Ephesians 2: 1-5 Part II

     We begin chapter 2 of Ephesians by having to go back to 1: 19, in which Paul asserts that he prays that they might come to see the exceeding greatness of God’s power. “and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength. (Eph 1: 19 NIV) Christ’s resurrection, exaltation and headship of the Church are ways in which we see that power. Paul declares in this section of Ephesians the spiritual renewal of all people! The theme is verse five itself; “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.”

    What we find in this short section is the apostle contrasting verses 1-3 and 4-10.

Spiritual death which is separation from God caused by sin (trespass). Understand, Paul isn’t just saying that man apart from God is “subject to death or even under a sentence of death” he’s actually dead. This makes me think of the scene in “Princess Bride” where they take the hero to the magician and say, “help us he’s dead” and Billy Crystal says “no, he’s not dead, he’s mostly dead.” WE ARE DEAD IN OUR SINS/TRESPASSES, actually, completely dead. The reason in this passage that we see the word trespass used here rather than sin (and in the NIV that is significant). It is because in this passage Paul asserts both – trespass (GK paraptoma) and sin (GK hamartiai) to emphasize the total nature of this death. Trespass alludes to “the desires of the flesh, open, gross, and palapable”; sin alludes to “the desires of the mind, sins of thought and ideas, of purpose and inclination” absolutely everything is included in this thought.

     In verse two the idea is that these people conducted their lives in conformity to the thoughts and pursuits of their day. In other words, spiritually dead folk have forsaken the rules of God for the rules of man. Instead of being oriented to the life of the age to come and the heavenly realm, the past lives of the readers had been dominated by the present norms and values of their day wholly hostile to God. Now the phrase the “ruler of the kingdom of the air.” W. Wink in Naming Powers says, “that power of the air is not the locale of demons but the world atmosphere, the spiritual matrix of inauthentic living.  FF Bruce says this means that the devil is the leader of those ‘spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places’ of whom we are told 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.” The Ephesians once bowed to the god of this world and their rewards were temporary. But Christ brought them liberation from the devil and his powers. If you are interested in a book about spiritual warfare I can recommend an EXCELLENT resource, “What About Spiritual Warfare” by Doug Rumsford. I have this in my library and have given away more copies than I can count. Every person interested in spiritual things really should read it.

    In verse three the thought is that the readers were once under the full control of the flesh. Its desires dominated their lives and had to be fulfilled. Sin was in every part of them, there was no inner place not affected. Their thoughts were corrupt and controlled their actions, senses and impulses. They lived their lives in total absorption with self. They were deserving of wrath and death. This “objects of wrath” phrase not a personal thing with God but His active judgment against all forms of sin and evil, and is evidence of his absolute holiness. This is a Hebrew thought process/understanding, which is given in this verse and used often in the Old Testament. Therefore, “children of wrath/objects of wrath” are those who are doomed to God’s wrath because through their condition of sinful rebellion, they deserve his righteous judgment. The wording in this section is not only directed to the Ephesians but Paul makes it universal, taking in all of humanity.

     These first three verses carry an attitude of hopelessness, but there is good news. Verse 4 begins with BUT and it might be the biggest but in the New Testament. (I just couldn’t help myself J) This little word presents a contrast, showing the situation and expected results are not necessarily final, “God made us alive with Christ.” It is by love and mercy we are saved. This incredible thought and truth comes from God who has done everything on our behalf, and all that He has spared us from, is NOT because of who we are, but in spite of who we are! GRACE, no other word describes God better, grace is undeserved merit. God, by His mercy and love, pardoned us and made us alive through Jesus. It is good to be reminded when we feel ugly and our past haunts us, or if today we feel dirty and empty, we are saved by grace. It’s not based on what we have or have not done, it’s based on who we know - Christ. Now that is good news, which is what the word gospel means. Information obtained from “Ephesians: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition” by Mark A. Holmes; “Word biblical Commentary” by Andrew Lincoln; and Beacon Bible Commentary (Ephesians) by William H. Taylor.

