Paul’s Prayer For The Ephesians- Ephesians 1:15-20

Paul’s Prayer For The Ephesians- Ephesians 1:15-20

INTRODUCTION

1. We have seen Paul describe how richly blessed we are in Christ in the “doxology” of verses 3-14 in this first chapter of Ephesians.

2. Paul now proceeds to reveal what sort of things he has been praying for on behalf the Ephesians...
a. Paul does the same thing in his epistles to the Philippians and Colossians - cf. Ph 1:9-11; Co 1:9-12
b. In noticing such prayers, I find it helpful to remember that Paul is writing by inspiration
1) I.e., the things mentioned were not just Paul’s desire for his readers, but the desire of God as well!
2) And in most cases, what concerns are expressed in these prayers are just as applicable to us as they were to the original recipients of these epistles

3. With that thought in mind (i.e., Paul’s prayer is God’s desire for us as well), let’s take a close look at this prayer...

[Beginning with a recognition of their faith and love (verse 15) and a mention of his unceasing thankfulness for them (verse 16), Paul then states that in his prayers his concern for the Ephesians is...]

I. THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW GOD (17)

A. TO “KNOW” GOD IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE...
1. More important than human wisdom, glory, or might - cf. Jer 9:23-24

2. It is eternal life itself! - Jn 17:3

3. Failure to know God will lead to everlasting destruction! - 2 Th 1:7-9

-- Of course, we are speaking here of knowledge that comes through close and personal
association, not casual awareness

B. THIS KNOWLEDGE OF GOD COMES BY “A SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND
REVELATION” (17)...
1. Paul could have reference here to either the Holy Spirit Himself, or a spiritual gift that the Holy Spirit gives

2. In either case, it likely refers to that process that was still going on in the first century, where the Spirit of truth was guiding the apostles and early Christians into all the truth (cf. Jn 16:13; 1 Jn 2:20,27)

3. Today, we have the full and final revelation in the pages of God’s Word, where we can go to learn the truth about God (e.g., cf. Ep 3:3-4)

[Do you “know” God? Many people know “about” God, but it is God’s will that we come to know “Him”. Through the Word of God as we have it today, you can allow the “spirit of wisdom and revelation” give you that “saving knowledge” of God Himself!
We now observe that Paul’s concern for the Ephesians included their “eyes being opened”...]

II. THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE HOPE OF GOD’S CALLING (18a)

A. IN CHRIST, WE HAVE BEEN “CALLED” BY GOD...
1. This “calling” occurred through the preaching of the gospel - 2 Th 2:14

2. God is “calling” us into His own kingdom and glory - 1 Th 2:12

3. We have been “called” out of darkness into God’s marvelous light - 1 Pe 2:9

B. PAUL’S DESIRE IS THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE “HOPE” OF THIS
CALLING...
1. The word “hope” means “desire with expectation”

2. What is the expectant desire of this “calling” by God?
a. Paul has already revealed some of this hope in verses 4-5
1) To be holy and without blame
2) To be adopted as sons
b. Paul will reveal more about it later in the epistle - cf. Ep 2:19-22

3. In this way, Paul is helping to fulfill his own prayer by the writing of this epistle

[Do we appreciate the “hope” of God’s calling? Again, it is through the revealed Word of God (like this epistle to the Ephesians) that we are able to have our own eyes enlightened. There is no reason for us to be ignorant of our wonderful “hope”! In addition to their knowing the “hope of His calling”, Paul prays...]

III.THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE RICHES OF GOD’S INHERITANCE (18b)

A. PAUL HAS ALREADY MADE REFERENCE TO...
1. The fact that we were predestined to adoption as sons - Ep 1:5

2. The fact that we have obtained an inheritance - Ep 1:11

3. The fact that the Holy Spirit was given as a guarantee - Ep 1:14

B. HE WILL WRITE MORE CONCERNING OUR “INHERITANCE” LATER ON...
1. Speaking of the exceeding riches of God’s grace in the ages to come - Ep 2:7

2. Speaking of how Gentiles can be “fellow heirs” - Ep 2:12-13; 3:7

[Again we see how Paul by writing this epistle is attempting to help answer his own prayer for the Ephesians. There is one more thing that Paul wanted the Ephesians, and if the way he elaborates is an indication of its importance then Paul more than all else prayed...]

IV. THAT THEY MIGHT KNOW THE POWER OF GOD (19-20)

A. “POWER” DESCRIBED AS...
1. Exceedingly great (“the exceeding greatness”)

2. Shown toward those who believe (“toward us who believe”)

3. In accordance with the same power that...
a. Raised Jesus from the dead!
b. Seated Him at the right hand of God in the “heavenly places” (cf. Ep 1:3)

-- How can it be said that such power is available to us who believe? (The next section suggests how)

B. CONCERNING THIS GREAT “POWER”...
1. Paul gives an example in Ep 2:1-6
a. We who were “dead in trespasses” (2:1-3) were “made alive” (4-5) and “raised up” (6)
b. I.e., in Christ we who were spiritually dead have been made spiritually alive - cf. Co 2:12-13
c. This may not sound as impressive as being raised from the dead physically (as Jesus was, but it cannot happen without the same sort of Divine Power!
d. As Jesus said when He raised the paralytic, “Which is easier...?” - Mt 9:2-8
1) To raise the sick (and the dead), or to forgive sins (and make spiritually alive)?
2) Both require Divine Power!

2. Paul speaks of its source in Ep 3:16
a. It is through God’s Spirit in the inner man that we can be “strengthened with might”
b. Just as we were “renewed” by the Spirit upon our baptism - Jn 3:5; Ti 3:5
c. So we can be strengthened by the Spirit in our daily battles against sin - Ro 8:12-13

3. Paul speaks of its greatness in Ep 3:20
a. It comes from Him (God) “who is ABLE to do”
b. With ability that is “exceedingly”, “abundantly”, “above all” that we ask or think!
c. Such ability is “according to the power that works IN us” - cf. Ep 3:16 (“through His Spirit in the inner man”)

4. Finally, Paul charges the Ephesians to stand strong in this power in Ep 6:10ff
a. By putting on the “armor of God” - Ep 6:11a
b. For we are in a battle against the devil and his forces - Ep 6:11a-13 (dare we fight this battle dependent upon our own strength alone?)
c. The “armor of God” described - Ep 6:14-18

CONCLUSION

1. It appears that Paul followed that saying “Pray as though it all depends upon God, but work as though it all depends upon you!”
a. For while he prayed for the Ephesians that they might know...
1) God
2) The hope of God’s calling
3) The riches of God’s inheritance
4) The power of God
b. Paul takes it upon himself (with the aid of inspiration, of course) to write of these things in this epistle

2. How is our knowledge of God, the hope of His calling, His riches, His power?
a. Certainly it is God’s will that we increase in our understanding, appreciation, and application of these blessings!
b. With the help of God’s Word, especially a book like Ephesians, we can grow in all these things!

