First Peter 5:5 says, “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”

Humility is a discipline. Instead of demanding our rights and privileges from others, we must instead submit to them and seek their benefit over ours. This is a continual discipline, but as we practice it, God’s grace will be given abundantly to us.

Application Questions: Why are we so prone to pride? What makes it so difficult to grow in humility? How is God calling you to further develop humility in your life?

Faithful Servants Share God’s Mysteries with Everybody

Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. (Ephesians 3:8-12)

Here, Paul says that grace was given to him to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles and to everyone else (v. 8-9). The word “preach” is euangelizō, which means to “announce good news.”³ Paul was called to proclaim the gospel—the good news of Christ—to all who would listen.

When Paul describes the message as the “unsearchable riches of Christ,” he uses an interesting coupling. The Believer’s Commentary shares this (via Blaikie):

Two attractive words, riches and unsearchable, conveying the idea of the things that are most precious being infinitely abundant. Usually precious things are rare; their very rarity increases their price; but here that which is most precious is also boundless—riches of compassion and love, of merit, of sanctifying, comforting and transforming power, all without limit, and capable of satisfying every want, craving, and yearning of the heart, now and evermore.⁴

“The unsearchable riches of Christ” includes everything we receive at salvation. Paul refers to much of this in the first chapters of Ephesians. Believers were elected before time; delivered from spiritual death and from following the world, Satan, and the flesh; forgiven; redeemed; made alive with Christ; and seated in the heavenly places with Christ. Paul continually teaches these truths to believers so they will know their identity in Christ. And he teaches them to unbelievers so they will follow Christ.

However, the good news Paul proclaims doesn’t stop there. It includes unveiling God’s eternal purpose of making his “manifold” (literally “multi-colored”) wisdom known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (v. 10).

Interpretation Question: Who are the rulers and authorities God is teaching through the church?

This clearly refers to angels, both good and bad. Paul refers to them again here in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Saving a people from out of the world and uniting Jew and Gentile in the church were planned before time in order to teach the angels. Even today the angels continually learn from the church. First Peter 1:12 says,

It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Angels desire to look into and understand the gospel. Since their primary function is to worship God, they desire to learn and understand everything about him. And as they learn more, they worship more fully. God works in the church to display not only his multi-colored wisdom, as he takes two people groups at animosity with one another and makes them one in Christ, but also his grace. In Ephesians 2:6-7 Paul says,

It has been said that before man, the angels knew very little about God’s grace. The angels who rebelled didn’t receive mercy—they received judgment. The angels understood God’s righteousness, holiness, and wrath. But through the church, they learn about God’s grace. They are involved in our worship services (cf. 1 Cor 11:10, Heb 1:14), and they peer in, trying to more fully understand the riches of the gospel. This has been God’s plan from eternity. The church is essentially the angels’ graduate school.

Paul was commissioned to share these truths not only with the Gentiles but with everybody, and this is true for us as well. We should study God’s Word so we can declare his multi-colored wisdom to everyone, and as we share it, even the angels learn (cf. 1 Peter 1:12).

Are you sharing the Word of God with everybody?

Some feel incompetent, and not knowledgeable enough to teach. However, there is always somebody who knows less than we do. We must find that person and teach him, even if he is an unbeliever. The great commission is to make disciples and to teach them to obey everything Christ commanded (Matt 28:20). Every Christian is called to be a teacher (cf. Heb 5:12). This is what God’s faithful servants do.

Application Questions: Share your evangelism and Bible teaching experience. How is God calling you to share more faithfully with others?

Faithful Servants Are Selfless

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. (Ephesians 3:13)

Finally, we cannot but notice Paul’s concern for the Ephesians in this verse. He says, “I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.” Paul was in prison, yet he was worried about the Ephesians’ happiness and glory.

This is the epitome of a servant. Servants don’t serve for their own glory, but for the glory and satisfaction of others—and this was true of Paul. He suffered for the Ephesians, even risking his own life so they could hear the gospel and fulfill God’s plan for them.

This must be true of us as well. Paul says this in Philippians 2:3-5:

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

Faithful servants do nothing out of selfish ambition, but in humility consider others better than themselves. This was the attitude of Christ, who suffered and died so that we could know God and have eternal life. Our Lord was the ultimate servant.

How is God calling you to seek the glory of others? John the Baptist said this of Christ, “I must decrease and he must increase” (John 3:30). We must have this mindset as well, not only about Christ, but also others.

How is God calling you to develop this selfless mindset in order to be a faithful servant—one who will be honored and rewarded by him?

Application Questions: Who is God calling you to serve by seeking their glory over your own? How is God calling you to get rid of your selfishness?

Conclusion

What are marks of a faithful servant, one to whom God says, “Well done”?

Faithful servants suffer willingly for Christ and others.
Faithful servants trust God’s sovereignty.
Faithful servants seek to understand God’s mysteries.
Faithful servants are made by God.
Faithful servants work through God’s power.
Faithful servants are humble.
Faithful servants share God’s mysteries with everybody.
Faithful servants are selfless.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 94). Chicago: Moody Press.

² Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 119). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

³ Accessed 1/13/2016 from http://biblehub.com/greek/2097.htm

⁴ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (pp. 1927–1928). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Related Topics: Christian Life

11. Becoming Spiritually Mature

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For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:14-21 )

How can we grow spiritually? What steps must we take?

In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul prays for the Ephesians to become spiritually mature. His prayer is like a pyramid—each successive petition builds upon the other.¹ As we study this passage, not only do we learn general principles of prayer, we also learn how to mature spiritually.

Big Questions: What are the successive steps to spiritual maturity as demonstrated by Paul’s prayer? How can we apply these to our lives in order to grow?

In Order to Mature Spiritually, Believers Must Know Their Identity in Christ

For this reason I kneel before the Father (Ephesians 3:14)

Interpretation Question: What “reason” is Paul pointing back to in verse 14 that now prompts this prayer?

Paul is referring to the previous passage where he teaches that God made believing Jews and Gentiles one in Christ, and that God’s eternal plan has been to teach the angels about his multi-colored wisdom. However, Paul is probably not only pointing back to these truths, but to all the truths taught in Ephesians chapters 1 and 2 about the believer’s identity in Christ. Believers have every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. They were elected before time, redeemed by his blood, and forgiven of their sins. They were delivered from spiritual death and from following the world, the devil, and the flesh, and made alive with Christ.

When Paul considers all that God did for believers, he is prompted to pray for their spiritual maturity—he wants them to live out their identity in Christ. And this should be true for us as well. When we consider all that God has done, it should challenge us to pray for spiritual maturity in ourselves and others—and to actively seek spiritual maturity. It is the most reasonable thing we can do considering all that God has done in our lives.

Paul says something similar in Romans 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” “Therefore” points back to all that Paul teaches in chapters 1-11 about salvation.

When we truly understand what God has done for us, we are challenged and encouraged to grow up into our divine calling. But from these passages, we also understand why so many are not growing. They aren’t growing because they don’t understand who they are in Christ and what God has done for them. Therefore, they continue to look just like the world. Like the Corinthians, they continue to be worldly—living like “mere men” (1 Cor 3:1-3). They are prone to materialism, division, lust, and even hopelessness.

If we are going to pursue spiritual maturity, we must understand the “reason” Paul desired it for the Ephesians. We must know our identity in Christ and all that God did for us. It has often been said that the Christian life is understanding our new identity in Christ and learning to live it out.

Do you know your identity in Christ? Do you know that on the cross, Christ broke the power of sin over your life (Rom 6:1-11)? Do you know that you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ for good works (Eph 2:10)? God has good and wonderful things planned for your life. Do you know that God seated you in the heavenly places with Christ and that one day you will rule with Jesus and even judge angels (Eph 1:3, 1 Cor 6:3)?

The more you comprehend of your eternal destiny, the more you will be pulled out of worldliness and sin. You will be encouraged to offer your body as a living sacrifice unto God, and to pray for your spiritual growth and that of others.

Application Questions: Why is knowing our identity in Christ and what God did for us important for spiritual growth? How can we come to know and live out our identity in Christ? In what ways has learning your identity in Christ helped you to grow in grace, and to be set free from specific sins?

In Order to Mature Spiritually, Believers Must Pray

As Paul considers all that God did for the church, he is prompted to pray for the church’s spiritual maturity. This means that prayer is an essential part of the process of a believer’s spiritual growth. Before Christ went to the cross, he prayed in a similar manner for the church (John 17). He prayed that God would sanctify them by the Word of God, that they would be kept from the evil one, and that they would be united. If we are going to grow spiritually, we must pray for ourselves and for others.

In fact, when considering Paul’s prayers throughout his epistles, we don’t see him pray for the church’s material needs (physical healing, finances, etc.). His prayers focus on the spiritual condition of believers, and this must be our priority as well. This doesn’t mean that we don’t pray for physical healing or material needs, but it does mean that our own spiritual condition and that of others should be our focus.

Also, as we consider Paul’s prayer we learn many characteristics of godly prayer. I say “godly prayer” because it is possible for our prayers to be ungodly. In Matthew 6, Christ warns the disciples not to pray like the Pharisees and pagans because they will not be heard by God (v. 5-8). Such prayer is unacceptable to God.

Observation Questions: What are some characteristics of Paul’s prayer, and thus godly prayer in general? How can we incorporate these characteristics into our own prayer life?

1. Godly prayer is inspired by Scripture.

As already mentioned, Paul’s prayer is informed and inspired by Scripture. As he considers what God does for believers, he is prompted to pray. This should be true for us as well. Scripture and prayer always go together. When a need arose for the Grecian widows to be cared for, the apostles said they could not do it because they had to give themselves to the ministry of the Word of God and prayer (Acts 6:3-4). These two always go together.

Not only should the Word of God inspire and inform our prayer, believers should also consistently pray Scripture. When Christ was dying on the cross for our sins, he prayed two scriptural prayers: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” These were both from the Psalms (22:1, 31:5). While Christ was being murdered on the cross, Scripture not only prompted his prayer— it was his prayer. We should constantly pray the Word of God, especially since it is God’s revealed will.

Application Question: How do you use Scripture in your prayer life?

2. Godly prayer is humble.

While praying, Paul was kneeling. The normal way for Jews to pray was standing up (cf. Mark 11:25).² To pray on one’s knees represented humbling oneself before someone greater (cf. Ps. 95:6) and also intensity or great passion, as seen when Christ fell to the ground while praying in Gethsemane (Mark 14:35-36; cf. 2 Chr 6:13, Ezra 9:5–6). This is how our prayers should be.

One might ask, “Is it possible to pray any other way before God?” Why, certainly. When the Pharisee and the publican prayed before God, the Pharisee’s prayer was prideful. He said, “Thank you, Lord, I am not like this publican. I fast twice a week. I give a tithe of all I own” (Luke 18:11-12). His prayer was prideful and selfish. Selfish prayer says, “I am the focus—not God and not others.”

Christ warns the disciples not to pray loud and long in order to be seen by others (Matt 6:5-8). Many people put on a show for others when they pray, making much “Christian” prayer a charade. In contrast, Christ tells the disciples to go into their closet and pray privately—to be seen only by God.

In fact, we probably get a picture of this with the issue of tongues at the church in Corinth. Many commentators believe that when Paul says a person who prays in a tongue edifies himself and he who prophesies edifies others (1 Cor 14:4), he is referring to people speaking out loud in tongues without interpretation. These people are glorifying themselves instead of thinking about the others who were present. However, Paul commands that everything in church worship be done for the edification of others (1 Cor 14:26). Many Christians are like that—their prayers are meant to be seen and heard by others rather than God. Be careful of prideful prayer.

When we pray, we must remember that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Only those who pray with humility receive grace. This certainly is implied by Paul’s posture, though one can pray in any posture to the Lord.

3. Godly prayer is familial.

Paul says, “from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name” (Eph 3:15). He not only recognizes God as his own Father, but also as the Father of all believers in heaven and on earth. In fact, when Christ taught the Lord’s Prayer, he taught us to pray, “Our Father” (Matt 6:9). The prayer is not individual but familial, as it considers other family members God cares for. When praying, we must remember that we are part of a family. We must constantly remember others in our prayers. This does not mean that we shouldn’t pray for ourselves, but that even these prayers should be offered in consideration of our family.

4. Godly prayer is God-sized.

Paul says, “I pray that out of his glorious riches” (Eph 3:16), using a phrase that can be translated literally as “according to his glorious riches.” This is important. It has been said that if a billionaire donates ten dollars, he gives out of his riches, but if he donates one million, he gives according to his riches. This is Paul’s prayer for believers, that God will strengthen them with power according to his glorious riches. Macdonald adds:

Since the Lord is infinitely rich in glory, let the saints get ready for a deluge! Why should we ask so little of so great a King? When someone asked a tremendous favor of Napoleon it was immediately granted because, said Napoleon, “He honored me by the magnitude of his request.”

Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much.

—John Newton ³

When praying for ourselves or others, we should pray great petitions. We should pray for God to abundantly supply needs, to greatly use others for his kingdom, etc.

Application Questions: What are some other practical principles concerning prayer? What disciplines have you found helpful in your prayer life?

In Order to Mature Spiritually, Believers Must Strengthen Their Inner Being

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians 3:16-17)

The next aspect of Paul’s prayer is that the Ephesians will be strengthened through the Spirit in the inner being. In Ephesians 1, Paul prays for the believers to know God’s great power working in them, the same power that raised Christ from the dead (v. 19-20). But here, he prays for that power to be “turned on”—to strengthen believers. Someone said, “If God took the Holy Spirit out of this world, most of what we Christians are doing would go right on—and nobody would know the difference!” ⁴ Sadly, this is true. Most Christians live without this power, and therefore live ineffective lives.

Application Question: How can we allow the Spirit to strengthen us?

1. Obviously, the Spirit empowers us as we pray.

This is clear from the context of Paul praying for believers to be strengthened. Christ fasted and prayed for forty days, and left the wilderness empowered by the Holy Spirit (Lk 4:1, 14). In Acts 4:29, we read that the early church gathered to pray for God to give them boldness to proclaim the gospel even while under persecution. After they prayed, the building was shaken and they all left filled with the Spirit of God. The Spirit empowers believers when they pray.

Are you living in prayer?

2. The Spirit empowers us as we abide in God’s Word.

Second Timothy 3:17 says Scripture “equips the man of God for all righteousness.” Scripture empowers believers to do the righteous works God called them to do. If we are to be empowered by the Spirit, we must live in the Word of God.

Are you abiding in God’s Word?

3. The Spirit empowers us as we worship.

There is a story in the Old Testament about Jehoshaphat, the king of the Judah, fighting a battle against a nation through worship. Second Chronicles 20:21-22 says:

After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.

Similarly, when Elisha was approached by Jehoshaphat and Ahab about whether to go to war against another nation, he asked for a harpist. The harpist played, and the Spirit of God came upon Elisha to prophecy (2 Kings 3:15). God inhabits the praises of his people (Psalm 22:3, paraphrase) and his Spirit empowers us when we worship. In fact, Paul commands us to “Give thanks in all circumstances for this God’s will for your life. And do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18-19). The implication is that when we worry, complain, and argue instead of giving thanks, we quench the Spirit’s work in our lives. However, when we give thanks and praise to God, he empowers our inner being.

Are you living in worship and thanksgiving, or in bitterness and complaining?

Interpretation Question: What exactly is the inner being?

Wiersbe’s comments are helpful:

This means the spiritual part of man where God dwells and works. The inner man of the lost sinner is dead (Eph. 2:1), but it becomes alive when Christ is invited in. The inner man can see (Ps. 119:18), hear (Matt. 13:9), taste (Ps. 34:8), and feel (Acts 17:27); and he must be “exercised” (1 Tim. 4:7–8). He also must be cleansed (Ps. 51:7) and fed (Matt. 4:4). The outer man is perishing, but the inner man can be renewed spiritually in spite of outward physical decay (2 Cor. 4:16–18). It is this inner power that makes him succeed.⁵

Paul says, “For in my inner being I delight in God’s law” (Rom 7:22). We need to be strengthened in the inner being to desire God’s Word, to conquer sin, and to worship God. If our inner being is weak, we will not desire the things of God. In fact, we will find that we desire worldly things more than the things of God.

Observation Question: What is the result of having one’s inner being strengthened with power?

Paul says that when a believer is strengthened in his inner being, Christ dwells in his heart through faith (Ephesians 3:17). What does this mean?

Doesn’t God indwell every believer? Certainly. In Ephesians 1:1, Paul calls the Ephesians “saints”—meaning that each of them were saved by Christ, set apart for righteousness, and indwelled by him. However, our position is often different from our practice. The Corinthians are also called “saints” in 1 Corinthians 1:2 (KJV), but in 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul calls them “worldly”—mere babes in Christ. They practiced sexual immorality (chapters 5 and 6), were suing one another (chapter 6), and abusing spiritual gifts like tongues (chapter 14), but they were still saints—set apart by God and indwelled by him (1 Cor 6:19).

The word that Paul uses for “dwell” means to “to settle down and feel at home,” in contrast to feeling like visitor.⁶ The reality is that Christ cannot be at home in a believer who is not living an empowered life through the Spirit. When we are not empowered by the Spirit of God, we live as slaves of sin, instead of as free men (cf. 2 Cor 3:17, Romans 6:16). We talk and walk like the world, even though we are not of the world. In a life like that, Christ can never feel at home.

Is Christ at home in your heart? Or is he like a visitor? Is he comfortable with your entertainment and how you spend your free time? Is he comfortable with your thoughts and friendships? Paul says this to the Corinthians:

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by Christ dwelling in the Ephesians’ hearts “through faith”?

When Paul says that Christ will dwell in their hearts through “faith,” he seems to be saying that empowerment by the Spirit creates a life of dependence upon the Lord. Christ says, “I am the vine and you are the branches, he who abides in me will produce much fruit, apart from me you can bear no fruit” (John 15:5, paraphrase).

A life empowered by the Spirit is one that is totally dependent upon God—a life of faith. This believer fears dishonoring God by any compromise or sin, knowing that it will diminish God’s power in his life. He does not want to grieve the Holy Spirit. As a person matures in Christ—living more by faith than in the flesh—he is empowered by the Spirit of God in the inner being. This results in a life where Christ is at home.

Is Christ at home in your life? Or is he like an unhappy visitor—uncomfortable and constantly grieved?

Application Questions: How do you think Christ feels about your life? Consider your thoughts, words, friendships, hobbies, work, etc. How can you make him more at home?

In Order to Mature Spiritually, Believers Must Grow in Love for God and Others

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love (Ephesians 3:17b)

In praying for the Ephesians to be “rooted and established in love,” Paul uses terms from botany and architecture. The root is where a tree or plant gets both its nourishment and its stability. Also, the foundation of a building is the most important part of a structure. If the foundation is off, one cannot continue to build.

Wiersbe’s story about a building program at one of his churches is helpful:

In my second building program, we had to spend several thousand dollars taking soil tests because we were building over an old lake bed. For weeks, the men were laying out and pouring the footings. One day I complained to the architect, and he replied, “Pastor, the most important part of this building is the foundation. If you don’t go deep, you can’t go high.” That sentence has been a sermon to me ever since.⁷

Without a root and foundation of love, a believer cannot grow spiritually, for it is the springboard for spiritual growth. With that said, although Paul does not share who the believer should love, he no doubt refers to love for both God and others (cf. Mk 12:30-31).

Our sinful nature is identified by self-love and love for the things of the world—immature believers are often still identified by these loves. Instead of serving others, they are consumed with themselves. Instead of building God’s kingdom, they are consumed with building their own kingdom. However, when believers start to mature, they start being identified by love for God and others. As they continue to grow, we see more and more acts of love.

In explaining why he and the other apostles serve God, and specifically why they evangelize, Paul says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died” (2 Cor 5:14).

What does he mean by Christ’s love? He probably means that his love for Christ compelled him to witness and serve others. But he also means Christ’s love working through him. Romans 5:5 says, “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.” God gives each believer a divine ability to love, and this love must be the foundation of our spiritual lives if we are to grow.

Application Question: How can believers build a strong foundation for their spiritual lives by growing in love?

1. Believers grow in love by acts of the will.

Paul is referring to agape love, which is not primarily an emotional love; it is an act of the will. This is why we can obey God’s command to love our enemies (Matt 5:44). A believer might not feel pleasant emotions about his enemy, but he can act in love towards him because God commands it. Romans 12:20 says, “If your enemy is hungry, give him something to eat; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.” As an act of the will, we must choose to serve, forgive, and encourage all we encounter—especially believers (Gal 6:10).

Therefore, we grow in love by choosing to selflessly love those around us. Even our love for God is an act of the will. Christ says, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teachings” (John 14:23, paraphrase). He essentially makes love and obedience synonymous. We grow in love by choosing, as an act of the will, to love God and others.

2. Believers grow in love through prayer.

First Thessalonians 3:12 says, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.” As we seek God for grace to love, he enables us by his power. If we lack love for someone, including God himself, let us earnestly pray for God’s grace to love (cf. Matt 7:7-8).

Application Questions: Is there a specific person or group of people that God is calling you to show love towards? How is God calling you to grow through practicing acts of love for him and others?

In Order to Mature Spiritually, Believers Must Grow in Their Understanding of Christ’s Love

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge (Ephesians 3:17b-19)

Paul’s next prayer is for the Ephesians to understand the greatness of Christ’s love. Understanding how much someone loves us is very powerful. For children knowing their parents’ love during their formative years helps protects them from a life of fear, insecurity, and rebellion. Those whose parents aren’t around because of work or other factors often struggle because they don’t perceive themselves as being loved. This is why many of the young men and women in gangs, prison, and drug, alcohol, and sexual addiction come from homes missing one or both parents. Knowing and experiencing our parental love is very important, but more important than that is knowing God’s love.

For this reason, Satan works very hard to make believers doubt the love of God. When Satan attacked Eve, he tempted her to believe that God was keeping the best from her. When Satan tempted Job, he tried to get Job to curse God to his face. Both temptations were essentially aimed at making one doubt the love of God. Just as not knowing one’s parents’ love can damage a child, doubting God’s love will seriously damage a Christian. In fact, such doubting can lead to all types of sin and destruction, as it did with Eve.

Paul does not want believers to just have head knowledge of Christ’s love, but also experiential knowledge. When he prays for them to know “the love of Christ” (v. 18), he is praying for them to continually know and experience this love.

However, as he prays for them to comprehend and experience it, he introduces a paradox. He says, “to know this love that surpasses knowledge” (v. 19). This love is impossible to know fully, but we must continually seek to know it nevertheless. It seems that in heaven, when we are made perfect, we will then be able to fully comprehend it. Paul says this in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” When Christ comes and removes the sin from our bodies, then we will no longer know in part, but we will know him and his love fully.

Interpretation Question: How can we grow in our knowledge of Christ’s love on a daily basis?

Though there are many ways, such as studying God’s Word, prayer, serving, etc., Paul focuses on just one in this text. He says, “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Eph 3:17b-18). It is only together, “with all the saints,” that we can truly comprehend Christ’s love.

Macdonald and Stott’s comments on this provide insight:

Before we consider the dimensions themselves, let us notice the expression, with all the saints. The subject is so great that no one believer can possibly grasp more than a small fraction of it. So there is need to study, discuss, and share with others. The Holy Spirit can use the combined meditations of a group of exercised believers to throw a flood of additional light on the Scriptures.⁸

We shall have power to comprehend these dimensions of Christ’s love, Paul adds, only with all the saints. The isolated Christian can indeed know something of the love of Jesus. But his grasp of it is bound to be limited by his limited experience. It needs the whole people of God to understand the whole love of God, all the saints together, Jews and Gentiles, men and women, young and old, black and white, with all their varied backgrounds and experiences.⁹

Interpretation Question: What is Paul referring to when he talks about the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love for us?

Paul could just be using poetic hyperbole in referring to the vastness and completeness of Christ’s love. However, if he is referring to specific aspects of Christ’s love, they must come from his previous teachings in Ephesians 1 and 2. MacDonald says this:

1. The width is described in 2:11–18. It refers to the wideness of God’s grace in saving Jews and Gentiles, and then incorporating them into the church. The mystery embraces both these segments of humanity.

2. The length extends from eternity to eternity. As to the past, believers were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (1:4). As to the future, eternity will be a perpetual unfolding of the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus (2:7).

3. The depth is vividly portrayed in 2:1–3. We were sunk in a pit of unspeakable sin and degradation. Christ came to this jungle of filth and corruption in order to die in our behalf.

4. The height is seen in 2:6, where we have not only been raised up with Christ, but enthroned in Him in the heavenlies to share His glory. These are the dimensions, then, of immensity and, indeed, infinity.¹⁰

We must continually endeavor to know Christ’s love not just intellectually, but also experientially, and this happens through our fellowship and struggles with his people—the body of Christ. Though imperfect, they are necessary participants in our sanctification, and our ability to know Christ and his love.

Application Questions: Share a time where your awareness of Christ’s love for you grew in a special way. In what ways have you experienced or come to know Christ’s love for you through other believers?

In Order to Mature Spiritually, Believers Must Be Fully Controlled by God

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:19b)

The next step in the believer’s path to spiritual maturity is being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. It seems that it is better to translate this as “unto the fullness of God.” Commentator F.F. Bruce says this: “The preposition ‘unto’ suggests a progressive experience. The believer is to pray for God to constantly fill him, to constantly flood him with all the fullness of God.”¹¹

Being filled with God is to be the constant experience of believers. Now of course, this seems impossible. How can a believer be filled with the fullness of God? If the heavens cannot contain him, how can we?

