Read Ephesians 4: 11 - 16 today.
We live in a culture enamored with youth and everything young. Watch the commercials on TV right now. For women: get rid of facial lines and gray hair and extra pounds. I don't want those things!! How about you? For men: comb out the gray, have the hair implants, take whatever medications necessary to revisit youth and vigor. Is that so bad? Only when we get obsessive about it ... when we can think of nothing else.
In Amy Grant's early career, she recorded a song titled: "Fat Little Baby". It has to do with growing spiritually. The point is, fat little babies are so precious when they are 3 or 6 or 9 months old. Fat little babies are not so cute when they are 30 or 50 years old! Do you remember Peter Pan's song ... "I won't grow up, I won't grow up, I don't wanna go to school ..."
What did you learn about maturity in these few verses we read today? Did you notice that IT IS THE GOAL!! Being a youthful Christian is not the goal. Listen to the words ... "until we ALL attain ... to a mature man ... fullness of Christ ... no longer children ... grow up in all aspects into Him" The Greek word that is translated mature is teleios. This word refers to a thing being "brought to its end, finished; a thing that lacks nothing necessary for completeness."
The goal for us individually as well as for us as a church is to grow up - to mature. It is the same sense that we hear from Paul in Philippians 1:6 "... being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." That is why God gifts individuals with spiritual gifts in the church ... to help us grow up. That's why He knits us together in community ... to help us grow up. I believe "walking worthy" also indicates the Christ-follower is on the road to maturity, to growing up with absolutely no desire to stay "forever young".
So - the questions begin to tumble out. Are you growing up? Do you see yourself more mature as a Christian this year than last? What makes you think yes or no? What do you think it means to grow up as a Christian? Do you know any Christians you would describe as mature? Why do you describe them that way? What does a mature church look like? What is she doing?
I can ask considerably more questions about this than I can answer!
I wonder ... perhaps it has everything to do with what we read at the beginning of Chapter 4. Perhaps becoming mature in Christ has everything to do with walking in humility ... with walking in meekness ... with developing patience ... with learning to be tolerant of people because of love. Perhaps our churches mature as they practice these very character traits.
Pray for yours as you pray for yourself along these lines ... I am praying for mine!
October 21, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 7 - Day 2
For your reading today, read verse 7 then immediately go to verses 11 - 13.
In this scripture, Paul mentions four special gifts that Christ has graciously given to some individuals. There are other places in the New Testament where many other spiritual gifts are mentioned. (Those references are: Romans 12: 6 - 8; 1 Corinthians 12: 8 - 10; 1 Corinthians 12: 29 - 30)
The flow of thought seems to be: We, as Christ followers, are to strive for unity in His body, the church. This unity is based upon the 7 "ones" around which we can rally and agree. Christ gives specific spiritual gifts to individuals in His body so that the body can "attain to the unity of the faith" and can grow up. Let's consider this particular listing ... with our minds and eyes, as always, focused on application.
1. Apostles: These are given to the church universal. Apostles had seen Jesus and had witnessed the resurrection. These include the 12. We also find Barnabas called an apostle (Acts 14: 4, 14) James, the brother of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7) Silvanus (1 Thessalonians 2:6) Also Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7). There may have been others but these are the names that we have. Listen to William Barclay on the subject: "In a sense the apostles were bound to die out, because before so very long those who had actually seen Jesus and who had actually witnessed the Resurrection, would pass from this world. But, in another and still greater sense, the qualification remains. He who would teach Christ must know Christ; and he who would bring the power of Christ to others must have experienced Christ's risen power." Do you know Him? Have you experienced Christ's risen power? I would love to be sitting with you right now and we could share times when we have indeed experienced that power in our own lives - and witnessed it in others!
2. Prophets: These also are given to the church universal. Do not hear the word "prophet" as a future - teller. They forth-tell. They were persons who were recognized as speaking with authority. Their words were particularly important before the New Testament writings were available to the churches. They spoke the word of God - sometimes to foretell, often to convict and often to encourage. Are you a "prophet" for anyone? Perhaps your children? All I mean by that is - are you willing to speak forth the things of God?