But before growth can occur, there must be life. Have you been “made alive together with Christ”? - cf. Ep 2:5-6; Co 2:12-13

Blessings Involving The Holy Spirit- Ephesians 1:13-14

Blessings Involving The Holy Spirit- Ephesians 1:13-14

INTRODUCTION

1. In studying verses 4-12 in which Paul is praising God for the “spiritual riches” in Christ, we have seen blessings which involve both the Father and the Son...
a. Blessings involving the Father include our being:
1) “Chosen by God”, to be holy and without blame before Him in love (1:4)
2) “Predestined by God”, to receive the adoption as sons of God (1:5-6a)
3) “Accepted by God”, that is, to be highly favored by Him (1:6b)
b. Blessings involving the Son also include the following:
1) “God has redeemed us” through the precious blood of His Son (1:7a)
2) “God has forgiven us” of our sins by virtue of His grace (1:7b-8)
3) “God has revealed His Will to us ” pertaining to His plan to gather into one all things in Christ (1:9-10)
4) “God has given us an inheritance” as part of His predetermined plan (1:11-12)

2. Verses 13-14 close out this “doxology”, by pointing out blessings we have in Christ that relate in particular to the work of the Holy Spirit

[What are these “Blessings Involving The Holy Spirit”? The first one is...]

I. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR “SEAL” (13)

A. DEFINING “SEAL”...
1. The word is sphragizo {sfrag-id’-zo}, which means “to set a seal upon, mark with a seal, to seal”

2. A “seal” was used for various reasons, including:
a. To guarantee the genuine character of a document (Esther 3:12), or, figuratively, of a person (1 Co 9:2)
b. To mark ownership (Song 8:6)
c. To protect against tampering or harm (Mt 27:66; Re 5:1)

B. HOW IS THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR “SEAL”...?
1. It could be in every sense of the word...
a. In Ro 8:16, the Spirit Himself “bears witness” that we are children of God (i.e.,
guarantees our genuine character)
b. In Ro 8:9, the indwelling Holy Spirit is considered evidence that we are truly Christ’s(i.e., a mark of ownership, cf. also 1 Co 6:19-20)
c. In Ro 8:13-14, it is by the Spirit of God that we “put to death the deeds of the body” so we can live (i.e., to some degree helping to protect against tampering or harm, cf. also Ep 3:16)

2. However, the context of Ephesians makes me think that “proof of ownership” is what Paul had in mind...
a. He goes on to speak of the Holy Spirit as a “guarantee...until the redemption of the purchased possession” - Ep 1:14
b. He later says that we were sealed by the Spirit “for the day of redemption” - Ep 4:30
-- So until that “day of redemption”, the Holy Spirit is given to the Christian as evidence that we truly belong to God

C. WHEN ARE WE “SEALED” WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT...?
1. It is after, not before...
a. One hears the word of truth, the gospel - Ep 1:13
b. One believes the gospel - Ep 1:13; cf. Jn 7:37-39
c. One becomes a son of God - Ga 4:6-7 (which occurs when a believer is baptized into
Christ - cf. Ga 3:26-27)

2. Thus it is only when we obey the gospel of Jesus Christ that we are “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise”...
a. As Peter told the crowd on the Day of Pentecost - Ac 2:38-39
b. And as he told the Sanhedrin Council - Ac 5:32

[This “seal” as a “mark of ownership” is something that might be of more significance to God (and to Satan, who would try to steal what belongs to God) that it does to us, but we can take comfort in knowing that God considers us His property, and that the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is to be evidence of such ownership. Paul describes the Spirit in this passage as “the Holy Spirit of promise”, which could be understood in two ways: 1) the promised Holy Spirit (cf. Ac 1:4-5; 2:33,38-39); or 2) the Holy Spirit which gives promise of what else lies ahead. In view of what we learn next about the Holy Spirit, I suspect Paul refers to the latter, for...]

II. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR “GUARANTEE” (14)

A. DEFINING “GUARANTEE” (“EARNEST”, KJV)...
1. The word is arrabon {ar-hrab-ohn’}

2. It is used to refer to “money which in purchases is given as a pledge or down payment that the full amount will subsequently be paid”

3. In the LXX (Septuagint Version of the OT), the word is translated “pledge” three times in Gen 38:17-20

B. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A “GUARANTEE OF OUR INHERITANCE”...
1. God has given the Holy Spirit in our hearts as a “deposit” (“earnest”, KJV, and is the same Greek word) - 2 Co 1:22

2. He is a guarantee of what God has prepared for us - 2 Co 5:1-5

3. The blessing of the Holy Spirit working in our lives is only a foretaste of the glory that will one day be ours

4. And yet, as an example of what the Holy Spirit can do for us now...cf. Ro 15:13; Ep 3:16; Ga 5:22-23

C. HE SERVES AS SUCH “UNTIL THE REDEMPTION OF THE PURCHASED
POSSESSION”...
1. While in one sense we have been redeemed (Ep 1:7) through the blood of Christ, in
another sense God has yet to redeem those who are truly His (Ep 4:30)

2. Until that day, the Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee that the final redemption will one day take place

3. Hendriksen comments: “At the moment when believers receive THEIR full
inheritance, which includes a glorious resurrection body (4:30), the redemption of
GOD’S own possession takes place, that is, the full release to him of that which is
his by virtue of the fact that he both made it and bought it.”

CONCLUSION

1. So we have the Holy Spirit as a “seal” and a “guarantee”. What should our reaction be?

2. For the third time (1:6,12,14), Paul says these blessings are “to the praise of His glory”!

3. Thus our reaction should be the same as Paul as stated at the beginning of this section...
a. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” - 1:3
b. I.e., praise God!

Are you praising God for His wonderful grace and mercy? Later on, Paul will tell us how we can “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ep 4:1), but he sums it up very nicely in Ro 12:1-2...

Blessings Involving The Son- Ephesians 1:7-12

Blessings Involving The Son- Ephesians 1:7-12

INTRODUCTION

1. We saw in the previous lesson that Paul starts his epistle to the Ephesians with praising God for the spiritual riches (blessings) that we have in Christ - Ep 1:3

2. Throughout Ep 1:4-14 Paul lists some of these wonderful blessings that are ours, and in verses 4-6 we saw those blessings which center around the Father, how we who are in Christ are:
a. “Chosen by God”, to be holy and without blame before Him in love (1:4)
b. “Predestined by God”, to receive the adoption as sons of God (1:5-6a)
c. “Accepted by God”, that is, to be highly favored by Him (1:6b)

3. How is it that we who are sinners are so blessed by God?
a. The answer is hinted at in verses 4-6 by the repeated reference to Christ:
1) “chose us in Him”
2) “adoption as sons by Jesus Christ”
3) “made us accepted in the Beloved”
b. Thus it is only through Jesus Christ that we can receive these wonderful blessings! (1:3)

4. This becomes even clearer as we now consider verses 7-12, as Paul expands upon “Blessings Involving The Son”...
a. Please note that the distinction being made between blessings involving the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a narrow one
b. For each of the blessings usually involve two or more Persons in the Godhead
c. But for memorization purposes it can be helpful to divide up the blessings in the way we have done

[The first blessing we notice in this section is that through His Son...]