Interpretation Question: What does it mean to be filled with the fullness of God?

MacDonald’s book says this: “We can use illustrations to throw light on this verse, for example, the thimble dipped in the ocean is filled with water, but how little of the ocean is in the thimble!”¹²

Certainly, all of God cannot fill us, but we can nevertheless be full of him. Being full of God means:

1. The believer must be less full of himself.

If a glass is half full already, it can only be half filled with something else. This is a continual problem in our relationship with God. It is not really that we need more of him, but that we need less of ourselves. We need less pride, selfish ambition, lust, anger, etc. Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ, I no longer live, but Christ in me” (Gal 2:20a, paraphrase). For Paul this was not just a positional experience on the cross, it was a daily practical experience. He gave up his career, religion, family, and everything else, counting them “rubbish” to gain Christ (cf. Phil 3:7-8).

What is keeping God from filling you completely?

2. The believer must be fully controlled by God.

MacArthur’s comments on the word “full” are helpful:

Plēroō means to make full, or fill to the full, and is used many times in the New Testament. It speaks of total dominance. A person filled with rage is totally dominated by hatred. A person filled with happiness is totally dominated by joy. To be filled up to all the fulness of God therefore means to be totally dominated by Him, with nothing left of self or any part of the old man. By definition, then, to be filled with God is to be emptied of self. It is not to have much of God and little of self, but all of God and none of self. This is a recurring theme in Ephesians. Here Paul talks about the fulness of God; in 4:13 it is “the fulness of Christ”; and in 5:18 it is the fulness of the Spirit.¹³

It should be our daily aspiration to crucify self and exalt Christ in our lives. It should be our daily endeavor to allow God to control our speech, our thoughts, our actions, and our relationships.

Certainly, we accomplish this by renouncing all sin in our lives, filling ourselves with God’s Word, submitting to him, and obeying him. As we do this, God fills and controls us. Similarly, Ephesians 5:18 says, “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Like an alcoholic constantly sipping to become intoxicated and therefore controlled by wine, we must constantly drink from God’s Word, prayer, worship, fellowship, and serving so God can completely fill and control us.

Are you daily seeking for God to fill and control you?

Application Questions: Why is it necessary for believers to be continually filled by God? How are you daily seeking his filling?

In Order to Mature Spiritually, Believers Must Have Faith in God

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

No doubt, some might have scoffed at the idea of being totally filled and controlled by God. I often counsel young believers who feel that God’s biblical standards are too high, and therefore impossible to meet. Here, Paul’s doxology was meant to help the Ephesians believe that God could establish their root and foundation in love, and enable them to live lives where Christ was at home in their hearts. God could enable them to comprehend the depth, the height, the width, and the length of Christ’s love for them, and ultimately, God could fill and control their lives and use them for great things. Paul wanted them to believe this.

He says, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (v. 20). Essentially, he is saying that God is able. His power is at work in believers to do greater things than they could ever ask or imagine. When David was the least in his household, caring for sheep, he probably never imagined that God would make him king of Israel and bring the messiah through his lineage. When Joseph saw his father and brothers bowing down before him in a dream, he probably never imagined being second in command over Egypt, and saving many lives. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is working in us. However, we must have faith to access it.

In Paul’s doxology, he tried to stretch the Ephesians’ faith to help them believe that God could not only mature them, but also use them greatly for his kingdom. He says this in Ephesians 1:18-19a:

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

This incomparably great power is working in all who believe. Certainly, it is available to every believer, but it is only applied to those who have faith. Christ says that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we’ll be able to move mountains (Matt 17:20).

God raises mountain movers. He raises Noahs, Moseses, Pauls, and Peters to build his kingdom. And why does he do this?

He does this for his glory—that glory will go to him through the church and Christ for all generations forever and ever (Eph 3:21). God raises mountain movers for his eternal glory!

The following comment by MacArthur provides an encouraging conclusion to this discussion:

When the Holy Spirit has empowered us, Christ has indwelt us, love has mastered us, and God has filled us with His own fullness, then He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think. Until those conditions are met, God’s working in us is limited. When they are met, His working in us is unlimited. “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it” (John 14:12–14). There is no situation in which the Lord cannot use us, provided we are submitted to Him.¹⁴

Application Questions: Why is faith so necessary for God to move in our lives? How can we grow in faith?

Conclusion

What are steps to becoming spiritually mature?

Believers must know their identity in Christ.
Believers must pray.
Believers must strengthen their inner being.
Believers must grow in love for God and others.
Believers must grow in their understanding of Christ’s love.
Believers must be fully controlled by God.
Believers must have faith in God.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 100). Chicago: Moody Press.

² Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 114). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

³ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1929). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁴ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 31–32). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁵ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 32). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁶ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 32). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁷ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 32). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁸ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1930). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁹ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 137). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

¹⁰ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1931). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

¹¹ Teacher's Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher's Outline and Study Bible – Ephesians: The Teacher's Outline and Study Bible.

¹² MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1931). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

¹³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (pp. 111–112). Chicago: Moody Press.

¹⁴ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (pp. 112–113). Chicago: Moody Press.

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12. How to Live a Life Worthy of Christ’s Calling

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As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1-6)

How can we live a life worthy of Christ’s calling?

When Jesus saved us, he didn’t just save us for heaven. He saved us to live for him, to do works in his name, to rule with him, and many other things. Much of the teaching in the first half of Ephesians is about our calling. We were elected and predestined before time, redeemed, and forgiven. We were dead in our transgressions and sins, but now, we have been raised and seated with Christ in heavenly places.

How can we live in a manner worthy of all Christ did for us? In Ephesians 4:1, “live” can actually be translated “walk,” as in the NASB. “Walk is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to daily conduct, day–by–day living.”¹ The Teacher’s Outline and Study Bible says this:

Walking requires us to be consistent. When we were born, walking was not an immediate skill we performed. It was something that had to be learned. The same is true in the spiritual realm. Walking with God is a practical skill that takes time to learn. And once you learn to walk as a Christian, you have a lifetime to practice and keep in top form.²

Christians must daily strive to walk worthy of their calling. John MacArthur’s comments are helpful in understanding the word “worthy.”

Axios (worthy) has the root meaning of balancing the scales—what is on one side of the scale should be equal in weight to what is on the other side. By extension, the word came to be applied to anything that was expected to correspond to something else. A person worthy of his pay was one whose day’s work corresponded to his day’s wages. The believer who walks in a manner worthy of the calling with which he has been called is one whose daily living corresponds to his high position as a child of God and fellow heir with Jesus Christ. His practical living matches his spiritual position.³

In addition, the root of the English word “worthy” is “worth”—how much something costs or is valued. The implication of Paul’s urging is that some, if not most, of the Christians in Ephesus were not living in a worthy manner. Throughout the rest of Ephesians, he addresses, in a deeper manner, how to do so. He addresses the believers’ speech, relationships, marriage, work, and even spiritual warfare. The first three chapters of the book are primarily doctrinal, while the last three are practical.

In this passage, we consider the steps of a worthy Christian walk.

Big Questions: In what ways does Paul challenge the Ephesians to walk in a manner worthy of Christ’s calling, and how can we apply these challenges to our lives?

Step One: We Must Continually Seek to Understand Our Calling

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Ephesians 4:1)

Implied in walking in a manner worthy of our calling is the fact that we must understand our calling. The NASB version translates verse 1 as, “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” The word “Therefore” tells the reader that what lies ahead is based on things previously taught. As mentioned, in chapters 1-3 Paul teaches deep doctrines, including the believer’s election, predestination, redemption, and spiritual resurrection. Essentially, he teaches believers about their high calling so they can live lives worthy of it.

This is what it means to be a Christian—to find out who we are in Christ, and to live out this truth daily. This is often called our “general calling”—how God calls all Christians to live. Many Christians don’t live worthy of their calling because they don’t know or understand it—they don’t know what Christ did for them, or how he calls them to live in light of what he did.

Christ’s calling for our lives is both general (as we obey the clear teachings of Scriptures) and specific. Paul was called to be an apostle. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet. David was called to be Israel’s king. In the same way, Christ has a special calling on our lives.

Application Question: How can we learn more about our general and specific callings so we can walk worthy of them?

1. Believers must study the Word of God to understand their general calling.

A believer that does not live in the Word of God cannot live worthy of Christ’s calling. Paul teaches that the Word of God “equips the man of God for all righteousness” (2 Tim 3:17). This includes how to be a righteous child, spouse, parent, student, teacher, employee, or employer. If it is righteous, Scripture teaches us about it. This is called the “sufficiency of Scripture.” God’s Word both equips us for salvation and teaches us how to live righteously— the general calling of all believers. The more we understand Scripture, as applied to various situations, the more we can fulfill our general calling.

2. Believers must be intimate with God to know their specific calling.

Part of our calling includes specific things God has for us to complete. We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:10). In order to know our specific calling, we must be intimate with God so we can hear his voice. Psalm 25:14 says, “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.” Those who are intimate with God hear his voice and can better discern his specific call on their lives.

Are you being intimate with God? Are you living in his Word and prayer? In order to walk in a manner worthy of Christ’s calling, we must know our call.

Application Questions: Why is doctrine so important to Christian living? What aspects of your calling and identity in Christ have really transformed the way you live? In what ways has God revealed aspects of your specific calling through your walk with him?

Step Two: We Must Be Willing to Suffer for Christ

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Ephesians 4:1)

No doubt when Paul mentioned his imprisonment for the Lord, he was challenging the Ephesians to walk worthy of their calling by being willing to suffer for Christ. Persecution of Christians was widespread in the early church. They were being shunned, beaten, imprisoned, and burned at the stake, and we can be sure that some fell away from the faith because of it.

As Paul writes from prison, he essentially tells them, “It is worth it!” In fact, Christ teaches that being willing to suffer is necessary for discipleship. In Matthew 10:34-38, he says,

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Christ says that following him separates children from parents, daughters-in-law from mothers-in-law. Sadly, many Christians have lost family members over their faith. But Christ doesn’t stop there, he says that anyone who loves family more than him and does not take up their cross is not “worthy” of him. The cross in those days was a form of execution. When Christ says to take the cross, he is referring to any type of suffering that comes while walking with him, including death.

When Paul calls himself a “prisoner for the Lord,” he reminds these believers that willingness to suffer for Christ is part of their calling. Anybody who is unwilling is not worthy of Christ.

This should especially challenge Christians in societies where persecution is not explicitly overt. However, we must also recognize that overt persecution is growing very quickly. If you hold biblical views, you will be considered strange, hated, discriminated against, and harmed physically. Christians must be aware of this. In Matthew 24:9, Jesus says that Christians will be hated by all nations because of him. Since Christ’s death and resurrection, around 43 million Christians have died for the faith.⁴ It is estimated that approximately 400 Christians die daily for the faith.⁵

Again, if we are going to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, we must willingly suffer for Christ. Christ says this in Matthew 5:10-12:

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Suffering for righteousness is a litmus test for our salvation—it proves we are part of the kingdom of heaven. But also, if we suffer for Christ, great is our reward in heaven. Let that encourage us, as we walk worthy of our calling in the face of persecution.

Application Questions: In what ways is persecution of Christians increasing around the world? How can we walk faithfully even in the midst of persecution? In what ways have you experienced persecution for your faith?

Step Three: We Must Practice Godly Character

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

Observation Question: What character traits does Paul call for the Ephesians to cultivate, and what do they look like in the life of a believer?

In order to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, we must practice godly character. Paul calls for the Ephesians to practice humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance in love. We will look at each one separately.

1. Believers must practice humility.

Paul calls for the Ephesians to be completely humble. What exactly is humility? William MacDonald and John MacArthur offer helpful insights:

Lowliness—a genuine humility that comes from association with the Lord Jesus. Lowliness makes us conscious of our own nothingness and enables us to esteem others better than ourselves. It is the opposite of conceit and arrogance…⁶

Tapeinophrosunē (humility) is a compound word that literally means to think or judge with lowliness, and hence to have lowliness of mind. John Wesley observed that “neither the Romans nor the Greeks had a word for humility.” The very concept was so foreign and abhorrent to their way of thinking that they had no term to describe it. Apparently this Greek term was coined by Christians, probably by Paul himself, to describe a quality for which no other word was available. …When, during the first several centuries of Christianity, pagan writers borrowed the term tapeinophrosunē, they always used it derogatorily—frequently of Christians—because to them humility was a pitiable weakness.⁷

The reason a believer can have lowliness of mind is because he judges himself in view of God and not men. Paul, though possibly the greatest Christian to ever live, calls himself the chief of sinners (1 Tim 1:15), the least of all God’s people (Eph 3:8), and the last of all the apostles (1 Cor 15:9). This type of mindset is developed as a believer constantly lives in the presence of God, and therefore compares himself to God. This creates a lowliness of mind. He knows that he is nothing apart from God, and that he falls far short of God’s glory. This leaves no room for boasting or for criticizing others. It is not that the person with lowliness of mind thinks less of himself; he just thinks less about himself. He continually thinks of God and others first.