Ephesians 2: 1-5 Part I

Scripture Study – Ephesians 2: 1-5

NIV    ¹As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ²in 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. ³All 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. ⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

The Message   ^{1 -6}It wasn't so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn't know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It's a wonder God didn't lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.

     Once again as we look at this scripture we are looking at a piece of a letter. On the positive side it gives us insight into the most personal of writings. We can and will see Paul’s heart every time we read one of his letters. It’s a pastor’s heart, a parent’s heart full of love, pain, and a desire to make his “children” the best followers of Jesus they could be. On the other side there is no writing in the Bible more difficult to understand than a letter. Now, some would think it would be the prophetic books or the poetry but, not really, because when we read a letter and only see one side, it is sooooooooooooooo easy to misinterpret! So when we read the letters of Paul we are often in a difficulty. We don’t have any idea what the letter he was answering said or if he’d had visitors and was addressing something they had told him. It is only from the letter itself we can piece together what was in Paul’s heart.

     It is clear that Paul was the writer of Ephesians, it is also clear he was in jail because of the faith when he wrote it. There is some connection between Colossians and Ephesians because Tychicus was the bearer of both and they are similar in construction. One of the main questions behind Ephesians is to whom was it really written.

     In Paul’s day letters were written on rolls of papyrus. They were rolled and tied with thread, if they were really private or official they were then sealed. But an address was seldom written on them, letters were delivered by hand and there was no postal system. So the titles of the New Testament letters are not part of the original letters at all. They were inserted afterwards when the letters were collected and published for all the Church to read.

    So when we look at Ephesians closely we note some interesting things. This letter is the most impersonal Paul ever wrote, it has none of the intimate greetings or good-byes we note in other letters, this is odd given the fact he was in Ephesus longer that any other city. And in Acts 20: 17-35 there is some real intimacy between Paul and the elders of Ephesus. The other interesting comment is in 1: 15 “because I have heard of your faith” Paul had not just heard of their faith he had been part of it. In 3: 2 he writes “assuming that you have heard”, Paul would know this info if it were Ephesus. Lastly, none of the early manuscripts of the Greek NT contain the words “in Ephesus” they all read “Paul…to the saints who are also faithful in Christ Jesus.” So if not to Ephesus, where? The oldest suggestion is Laodicea. This comes from Paul’s statement in Colossians 4: 16: “And when this letter had been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.” That statement makes it certain that a letter had gone to Laodicea. So how could this have happened? Well, Paul’s letters were well loved, treasured and copied for instruction. It could be as simple as the letter from Laodicea was copied or sent to Ephesus where it survived. Who knows… what we do know is the letter to the Ephesians is one of the most beautiful and instructive letters we have. A holy and inspired work laid down to guide, encourage and direct the Church then and the Church now. Info gathered from “The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians” by William Barclay.

 

Study Deuteronomy 6: 1-8

Deuteronomy 6: 1-8  ¹ These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, ² so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. ³ Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.  ⁴ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ⁵ Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. ⁸ Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

 

The book of Deuteronomy is sermons or speeches given by Moses. This book is considered to be part of the Law or the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). All Jewish boys were expected to have learned by memory all 5 books by the age of twelve. I can’t even imagine memorizing those books of the Bible. I have a hard enough time remembering where I put my purse or shoes.

The title of the book literally translated means “this second law.” Most of the book is Moses restating what God had given him before the nation crossed into the Promised Land after wandering in the wilderness for forty years. This makes perfect sense, any leader would want to remind the old and inform the young of the covenant and guidance of God for the people before achieving the goal. This particular book played an important role in the development of the Hebrew religion and way of living. Jesus was very familiar with this book and quoted from it often.

      Chapter six is a part of the section of Deuteronomy which is titled by most scholars as “The Ten commandments.” Verse 2 sums up the content of the entire chapter. Reverence for the Lord expresses itself in keeping all the commandments … all the days of our lives and teaching our children to do the same. Verses 4 and 5 are part of what is called the Shema (Hebrew for “hear”). This is the creed of Judaism. Either “The Lord our God is one Lord” or “the Lord is our God, the Lord is one” is a valid translation. In the Hebrew the Lord in this verse is Yahweh, which the Jews regarded as too sacred to be pronounced and so substituted the word Adonai, “my Lord.” The wording in verse 4 declares that the Lord is God, the only God and is the same everywhere. The word one is not inconsistent with the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. God is regularly in the plural form in the Hebrew Scriptures and IS here as well. This proclamation of God is followed by instructions to love God. Only in Deuteronomy of all the Pentateuch do we find this thought process of faith with love and it is found 10 times. This love includes every part of our being – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. When asked for the first commandment Jesus answered with the Shema followed by Leviticus 19: 18 and is considered the primary aspiration and/or requirement of all law.