I. GOD HAS REDEEMED US (7a)

A. DEFINING “REDEMPTION”...
1. The Greek word is apolutrosis {ap-ol-oo’-tro-sis}

2. It means “a releasing effected by payment of ransom”

3. As Hendriksen defines it, “deliverance as a result of the payment of a ransom”

4. Hendriksen goes on to suggest that this “redemption” implies:
a. “emancipation...from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin” - cf. Jn 8:34; Ro 7:14; Ga 3:13
b. “restoration to true liberty” - cf. Jn 8:36

B. OUR REDEMPTION IS “THROUGH HIS (CHRIST’S) BLOOD”...
1. The price paid in order to redeem us was the blood of Jesus - cf. 1 Pe 1:18-19

2. By His death on the cross, Jesus has paid the price to deliver us from the bondage of sin, for which He deserves our highest praise! - cf. Re 5:9, 12

[We now see how God could carry out His choice to have a people who are holy and without blame, adopted as sons unto Him, when all He had to work with were “sinners”. Through the death of Jesus and the shedding of His blood, God was just to “redeem” or “deliver” sinners from the bondage of sin! There is another way to express what God has done to make it possible for us to be “holy and without blame before Him in love”, and that is, through His Son...]

II. GOD HAS FORGIVEN US (7b-8)

A. DEFINING “FORGIVENESS”...
1. The Greek word is aphesis {af’-es-is}, and it’s shades of meaning include:
a. “release from bondage or imprisonment”
b. “forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty”

2. With the shedding of Jesus’ blood, it is now possible to be “forgiven”, that is, “pardoned” so that we are no longer guilty of or imprisoned by sin

B. WHAT HAS BEEN FORGIVEN ARE OUR “SINS” (TRESPASSES)...
1. The Greek word here is paraptoma, {par-ap’-to-mah}
a. Lit., it means “a sideslip (lapse or deviation)”
b. Thus it refers to (unintentional) error or (willful) transgression

2. The very sort of things (faults, offenses, sins, trespasses) that would keep us from being “holy and without blame”

3. Through Jesus’ blood, we can obtain “pardon” from such things, and be “holy and without blame”!

C. THE BASIS FOR BOTH “REDEMPTION” AND “FORGIVENESS” IS GOD’S GRACE...
1. “according to the riches of His grace” - 7c

2. “which He made to abound toward us” - 8a

3. As Paul told Titus, it is by God’s mercy and grace we are justified - Ti 3:3-7

4. This wonderful grace is manifested by God in all...
a. “wisdom” - from the Greek word sophia, {sof-ee’-ah}
1) Defined by Hendriksen as “that ability to apply knowledge to the best
advantage, enabling a person to use the most effective means for the
attainment of the highest goal”
2) In God’s case, His wisdom is often beyond the capability of man to find out on his
own - cf. Ro 11:33
b. “prudence” - from the Greek word phronesis {fron’-ay-sis}
1) Meaning “mental action or activity, i.e. intellectual or moral insight:
prudence, wisdom.”
2) With much thought God has chosen to show His grace toward us!

[According to His wisdom, prudence, and grace, God has provided “redemption” and “forgiveness” through the blood of His dear Son! But there is more! While God’s wisdom is often beyond the ability of man to find out on his own, through His Son...]

III.GOD HAS REVEALED HIS WILL TO US (9-10)

A. “HE HAS MADE KNOWN TO THE MYSTERY OF HIS WILL”...
1. As explained by Paul later in this epistle (cf. Ep 3:3-5), this “mystery”...
a. Was not made known to mankind in other ages - 3:5a
b. But has now been revealed by the Spirit to the apostles and prophets - 3:5b; Ro 16:25-27

2. Making known the “mystery of His will” is due to “His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself”
a. It pleased God in planning to reveal His will to us
b. Just as it pleased God to predestine our adoption as sons through Jesus Christ - 1:5

B. THE “WILL OF GOD” THAT IS NOW REVEALED PERTAINS TO WHAT GOD HAD PLANNED TO ACCOMPLISH IN JESUS CHRIST...
1. God’s “plan” was to be carried out “in the dispensation of the fullness of the times”
a. I.e., in the period of time when everything is right and ready - cf. Ga 4:4-5
b. Hendriksen suggests that the reference is to the entire New Testament era...
1) Particularly to the period which began with Christ’s resurrection and coronation
2) But not ending until the Lord, upon His glorious return, pronounces and executes
judgment (New Testament Commentary, Exposition of Ephesians, pp. 85-86)

2. God’s “plan” was to “gather together in one all things in Christ...”
a. B. W. Johnson comments: “He might gather in one all things in Christ. That the
scattered families and tribes of men, both Jews and Gentiles, should all be
gathered and united under one head, Christ. Nay, not only men, but angels...”
b. Paul elaborates upon this thought in Ep 2:16, and in Co 1:19-22
1) By the death of Christ, Jew and Gentile can become one body
2) By the blood of the cross, God is able to reconcile all things to Himself
3) The ultimate consequence of this “reconciliation” is that we might be presented
“holy, and blameless, and irreproachable in His sight” - Co 1:22; cf. Ep 1:4

[Finally, we also learn that through the Son....]

IV. GOD HAS GIVEN US AN INHERITANCE (11-12)

A. “OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE” OR “MADE A HERITAGE”...?
1. Some translations and scholars understand that verse 11 should read “we were made a heritage”, speaking of God’s inheritance, with an appeal to:
a. Ep 1:14b - where Paul speaks of “the redemption of the purchased possession”
b. Ep 1:18c - where Paul speaks of “His inheritance”

2. Reasons for accepting the rendering found in the KJV and NKJV are offered by
Hendriksen:
a. The immediate context speaks of “our inheritance” - Ep 1:14a
b. In the NT “the inheritance” is ever said to be “ours” or “intended for us” - Ac 20:32; Ga 3:18; Co 3:24; He 9:15; 1 Pe 1:4 (including Ep 1:18c, where “His inheritance” can mean that which God is giving to us)
c. Ep 1:5 speaks of “adoption as sons”, and in Ro 8:15-17 Paul connects the idea of
adoption with that of being heirs
d. In an epistle with many similarities to Ephesians, Paul certainly speaks of how we are “heirs” - Co 1:12

B. THIS INHERITANCE IS PART OF GOD’S “PREDESTINATION”...
1. Just as God “predetermined” that those in Christ would receive “adoption as sons” (Ep 1:5), so He “predetermined” that His “sons” would receive an “inheritance”!

2. This is in accordance with God’s grand “purpose”, who has the power to “work all things according to the counsel of His will”

C. THE FINAL RESULT IN RECEIVING THIS INHERITANCE...
1. “that we...should be to the praise of His glory”
a. That “those in Christ” (and what God has made them) will be a reason to give God
glory
b. As Paul wrote the Thessalonians: “that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be
glorified in you...” - 2 Th 1:12

2. Some understand that Paul is now beginning to distinguish between those like him (Jewish believers) and those like his readers (Gentile believers), for a reason that will become clear later (cf. Ep 2:11-22)
a. For Paul speaks of “we who first trusted” in verse 12...
b. ...and then says “you also trusted” in verse 13

3. Even if so, one cannot make too much of this distinction...
a. Because all that is said in verses 3-11 (where “we” is found) applies to Gentile
believers
b. And all that is said in verses 13-14 (where “you” is found) applies to Jewish believers also

CONCLUSION

1. In Christ, then, we have every reason to praise God, knowing that...
a. God has redeemed us (7a)
b. God has forgiven us (7b-8)
c. God has revealed His Will to us (9-10)
d. God has given us an inheritance (11-12)

2. But there is even more! And in the next lesson we shall examine what that is, as we consider “Blessings Involving The Holy Spirit”

For the time being, have you experienced that wonderful redemption, the forgiveness of sins, through the blood of Jesus? The apostle Peter tells how we can in Ac 2:36-41...