However, the prideful person is the opposite. He refuses to live in the presence of God or to view himself in comparison to God. Rather, he compares himself to others, further cultivating the pride that is already in his heart. He is full of selfish ambition—a desire to exalt himself. But God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). In fact, God disciplines the proud so that he may become humble.

Are you completely humble? Let your words and thoughts always represent this reality, and if they do not, repent. Repent daily before God and ask for his grace so you may become completely humble, like Christ. Consider Philippians 2:6-9:

When Christ humbled himself, he did not become something he was not. Our God has always been humble. The incarnation only fully displayed this humility. That is why it is sinful for us to be prideful. How can we be prideful when God is not? We serve a humble God who became man and died for the sins of the world.

Are you walking worthy of your calling by being completely humble in word, thought, and appearance? Scripture says that God even hates a “proud look” (Prov 6:17, KJV).

If we are going to walk worthy of our calling, we must be completely humble. Let not a trace of pride be found in our lives.

2. Believers must practice gentleness.

This is one of the harder Greek words to translate. It is often translated as “meekness”, “humility,” or “gentleness.” Gentleness is the “attitude that submits to God’s dealings without rebellion, and to man’s unkindness without retaliation.”⁸

Christ uses this word of himself in Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Our Savior is gentle.

“Meekness” or “gentleness” in contemporary English is often associated with weakness, but it should not be. “In the Greek language, this word was used for a soothing medicine, a colt that had been broken, and a soft wind. In each case there is power, but that power is under control.”⁹

As mentioned, this character trait is clearly demonstrated in our Lord. Jesus used a whip and turned over tables in the temple because the people were being cheated and God’s house dishonored (John 2). However, when mocked and put on a cross, Christ was like a lamb to the slaughter. He was gentle in response to injustice done to him. But when it came to injustice done to others and God, Christ was like a lion.

The gentle person keeps his power under control. Instead of blowing up at the smallest problem, he is gentle and forgiving. This is clearly displayed in the life of David, who was a type of Christ. Very much a warrior, David killed a bear and a lion, slaughtered Goliath, and defeated armies. But when King Saul tried to kill him and David was presented with opportunities to slay his royal enemy, his response was, “I will not touch God’s anointed” (1 Sam 24:6, paraphrase). When mocked by Shimei after losing the kingdom to his son Absalom, David simply said, “Let him mock. Maybe God will see his mocking and repay me with good for the cursing I received today” (2 Sam 16:11-12, paraphrase). David was gentle and meek. His power was under control so he could use it to honor God and build God’s kingdom.

In contrast, Scripture says a man who cannot control his temper is like a city with broken walls (Prov 25:28). He is always open to attack, which ultimately leads to his destruction. Such is the fate of a man who does not have his power under control.

Are you meek? How do you respond when others mistreat you? How do you respond when God and others are dishonored? Lord, give us the meekness of your Son!

3. Believers must practice patience.

The word “patience” can be translated “longsuffering” (KJV). It means the ability to suffer long under difficult circumstances or relationships. Scripture says that Christ was “a man of sorrows” (Is 53:3). He bore great pain and suffering, and those who follow him must be prepared to do the same. Trials are one of the ways that God matures us (cf. James 1:2-4). As we wait on God in our trials, we begin to see our weaknesses and learn to trust him more.

The implication of patience characterizing a worthy walk is that complaining, bitterness, anger, and self-pity are unworthy of our calling. Philippians 2:14-15 says, “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”

When Paul says we “become blameless and pure, children of God” because we don’t complain or argue, he is not saying that this is what saves us. Rather, he is saying that displaying characteristics of God’s children manifests our true identity to others.

With that said, be careful about complaining and arguing. Discipline awaits those who cultivate such character in their lives (cf. 1 Cor 10:10). It is not fitting for a child of God.

How do we develop patience? We must develop our trust in God. The reason we complain and get upset is because we don’t trust God as we should. We don’t trust him in our trials or when dealing with difficult people. Trust, or faith, comes by hearing and obeying the Word of God (cf. Rom 10:17) and also by continually experiencing his faithfulness. The more we trust God, the more patient we become.

4. Believers must practice forbearance in love.

The final character trait Paul says we must develop is forbearance in love. MacDonald’s comments are helpful:

Bearing with one another in love—that is, making allowance for the faults and failures of others, or differing personalities, abilities, and temperaments. And it is not a question of maintaining a façade of courtesy while inwardly seething with resentment. It means positive love to those who irritate, disturb, or embarrass.¹⁰

Do you love people who irritate, disturb, or embarrass you? First Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Again, humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance in love mark a walk that is worthy of the Lord, but pride, arrogance, impatience, and acting out of selfish anger are unworthy of Christ’s calling.

Application Questions: Which character trait do you struggle with most out of the four Paul presents? How is God calling you to cultivate it so you can live in a manner worthy of Christ’s calling?

Step Four: We Must Labor for Unity in the Church

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:3-6)

Next, Paul says to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The fact that he calls the Ephesians “to keep” the unity of the Spirit implies that the Spirit had already given unity—they just needed to maintain it. The unity of the Spirit is not something man-made; it is something given by God. Christ prayed for this unity right before going to the (John 17:20-21):

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Christ prayed for God to make the disciples one, and also that they would be “in” the Godhead. God granted Christ’s prayer through the baptism of the Spirit. However, sadly, this has become a divisive doctrine in the church. Some believe it is a second work of the Spirit after salvation, where believers speak in tongues and are empowered to serve God. Those who believe this teach that all Christians should seek this experience. However, Paul teaches that every believer experiences the baptism of the Spirit at salvation, and it doesn’t have to be sought. First Corinthians 12:13 says, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

Instead of creating two separate types of Christians—Spirit baptized and non-Spirit baptized—the baptism of the Spirit creates the complete opposite. It makes all Christians members of one body in Christ. Paul stresses this throughout Ephesians—believing Jews and Gentiles are no longer separate, but one in Christ (2:11-15, 3:6).

Many seek to create a superficial unity by imposing uniformity. They require all to worship, pray, dress, or give in a certain way. However, unity and uniformity are not necessarily the same. In fact, the metaphor of the body tells us there will be great diversity in the church. A physical body, though one, is made up of feet, eyes, a chest, and legs. Similarly, in a local church body, there will be different cultures, customs, view-points, and gifts. The Corinthian church was noted for not lacking any spiritual gifts (1 Cor 1:7) such as tongues and prophecy, but none of the other NT churches were noted for that. God made each church different, and he made each believer different. We should celebrate this diversity because it glorifies God.

Paul does not tell us to create unity, but he does challenge us to “make every effort” to keep it.

Application Question: How should we “make every effort” to keep the peace?

1. We make every effort by seeking to resolve conflict speedily.

“‘Make every effort’ comes from a root word which means to make haste, and thus gives the idea of zealous effort and diligence.”¹¹ Paul says this later in Ephesians 4:26, “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Paul says that if we are angry with somebody, we should make it right before the sun goes down. In other words, “Make haste!” The enemy wants to use that door to attack us and others, so we need to close it quickly.

2. We make every effort by doing as much as possible to resolve conflict.

“Make every effort in the Greek is emphatic. It can also be translated ‘spare no effort’ (NEB).”¹² Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” In sparing no effort, we forgive those who hurt us and reach out to those who are angry at us, but we also labor to help others reconcile. Paul says this to a member of the Philippian church in Philippians 4:3: “Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” In sparing no effort, we must do the same.

3. We make every effort by persevering and not giving up.

“Make every effort” is a “present participle, it is a call for continuous, diligent activity.”¹³ In churches or families where there is deep-seated conflict, we must not cease to pray, love, forgive, and pursue reconciliation. Christ says that if somebody hurts us seventy-seven times, we must still forgive (Matt 18:22). In making every effort, we must not give up. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” God will bring the harvest in his timing if we persevere.

4. We make every effort by focusing on our God-given commonalities.

Typically, when division arises, it is partially because people focus on their differences instead of their commonalities. Like one trained in modern day conflict resolution, Paul calls for the Ephesians to focus on their spiritual commonalities. In Ephesians 4:4-6, he notes seven that all believers share: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Many scholars believe this was an early church confessional hymn.¹⁴

Observation Question: What are the seven spiritual commonalities Paul mentions in Ephesians 4:4-6?

Believers are one in Christ’s body.

Again, this refers to how the baptism of the Spirit made all believers—Jew, Gentile, male, female, slave, and free—one man in Christ. We are one in Christ’s body, so we should labor for unity.

Believers have one Spirit.

It is God’s Spirit who indwells believers (1 Cor 6:19), unifies them (1 Cor 12:13), and empowers them to perform Christ’s ministry on earth (Acts 1:8). Only believers drink daily from the Spirit—this should encourage us to preserve the unity he gave us.

Believers have one hope.

This hope refers to Christ’s second coming and all that awaits the believer at his coming—the bodily resurrection, freedom from sin, ruling with Christ, and much, much more. First John 3:2-3 says,

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

While the world’s hope is earthly, ours is heavenly—we hope in Christ and his coming. This commonality should encourage us to work for unity.

Believers have one Lord.

This refers to Christ, our Master. First Corinthians 8:6 says, “yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” While those in the world follow their own desires and the desires of others, and worship false gods, we follow Christ.

Certainly, having the same Master should cause us to agree in the Lord (Phil 4:2).

Believers have one faith.

This refers to the body of doctrine passed down to us in Scripture. Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints.” We must contend for the truth and faithfully pass it on. Paul says this to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:13-14:

What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

It is this body of doctrine that teaches our unity and calls for us to preserve it.

Believers have one baptism.

This could mean either the baptism of the Spirit by which we become members of the body of Christ, or water baptism as a person confesses his identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (cf. Rom 6:4). It is essentially the believer’s wedding ceremony, as he publicly professes the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19).

Believers have one God and Father of all.

The Believer’s Bible Commentary adds:

Above all—He is the supreme Sovereign of the universe. Through all—He acts through all, using everything to accomplish His purposes. In you all—He dwells in all believers, and is present in all places at one and the same time.¹⁵

In considering all our commonalities as believers, let us make every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit.

How else should we make every effort to preserve this unity, as laid out in Ephesians 4:3-6?

5. Believers make every effort by not compromising foundational truths.

An implication of Paul’s focus on these seven spiritual commonalities is the need to maintain the basic foundational truths of Christianity. Paul is not promoting unity at any cost, but rather unity based on truth and righteousness. When someone teaches a different Lord other than Jesus Christ, he is not a Christian and should not be accepted as such. The apostle John says, “But every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world” (I John 4:3).

Similarly, in Galatians 1:9 Paul calls for anyone who teaches another gospel to be accursed. Some think we should seek unity by all means necessary. However, this is incorrect. If professed believers teach a different Lord, a different God, or a different gospel, we should not unite with them. In fact, this is not only true when a professed believer teaches heresy verbally, but also when he teaches it by ungodly living. First Corinthians 5:11-13 says,

But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”

There can be no unity where foundational doctrinal truths or the practical righteousness resulting from them are compromised. This requires wisdom and discernment. It has commonly been said, “In essentials, unity. In doubtful questions, liberty. In all things, charity.”¹⁶

Application Questions: In what ways have you experienced disunity in the body of Christ? How is God calling you to labor for unity? When should believers separate from a local church or from individual believers?

Conclusion

How can we live a life worthy of our calling in Christ? What steps must we take?

Step One: We must continually seek to understand our calling.
Step Two: We must be willing to suffer for Christ.
Step Three: We must practice godly character.
Step Four: We must labor for unity in the Church.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 119). Chicago: Moody Press.

² Teacher's Outline and Study Bible - Commentary - Teacher's Outline and Study Bible – Ephesians: The Teacher's Outline and Study Bible.

³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 119). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁴ Accessed 1/16/16 from http://www.christiansincrisis.net/

⁵ Accessed 1/16/16 from http://www.charismamag.com/spirit/spiritual-growth/14683-10-basic-blessings-you-should-be-thankful-for

⁶ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1932). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁷ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 120). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁸ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1932). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁹ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 35). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

¹⁰ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (pp. 1932–1933). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

¹¹ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 125). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

¹² Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (pp. 153–154). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

¹³ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (pp. 153–154). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

¹⁴ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 124). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

¹⁵ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1933). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

¹⁶ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1933). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

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13. God’s Plan to Build the Church

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But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:7-16 )

What is God’s plan to build the church?