3. Evangelists: These gifted people were also given to the church universal. They were travelers - going from place to place to preach the word of God. They brought the good news to a variety of places. These were the missionaries of Paul's day. Are you one? To whom have you taken the "good news" of Jesus? To whom have you shared the "mystery of God" which is His church? Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5 saying, "Do the work of an evangelist." I think Paul might say the same thing to us. Is there anyone in your life, in your sphere of influence, that needs to hear about Jesus? That's the work of an evangelist.
4. Pastors and teachers: These people are not travelers. It seems that those with these gifts are to serve in one place, a local part of the body, individual congregations of believers. The way the two things are phrased together would seem to indicate one set of people. Pastor means shepherd - one who cares for a flock, a group. A teacher is one who shapes and molds people to the word of God, the great truths and doctrines of the one faith. I must ask ... whom are you teaching? For whom are you watching out?
As you consider each of these "gifts" ... keep your eye on the purpose of them ... you find it in verse 12 ... "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, and to build up the body of Christ." Remember that there is a goal ... and it is not just to be smarter or to feel important or to maintain any illusion of control! The purpose has everything to do with growing up.
Growing up will be our focus in Day 3 ... come back!
In this scripture, Paul mentions four special gifts that Christ has graciously given to some individuals. There are other places in the New Testament where many other spiritual gifts are mentioned. (Those references are: Romans 12: 6 - 8; 1 Corinthians 12: 8 - 10; 1 Corinthians 12: 29 - 30)
The flow of thought seems to be: We, as Christ followers, are to strive for unity in His body, the church. This unity is based upon the 7 "ones" around which we can rally and agree. Christ gives specific spiritual gifts to individuals in His body so that the body can "attain to the unity of the faith" and can grow up. Let's consider this particular listing ... with our minds and eyes, as always, focused on application.
1. Apostles: These are given to the church universal. Apostles had seen Jesus and had witnessed the resurrection. These include the 12. We also find Barnabas called an apostle (Acts 14: 4, 14) James, the brother of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7) Silvanus (1 Thessalonians 2:6) Also Andronicus and Junias (Romans 16:7). There may have been others but these are the names that we have. Listen to William Barclay on the subject: "In a sense the apostles were bound to die out, because before so very long those who had actually seen Jesus and who had actually witnessed the Resurrection, would pass from this world. But, in another and still greater sense, the qualification remains. He who would teach Christ must know Christ; and he who would bring the power of Christ to others must have experienced Christ's risen power." Do you know Him? Have you experienced Christ's risen power? I would love to be sitting with you right now and we could share times when we have indeed experienced that power in our own lives - and witnessed it in others!
2. Prophets: These also are given to the church universal. Do not hear the word "prophet" as a future - teller. They forth-tell. They were persons who were recognized as speaking with authority. Their words were particularly important before the New Testament writings were available to the churches. They spoke the word of God - sometimes to foretell, often to convict and often to encourage. Are you a "prophet" for anyone? Perhaps your children? All I mean by that is - are you willing to speak forth the things of God?
3. Evangelists: These gifted people were also given to the church universal. They were travelers - going from place to place to preach the word of God. They brought the good news to a variety of places. These were the missionaries of Paul's day. Are you one? To whom have you taken the "good news" of Jesus? To whom have you shared the "mystery of God" which is His church? Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5 saying, "Do the work of an evangelist." I think Paul might say the same thing to us. Is there anyone in your life, in your sphere of influence, that needs to hear about Jesus? That's the work of an evangelist.
4. Pastors and teachers: These people are not travelers. It seems that those with these gifts are to serve in one place, a local part of the body, individual congregations of believers. The way the two things are phrased together would seem to indicate one set of people. Pastor means shepherd - one who cares for a flock, a group. A teacher is one who shapes and molds people to the word of God, the great truths and doctrines of the one faith. I must ask ... whom are you teaching? For whom are you watching out?
As you consider each of these "gifts" ... keep your eye on the purpose of them ... you find it in verse 12 ... "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, and to build up the body of Christ." Remember that there is a goal ... and it is not just to be smarter or to feel important or to maintain any illusion of control! The purpose has everything to do with growing up.