     Verses six and seven declare this law to be in one’s heart and to be taught to the children. We are to be a people devoted to thoughts of God, to see His work and His Spirit in and through out our daily living. God’s activity in our lives is to be so evident that it is natural to teach it, speak it and live it from morning to night.

    There is a difference of opinion among scholars as to whether the Hebrews literally tied the law to their body. We do know that during Jesus day, some of the more religious did use little leather cubes on straps attached to their left hand or forehead which contained Exodus 13: 1-10; 13: 11-16; Deut. 6: 4-9 and 11: 13-21 before morning prayers. They were called tephillin (prayers) or phylacteries (a means of protection). Also the Jews put a metal or glass case and fix it to the right-hand doorpost of the outer entrance of every dwelling room in the house. This was called a mezuzah (doorpost). When Jesus gives a negative reference to those who wear the phylacteries he is not because they wore or displayed them but because they did it with an attitude of “I am more religious than you are.”

    Today Jewish people still use the Mezuzah. I went to the website Mezuzah and found this info. “In ancient biblical days over 3000 years ago, God commanded the Jews to place the doorpost amulet on their door. You can find this passage in the book of Devarim (Deuteronomy): “Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates”. What is the logic behind this? The doorpost amulet is there to remind you that God is always present in your life. That you should keep God's words constantly in your mind and in your heart. By doing this it will also assures you of God's blessing if you fulfill his commandments. By placing the doorpost amulet on your door, your home will be identified first and foremost as a Jewish home. But more then this, it's believed that it will protect the loved ones living in your home from evil. It's customary to check the parchment for any damages or defects if a problem arises in your home. The mezuzah is made of a rectangular piece of parchment inscribed with verses from the Book of Devarim. Looking at the parchment, you will see the name "Shaddai" inscribed on the outside, often accompanied by the words "The Lord our God the Lord" in a cryptogram. The parchment is rolled so that the name Shaddai is visible. Then it is placed in a case which is affixed to the doorpost.”

    We can summarize this little section of chapter six to be that Love for God, including His law, is to be all consuming, “upon our hearts”. We are to consider it so important that we pass them on to the next generation in any way we can. The Word of the Lord is to be a conversation piece at all times almost approaching a preoccupation. We are to take it internally then show it externally. I guess the question then is, “how am I fulfilling this teaching in my life and my home?” Am I doing all I can to learn all I can about God so that I can love Him fully? Do I love him in all areas of my life – physical, spiritual, emotional and mental? Does everything wrap around God, even the day to day stuff? How am I passing on this love and knowledge to the next generation? How does my external behavior show my internal love for God?

Information from “Handbook on the Pentateuch” by Victor Hamilton and “Beacon Bible Studies – Genesis – Deuteronomy” by Beacon Hill Press

 

Study Romans 8: 12-17

Hello Everyone,

Hopefully, my traveling days are over for awhile. If I haven’t already let you know my Dad, R.B., came through the surgery wonderfully and is doing well. I was privileged to preach in Batesville Sunday and that is always a treat. Please remember the Batesville Church in your prayers they are still without a Pastor.

Below is the text that will be preached on this Sunday. I hope these little tidbits of information will help you get ready for what ever the Holy Spirit would say to you. If you don’t attend church or don’t attend here, I am trusting the Holy Spirit to meet with you where you are today.

 

For Sunday 5/27/07                           Pentecost        Romans 8: 12-17

NIV    ¹²Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation—but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. ¹³For 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, ¹⁴because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. ¹⁵For 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." ¹⁶The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. ¹⁷Now 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. 