“Church growth” is a big movement in Christianity. Some, using secular thinking, teach that you cannot grow a heterogeneous church—one with different ethnic and socio-economic groups—because people don’t like to cross those boundaries. Others focus on business principles—you need a coffee shop, and a relaxing and inviting atmosphere where people’s “felt needs” are met. In fact, I read one book on church growth that said in order for a church to grow the service must last no longer than an hour. The logic is that people don’t want to worship for more than an hour—fix your service around what people want, and your church will grow. Clearly, most principles guiding church growth initiatives today are secular instead of spiritual.

But, what is God’s plan for church growth? Christ says in Matthew 16:18, “On this rock, I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Christ is building his church, and we need to find out how he is building it so we can partner with him. When we build on secular principles, we get what man can build—a secular church that won’t last (cf. Ps 127:1). But if we build according to Christ’s principles, we get what God can build—a church that the gates of hades will not prevail against.

In Ephesians 4:7-16, Paul teaches specifics about God’s plan to build his church so we can get involved and do our part—but also so that we don’t build according to any lesser plan.

Big Questions: What is God’s plan to build his church, as seen in Ephesians 4:7-16, and how can we apply this to our lives and to our local churches?

God Builds His Church through Gifting Believers

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” (Ephesians 4:7-8)

When Paul says “But,” it is not just a conjunction; it is meant to be adversative. It can be translated “In spite of that” or “On the other hand.” He is contrasting the previous teaching of making every effort to keep the unity of the church because there is one body, one Lord, and one Spirit (v. 4-6) with what he is about to say.¹ Essentially, he says that though it is Christ’s will for the church to be unified, it is also his will for it to be diverse. Each believer receives a different grace from Christ.

In this context, “grace” means “the ability to perform the task God has called us to.”² Paul describes this grace as “gifts,” saying, “‘When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.’” He pictures Christ as a conquering king, distributing booty to his followers. This is similar to what Paul teaches in Romans 12:6-8:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

When Christ ascended to heaven—conquering death, sin, and Satan in his resurrection—he distributed gifts of grace to his people. Now, it must be understood that spiritual gifts are not the same as talents. Talents are natural gifts received at birth. However, spiritual gifts are received at spiritual birth or sometime later, as Christ through the Spirit distributes them (cf. 1 Cor 12:7).

There is some controversy over this, as some believe people only receive spiritual gifts at salvation. However, several passages seem to indicate otherwise. In 1 Corinthians 12:31, Paul calls believers to “eagerly desire the greater gifts.” This statement wouldn’t make sense if there were no opportunity to receive greater gifts. Also, Paul exhorts Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2 Timothy 1:6). It seems clear that Timothy received another spiritual gift after salvation. Therefore, I believe it is good to both desire and pray for spiritual gifts.

God gifts believers to serve and build up the church. First Corinthians 12:7 says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” In Ephesians 4:16, Paul adds, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” As each person uses his specific gifts, the church grows.

Interpretation Question: What are these spiritual gifts?

The five lists of spiritual gifts in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:28-30, Romans 12:6-8, 1 Peter 4:10-11, and Ephesians 4:11 contain around 20 gifts, depending on how you interpret and count them. They include teaching, administration, mercy, exhortation, helps, tongues, faith, miracles, and giving, among others. However, it is clear that the authors do not mean these lists to be exhaustive. In fact, we see other gifts mentioned in the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul talks about the gifts of singleness and marriage. In Exodus 31, Bezalel was gifted by God with craftsmanship in order to build the tabernacle. For this reason, many believe there could be numerous gifts not mentioned specifically in the Bible such as intercession, casting out demons, and leading worship. As we find our gifts and use them to build the body of Christ, the church grows. God empowers us with grace—unmerited favor—to build his church. This is his plan.

Application Question: How do we find our spiritual gifts?

Because spiritual gifts are given to build the body of Christ, we find them by getting involved and serving. As we serve, it becomes clear what our gifts are. Here are two tests to determine them. First Corinthians 14:4 says, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” I think we discern two characteristics of spiritual gifts from this verse. (1) They typically edify the person using them, even as a person speaking in tongues edifies himself. As one uses his gift of teaching, he will grow in faith and come to know God better. As he uses his gift of mercy—listening and ministering to the hurting—he himself will be built up. (2) And of course, using these gifts will build others up, as prophecy was said to edify the church.

Therefore, if you think you have the gift of teaching and as you teach you feel edified, good! But if nobody else is edified or encouraged by your teaching, it may not be your gift. Typically, spiritual gifts edify both the user and the receiver. One exception might be the gift of tongues. When a person uses this gift, it only builds him up unless it is interpreted. That is why Paul places tongues last in the list in 1 Corinthians 12:28. He implies that it is the least important gift.

So how do you find your gifts? Find a way to serve the church. While serving, you will find out what edifies you and others and what doesn’t. You will find out which gifts you have and which ones you don’t have. And as you continue to use your gifts, they will get stronger. Paul tells Timothy not to neglect his gift, but rather to stir it into flame (cf. 1 Tim 4:14, 2 Tim 1:6). We are all responsible for developing our gifts to their fullest potential for the kingdom of God.

Application Questions: What are your spiritual gifts? In what ways has God called you to develop and use them?

God Builds His Church through the Ascended Christ’s Authority and Rule

This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) (Ephesians 4:8-10)

When Paul refers to Christ ascending on high, this is not just a change of location, but also a change of position. Ascending on high represents Christ’s authority in heaven at the right of hand of God, which Paul previously referred to in Ephesians 1:19-21:

Since Christ’s ascension, he rules the universe as king, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion. And one day, he will rule it not only positionally, but actually—at his second coming. And this current rule and authority play a part in God’s plan to build his church. In fact, Christ said this before his ascension in Matthew 28:18-20:

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

When believers evangelize, serve, and build God’s church, they are working through the authority of the ascended Christ. God has given us the power and authority of Christ, which is why Paul teaches that we are seated in heavenly places with Christ (Eph 2:6). He is referring to Christ’s authority, and our authority in him. And one day we will, along with Christ, even judge angels at the second coming (1 Cor 6:3).

In Ephesians 4:8-10, Paul describes how this authority to rule and distribute gifts was secured by Christ. As mentioned, in the passage about Christ ascending on high, leading captives in his train and giving gifts to men, he pictures Christ as a conquering king parading through the city and distributing booty. Paul quotes Psalm 68:18. In this psalm, David depicts God “as marching in triumph before all Israel after the Exodus.”³ God not only conquered Egypt for Israel, but also the nations who attacked them in the wilderness.

However, as we compare the Old Testament passage with Paul’s quotation, there is a slight difference. Psalm 68:18 says that God “received” gifts from men instead of giving them—this may refer to Egypt giving gifts to Israel as they left for the wilderness. Therefore, Psalm 68 is not a prophecy about Christ. Rather, Paul is making a “general allusion to the passage for the sake of analogy.”⁴ He is showing Christ as the victorious one through his death, resurrection, and ascension, even as God was victorious over Egypt and other nations. Christ conquered sin, death, and Satan in his ascension, and he distributed spiritual gifts to his people, even as God conquered nations and gave gifts to Israel.

Interpretation Question: Who were the slaves in Christ’s victory parade?

Conquering kings (or generals) commonly brought back captured enemies as slaves, which might picture Christ making a public spectacle of Satan and his demons. Colossians 2:15 says, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Conquering kings also commonly recaptured their own soldiers who were previously prisoners and brought them back to their cities in victory parades.⁵ The captives in Christ’s victory parade also probably picture believers who were previously slaves to Satan, but now are free in Christ.

Interpretation Question: What is Paul referring to when he says Christ descended to “the lower, earthly regions”?

There are at least three different views on this.

1. The reformers believed it referred to the incarnation.⁶ When Christ descended, he left heaven and came to earth as a man to die for the sins of the world. But, at his resurrection, he ascended to heaven to rule. Support for this may be found in John 3:13, which says, “No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man” (ESV).

2. The early church fathers believed it referred to Christ going to hades during his three days in the grave.⁷ Support for this is found in 1 Peter 3:18-19, a controversial passage:

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison

They believed that during Christ’s time in the grave, he went to hades—the abode of the dead—and proclaimed his victory over the devil (cf. Col 2:15). Support for this is found in Christ saying he would spend three days in the “heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40), as the heart of something typically refers to the center. Further support is seen in Christ telling the thief on the cross that on that same day he would be with him in paradise (Luke 23:43).

Hades, or sheol, had two compartments. One was paradise (i.e. Abraham’s Bosom), where the righteous dwelled, and across from it was a place of torment. In the Old Testament, the righteous did not dwell in heaven but in paradise—across from the damned. In fact, communication took place between the two places, as seen by the rich man communicating with Abraham about Lazarus in Christ’s story in Luke 16:19-31. Some scholars believe this was a parable—meant to share a specific point—and that one can’t accept all the details (such as the righteous dwelling in sheol). However, this story doesn’t read like a parable. Typically, the people in parables aren’t named; Lazarus was most likely a real person, just like Abraham.

In the New Testament, it is clear that believers now live in heaven. In 2 Corinthians 12:2 and 4, Paul equates paradise with the third heaven. He also teaches that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8), who is in heaven. The question then becomes, “When did paradise, and therefore the righteous, move to heaven?”

Many believe Paul is alluding to this in his conquering king illustration. They say that when Christ descended to the lower part of the earth—hades—to declare victory over the enemy, he took paradise and its inhabitants, the Old Testament faithful, back to heaven to be with him.

John MacArthur says this about the early church’s understanding of this doctrine:

Early church dogma taught that the righteous dead of the Old Testament could not be taken into the fullness of God’s presence until Christ had purchased their redemption on the cross, and that they had waited in this place for His victory on that day. Figuratively speaking, the early church Fathers said that, after announcing His triumph over demons in one part of Sheol, He then opened the doors of another part of Sheol to release those godly captives. Like the victorious kings of old, He recaptured the captives and liberated them, and henceforth they would live in heaven as eternally free sons of God.⁸

3. Others believe it refers generally to Christ’s ultimate humiliation in his death.⁹

They say that Paul is simply referring to Christ’s ultimate humiliation on the cross, as taught in Philippians 2:6-11:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Christ descended to the depths of the earth in his death. Humbling himself and becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross—was the ultimate descent of Christ. There he bore hell itself, enduring God’s wrath for our sins. And because of this humiliation, God exalted him and gave him a name higher than any other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow in heaven and on earth. And all will call him “Lord.”

Whatever view (or compilation of views) we take, Paul’s point is that Christ’s descent led to his victory. God exalted his victorious Son above every power and principality in heaven and on earth, and this enables him, as the conquering King, to give gifts to believers.

Application Question: How should believers apply the reality of Christ’s authority over the universe and his ultimate rule?

1. Believers must remember that they minister with Christ’s authority.

Believers have been raised with Christ, and his authority goes with them as they minister. Christ says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:18-19). We should not feel insecure, fearful, or incompetent as we minister, for Christ gives us his very own power and authority to build his church. Indeed, Christ has given us his Spirit—a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline to do his work (2 Tim 1:7).

2. Believers must remember the authority of Christ when engaged in spiritual warfare.

The devil was defeated in Christ’s resurrection and ascension (Col 2:15), and believers are seated in heavenly places with Christ. Therefore, Christ’s authority ministers through us when we confront the devil’s works. Jesus says the gates of Hades will not prevail against his church (Matt 16:18). We must remember this when the lion roars and tries to instill fear, doubt, or worry. We walk in our ascended Lord’s authority to minister to those oppressed by demons and blinded by the enemy. Christ has anointed us to preach the good news, to proclaim freedom to prisoners, and to set the oppressed free (cf. Luke 4:18). Thank you, Lord, for your victory!

3. Believers should continually pray for Christ’s full reign on this earth.

When Paul says that Christ’s descent and ascension were “in order to fill the whole universe” (Eph 4:10), he refers to Christ’s ultimate rule in heaven and on earth. Believers should desire this and pray for it. Christ himself teaches that we should pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” (Matt 6:10, KJV) and this must be our hearts’ desire. We are Christ’s ambassadors on earth: awaiting his return and building his church until he comes. Lord, come. Lord, come! Amen.

4. Believers should remember that humility leads to exaltation.

This is true not only for Christ but for us as well. The first will be last and the last will be first (Matt 20:16). Whoever wants to be first must be last—the slave of all (Mark 9:35). We live in a world system where everybody wants to be served, and nobody wants to serve others. However, it is the humble—the ones who serve—that God exalts. “‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’” (James 4:6).

Application Questions: Why is understanding Christ’s authority so important to building the church? How can we apply this truth in our daily lives and ministries?

God Builds His Church through the Ministry of Gifted Leaders

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. (Ephesians 4:11-14)

Observation Questions: What ministry leaders does Paul list in Ephesians 4:11, and what are their ministries?