Growing up will be our focus in Day 3 ... come back!
Ephesians: Lesson 7 - Day 1
Lesson 7 will focus on Ephesians 4: 7 - 16. Begin your reading today back at verse 1 to keep the flow of thought and read through verse 16.
Paul has so eloquently addressed the unity of the body and our aim to preserve it. He has written about the things that we hold in common - the "ones" in verses 4 - 6. He now shifts gears and will begin to address the diversity that exists within the body (the church) - the diversity of individual gifted-ness and how that gifted-ness is intended to build up the body. Notice that gifts come from the grace of God.
Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 - with a twist! The image in the Psalm quotation is one of a conquering king returning from conquest. The custom was that the king led the procession back into his city, followed by the captives he had taken. The plunder received in the conquest was brought back and distributed to his soldiers and used to replenish his treasury. Paul uses that image for Jesus - but twists the words about the gifts. Paul says that this particular King, instead of taking gifts, gives them. And you, His captive (remember "a prisoner of the Lord") are the recipient. Remarkable! We will think more on this business of gifted-ness in Day 2.
There are differing opinions on the meaning of the phrase "had descended into the lower parts of the earth". Some think that it refers to Christ's descending from the splendors of heaven to earth itself. Others think that it refers to Christ's descending into Hades (indicated in Acts 2: 27 - 28 and 1 Peter 3: 18 - 22). Either may be inferred ... but it seems to me that Paul's point is that both above and below ... in all things ... Christ is conqueror and Lord. He could have plundered the entire universe ... but He chose to give gifts instead. He chose to reign over willing subjects. His reign is accepted by some, rejected by others. He completely fills all things. Christ is Lord ... and there is only one Lord ... and He fills the entire universe - past, present and future - above and below. And in a special, intimate, precious way ... He fills His body with His Spirit, His grace, His gifts.
Have you worshipped the Lord of All today? Join me ...
Paul has so eloquently addressed the unity of the body and our aim to preserve it. He has written about the things that we hold in common - the "ones" in verses 4 - 6. He now shifts gears and will begin to address the diversity that exists within the body (the church) - the diversity of individual gifted-ness and how that gifted-ness is intended to build up the body. Notice that gifts come from the grace of God.
Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 - with a twist! The image in the Psalm quotation is one of a conquering king returning from conquest. The custom was that the king led the procession back into his city, followed by the captives he had taken. The plunder received in the conquest was brought back and distributed to his soldiers and used to replenish his treasury. Paul uses that image for Jesus - but twists the words about the gifts. Paul says that this particular King, instead of taking gifts, gives them. And you, His captive (remember "a prisoner of the Lord") are the recipient. Remarkable! We will think more on this business of gifted-ness in Day 2.
There are differing opinions on the meaning of the phrase "had descended into the lower parts of the earth". Some think that it refers to Christ's descending from the splendors of heaven to earth itself. Others think that it refers to Christ's descending into Hades (indicated in Acts 2: 27 - 28 and 1 Peter 3: 18 - 22). Either may be inferred ... but it seems to me that Paul's point is that both above and below ... in all things ... Christ is conqueror and Lord. He could have plundered the entire universe ... but He chose to give gifts instead. He chose to reign over willing subjects. His reign is accepted by some, rejected by others. He completely fills all things. Christ is Lord ... and there is only one Lord ... and He fills the entire universe - past, present and future - above and below. And in a special, intimate, precious way ... He fills His body with His Spirit, His grace, His gifts.
Have you worshipped the Lord of All today? Join me ...
You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life,
Lord of the land and the sea.
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time,
and Lord of all lords You will be!
You are King of creation and King of my life,
King of the land and the sea.
You were King of the heavens before there was time,
and King of all kings You will be!
We bow down, and we worship ...
("We Bow Down" by Twila Paris)
October 17, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 6 - Day 3
We are moving very slowly through these verses in Chapter 4 because the truths revealed are so vitally important. Unity is such a beautiful concept and one that we experience so seldom in any arena of our lives. Therefore, one more time today, read slowly through Ephesians 4: 1 - 6. This time, let your mind focus on oneness and unity.
In your notebook, list the 7 "ones" that Paul lists.