General Info - First we must realize this “book” is not a book at all but a letter. People reveal their thoughts and soul in letters. Paul really opened his heart to the people he wrote to, many of them he knew personally and had planted the church there. No wonder often he refers to them as “my children.” It is very important that we understand though that of all the literature in the Bible, letters can be the hardest to understand as the writer meant it to be understood. It is very unwise to study any of the letters of the New Testament without researching the situation, the people the letter was written to and what was happening at the time. Yes, there are many conceptual and general truths that can be taken at face value but there are many parts of the letter that will be interpreted INCORRECTLY if research is not done.

Paul used the writing rules of his day. He was an educated man and would do it naturally himself or any secretary he may have used would have followed the cultural norms. Not only do we have the writing of the Bible but we have other letters from this time period and Paul’s letters are of the same format. We also understand that Paul’s letters were written to address a particular people, in a particular church and often in response to information he had received either in letter form from them or by a personal visit from someone within the church. Remember Paul didn’t write these letters knowing that one day they would be canon, as a matter of fact, that would have probably mortified him. Sometimes Paul is hard to understand, because his sentences begin and never finish; his grammar breaks down and the construction becomes involved. We must not think of him sitting quietly at a desk but striding around some little room, pouring his heart out while some poor secretary writes as fast as he can.

Romans - The letter to the Romans is different than all of Paul’s others. This was the church Paul did not plant and had not put any personal touch into it. This particular letter is the nearest thing to a teaching sermon of any of Paul’s other writings. In the other letters he deals with immediate trouble or some pressing situation. When Paul actually wrote this letter, the date was sometime around 58 AD and he was in Corinth. The Jerusalem church was financially in trouble, Paul had been gathering offerings from the newer churches, he was about to set out with that gift to the Jerusalem Church.

I have to stop right here and make an observation. As I was doing this research it occurred to me. It was the Jerusalem church that had balked at the gospel being shared to the Gentiles. Finally, it was agreed by the church in Jerusalem that they could share the Gospel with Gentiles and they could have churches etc. but I would imagine that the belief system of a life time that Jews and Gentiles could not be equal was embedded deeply. Now, the church in Jerusalem is in trouble and these Gentile churches who know full well the prejudice of the Jewish hub are sending an offering to them. WOW, is that not a lesson to us!!!! They gave offering, MONEY, to a church that had reluctantly accepted them, almost didn’t let them be part of “the way.” How’s your offering been to your home church, the church you attend, the church where your children attend and are taught, etc.? Now I’m not talking about tithe. Tithe is God’s to start with, if you are not paying tithe, your robbing God, that’s a different issue. I’m talking about offering which is over and above tithe. Back to this observation, these folks gave to a need in a place where they probably wouldn’t  have been allowed in. Something to think about…

In verses 12-17 Paul uses the metaphor of Roman adoption practices, which were elaborate and serious. When a person was adopted by a Roman father 1) the person lost all rights in his old family and gained all rights in his new family. 2) He became heir, even if other sons were afterwards born, it did not affect any of the adopted sons rights. 3) In all legal issues, the old life was gone such as debts, anything it was gone. 4) In the eyes of the law he was absolutely the son of the adopting father. During the ceremony there were seven witnesses at the end one would step forward and declare the process to be genuine.

This entire process of Roman adoption is in Paul’s mind when he dictates these verses. The Holy Spirit is the witness that declares it to be genuine. We were in sin but God in his mercy brought us into his absolute possession. The old life has no more rights over us; God has the rights. The past is cancelled and its debts are gone! We become joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, God’s own Son. That which Christ inherits, we inherit – suffering or glory. Paul gave us the incredible picture that when we became a Christian we entered into the very family of God. We did nothing to deserve it; God, in his an amazing love and mercy, has taken us – the lost, the helpless, the sinners and adopted us into his own family! If you are a Christian how does it feel to know you are fully adopted, all the debts of the past are gone and you are a co-heir with Jesus? If you don’t know this God who loves you enough to fully adopt you, He really is only a sentence away, begin talking to the one who wants you as a son or daughter. Information found in the book by William Barclay “The Letter to the Romans”