Next, Paul describes the gifts that the ascended Christ distributes. To our surprise, they are not really “gifts” at all—they are gifted leaders. Certainly, each believer receives a gift(s), but here Paul focuses on gifted leaders—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

The apostles were the original twelve disciples (minus Judas), Paul, James the brother of Jesus, Matthias, and a few others. They had to have seen the risen Christ so they could bear witness of him (Acts 1:22). God authenticated their ministry through miracles (Heb 2:1-4, 2 Cor 12:12).

Along with the prophets, they built the foundation of the church (Eph 2:20) by writing the New Testament and teaching its doctrines. Since the foundation of the church is already built, there are no apostles in that sense today. However, there may be apostles in a secondary sense. The Greek word “apostolos” simply means “sent one.” It was also used of those officially sent out from churches. If there are apostles today, they would be missionaries, church planters, ministry leaders, etc.

The next leaders Christ gave the church were prophets. They gave messages that were directly from God, and, like the apostles, built the foundation of the church by writing the New Testament and teaching its doctrines. There are, of course, no modern day prophets in this sense of the word. However, there are prophets in a secondary sense. Paul describes them in 1 Corinthians 14:3 as speaking to people “for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” They may at times be identified by addressing social sins and failures of God’s people, even as the Old Testament prophets did. God often gives them insight into an individual’s life, a church, or even a nation in order to strengthen and encourage people.

The next gift Christ gave the church was evangelists. Evangelists are gifted in sharing the gospel with people either one-on-one or corporately through evangelistic preaching. They typically feel very comfortable around unbelievers, and are often gifted at answering questions that are hindering these people from coming to the Lord. God uses the evangelist to bring people to Christ, and he uses the church to disciple these new believers.

Finally, he gave pastors and teachers. Because “teachers” lacks the article in the Greek, some believe this is one gift, pastor-teachers. The main responsibility of a pastor is to feed the church through teaching. However, it is possible for a person to be gifted in teaching but not in pastoring. Paul mentions the gift of teaching individually in 1 Corinthians 12, so he is probably referring to two separate gifts in Ephesians 4:11. Pastors, or “shepherds,” care for people, while teachers have a special gifting to understand the Word of God and to help others understand it.

Application Question: How should we respond to the fact that Paul calls these leaders “gifts” to the church?

1. The fact that Paul calls these leaders “gifts” reminds us to be thankful for them.

Our leaders are subject to many attacks, and they are prone to discouragement and burnout. In the US, more than 1,700 pastors leave the ministry every month.¹⁰ If Satan had only one bullet, he would aim it at our spiritual leaders. And since they are our gifts, we must always be thankful for them instead of criticizing and neglecting them.

2. The fact that Paul calls these leaders “gifts” reminds us to take care of them.

As with any other gift, we should be good stewards. Galatians 6:6 says, “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.” Of course we should make sure that their financial needs are met, for Jesus says, “A worker is worthy of his wages” (Matt 10:10, cf. 1 Tim 5:18). But sharing “all good things” also refers to giving our leaders protection, encouragement, and love, among other things.

3. The fact that Paul calls these leaders “gifts” reminds us to not overly exalt them.

Paul rebuked the church in Corinth for overly exalting their spiritual leaders and separating into rival factions over them. Some were saying, “I am of Paul,” and others, “I am of Apollos.” Paul responded, “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only men” (1 Cor 3:5). In 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, he added,

So then, no more boasting about men! All things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that all things were theirs—meaning that these men were given by God to aid them. We should definitely honor and obey our spiritual leaders (Heb 13:17), but we must make sure not to idolize them.

Interpretation Question: How do these leaders help the church grow?

Paul says these leaders are given:

to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:12-13)

1. Gifted leaders help the church by preparing God’s people for works of service.

Scripture does not endorse a model where pastors and teachers are paid professionals who do all the work while the congregation does nothing. In a very real sense, good pastors try to work themselves out of a job. They train the church to evangelize, baptize, disciple, and serve in various other ways.

The establishment of clergy and laymen has greatly hurt the church. John Stott shares a helpful story about a congregation he visited in the US.

On the front cover of their Sunday bulletin I read the name of the Rector, the Reverend Everett Fullam, then the names of the Associate Rector and of the Assistant to the Rector. Next came the following line: ‘Ministers: the entire congregation’. It was startling, but undeniably biblical.¹¹

This is a biblical model of church ministry. The whole church ministers to its members and to the world. As it does this, it is “built up.”

2. Gifted leaders help the church come to a unity of the faith.

They do so by teaching sound doctrine, faithfully feeding the church the Word of God. Paul says that God gave gifted leaders, “so that the body of Christ may … reach unity in the faith” (v. 12).

The church in general is full of doctrinal disunity, but God has provided godly leaders to help us know and become united in the truth. For this reason, pastors should not avoid difficult texts or controversial doctrines—it is their job to help the church to come to a unity of the faith.

Regarding selecting an elder, Paul says, “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9). Godly leaders help the church come to a unity of faith by opposing wrong doctrine. Just as much of Paul’s teaching addressed false doctrine in the church, good leaders uphold sound doctrine today.

3. Gifted leaders help the church come to know Christ.

They help the church come to “the knowledge of the Son of God” (Eph 4:13), a knowledge that is not only mental, but is primarily experiential. We certainly see this in Paul’s pastoral prayer for the Ephesians: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Eph 1:17). His hope was for the Ephesian congregations to know God more. And this was his desire for himself as well. In Philippians 3:8-11, he said:

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Paul wanted to know Christ and to help others know him as well. Lord, help your church know you!

4. Gifted leaders help the church to become more like Christ.

Ephesians 4:13 says, “attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Romans 8:29 says, “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” God saved the church to conform it to the likeness of his Son, and he predestined believers for this purpose, even before time. As gifted leaders teach the Word, pray, and serve, the church comes to look more like Christ.

As the church matures, believers are no longer tossed to and fro by various false doctrines (Eph 4:14). Paul describes the spiritually immature as infants, and like physical infants, they lack knowledge and discernment—making them vulnerable. This is why cults and false teachers prey on spiritual infants, and why gifted leaders must protect them by helping them mature and grow strong in Christ.

Application Questions: Why are spiritual leaders so prone to discouragement and burnout? How is God calling you to better care for your spiritual leaders? Why are spiritual infants so prone to strongholds and false teaching? How can churches better care for spiritual infants?

God Builds His Church through the Ministry of Gifted Members

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

God’s plan is not just to build the church through the ministry of gifted leaders, but also through the ministry of every member. As mentioned, he provides these leaders to equip the church for ministry, and as each person serves the church, it grows. In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul focuses on the members’ role in building the church.

Interpretation Question: How do church members help the body of Christ to grow?

1. Members help the body of Christ grow by living out the truth.

The text “speaking the truth in love” is very hard to translate into English. Some translate it “truthing in love.”¹² The Greek verb “alētheuō” literally means “to speak, deal, or act truthfully.”¹³ It refers not just to speaking, but also to acting in accord with the truth. When believers live out God’s truth in speech and action, the church grows.

However, when the church is not living out the truth, it hinders growth, pushing people away from God and one another. First Corinthians 5:6 says, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” Sin and compromise spread and affect everybody—destroying the spiritual atmosphere of the church. In addition, Christ says we either gather with him or scatter (Matt 12:30). There is no in between. When believers live out the truth, the church grows—and when they don’t, it dies.

2. Members help the body of Christ grow by loving one another.

Truth without love leads to pride and division. First Corinthians 8:1 says, “knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Speaking the truth without love only pushes people away. Christ taught the truth, but he also ate and drank with sinners, and he forgave the prostitute. We must speak and practice the truth in a loving manner, which includes forgiving and being patient with others. Love is the ground in which the seed of truth grows. If there is no love, people are pushed away. However, if we only have love and not truth, then we have liberalism—a gross acceptance of sin.

3. Members help the body of Christ grow by being connected.

Paul describes the growing church as being “joined and held together by every supporting ligament” (Eph 4:16). It does not grow when the members are separated. When we live in isolation from one another, just attending church but not getting involved, the entire church suffers. The parts of Christ’s body need each other, just as the eye needs the hand and the hand needs the eye.

Therefore, we must make effort to be connected and also to keep the unity of the body of Christ (Eph 4:3). We must work to heal any division that tries to destroy the body or keep it from growing.

4. Members help the body of Christ grow by serving.

As mentioned, Paul says the body grows “as each part does its work” (Eph 4:16). Each member of the body has a role, even the little toe. Without it, the body is unstable. This is how most churches function: they are unstable and not functioning properly because people aren’t fulfilling their roles.

What is your role in the church? How is God calling you to fulfill it? God builds his church through the service of gifted members.

Application Questions: Using the body as a metaphor, what part(s) of the body would you be and why? In what ways can you better encourage the participation and unity of other members in your local church or ministry?

Conclusion

Christ says, “On this rock, I will build my church.” God is building his church today. What is his plan? How is he building the church, and how can we get involved?

God builds his church through gifting believers.
God builds his church through the ascended Christ’s authority and rule.
God builds his church through the ministry of gifted leaders.
God builds his church through the ministry of gifted members.

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 134). Chicago: Moody Press.

² Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (pp. 129–131). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

³ Hughes, R. K. (1990). Ephesians: the mystery of the body of Christ (p. 132). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.

⁴ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (pp. 137–138). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁵ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 138). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁶ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (pp. 158–159). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁷ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (pp. 158–159). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁸ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 140). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁹ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (pp. 158–159). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

¹⁰ Accessed 1/18/2016 from http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/161343-tim_peters_10_common_reasons_pastors_quit_too_soon.html

¹¹ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 168). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

¹² Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (pp. 171–172). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

¹³ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 159). Chicago: Moody Press.

Related Topics: Ecclesiology (The Church)

15. The Divine Wardrobe of Believers

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Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:25-)32

What type of clothing should believers wear and not wear?

In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul describes what happens at conversion. He says,

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Most commentators believe that “put off your old self” and “put on the new self” should not be translated as a command, but in the past tense. One of the things that happens at salvation is that our old self—who we were before Christ—dies, and God gives us a new self—a new nature that loves God and wants to obey his Word. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “He who is in Christ is a new creation, all things are passed away and behold all things have become new.” Just as there is a specific uniform expected of a police officer, a soldier, and others in specific professions, Christians have appropriate “clothes” as well—referring to attitudes and actions.

In Ephesians 4:25-32, Paul leaves the believer’s position in Christ to focus on his practice. Our old nature died and we received a new nature in Christ. “Therefore” (Ephesians 4:25), we must daily take off old clothes—attitudes and actions—that no longer fit our position, and put on our new clothes.

Are you wearing the right clothes? Or, are you still wearing the clothes from your old self? In this study, we will consider the contrasting clothes of the old self and the new self. This will help us strive daily to look more like Christ and less like the world.

Big Question: How should believers respond to their new position in Christ according to Ephesians 4:25-32?

Because of Our New Position in Christ, We Must Stop Lying and Tell the Truth

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:25)

First, Paul says that we must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbors. Falsehood “includes every form of dishonesty, whether it is shading of the truth, exaggeration, cheating, failure to keep promises, betrayal of confidence, flattery, or fudging on income taxes.”¹

Interpretation Question: Why do believers (and people in general) practice lying, even though it is harmful?

We lie in order to make ourselves look better (a little exaggeration makes a story better).
We lie to protect ourselves from consequences (often to cover up a failure).
We lie to gain something we want (like a good grade, a promotion, or tax benefits).

These are old and filthy clothes—not appropriate for believers to wear.

Scripture says that Satan is “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). When we lie, cheat, or exaggerate, we mimic our old father, Satan. It was his lie in the Garden that led to the fall. In fact, as ruler of this world, he built the entire world system on lies. Success is this, beauty is that, marriage is this, etc. The world is built on lies. The enemy lies to pull people further away from God, and further away from God’s plans for their lives. This is exactly what Satan did in the Garden to lead Adam and Eve away from God, and he does the same to people today.

When Christians lie, they not only mar the image of God, but also push themselves and others farther away from God. The world says, “If this person is a Christian, then I want nothing to do with Christ.” When we lie, cheat, and deceive, we open the door for the devil to work in and through us.

In addition, Revelation 22:15 says, “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” This doesn’t mean that we are saved by our works, but our works do prove if we are saved. Those who practice a lifestyle of lying are not saved. Yes, a believer may stumble in this area, and if he does, he must confess and repent. But if this is his continual practice, then he may not be born again.

Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10:

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

A swindler is a person that lies and deceives people. Paul says such people will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Has God changed your relationship with lying and deception?

Application Question: How should believers speak the truth to their neighbor?