As Christ-followers, Paul outlines for us the 7 things upon which unity is based. These are the things that believers must agree upon. From this core come a variety of interpretations, of opinions, of structures. Prayerfully reflect on these 7.
One body ... this is the "mystery" of God that we have been studying. Jew and Gentile created into one new person - loved, justified and sanctified by God. The church - Christ's body on this earth. One body ...
One Spirit ... the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit through whom we are "sealed" and "secured" before God. We learned that in Ephesians 1:13. This Spirit allows us access to God. This Spirit is the Spirit of God that indwells, strengthens and guides believers. We will study more about the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 5 and 6. One Spirit ...
One hope of our calling ... only one. And that hope, that assurance, is that we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ and will live eternally with God. One hope ...
One Lord ... Jesus Christ. The Son of God whom He exalted above all. Through Whom all things were made and through Whom we live and breathe and have our very being. This Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended back into the heavenly realms. He is seated at the right hand of God and lives to intercede for His followers. One Lord ...
One faith ... the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord. One faith ...
One baptism ... the believers immersion into the very person of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Paul says it so beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For we were all baptized in one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks - slave or free - and we were all given one Spirit to drink." One baptism ...
One God and Father ... the Jewish "Shema" states it splendidly ... "The Lord our God is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4) Those words are brought into the New Testament era in Mark 12:29. One God ...
Upon these 7 truths we can stand together. All who believe and confess these truths are united into the household of God.
Close your time today by reading John 17: 20 - 23. These words are from our Lord - His prayer for us. Let them sink deeply into your spirit. Don't miss the fact that Jesus says as we stand united in Him ... we let the world know that Jesus is who He says He is ... and that He came from God. That IS our testimony!
In your notebook, list the 7 "ones" that Paul lists.
As Christ-followers, Paul outlines for us the 7 things upon which unity is based. These are the things that believers must agree upon. From this core come a variety of interpretations, of opinions, of structures. Prayerfully reflect on these 7.
One body ... this is the "mystery" of God that we have been studying. Jew and Gentile created into one new person - loved, justified and sanctified by God. The church - Christ's body on this earth. One body ...
One Spirit ... the Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit through whom we are "sealed" and "secured" before God. We learned that in Ephesians 1:13. This Spirit allows us access to God. This Spirit is the Spirit of God that indwells, strengthens and guides believers. We will study more about the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 5 and 6. One Spirit ...
One hope of our calling ... only one. And that hope, that assurance, is that we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ and will live eternally with God. One hope ...
One Lord ... Jesus Christ. The Son of God whom He exalted above all. Through Whom all things were made and through Whom we live and breathe and have our very being. This Jesus was raised from the dead and ascended back into the heavenly realms. He is seated at the right hand of God and lives to intercede for His followers. One Lord ...
One faith ... the belief that Jesus Christ is Lord. One faith ...
One baptism ... the believers immersion into the very person of Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Paul says it so beautifully in 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For we were all baptized in one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks - slave or free - and we were all given one Spirit to drink." One baptism ...
One God and Father ... the Jewish "Shema" states it splendidly ... "The Lord our God is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4) Those words are brought into the New Testament era in Mark 12:29. One God ...
Upon these 7 truths we can stand together. All who believe and confess these truths are united into the household of God.
Close your time today by reading John 17: 20 - 23. These words are from our Lord - His prayer for us. Let them sink deeply into your spirit. Don't miss the fact that Jesus says as we stand united in Him ... we let the world know that Jesus is who He says He is ... and that He came from God. That IS our testimony!
October 16, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 6 - Day 2
Read Ephesians 4: 1 - 6 out loud. Watch for the character traits that are going to be necessary if we want to "walk worthy of the call with which we have been called."
Let's examine these words today ... with our eyes focused on our own spirits. It will lead you to prayer ...
To "walk worthy" requires an attitude of humility. Humility is anchored in ones view of self. It is the heart knowledge that "God is God ... and I am not". Humility is a lowliness of mind toward self - not an inflated mind toward self. It is not denying that God has given gifts to you, strengths and abilities. And they are to be used for His glory. It is not low self-esteem. In fact, how can a person called by God consider herself "of no esteem"? Humility brings to light our continual battle with ego. Beth Moore says in her Bible study on Esther, "God designed the human psyche. He knows that nothing leaves us more hollow than being full of ourselves. We have no greater burden than our own egos - and nothing more breakable. When filled with ourselves, we are fragile people." Humility ...