Blessings Involving The Father- Ephesians 1:4-6

Blessings Involving The Father- Ephesians 1:4-6

INTRODUCTION

1. As suggested in the previous lesson, the “theme” of Ephesians is “The Believer’s Riches In Christ”

2. After his brief salutation (1:1-2), Paul immediately begins in 1:3 by praising God for the blessings or riches) we have in Christ...
a. This “doxology” actually continues throughout verses 4-14
b. The spiritual “possessions” that are mentioned in this passage can easily be outlined as:
1) Blessings involving the Father (4-6)
2) Blessings involving the Son (7-12)
3) Blessings involving the Holy Spirit (13-14)

3. In an effort to appreciate how spiritually blessed we are in Christ, we will examine this section(4-14) in three separate lessons

[With verses 4-6, then, we focus in on “Blessings Involving The Father”, beginning with the fact that in Christ we are...]

I. CHOSEN BY GOD (1:4)

A. DEFINING THE TERM “CHOSEN”...
1. Comes from the Greek eklegomai {ek-leg’-om-ahee}, and means “to pick out, choose, to pick or choose out for one’s self”

2. Related to the idea of “election” which comes from ekloge {ek-log-ay’}, meaning “the act of picking out, choosing”

B. THE “TIME” OF THIS CHOICE...
1. “before the foundation of the world”

2. Before the world was ever created, God made His “choice” or “election”

3. Just as with Christ Himself, who was foreordained “before the foundation of the world” - 1 Pe 1:20

C. THE “OBJECTS” OF THIS CHOICE...
1. The Calvinist believes that this choice was...
a. Individual (only certain select individuals have been chosen)
b. Dependent solely upon God’s gracious and mysterious will, without any foreknowledge of good or evil on the part of those selected
c. Unconditional and final ( there is no possibility of apostasy)

2. The Arminian believes that this choice was...
a. Individual (certain select individuals have been chosen)
b. Based upon foreknowledge of those souls who would respond to the gospel and
persevere in the faith
c. Unconditional and final, in the sense that God already knows those who will persevere to the end

3. Paul says simply “...chose us in Him (i.e., Christ)”, and I understand this election by God to have been...
a. General, not particular; corporate, not individual
b. The body of Christ, the church as a whole, which God chose for His divine and
gracious purposes He planned to carry out in Christ
c. And that while in the “corporate” sense this choice is unconditional and final, as
“individuals” we must be “diligent to make your calling and election sure”
- 2 Pe 1:10
1) Just as Israel (as a nation) had been chosen by God to receive His blessings
2) But individually, the Israelites also had to “make their calling and election sure”

D. THE “PURPOSE” OF THIS CHOICE...
1. “that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love”

2. The goal of God’s choice in eternity was to produce a people in Christ Jesus who would be:
a. “holy” - set apart for a special purpose
b. “without blame” - free from condemnation
c. “in love” - walking before God in a “sphere” of love - cf. Ep 5:1-2

[In Christ Jesus, then, we are blessed to be God’s “chosen” people (cf. 1 Pe 2:9). How God was able to carry out the “purpose” of His choice when all He had to work with were sinners will be explained in verses 7-12. But first we also learn that in Christ Jesus we have been...]

II. PREDESTINED BY GOD (1:5-6a)

A. DEFINING THE TERM “PREDESTINED”...
1. From the Greek word, proorizo {pro-or-id’-zo}, meaning “to predetermine, decide
beforehand”

2. Thus this verse speaks of that which God “predetermined beforehand”

-- WHO was it that God “predetermined”?

B. THE SUBJECTS OF GOD’S “PREDESTINATION”...
1. Paul simply says “us”

2. As with election, I understand Paul to speaking of the church as a whole

3. As B. W. Johnson says: “The whole line of argument is general instead of
particular.” (The People’s New Testament)

--WHAT was it that God “predetermined”?

C. THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S “PREDESTINATION”...
1. “adoption as sons”

2. Quoting Johnson again: God has “foreordained that we, the church of Jesus Christ,
should be adopted as his children.”

3. As Wiersbe points out, the word “predestination” refers primarily to what God does for saved people: “Election seems to refer to people, while predestination refers to
purposes” (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 2, p. 11)

3. So it is here, that Paul reveals that which had been predetermined beforehand was the church (all those who are saved) would be “adopted” into the family of God

-- WHY did God “predetermine” this?

D. THE BASIS OF GOD’S “PREDESTINATION”...
1. “according to the good pleasure of His will”

2. Putting it simply, the idea “pleased” God!
a. It is something He wanted to do
b. And by His Divine Will He has made it possible!

[What should our reaction be to all this? To praise God for His glorious grace (“to the praise of the glory of His grace”)! For it is His “grace” by which we can now be...]

III.ACCEPTED BY GOD (1:6b)

A. DEFINING THE TERM “ACCEPTED”...
1. Comes from the Greek word charitoo {khar-ee-to’-o}, and means...
a. To be highly favored
b. To peruse with grace, compass with favor
c. To honor with blessings

2. It is used in Lk 1:28 in reference to the virgin Mary (“highly favored one”)

3. Like Mary, those in Christ are “highly favored” in God’s sight!

B. THE BASIS UPON WHICH WE ARE “ACCEPTED”...
1. “in the Beloved” (Jesus Christ)

2. As emphasized in 1:3 and throughout verses 4-14, all these blessings (including acceptance by God) are “in” and “by” Jesus Christ:
a. God chose us “in Him (Christ)” - 1:4
b. God predestined us to adoption as sons “by Jesus Christ” - 1:5
c. God has made us accepted “in the Beloved (Christ) - 1:6

3. Therefore it is by our being “in” Christ that we are privileged to be “highly favored” by God, and showered by these wonderful blessings!

CONCLUSION

1. And what should our reaction be?
a. To praise God for His glorious grace! - cf. Ep 1:6
b. Offering such praise is a form of “spiritual sacrifice” by which we can say “thank you!” - cf. He 13:15

2. How can God afford to be so gracious to those who are sinners? Our next lesson will examine how in detail, but notice Ep 1:7
a. Have you experienced this redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins?
b. To learn how, carefully read Ac 2:36-41...

Introduction To Ephesians- Ephesians 1:1-3

Introduction To Ephesians- Ephesians 1:1-3

INTRODUCTION

1. Have you ever heard of “Hetty” Green, known as “America’s Greatest Miser”?
a. She died in 1916, and left an estate worth over $100 million
b. Yet, it is said that...
1) She ate oatmeal cold, because it cost to heat it
2) Her son’s leg was amputated, because she delayed too long looking for a free clinic
c. Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
1) For someone who had such great assets, to go through life miserable
2) Living the life of a pauper, when great wealth was at her disposal

2. But the same could be said of many Christians today...
a. For in Christ Jesus, we have countless spiritual blessings! - cf. Ep 1:3
b. However, many of these blessings go unused
1) Blessings that are wonderful, but unappreciated by many
2) Resulting in some Christians living what Thoreau would call “lives of quiet desperation”

3. God would have us to know about these blessings, or spiritual “riches”, and in the New Testament one book in particular describes many of them...
a. It is the book of Ephesians
b. One expressed purpose of the book is that we might know “what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” - cf. Ep 1:18

4. Lest we become the spiritual equivalent of “Hetty” Green, we begin a series devoted to the Epistle to the Ephesians, in which we plan to “mine” for the riches that are ours in Christ Jesus

[In Ep 1:1-3, Paul addresses the brethren at Ephesus and begins immediately to speak of our “spiritual blessings”. Let’s first more closely consider...]