When Paul refers to speaking truthfully, he does not just mean to stop telling lies, he means many other things as well:

1. Believers speak the truth by speaking God’s Word.

In John 17:17, Jesus prays, “Sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth.” As believers, we must speak the Word of God to one another. When God called Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land, he told him never to let the Word depart from his mouth, but to meditate on it day and night (Josh 1:8). Joshua was called to always speak the Word of God to others, and we must do likewise.

2. Believers speak the truth by exposing lies.

Many times, by standing quietly while others lie or believe lies, we implicitly take part in the deception. No! Speaking the truth includes exposing lies, as Paul later clarifies in Ephesians 5:11: “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”

Sometimes the need arises to expose falsehood in an interpersonal or business relationship. When Christ went into the temple (John 2), he exposed cheating by speaking the truth. In the majority of Paul’s letters, he combats lies by teaching truth. We must do the same in our personal, church, and work relationships. We do this because it protects people, and because it honors God.

3. Believers speak the truth by challenging people in sin.

A common lie propagated in the world is that it’s polite, and therefore preferable, to be untruthful if the truth would upset somebody or make them angry. Scripture teaches the opposite. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy” (paraphrase). One of the ways that we speak truthfully is by lovingly challenging people in sin or who are falling away from God. This is what a true friend or neighbor does. Paul tells us how the church grows in Ephesians 4:15: “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” When we lovingly speak the truth to one another, especially when one member is sinning, the body grows.

Interpretation Question: Who is Paul referring to when he says “neighbor” in Ephesians 4:25?

Now, honesty is a duty that believers owe everybody; however, in this passage, Paul specifically refers to our Christian neighbors—the church. This is clear from the rest of the verse, “speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” Paul’s argument is that lying to a member of the church is as foolish as the eye lying to the brain. It is like lying to ourself. It is both illogical and dangerous.

However, let us also consider that Paul probably says this to the Ephesians because they were still lying to each other. They were still wearing the old clothes of deception, and we often are as well.

Application Questions: In what situations are you most tempted to lie or embellish the truth? What type of lies are you most prone to? How is God working in that area of your life?

Because of Our New Position in Christ, We Must Control Our Anger

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26 )

The next clothing believers must take off is unrighteous anger. Paul quotes Psalm 4:4a, “In your anger do not sin.” Most versions translate this as, “Be angry and do not sin.” It reminds us that there is a righteous anger every believer should have. Sometimes, it is even sinful for us not to be angry. Psalm 7:11 says, “God is a righteous judge, a God who expresses his wrath every day.” God expresses his wrath at sin every day, and we should as well.

There should be a righteous anger in the lives of believers. Anger, as part of the image of God, is meant to motivate us to correct what is wrong. Holy anger leads believers to get rid of sin, including their own. Matthew 5:29-30 says,

If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.

Many times, habitual sin lingers in the lives of believers because they are not righteously angry about it. In that case, they should hear the words, “Be angry.” They should also consider Christ’s admonition to be so angry that we will cut off things dear to us in order to be holy and not fall again.

Righteous anger in a believer should not only be about his own sins, but also the sins of others. No doubt, we see this anger in Christ. Again, when he saw people stealing and cheating in the temple, he used a whip and turned over tables, declaring, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers’” (Luke 19:46). When God was dishonored and others were hurt, Christ became angry.

Through Christ’s example, we can learn a great deal about unrighteous and righteous anger. Unrighteous anger is typically selfish and vengeful. John MacArthur says, “Anger that is sin, on the other hand, is anger that is self–defensive and self–serving, that is resentful of what is done against oneself. It is the anger that leads to murder and to God’s judgment (Matt. 5:21–22).”² Righteous anger, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with offenses against God and others.

Application Question: How can we be angry and not sin?

1. When angry, we must evaluate the reason for the anger.

Is this anger selfish—rooted in pride, and a response to personal injustice? Or is it about sin against God and others? If our anger is rooted in pride and a response to personal injustice, we must confess our sin to God (and others if we sinned against them) and repent.

2. When angry, we should probably take time before responding.

It is possible to be righteously angry and still sin in response. In fact, righteous anger can lead to cursing, physical violence, and many other sins. Nehemiah provides a good example of taking time before responding to a report of gross injustice:

When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, “You are exacting usury from your own countrymen!” So I called together a large meeting to deal with them (Nehemiah 5:6-7)

After hearing of the charges, Nehemiah didn’t respond immediately— he “pondered” them. This can be translated literally as, “I took counsel with myself.” Similarly, one of the ways that we keep ourselves from sinning in anger is by taking time to reflect, pray, and get counsel before responding.

3. When angry, we must seek to resolve it as soon as possible.

When Paul says, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” he probably just means to resolve the situation as soon as possible.

Application Question: How should we seek to resolve our anger quickly?

To quickly resolve anger, we should always forgive the offender.

Christ says we should forgive seventy-seven times (Matt 18:22). Whether the person repents or not, our duty is to forgive as Christ forgave us. This is the first way to resolve our anger.

To quickly resolve anger, sometimes when a person sins against us or others, we should biblically confront them. Matthew 18:15-17 says,

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

(1) Without talking to others first (gossiping), approach the offender one on one. When doing this, speak gently to not offend. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.” This one on one meeting is important because the problem may be a simple misunderstanding. Or, if the offender has sinned, the private confrontation might lead to repentance. (2) If he doesn’t respond, take another person to help challenge him, and also for a witness. (3) If he still doesn’t respond, bring the matter before the church. (4) Then if he still doesn’t respond, the church should discipline him with the hope of his eventual repentance.

This is not often practiced in the church, and for that reason, many continue in sin. This method applies to a person stealing, committing sexual immorality, being abusive to his or her spouse, gossiping, etc. It is especially important for struggling married couples to consider. God’s method of reconciliation for divided homes is through the church—his body. It is not, “Let’s keep our struggles a secret.” We should handle righteous anger when it involves the sin of others by seeking restoration through biblical confrontation.

To quickly resolve anger, sometimes, instead of confronting the person, we should cover their failure, especially if it is not a moral issue or if it resulted from ignorance.

First Peter 4:8 says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” This is probably how God would have us respond to most situations. We should forgive and let go of small and big injuries. Love covers sin and doesn’t hold a record of wrongs (1 Cor 13:5).

How else can we be angry and not sin?

4. When angry, we must remember the demonic consequences of unbridled anger.

Finally, Paul says, “‘In your anger do not sin’: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Eph 4:26).

When we handle anger inappropriately, we open the door for Satan to attack us and others. Christ says that anger is the root of murder (Matt 5:21-22), and that Satan was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). Satan’s only desire is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). When unrighteous anger is found in a Christian, Satan fans it into flame. He cultivates the burning embers of anger in an upset person in order to destroy his relationships—both with God and others. Satan fans anger and unforgiveness in church members to cause splits. In many churches, grudges and feuds linger for years, opening doors for the enemy to wreak havoc.

Christ gives the disciples a stern warning against unforgiveness, which is often rooted in anger: God will hand them over to torturers if they don’t forgive others from the heart (Matt 18:34-35). Who are these torturers? I believe they are demons (cf. 1 Cor 5:5). The unforgiveness and anger that people choose to cultivate allow the devil to torment and tempt them. They often struggle with anxiety, depression, irrational thoughts, and sometimes sickness all because they opened the door to the devil many years ago by not forgiving somebody. Therefore, Satan launches all-out assaults against them and others from the beachhead of their unforgiveness.

One of the reasons we must rid ourselves of anger is because of the demonic consequences associated with cultivating it. Satan works through anger to steal, kill, and destroy.

Application Questions: In what ways do you still struggle with the old clothing of anger? How has God called you to work on taking it off?

Because of Our New Position in Christ, We Must Stop Stealing, and Work to Help Those in Need

He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. (Ephesians 4:28)

Believers must take off the clothing of stealing and instead work to help others in need. It might seem strange to say this to Christians, but no doubt, the Ephesians committed theft, as Christians often do today. The early church membership included a large population of slaves. This is clearly seen by all the admonitions to slaves in the New Testament (cf. Ephesians 6:5, Colossians 3:22, Titus 2:9). Warren Wiersbe says this about slaves in the ancient world:

Stealing was particularly a sin of the slaves in Paul’s day. Usually they were not well cared for and were always in need, and the law gave them almost no protection. When he wrote to Titus, Paul urged him to admonish the slaves not to “purloin” but to be faithful to their masters (Titus 2:10).

However, in this text Paul is not referring to slaves in particular, but to the church in general. Stealing could mean grand larceny, nonpayment of debts, using false measurements, etc. No doubt, there were acceptable forms of stealing in the ancient world, just as there are today. Illegal downloading, watching bootleg movies, stealing supplies from employers, and wasting the employer’s time are considered normal by many in our society, and many Christians are guilty of them.

But, Paul says these old clothes must not be part of the Christian’s wardrobe—for we have put off our old nature and put on the divine nature of Christ. Therefore, we must seek to dress like Christ, our Savior.

Paul tells the Ephesians not only to stop stealing, but also to work. It must be remembered that work is not part of the curse. God gave Adam and Eve the Garden to tend before sin came into the world (Gen 2:15). It was always his plan for people to work, and to glorify him through the work. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

It is interesting to consider that many of those God used greatly in biblical history were working when he called them. “Moses was caring for sheep; Gideon was threshing wheat; David was minding his father’s flock; and the first four disciples were either casting nets or mending them. Jesus Himself was a carpenter.”³

Good (Useful) Work

It is God’s will for us to work and to glorify him through it. But Paul does not just command the Ephesians to work, he commands them to do “useful” work (Eph 4:28). The word “useful” can also be translated “good.” The implication is that some jobs are unuseful and immoral, and therefore unfit for Christians. If an occupation requires dishonesty, tempts people to sin, or dishonors God, a Christian should not participate in it. Everything believers do should honor God and build his kingdom—including our occupation.

And since work is one of the primary time commitments people have (typically at least forty hours a week), Christians should pray hard and long about the type of work they commit to. Work should not be their god, keeping them away from church and caring for family. Some companies essentially demand disobedience to God—as people are expected to neglect their faith and their families. Sometimes Christians may need to accept a lesser job or career in order to be faithful to God. Paul could be alluding to this by commanding the Ephesians to do useful work with their “hands.” “Greeks despised manual labour; they saw it as an occupation fit for slaves.”⁴ Christians, however, must make sure their career is useful and honoring to God, even if it is despised by the world.

Help Those in Need

Observation Question: Why does Paul tell Christians to work to support those in need?

In addition, one must notice the reason Paul tells the Ephesians to work. It is not just to meet their needs and to provide a stable living for themselves. He says that a Christian “must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.”

This is radical. Typically, people work to make more money, and with that money, they get a bigger house, a better car, a better entertainment system, and a better phone. However, one of the reasons Christians should work is to meet other people’s needs. This means they save not just to give their tithes and offerings, but also to help someone struggling financially, to support missionaries, to fund seminary students, etc. This is the clothing of a Christian.

While I was attending seminary, I was told how many of my professors used the same accountant. This accountant really struggled with how they used their money: It wasn’t all about their portfolio and saving for a comfortable retirement. These seminary professors put so much money into missions and other charitable ministries that the accountant was really challenged, and eventually gave his life to Christ. He must have reasoned, “Their lives are too different. There must be something to Christianity.”

In Luke 16:9, Christ says, “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” He teaches his followers to use their money to make friends in heaven—meaning to use their money to lead people to Christ by supporting missions and helping those in need. Then, when they enter heaven, many will welcome them because of their financial ministry.

Every Christian should ask himself, “Do I have a financial ministry?” “Am I using my money to see people saved and to build God’s kingdom?” This is the clothing of Christians—our divine wardrobe. The clothing of greed, selfishness, and stealing often demonstrated in the world is not fitting for Christians. Believers follow a Savior that gave up everything so others might become rich (2 Cor 8:9), and therefore, their lives should be full of sacrificial giving.

Application Questions: In what ways do Christians commonly practice stealing? How has God challenged you to develop a financial ministry?

Because of Our New Position in Christ, We Must Rid Ourselves of Ungodly Talk and Speak God’s Words Instead

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

The next clothing believers must take off is ungodly speech. Paul says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come of your mouths.” The word “unwholesome” is used in Matthew 7:17-18 to refer to “bad fruit” or “rotten fruit.” It refers to “that which is worthless, bad, or rotten.”⁵ MacArthur’s words on this are instructive:

Corrupt speech generally means conversation that is filthy and suggestive; this would include off-color jokes, profanity, and dirty stories. But here it probably has the wider sense of any form of conversation that is frivolous, empty, idle, and worthless. Paul deals with obscene and vile language in 5:4; here he is telling us to abandon profitless speech and substitute constructive conversation.⁶

A believer’s speech should not only be void of filthy or suggestive language, but also idle words. Christ says that we will be judged for every idle word we speak (Matt 12:36). Man is made in the image of God, and God created the earth with his speech. Therefore, our speech is also powerful. Proverbs says that the power of life and death is in the tongue (Prov 18:21). If our speech is this powerful, then it is not to be used in an idle or worthless way.