To "walk worthy" requires a spirit of gentleness (KJV translates the word meekness). Don't confuse it with our English word 'gentle'. Our word refers to a kind, amiable, mild person. But this Greek word has a much stronger meaning. The word Paul uses means, "that temper of spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us as good, and therefore, without disputing." (Wuest's Word Studies in the Greek New Testament) And that requires great strength! Gentle ...
To "walk worthy" requires patience. How well we know the battle to exhibit this character trait! Our culture does absolutely nothing to help us train. We are conditioned to want everything quick ... and faster is better. No waiting - ever! The Greek word includes a sense of endurance and constancy. There is steadfastness and perseverance. The part of the definition that caused me to pause and reflect ... "slowness in avenging wrongs." This is a word that describes God Himself. I want to be patient - slow in avenging wrongs - whether those perceived 'wrongs' are as minor as having to wait or as major as dealing with personal hurts. Patient ...
To "walk worthy" requires tolerance for others. Note that the tolerance is toward "one another" - it is toward people. And it is based in love. In Greek the word used means "to hold up". It has everything to do with holding up people, caring for them, accepting them, loving them. Don't confuse it with any idea of accepting sin. In an earlier post we addressed ways that sin kills ... and one of those ways was that sin kills ideals. We must never 'dumb down' the high calling that Christ has given us in regard to our behavior. Keep the ideal. Never compromise on the ideal. But be tolerant of people ... even people who fail miserable with the ideal. And - do you see - that includes yourself? Why? Because of love. Tolerant of one another ...
Lastly, to "walk worthy" requires diligence. This word means "to exert one's self, to endeavor, to do one's best, to be eager." There is no passivity allowed - not if you want to "walk worthy"! This is intentional, deliberate. And our diligence is to preserve the unity of the body. We will explore that unity of body in our next lesson. Diligence ...
Let's examine these words today ... with our eyes focused on our own spirits. It will lead you to prayer ...
To "walk worthy" requires an attitude of humility. Humility is anchored in ones view of self. It is the heart knowledge that "God is God ... and I am not". Humility is a lowliness of mind toward self - not an inflated mind toward self. It is not denying that God has given gifts to you, strengths and abilities. And they are to be used for His glory. It is not low self-esteem. In fact, how can a person called by God consider herself "of no esteem"? Humility brings to light our continual battle with ego. Beth Moore says in her Bible study on Esther, "God designed the human psyche. He knows that nothing leaves us more hollow than being full of ourselves. We have no greater burden than our own egos - and nothing more breakable. When filled with ourselves, we are fragile people." Humility ...
To "walk worthy" requires a spirit of gentleness (KJV translates the word meekness). Don't confuse it with our English word 'gentle'. Our word refers to a kind, amiable, mild person. But this Greek word has a much stronger meaning. The word Paul uses means, "that temper of spirit in which we accept God's dealings with us as good, and therefore, without disputing." (Wuest's Word Studies in the Greek New Testament) And that requires great strength! Gentle ...
To "walk worthy" requires patience. How well we know the battle to exhibit this character trait! Our culture does absolutely nothing to help us train. We are conditioned to want everything quick ... and faster is better. No waiting - ever! The Greek word includes a sense of endurance and constancy. There is steadfastness and perseverance. The part of the definition that caused me to pause and reflect ... "slowness in avenging wrongs." This is a word that describes God Himself. I want to be patient - slow in avenging wrongs - whether those perceived 'wrongs' are as minor as having to wait or as major as dealing with personal hurts. Patient ...
To "walk worthy" requires tolerance for others. Note that the tolerance is toward "one another" - it is toward people. And it is based in love. In Greek the word used means "to hold up". It has everything to do with holding up people, caring for them, accepting them, loving them. Don't confuse it with any idea of accepting sin. In an earlier post we addressed ways that sin kills ... and one of those ways was that sin kills ideals. We must never 'dumb down' the high calling that Christ has given us in regard to our behavior. Keep the ideal. Never compromise on the ideal. But be tolerant of people ... even people who fail miserable with the ideal. And - do you see - that includes yourself? Why? Because of love. Tolerant of one another ...