I. THE AUTHOR (1:1a)

A. PAUL...
1. Formerly, “Saul of Tarsus”, the persecutor of the church - Ac 9:1-2

2. But who became the “apostle to the Gentiles” - Ac 9:15

B. AN APOSTLE OF JESUS BY THE WILL OF GOD...
1. His apostleship was not of his own choosing - cf. Ga 1:1

2. He knew it was by the grace of God that he had been so called - Ep 3:8a

3. His charge? To “preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” - Ep 3:8b

C. WHOSE WORK HAD BROUGHT HIM TO EPHESUS...
1. First, for a short stay - Ac 18:19-21

2. Then for over two years, one of his longer periods of service in one place - Ac 19:1-10

3. He also met with the Ephesian elders at Miletus - Ac 20:17-38

D. WRITING NOW AS “AN AMBASSADOR IN CHAINS”...
1. At the time Paul wrote this epistle, he was awaiting trial in Rome - cf. Ep 3:1; 4:1; 6:20

2. This epistle was written about the same time as Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon,approximately 60-62 A.D.

3. I.e., during the time period briefly described in Ac 28:30-31

[Now for a few thoughts on...]

II. THE RECIPIENTS (1:1b)

A. THE SAINTS WHO ARE IN EPHESUS...
1. The recipients of this letter were called “saints”
a. The word “saint” means “one who has been set apart”
b. It is related to the word “sanctified” which means “set apart”
c. ALL Christians were called saints in the New Testament, for in Christ Jesus even the vilest sinners are “sanctified” upon their conversion - cf. 1 Co 6:9-11

2. The recipients of this letter were those brethren “in Ephesus”
a. This is called into question by some, for in a few manuscripts “in Ephesus” is omitted
b. For a detailed examination of this question, cf. New Testament Commentary,
Exposition Of Ephesians, William Hendriksen, Baker Book House, pp. 56-61
c. Hendricksen’s conclusion: this letter was written to the churches of Ephesus and
surroundings

3. Historical background concerning the work in Ephesus can be found in Ac 18:19-28;
19:1-41; 20:17-38

B. AND FAITHFUL IN CHRIST JESUS...
1. This describes the character of those “saints” in Ephesus

2. They are “faithful in Christ Jesus”; that is, they trusted in Him for their salvation - cf. Ep 1:13

3. They were “faithful” in another sense, also, in that they were trustworthy in their stand for the truth - cf. Re 2:1-3, 6

4. However, they were to be later rebuked for leaving their “first love” - Re 2:4-5

[To these “faithful saints”, Paul give his customary greeting in which he prays for grace and peace to come upon them from God and Jesus (1:2). With the very next verse, Paul begins to praise God for the blessings we have in Christ, which reveals to us . . .]

III.THE THEME: THE BELIEVER’S RICHES IN CHRIST (1:3)

A. THE SOURCE OF OUR BLESSINGS (RICHES)...
1. They come from “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”

2. As revealed later, they come to us a result of the “riches” of . . .
a. God’s grace - Ep 1:7
b. God’s glory - Ep 1:18
c. God’s mercy - Ep 2:7

3. As James wrote, “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights . . .” - Ja 1:17

B. THE SCOPE OF OUR BLESSINGS (RICHES)...
1. They include “every” spiritual blessing; not just a few, but every single one!

2. Blessings that are “spiritual” in nature; unlike many of the blessings to the nation of Israel of old, which were but material

C. THE SPHERE OF OUR BLESSINGS (RICHES)...
1. First, they are “in the heavenly places”
a. Lit., “in the heavenlies”, a phrase found only in Ephesians (1:3; 2:6; 3:10; 6:12)
b. Referring to the spiritual realm, as opposed to the physical

2. Secondly, they are “in Christ”
a. It has been counted that this phrase “in Christ” occurs 27 times in this epistle
c. Emphasizing that it is only by being “in” Christ that one can have access to “every” spiritual blessing

[With verse three, then, we have the “theme” of this epistle stated, and one would do well to think of it as the “key verse”. Before we close this introduction to Ephesians, it may be helpful to consider the following outline of the book as presented in The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 2, Warren W. Wiersbe, p. 7...]

IV. A BRIEF OUTLINE

A. DOCTRINE: OUR RICHES IN CHRIST (chapters 1-3)
1. Our spiritual possessions in Christ (1:4-14)
a. From the Father (1:4-6)
b. From the Son (1:7-12)
c. From the Spirit (1:13-14)
-- First Prayer: for enlightenment (1:15-23)

2. Our spiritual position in Christ (2:1-22)
a. Raised and seated on the throne (2:1-10)
b. Reconciled and set into the temple (2:11-22)
-- Second Prayer: for enablement (3:1-21; with verses 2-13 as a parenthesis)

B. DUTY: OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN CHRIST (chapters 4-6)
1. Walk in unity (4:1-16)

2. Walk in purity (4:17-5:17)
a. Walk not as other Gentiles (4:17-32)
b. Walk in love (5:1-6)
c. Walk as children of light (5:7-14)
d. Walk carefully (5:15-17)

3. Walk in harmony (5:18-6:9)
a. Husbands and wives (5:18-33)
b. Parents and children (6:1-4)
c. Masters and servants (6:5-9)
d. Walk in victory (6:10-24)

CONCLUSION

1. In our next lesson, we will begin our study of this Epistle to the Ephesians in earnest, noticing immediately some of those “unsearchable riches of Christ”

2. But as we have already seen, the “sphere” in which these blessings (riches) are to be found is “in Christ”. How does one get “into” Christ?

The answer is found in Ga 3:26-27, where we learn that those who have been “baptized into Christ have put on Christ”. Are you in Christ...?

The Epistle To The Ephesians- Chapter One study guide

The Epistle To The Ephesians- Chapter One study guide

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To review the wonderful blessings God has provided in Christ

2) To understand what Paul desired the Ephesians that they know

3) To notice the greatness of God's power toward those who believe

4) To consider the exalted position of Christ and His church

SUMMARY

Following a brief salutation (1-2), Paul begins this epistle with an expression of praise to God for the spiritual blessings that are in Christ (3). In this doxology is a list of blessings divided into three sections. The first section describes those blessings related to the Father, how He has chosen us in Christ, predestined us to adoption as sons to Himself, and made us accepted in the Beloved (4-6). The second
section focuses on those blessings in relation to the Son, e.g., redemption through His blood, forgiveness of sins, the revelation of His will concerning Jesus Christ, and the inheritance we have obtained, as predestined according to God's will (7-12). The third section describes blessings related to the Holy Spirit, how we are sealed with the Spirit of promise, and how He serves as a "guarantee" (or deposit) of our inheritance (13-14). The key phrase throughout this section is "in Him" (or "in Whom") which stresses the point that all spiritual blessing come through Jesus Christ and enjoyed by those who are "in" Him (cf. 1:1,3).