Paul then describes how Christians should speak.

Observation Question: How does Paul positively describe the believer’s speech?

1. The believer’s speech should be “helpful for building others up” or “edifying” (KJV).

This means that the believer’s speech should encourage and instruct. Proverbs 12:18 says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” The mouth of a believer should be used for healing, not destruction.

With that said, helpful speech also includes rebuke. Proverbs 25:12 says, “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.” Proverbs 27:6 (KJV) says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Good friends edify one another, and sometimes that includes causing injury so that the other can become truly healthy.

2. The believer’s speech should be “according to their needs” (NIV), or “as fits the occasion” (ESV).

Knowing the right words to say is important, but knowing the right words to say at the right time is more important. Proverbs 15:23 says, “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” Not only does the hearer have tremendous joy in receiving the right word at the right time, but so does the giver.

How can we say the right words at the right time?

Proverbs 17:27 says, “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint.” Many times in counseling a person, I know exactly what to say, but I can also discern they are not yet ready to receive it. And, often there is too much to try to fix at once. It is better to just listen and pick the most important battle. We must wisely discern the occasion in order to best use our words.

3. The believer’s speech should “benefit those who listen” (NIV), or “give grace to those who hear” (ESV).

“Grace” means “unmerited favor.” This means that it doesn’t matter how mean or undeserving a person is; our words should bless him. Christ teaches that even our enemies should be blessed by our speech. In fact, we are called to bless those who curse us and pray for them (Luke 6:28).

Is your speech gracious? Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Gracious speech is like salt—it preserves and cleanses people from what is sinful and distasteful.

Application Question: How can a believer be more effective at speaking godly words instead of ungodly words?

1. Our words must be both filled with and guided by Scripture.

Scripture is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim 3:16-17). If our speech is going to be helpful, we must know and use Scripture.

2. Our words must be guided by the Holy Spirit.

We should pray over our words. We should ask the Lord what to say, when to say it, and how to say it. In Ephesians 6:19, Paul said, “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.” Lord, give us the words that will honor you and bless your people.

Application Questions: What are the primary ways you struggle with unwholesome speech? In what ways is God challenging you to grow in this area?

Because of Our New Position in Christ, We Must Put Off All Acts that Grieve the Spirit, and Produce the Fruit of the Spirit Instead

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:30-32)

These verses seem to be a summary statement of the previous exhortations. Sin in the life of a believer grieves the Holy Spirit. We are called to put off all sinful acts, and to produce the fruit of the Spirit instead.

Interpretation Question: What does Paul’s admonition to “not grieve the Holy Spirit” tell us about the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is a person, not a force. Only a person can be grieved.
The Holy Spirit loves us. Only a person who cares about others can be grieved by them.
The Holy Spirit’s role is to make us holy, and that is why sin grieves him.
The Holy Spirit sealed believers till the day of redemption.

Interpretation Question: What does it mean to be sealed by the Holy Spirit?

1. The seal of the Holy Spirit speaks of ownership and authenticity.

In ancient times, owners put their personal seal on their property, including slaves and animals. God does the same with us through his Spirit. Romans 8:9 says, “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”

The Spirit of God is a sign that proves to us and others that we belong to God. Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” The way he testifies to our spirit is by changing us and giving us new desires—holy affections for God. Romans 8:15 says that by the Holy Spirit we cry, “Abba, Father.” He works in us to pray, to read the Word, to serve, to worship, and to obey—in short, he makes us holy. If we do not have the Holy Spirit and his work in our lives, we are not his.

But, he does not just testify to us that we are God’s, but also to others. Jesus says, “They will know you are my disciples by the way you love one another” (John 13:35). This love is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Romans 5:5 says the love of God was shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is our mark, our seal. He proves to us and others that we belong to God.

Is there proof in your life that you belong to God? Is the Holy Spirit making you holy—changing your life? This work is so important that when Paul met some Christians in Acts 19:2, he asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They responded, “We didn’t even know there was a Holy Spirit” (paraphrase). Paul believed that the work of the Holy Spirit was unmistakable. If the Spirit is changing us, we will notice and so will others.

2. The seal of the Holy Spirit speaks of preservation.

Again, Paul says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph 4:30). One of the uses of a seal was to keep and protect something. When Christ was buried, the guards sealed the tomb to make sure his body couldn’t be taken out (Matt 27:66). A contemporary example is that of sealing food to preserve it. When we buy food or drink and the seal is broken, we know something is wrong with it. Similarly, God seals every true believer till the day of redemption—the redemption of their bodies.

Jesus says that he puts believers in his own hand and in his Father’s hand, and that “no one can snatch them out” (John 10:28-29). God seals believers till the day of redemption.

Interestingly, Paul uses the eternal security of a believer as an encouragement not to sin. Those who believe one can lose their salvation often teach the very opposite. They say, “Don’t sin because you will lose your salvation!” Paul says, “Don’t sin, because God eternally saved you.” Out of thanksgiving to God for his great eternal salvation, a believer should not grieve the Holy Spirit.

Vices to Put Off

Observation Question: What vices does Paul call for believers to get rid of in this passage?

Next, Paul shares some vices that grieve the Holy Spirit. “Though it is not possible to distinguish each one precisely, the overall meaning is clear:

Bitterness—Smoldering resentment, unwillingness to forgive, harsh feeling.
Wrath—Bursts of rage, violent passion, temper tantrums.
Anger—Grouchiness, animosity, hostility.
Clamor—Loud outcries of anger, brawling, angry bickering, shouting down of opponents.
Evil speaking—Insulting language, slander, abusive speech.
Malice—Wishing evil on others, spite, meanness.”⁷

Paul seems to be describing a pathway of evil. First a person is bitter, leading to outbursts of wrath. Wrath leads to a settled anger. Anger leads to brawling or clamor—loud yelling and potentially a fist fight. Brawling leads to slander—evil speaking. Finally, slander leads to malice—a desire to injure or inflict harm. These clothes are not fitting for believers. Obviously, if we are going to stop from going down the path to brawling and malice, we must stop it at the heart level. We must repent of bitterness—feelings of resentment that lead to wrath and anger. Again, Christ taught that anger is the seed that leads to murder (cf. Matt 5:21-22).

Are you bitter or angry? Repent before God and ask him to give you a right heart—one that loves him and people.

Virtues to Put On

Observation Question: What virtues does Paul call for believers to put on, and what do they mean?

Next, Paul describes virtues a believer must put on. Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

“Kindness—An unselfish concern for the welfare of others, and a desire to be helpful even at great personal sacrifice.
Tenderheartedness—A sympathetic, affectionate, and compassionate interest in others, and a willingness to bear their burden.
Forgiveness—A readiness to pardon offenses, to overlook personal wrongs against oneself, and to harbor no desire for retaliation.”⁸

“Forgiving one another” can be translated literally as, “acting in grace.”⁹ In the same way that God extended grace to us in dying for us and forgiving us, we must extend grace towards others. We must forgive as Christ forgives—not holding failures against others but extending unmerited favor towards them.

Are you still harboring bitterness, grudges, and unforgiveness towards others? Those are old clothes that Christ put to death on the cross and buried in the grave (cf. Rom 6:1-11). Therefore, put on the new clothes of the resurrected life—kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Instead of grieving the Holy Spirit, allow him to bear his supernatural fruit in your life (Gal 5:22-23).

Application Questions: Who is the Holy Spirit? Why should the Holy Spirit’s ministry of sealing encourage us to put off ungodly vices and put on godly virtues?

Conclusion

At salvation, Christ put to death our old nature and gave us a new one. Therefore, each day we must put off old attitudes and actions, and put on godly ones which fit our new nature.

Because of our new position in Christ, we must stop lying and tell the truth.
Because of our new position in Christ, we must control our anger.
Because of our new position in Christ, we must stop stealing, and work to help those in need.
Because of our new position in Christ, we must rid ourselves of ungodly talk and speak God’s words instead.
Because of our new position in Christ, we must put off all acts that grieve the Spirit, and produce the fruit of the Spirit instead.

Are you wearing your divine wardrobe?

Scripture quotations marked KJV or AKJV are from the King James Version or Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible.

All emphases in Scripture quotations and commentators’ quotations have been added.

¹ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (pp. 1938–1939). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

² MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 185). Chicago: Moody Press.

³ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 42). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁴ Morris, L. (1984). 1 and 2 Thessalonians: An introduction and commentary (Vol. 13, p. 86). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

⁵ Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 42). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

⁶ MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (1986). Ephesians (p. 186). Chicago: Moody Press.

⁷ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1940). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁸ MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1940). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

⁹ Stott, J. R. W. (1979). God’s new society: the message of Ephesians (p. 191). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Related Topics: Christian Life

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5. God’s Incomparably Great Power

Christ’s Resurrection Displayed God’s Incomparably Great Power

1. The church has already experienced a spiritual resurrection at salvation through this power.

2. The church will experience a physical resurrection through this power when Christ returns.

Christ’s Ascension and Enthronement in Heaven Displayed God’s Incomparably Great Power

1. God’s power displayed in Christ’s ascension and enthronement reminds us that one day we will not only be resurrected but also ascend to heaven as Christ did.

2. God’s power displayed in Christ’s ascension and enthronement reminds us that we will one day rule with him.

3. God’s power displayed in Christ’s ascension and enthronement reminds us that we also can conquer sin, Satan, and all powers of the enemy.

Christ’s Headship over the Church Displayed God’s Incomparably Great Power

1. Some commentators believe this verse refers to Christ being the fullness of God who fills everything in every way.

2. Some commentators believe this verse refers to the church being the fullness of Christ and yet Christ filling everything in every way.

3. Some commentators believe this verse refers to Christ being the fullness of the church and yet filling everything in every way.

Application

1. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must pray for it.

2. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must have faith.

3. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must allow God to use us in our weakness.

4. In order to daily experience the power of the resurrection, we must abide in Christ.

Conclusion

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6. Characteristics of True Believers

True Believers Were Delivered from Spiritual Death

True Believers Were Delivered from a Life of Disobedience

1. Before Christ, believers followed the ways of this world.

2. Before Christ, believers followed the ways of the devil.

3. Before Christ, believers followed the lusts and desires of the flesh.

True Believers Were Delivered from Wrath

1. Unbelievers have a natural disposition towards “anger, malice, bitterness, and hot temper.”8

2. Unbelievers are objects of God’s wrath.

True Believers Have Experienced a Spiritual Resurrection

True Believers Have Been United with Christ

1. Believers were made alive with Christ in his resurrection (v. 4).

2. Believers ascended with Christ to the heavenly realms and now are seated with him (v. 6).

Application

True Believers Will Glorify God’s Grace in the Coming Ages

Conclusion

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7. Characteristics of True Believers—Part Two

True Believers Are Saved by Grace Alone

True Believers Are Saved through Faith

1. True faith believes the content of the gospel.

2. True faith is committed to the Lord of the Gospel.

3. True faith is a gift of God.

True Believers Are Saved Eternally

1. Salvation is eternal because Christ keeps believers eternally.

2. Salvation is eternal because the Holy Spirit keeps believers eternally.

3. Salvation is eternal because God, the Father, keeps believers eternally.

True Believers Are Saved for Good Works

1. God prepares his masterpieces through giving them the Holy Spirit.

2. God prepares his masterpieces through the Word of God.

3. God prepares his masterpieces through prayer.

4. God prepares his masterpieces through waiting seasons.

5. God prepares his masterpieces through trials.

6. God prepares his masterpieces through the discipleship of other mature Christians.

True Believers Should Have Assurance of Salvation

1. Assurance of salvation comes from a changed relationship to sin.

2. Assurance of salvation comes from a changed relationship with other believers.

3. Assurance of salvation comes from obedience to God’s Word.

Conclusion

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8. Remembering Christ the Peacemaker

In Order to Have Peace, Believers Must Remember Their Sad State Before Christ

In Order to Have Peace, Believers Must Remember that Christ Brought Us Reconciliation with One Another

1. Christ united Jews and Gentiles by bringing both groups near God.

2. Christ brought unity through his death for sin.

3. Christ brought unity by becoming our peace.

4. Christ brought unity by abolishing the Mosaic law that separated Jews and Gentiles.

5. Christ brought unity by creating a new man.

In Order to Have Peace, Believers Must Remember that Christ Brought Us Reconciliation with God

1. Christ reconciled believers to God through his death (v. 16).

2. Christ reconciled believers to God through preaching the gospel of peace (Eph 2:17).

3. Christ reconciled believers to God by giving them access by one Spirit.

Conclusion

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9. Three Metaphors of the Church: How to Be the Church and Not Just Attend It

1. Unbelievers have a natural disposition towards “anger, malice, bitterness, and hot temper.”⁸