Lastly, to "walk worthy" requires diligence. This word means "to exert one's self, to endeavor, to do one's best, to be eager." There is no passivity allowed - not if you want to "walk worthy"! This is intentional, deliberate. And our diligence is to preserve the unity of the body. We will explore that unity of body in our next lesson. Diligence ...
Transform us, O Lord ...
October 14, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 6 - Day 1
Ephesians 4: 1 - 16
Do you like to know the "why" of things? Do you respond better to difficulties when you understand the "why" of it? So many of us do! We don't always get a "why" ... but we certainly like it when we do. As we move into Chapter 4 of Ephesians, we are going to be examining very practical, behavioral instructions. What Paul has done in chapters 1 - 3 is develop the "why" - why behavior, why ethics, why character all matter so much. Let's summarize what we have learned ...
In Chapter 1, Paul describes our possessions in Christ. And they are lavish and extravagant and eternal and far beyond our imaginations. He then prays that we "get it" - that we understand.
In Chapter 2, Paul describes our position in Christ. And it is truly amazing. Believers are seated with Christ. We have peace of heart and are truly at home. He then begins to pray that we "get it" ... and is distracted when he considers the place of the Gentiles ... so ...
In Chapter 3, Paul describes the mystery of God revealed in Christ ... the joining together into one new person Jew and Gentile ... both having access to God, both members of God's household. He describes the mystery of God that is the church. And he prays that we "get it" - that we begin to comprehend.
Now comes the gigantic ... SO WHAT? What difference does all this make in the way I live my life everyday, in ordinary circumstances - both good and bad, pleasant and unpleasant, exhilarating and devastating?
Enter Ephesians 4:1 ... walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. Walk worthy ... Don't be concerned right now if you don't know what that means. Believe me, Paul is going to get quite specific so that we know exactly what he means. Walk worthy ... live your life in a way that is worthy (or suitable or valuable) of the position that God has placed you in - in Christ. Walk worthy ... live your life in a way that is suitable for one carrying the possessions that you hold in Christ. Walk worthy ... live your life in a way that is worthy for one who has received the mystery of God and has become a member of this new entity - Christ's church, His body.
One author (Max Anders in Holman's New Testament Commentary on Ephesians) tells of Princess Margaret, as a young girl, sitting beside her mother, Queen Elizabeth. The occasion was the princess's first presentation to the British public. She is called upon to walk to the microphone and say a few words to the gathered dignitaries. As she prepares to stand, her mother leans over to her and says, "You are a princess. Walk like one!"
Max goes on to describe another scene ...
Eighteen-year-old Chuck has gone through twelve of the toughest weeks of any one's life in Marine boot camp in coastal South Carolina. During the last week they are forced to crawl under rolls of barbed wire with live machine gun ammunition blazing just inches over their heads. Chuck freezes. He begins to sweat. His hands dig into the red clay beneath him as panic sweeps his soul. Just then, a friend crawls up beside him and says, "Get a hold of yourself, Chuck. You're a Marine. Act like one!"
Identity is linked with actions. Character is molded from chosen behaviors. In the first 3 chapters of Ephesians, Paul is intent on you understanding that, as a believer, you are a child of God. Now ... ACT LIKE ONE!
Do you like to know the "why" of things? Do you respond better to difficulties when you understand the "why" of it? So many of us do! We don't always get a "why" ... but we certainly like it when we do. As we move into Chapter 4 of Ephesians, we are going to be examining very practical, behavioral instructions. What Paul has done in chapters 1 - 3 is develop the "why" - why behavior, why ethics, why character all matter so much. Let's summarize what we have learned ...
In Chapter 1, Paul describes our possessions in Christ. And they are lavish and extravagant and eternal and far beyond our imaginations. He then prays that we "get it" - that we understand.