The last half of the chapter contains Paul's first of two prayers that are in this epistle. The prayer in this chapter is for their "enlightenment", that their knowledge and understanding might increase. Paul especially desires that they might know God more fully, what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the great power of God toward those who believe (15-19). Regarding this "power", it is the same power God used to raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him at His right hand. The exalted position now enjoyed by Christ includes authority over all things, especially the church which is described as "His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all."(20-23)

OUTLINE

I. INTRODUCTION (1-3)

A. THE AUTHOR (1a)
1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ

2. By the will of God

B. THE RECIPIENTS (1b)
1. The saints (who are in Ephesus)

2. The faithful in Christ Jesus

C. THE SALUTATION (2)
1. Grace and peace

2. From God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

D. THE THEME OF THE EPISTLE (3)
1. The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is to be blessed (praised)

2. For He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ

II. OUR SPIRITUAL POSSESSIONS IN CHRIST (3-14)

A. BLESSINGS INVOLVING THE FATHER (4-6)
1. We are chosen by God (4)
a. Chosen in Christ before the world began
b. Chosen to holy and without blame before Him in love

2. We are predestined by God (5-6a)
a. Predestined to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself
b. Predestined according to the good pleasure of His Will
-- To the praise of His glorious grace

3. We are accepted by God (6)
a. Accepted by virtue of His glorious grace
b. Accepted in the Beloved (Christ)

B. BLESSINGS INVOLVING THE SON (7-12)
1. God has redeemed us (7a)
a. Redeemed in Christ
b. Redeemed through His blood

2. God has forgiven us (7b-8)
a. Forgiven us of our sins
b. Forgiven us according to the riches of His grace
1) Which God has made to abound toward us
2) Abounding in all wisdom and prudence

3. God has revealed His will to us (9-10)
a. Revealed the mystery of His will
1) According to His good pleasure
2) Which He purposed in Himself
b. Revealed how He will gather together in one all things in Christ
1) Things in heaven
2) Things on earth

4. God has given us an inheritance (11-12)
a. An inheritance predestined by God
1) According to His purpose
2) Who works all things according to His will
b. An inheritance...
1) For those who first trusted in Christ
2) So they can be to the praise of God's glory

C. BLESSINGS INVOLVING THE HOLY SPIRIT (13-14)
1. The Holy Spirit is our "seal" (13)
a. Having trusted in Christ after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of salvation
b. Having believed, we were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise

2. The Holy Spirit is our "guarantee" (14)
a. The guarantee of our inheritance
b. The guarantee until the redemption of the purchased possession
-- To the praise of God's glory

III.PAUL'S FIRST PRAYER: FOR THEIR ENLIGHTENMENT (15-23)

A. THAT WHICH PRECIPITATED HIS PRAYER (15-16)
1. Having heard of their:
a. Faith in the Lord Jesus
b. Love for all their saints

2. Resulting in his:
a. Unceasing thanks for them
b. Making mention of them in his prayers

B. THE CONTENT OF HIS PRAYER (17-23)
1. To whom addressed (17a)
a. The God of our Lord Jesus Christ
b. The Father of glory

2. That God would...
a. Give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation (17b)
b. Enlighten the eyes of their understanding (18a)

3. That they might know...
a. The knowledge of God (17c)
b. The hope of His calling (18b)
c. The riches of the glorious inheritance in the saints (18c)
d. The exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe (19a)

4. Regarding this power toward us who believe...
a. It is according to working of God's mighty power in Christ (19b-20a)
b. The same mighty power which...
1) Raised Christ from the dead (20b)
2) Seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places (20c-21)
a) Far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name
b) Not only in this age, but also in that which is to come
3) Put all things under His feet (22a)
4) Gave Him to be head over all things to the church (22b-23)
a) Which is His body
b) Which is the fullness of Him who fills all in all

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Introduction (1-3)
- Our spiritual possessions in Christ (3-14)
- Paul's first prayer: for their enlightenment (15-23)

2) Why is God to be blessed (praised)? (3)
- Because He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ

3) What blessings have we received that pertain especially to the Father? (4-6)
- He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world
- He predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ
- He made us acceptable in the Beloved (Jesus)

4) What blessings have we received that pertain especially to the Son? (7-12)
- God has redeemed us through His Son's blood - God has revealed His will to us
- God has forgiven us of our sins - God has given us an inheritance

5) What blessings have we received that pertain especially to the Holy Spirit? (13-14)
- We have been "sealed" by the Holy Spirit
- We have received the Spirit as a "guarantee" of our inheritance

6) What had Paul heard, that prompted his prayers in their behalf? (15-16)
- Of their faith in the Lord Jesus; of their love for all the saints

7) Concerning what did Paul pray that his readers might know and be enlightened? (17-19)
- The knowledge of God
- The hope of His calling
- The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints
- The exceeding greatness of His power toward those who believe

8) According to what is God's power toward those who believe? (20)
- The power God worked in Christ, in raising Him from the dead and seating Him at His right hand

9) What is Christ's exalted position at God's right hand? (21)
- Far above all principality, power, might, dominion, and every name that is named, both now and in the age to come

10) What has been placed under His feet? Over what is He the head? (23)
- All things; the church

11) What is the church in relation to Christ? (23)
- His body; the fullness of Him who fills all in all

The Epistle To The Ephesians- Introduction

The Epistle To The Ephesians- Introduction

AUTHOR

The apostle Paul (1:1; 3:1). Early sources in church history that attribute this letter to Paul include:Irenaeus (200 A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.), and Origen (250 A.D.). Polycarp (125 A.D.)attests to its canonicity in his own epistle to the Philippians (chapter 12).

THE RECIPIENTS

There are reasons to believe that this epistle was not designed for just one congregation, but intended to be passed around to several churches in the area surrounding Ephesus. The earliest manuscripts do not contain the phrase "in Ephesus" (cf. 1:1). The epistle itself is in the form of a general treatise rather than as a letter written to a specific church. For example, there are no specific exhortations or personal greetings. It is thought by some (Conybeare and Howson) that this letter is the epistle that was first sent to Laodicea (cf. Co 4:16), and designed to be shared with other churches, including Ephesus. Because Ephesus was the leading city of the region, and the main center of Paul's missionary activity in the area(cf. Ac 19:1,8-10), it is understandable why later scribes might have assigned this epistle to the church at Ephesus. Without question it was intended for "the saints ...and faithful in Christ Jesus." (1:1)

PAUL'S MINISTRY IN THE REGION

Paul first came to Ephesus for a short visit toward the end of his second missionary journey (Ac 18:18-19). Located on the SW coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), Ephesus was one of the great cities in that part of the world. A Roman capital, it was a wealthy commercial center and home for the worship of the goddess Diana (cf. Ac 19:23-41). Though Paul briefly studied with the Jews at the local synagogue and was invited to stay longer, he made plans to visit them again after a quick trip to
Jerusalem (Ac 18:20-21).

On his third missionary journey Paul made it back to Ephesus for an extended stay of three years (cf.Ac 19:1,10; 20:31). After his initial success in converting twelve disciples of John (Ac 19:1-7), Paul spent three months teaching in the local synagogue (Ac 19:8). Resistance to his doctrine forced him to leave the synagogue, but he was able to continue teaching in the school of Tyrannus for a period of two
years.The end result is that the gospel spread from Ephesus throughout Asia Minor (Ac 19:9-10). A disturbance created by some of the local idol makers finally forced Paul to leave Ephesus (Ac 19:23-20:1).