In Chapter 2, Paul describes our position in Christ. And it is truly amazing. Believers are seated with Christ. We have peace of heart and are truly at home. He then begins to pray that we "get it" ... and is distracted when he considers the place of the Gentiles ... so ...
In Chapter 3, Paul describes the mystery of God revealed in Christ ... the joining together into one new person Jew and Gentile ... both having access to God, both members of God's household. He describes the mystery of God that is the church. And he prays that we "get it" - that we begin to comprehend.
Now comes the gigantic ... SO WHAT? What difference does all this make in the way I live my life everyday, in ordinary circumstances - both good and bad, pleasant and unpleasant, exhilarating and devastating?
Enter Ephesians 4:1 ... walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called. Walk worthy ... Don't be concerned right now if you don't know what that means. Believe me, Paul is going to get quite specific so that we know exactly what he means. Walk worthy ... live your life in a way that is worthy (or suitable or valuable) of the position that God has placed you in - in Christ. Walk worthy ... live your life in a way that is suitable for one carrying the possessions that you hold in Christ. Walk worthy ... live your life in a way that is worthy for one who has received the mystery of God and has become a member of this new entity - Christ's church, His body.
One author (Max Anders in Holman's New Testament Commentary on Ephesians) tells of Princess Margaret, as a young girl, sitting beside her mother, Queen Elizabeth. The occasion was the princess's first presentation to the British public. She is called upon to walk to the microphone and say a few words to the gathered dignitaries. As she prepares to stand, her mother leans over to her and says, "You are a princess. Walk like one!"
Max goes on to describe another scene ...
Eighteen-year-old Chuck has gone through twelve of the toughest weeks of any one's life in Marine boot camp in coastal South Carolina. During the last week they are forced to crawl under rolls of barbed wire with live machine gun ammunition blazing just inches over their heads. Chuck freezes. He begins to sweat. His hands dig into the red clay beneath him as panic sweeps his soul. Just then, a friend crawls up beside him and says, "Get a hold of yourself, Chuck. You're a Marine. Act like one!"
Identity is linked with actions. Character is molded from chosen behaviors. In the first 3 chapters of Ephesians, Paul is intent on you understanding that, as a believer, you are a child of God. Now ... ACT LIKE ONE!
Lord, we place ourselves in Your hands.
We pray that out of Your great mercy and love,
You will give us the courage to look ourselves squarely in the eye.
Help us focus on our own behaviors, not those of spouses, or friends,
or fellow church members.
Give us wisdom to see ourselves clearly.
Give us the determination, through the power of Your Spirit,
to quit making excuses for careless and/or bad behaviors.
We DO DESIRE to walk worthy of the call You have given us.
And through Your grace and Spirit and power, we will do it,
to the praise of Your Name.
October 10, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 5 - Day 3
Read Ephesians 3: 14 - 21
After Paul had revealed to his readers the great mystery of God for humanity, he is again moved to pray for these Christ - followers. Let's notice a couple of things together.
First, note his posture. The word that is translated as "bowing the knee" is more dramatic than kneeling. It actually means 'to prostrate ones self'. It reflects intensity and deep humility. Barclay tells us that the "ordinary Jewish attitude of prayer was standing, with the hands stretched out and the palms upwards." Don't you know this verbal description of being on your face before God caught attention! Have you experienced being in a totally helpless state where you could not even sit ... you just laid out flat before God? It gives us a glimpse into the depth of feeling and the intensity of emotion as Paul entreats God on behalf of these believers.
Secondly, I am moved by the use of the the word "Father". Jesus was not the first to call God Father. In both the Greek and the Roman pantheons of gods Zeus (Greek) and Jupiter (Roman) were considered the father of the gods and of men. However, the word meant paternity. Men can father children and never even see them, much less care for them. And it happens all too often in this broken world. What Jesus brings to the picture of Jehovah God is the inclusion of intimacy - true fatherhood - including love and care, discipline and nurture. However, this is not mushy sentimentality. We hear Paul speak of this Father as full of glory and incredible power - worthy of praise and thanksgiving and worship. H. L. Gee tells a story about a little boy in Britain whose father was promoted to the exalted rank of brigadier. When he heard the news and the accolades that accompanied the promotion he was silent for a bit. He then said, "Do you think he will mind if I still call him daddy?" And those in my generation remember well the picture that blanketed this country of little John-John playing in the well of the desk in the oval office ... while his daddy, President Kennedy, was at work.
Father ... our Father ... who art in heaven ... hallowed is Your Name.
Third, meditate on the things for which Paul prays. He prays for this Father ... to strengthen you in your inner self through His Holy Spirit. The inner self includes your reason, your conscience, and your will. That strength only comes when Christ "dwells" in your heart through faith. I must ask each of us ... has Christ been allowed to dwell, to settle in, to set up residence in your heart? Or, is He an invited guest on occassion? The secret of strength is the presence of Christ. There is no substitute. You may be able to fake it for awhile ... but the only way to sustain steadfastness of purpose and character and strength and perseverance ... is through the very life of Christ in the person of the Holy Spirit. Talk to Him about that.
Paul longs for us all to begin to comprehend the absolute vastness of the love of Christ. It seems that he had no descriptors that were sufficient. So ... I wonder if he looked at the universe itself ... and invited his readers to imagine the limitless sky above, the limitless horizons on every side, and the depth of the earth itself with its seas. Christ's love ... he so desired that these Christ-followers grow in their depth of understanding of this incomprehensible phenomenon.
It is THIS God ... to whom Paul ascribes glory ... forever ... AMEN.
After Paul had revealed to his readers the great mystery of God for humanity, he is again moved to pray for these Christ - followers. Let's notice a couple of things together.
First, note his posture. The word that is translated as "bowing the knee" is more dramatic than kneeling. It actually means 'to prostrate ones self'. It reflects intensity and deep humility. Barclay tells us that the "ordinary Jewish attitude of prayer was standing, with the hands stretched out and the palms upwards." Don't you know this verbal description of being on your face before God caught attention! Have you experienced being in a totally helpless state where you could not even sit ... you just laid out flat before God? It gives us a glimpse into the depth of feeling and the intensity of emotion as Paul entreats God on behalf of these believers.
Secondly, I am moved by the use of the the word "Father". Jesus was not the first to call God Father. In both the Greek and the Roman pantheons of gods Zeus (Greek) and Jupiter (Roman) were considered the father of the gods and of men. However, the word meant paternity. Men can father children and never even see them, much less care for them. And it happens all too often in this broken world. What Jesus brings to the picture of Jehovah God is the inclusion of intimacy - true fatherhood - including love and care, discipline and nurture. However, this is not mushy sentimentality. We hear Paul speak of this Father as full of glory and incredible power - worthy of praise and thanksgiving and worship. H. L. Gee tells a story about a little boy in Britain whose father was promoted to the exalted rank of brigadier. When he heard the news and the accolades that accompanied the promotion he was silent for a bit. He then said, "Do you think he will mind if I still call him daddy?" And those in my generation remember well the picture that blanketed this country of little John-John playing in the well of the desk in the oval office ... while his daddy, President Kennedy, was at work.
Father ... our Father ... who art in heaven ... hallowed is Your Name.
Third, meditate on the things for which Paul prays. He prays for this Father ... to strengthen you in your inner self through His Holy Spirit. The inner self includes your reason, your conscience, and your will. That strength only comes when Christ "dwells" in your heart through faith. I must ask each of us ... has Christ been allowed to dwell, to settle in, to set up residence in your heart? Or, is He an invited guest on occassion? The secret of strength is the presence of Christ. There is no substitute. You may be able to fake it for awhile ... but the only way to sustain steadfastness of purpose and character and strength and perseverance ... is through the very life of Christ in the person of the Holy Spirit. Talk to Him about that.
Paul longs for us all to begin to comprehend the absolute vastness of the love of Christ. It seems that he had no descriptors that were sufficient. So ... I wonder if he looked at the universe itself ... and invited his readers to imagine the limitless sky above, the limitless horizons on every side, and the depth of the earth itself with its seas. Christ's love ... he so desired that these Christ-followers grow in their depth of understanding of this incomprehensible phenomenon.
It is THIS God ... to whom Paul ascribes glory ... forever ... AMEN.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)