Toward the end of his third journey, Paul stopped at nearby Miletus, and met with the elders of the church at Ephesus. Reminding them of his work with them, he charged them to fulfill their own responsibilities as overseers of the flock of God, and then bid them a tearful farewell (Ac 20:17-38).

TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING

Ephesians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (3:1; 4:1; 6:20; cf. Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon). The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. Ac 28:16,30-31). If such is truly the case, then Paul wrote Ephesians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome. The indication is that the epistles to the Colossians, Philemon and the Ephesians were carried to their destination by Tychicus and Onesimus (cf. 6:21-22; Co 4:7-9; Phile 10-12).

PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE

Unlike other epistles written to specific churches, this epistle does not deal with specific problems in a local congregation. Instead, Paul addressed great themes that pertain to the Christian's position in Christ, as a member of the body of Christ, the church. As expressed in his prayer for his readers, it was his desire that they might know:
* What is the hope of God's calling (1:18)
* What are the glorious riches of God's inheritance in the saints (1:18)
* What is God's great power toward those who believe (1:19)

In the first three chapters, Paul answers his own prayer by expounding upon their spiritual blessings in Christ. The last three chapters focus on the conduct (or "walk", cf. 4:1,17; 5:2,8,15) expected of those so richly blessed. Therefore Paul writes to:
* Remind Christians of their spiritual blessings in Christ (1:3)
* Exhort Christians to have a "walk worthy of the calling with which you were
called" (4:1)

THEME OF THE EPISTLE

A grand epistle like Ephesians almost defies coming up with one main theme. With its exalted view of the church in God's plan of redemption, it is common to suggest the theme as "The Church, The Fullness of Christ". Another theme which does justice to the content of the epistle and one that I suggest for this study is that offered by Warren Wiersbe:

"THE BELIEVER'S RICHES IN CHRIST"

KEY VERSE: Ephesians 1:3

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us
with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,"

OUTLINE (adapted from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Vol. 2,Warren W. Wiersbe, p.7)

INTRODUCTION (1:1-2)

I. DOCTRINE: OUR RICHES IN CHRIST (1:3-3:21)

A. OUR SPIRITUAL POSSESSIONS IN CHRIST (1:3-14)
1. From the Father (1:4-6)
2. From the Son (1:7-12)
3. From the Spirit (1:13-14)
-- First Prayer: for enlightenment (1:15-23)

B. OUR SPIRITUAL POSITION IN CHRIST (2:1-22)
1. Raised and seated on the throne (2:1-10)
2. Reconciled and set into the temple (2:11-22)
-- Second Prayer: for enablement (3:1-21; with verses 2-13 as a parenthesis)

II. DUTY: OUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN CHRIST (4:1-6:20)

A. A CALL TO WALK IN UNITY (4:1-16)
1. Preserving the unity of the Spirit with proper attitudes (4:1-7)
2. Edifying the body of Christ by the grace given us (4:8-16)

B. A CALL TO WALK IN PURITY (4:17-5:21)
1. Walk not as other Gentiles (4:17-32)
2. Walk in love (5:1-6)
3. Walk as children of light (5:7-14)
4. Walk as wise (5:15-21)

C. A CALL TO WALK IN HARMONY (5:22-6:9)
1. Husbands and wives (5:22-33)
2. Parents and children (6:1-4)
3. Masters and servants (6:5-9)

D. A CALL TO WALK IN VICTORY (6:10-20)
1. Standing strong in the power of the Lord (6:10-13)
2. Equipped with the whole armor of God (6:14-20)

CONCLUSION (6:21-24)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) To whom is this epistle addressed? (1:1)
- The saints and faithful in Christ Jesus; actual identity uncertain

2) From where and when did Paul write Ephesians?
- From Rome, sometime around 61-63 A.D.

3) What three other epistles were written about this time? What are the four epistles
sometimes called?
- Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon
- The "prison epistles"

4) When did Paul first come to Ephesus (Ac 18:19-22)
- Toward the end of his second missionary journey

5) When and how long did he spend most of his time at Ephesus? (Ac 18:23; 19:1; 20:31)
- On his third missionary journey; three years

6) For what three things did Paul pray that they might know? (1:15-19)
- The hope of God's calling
- The glorious riches of God's inheritance in the saints
- God's great power toward those who believe

7) What is the twofold purpose of this epistle? (1:3; 4:1)
- To remind Christians of their spiritual blessings in Christ
- To exhort Christians to have a "walk" worthy of their calling

8) What is the "theme" of this epistle, as suggested in the introduction?
- The Believer's Riches In Christ

9) What serves as the "key verse" of this epistle?
- Ephesians 1:3

10) According to the outline above, what are the two main divisions in this epistle?
- Doctrine: Our Riches In Christ
- Duty: Our Responsibilities In Christ

The Epistle To Philemon- Chapter One

The Epistle To Philemon- Chapter One

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To be impressed with the loving hospitality which characterized the Christians in the early church

2) To learn lessons in the use of tact in dealing with others

SUMMARY

In this very short and personal epistle, Paul addresses it to Philemon, Apphia, Archippus and to the church in their house. But it soon becomes evident that its contents are directed toward Philemon, a beloved friend and fellow laborer with Paul (1-3).

After his salutation, Paul expresses his thanks for the noble qualities which have characterized Philemon in the past, especially his love for the saints. It is because of Philemon's past performance that Paul is confident his plea will be carried out faithfully (4-7).

Paul's plea concerns Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon. Somehow he had run into Paul at Rome and was now a new convert to Jesus Christ. As a brother in Christ, Onesimus had made himself very useful to Paul in Rome. But because he still legally belongs to Philemon, Paul is sending him back with a plea that Onesimus be forgiven and received as a brother in the Lord. Paul also offers to pay any restitution which may be owed Philemon by Onesimus (8-21).

The epistle ends with a request for lodging in the near future, and with sundry greetings from individuals who were with Paul in Rome (22-25).

OUTLINE

I. SALUTATION (1-3)

A. FROM... (1a)
1. Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus

2. Timothy, a brother

B. TO... (1b-2)
1. Philemon, a beloved friend and fellow laborer

2. Apphia

3. Archippus, a fellow soldier

4. The church in their house

C. GREETINGS (3)
1. Grace and peace

2. From God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ

II. THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (4-7)

A. PAUL'S THANKFULNESS (4-5)
1. Expressed in frequent prayers to God

2. For Philemon's love and faith toward Jesus and all the saints

B. PAUL'S PRAYER (6-7)
1. That the sharing of Philemon's faith might be effective

2. Through the acknowledgment of every good thing in Philemon

3. For example, the joy and comfort experienced by Paul from Philemon's love, as Paul hears of how he refreshed the hearts of the saints

III.THE PLEA FOR ONESIMUS (8-21)

A. AN APPEAL, NOT A COMMAND (8-9)
1. Paul had the authority to command what is fitting

2. He chose instead to make an appeal based upon...
a. Love itself
b. Paul's "age"
c. His imprisonment

B. PAUL'S PLEA (10-20)
1. Concerns Onesimus (10-11)
a. Who was converted by Paul while in chains, and is now like a son to him
b. Who though once was unprofitable to Philemon, is now profitable to both him and Paul

2. Paul is now sending Onesimus back to Philemon (12-14)
a. Though he is very dear to Paul
b. Though Paul wished to keep him and have him work in Philemon's behalf in the gospel
c. But Paul did not want to do anything without Philemon's whole-hearted consent

3. Paul's desire is that Philemon receive Onesimus as a brother in Christ (15-17)
a. Perhaps his running away was for this purpose, that he might become a beloved brother in the Lord
b. So if Philemon considered himself a partner of Paul, Paul asks that he receive Onesimus as he would Paul himself

4. Paul offers to repay Philemon (18-19)
a. For any wrong that Onesimus might have done
b. Of course, Philemon already owed Paul his own life

5. By receiving Onesimus in this way, Philemon could give Paul joy and a refreshed heart in the Lord (20)

C. PAUL'S CONFIDENCE IN PHILEMON (21)
1. In Philemon's obedience

2. That Philemon will do even more than what Paul is asking for

IV. CONCLUDING REMARKS (22-25)

A. REQUEST FOR LODGING (22)
1. That Paul might be able to stay with Philemon

2. For Paul is confident that through the prayers of Philemon he will soon be able to come to him

B. GREETINGS FROM OTHERS (23-24)
1. Epaphras, a fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus

2. Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, fellow laborers with Paul

C. A CLOSING PRAYER (25)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) List the main points of this epistle
- Saluation (1-3)
- Thanksgiving & Prayer (4-7)
- The Plea For Onesimus (8-21)
- Concluding Remarks (22-25)

2) Why does Paul refer to himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus? (1)
- He was "in chains" (also under house arrest, awaiting trial)
- But note also that he says "of Christ", for it was while engaged in HIS service and thus for HIS sake he was imprisoned

3) Why the mention of Timothy? (1)
- He was with Paul at Rome
- Also, it is possible that he was acquainted with Philemon

4) What does Philemon's name mean? Did he live up to it?
- His name means "one that is affectionate"
- Yes! cf. verse 5 and 7

5) Who, possibly, are Apphia and Archippus? (2)
- Apphia may have been the wife of Philemon
- Archippus may have been their son, also the minister for the church in Colosse (cf. Co 4:17)

6) Is this letter primarily to Philemon, or to all?
- To Philemon (note the use of the singular in verses 4-21)
- Though by mentioning the others, perhaps Paul was soliciting their help to encourage Philemon

7) What is a good example of this family's devotion to Christ and of their hospitality to the saints? (2)
- It appears that they let the church meet in their home

8) Define the terms "grace" and "peace" (3)
- Grace: favor that is unmerited
- Peace: harmony (e.g., with God, self, and others), the result of God's grace

9) How could Paul have heard about Philemon? (4,5)
- From Epaphras, who was a member of the church at Epaphras (Co 4:12,13)
- From Onesimus himself

10) What good things had Paul heard concerning Philemon? (5)
- His love and faith toward Christ and the saints

11) What are some examples of Philemon's love for the saints?
- Letting the church meet in his home (1)
- Refreshing the hearts of the saints (7)
- Preparing guest rooms (22)

12) What does Paul pray for in behalf of Philemon? (6)
- That the sharing of his faith may become effective

13) How is this prayer related to the plea which follows in verses 8-21?
- Carrying out Paul's plea concerning Onesimus would be one way of assuring that Philemon's faith in its sharing would be effective

14) What had given Paul great joy and comfort in his imprisonment? (7)
- Philemon's love and the way the saints have been refreshed by him

15) How does Paul re-emphasize his close feelings for Philemon? (7)
- By calling him "brother"

16) What does the word "therefore" indicate? (8)
- That Paul's plea for Onesimus is predicated upon Philemon's past behavior mentioned in verses 4-7

17) What could Paul have done in this matter? (8)
- Simply commanded Philemon to do what is proper

18) What does Paul do instead? (9)
- He "appeals" to Philemon

19) Why does Paul call himself "the aged"? (9)
- Perhaps to appeal to Philemon's sympathy
- Paul is probably about sixty years old at this time, but in light of bodily injuries incurred throughout his ministry (cf. 2 Co 11:23-29), he was likely older than his years would normally indicate

20) Why does he again refer to himself as a prisoner? (9)
- Perhaps to tactfully remind Philemon that since Paul had suffered so much in service to Christ, certainly Philemon could honor his request

21) In the original language, where does the name "Onesimus" appear in the sentence? (10)
- At the end: "I appeal to you for my son, whom I have begotten while in my chains, ONESIMUS."

22) What significance might there be in placing Onesimus' name at the end of the sentence?
- Possibly that Paul is tactfully preparing Philemon to honor Paul's request by saying what he does before mentioning a name that is likely to bring bad memories to Philemon

23) What does Paul call Onesimus? What does it mean? (10)
- "My son"
- Like Timothy, this convert of Paul had become like a son to him

24) What does the name "Onesimus" mean?
- "Profitable", or "useful"

25) How had becoming a Christian changed Onesimus? (11)
- Prior to his conversion, he was "unprofitable" (as a runaway slave)
- Now, he was "profitable" to both Paul and Philemon
- Thus he was now living up to his name!

26) What does Paul want Philemon to do in regard to Onesimus? (12)
- Receive him

27) How does Paul express further what Onesimus has meant to him? (12)
- He refers to Onesimus as "my own heart"

28) What had Paul wished to do with Onesimus? (13)
- To keep him, and let him serve Paul in the gospel

29) Why had Paul refrained from doing what he wished? (14)
- He did not want to do anything without Philemon's whole-hearted consent

30) What did Paul see as the "possible" reason for this turn of events? (15)
- The providence of God
- Note that Paul says "perhaps"; Paul recognized that we cannot always be certain as to why things happen the way they do (just as Mordecai said in Esther 4:14), and whether it is always the Lord's doing

31) How did Paul want Philemon to receive Onesimus? (16)
- No longer as a slave, but as a beloved brother

32) Upon what basis does Paul ask Philemon to receive Onesimus as he would Paul himself?(17)
- If he considered Paul as a partner

33) What is Paul willing to do in behalf of Onesimus? (18-19)
- Pay back anything Onesimus might owe Philemon

34) What indicates that Paul may have personally converted Philemon to the gospel? (19)
- Paul's statement, "you owe me even your own self"

35) How will Philemon's forgiveness of Onesimus affect Paul? (20)
- Despite being in chains, Paul will have joy and be refreshed in his heart

36) Was Paul in doubt about Philemon's response to his request? (21)
- No, he had confidence that Philemon would do even more that what Paul asked

37) How could Philemon do more than what Paul had asked of him?
- He could free Onesimus
- He could give him spare time to evangelize
- He could treat other slaves with similar compassion

38) How might Paul's request for lodging tactfully induce Philemon to honor his request for Onesimus? (22)
- Philemon would know that Paul would soon be able to witness firsthand Philemon's response to the plea for Onesimus

39) Where else do we read of these men who accompany Paul in sending greetings to
Philemon? (23,24)
- All of them are mentioned in Co 4:10-14
- Epaphras (Co 1:7; 4:12,13)
- Mark (Ac 12:12,25; 13:5,13; 15:36-40; 2 Ti 4:11; 1 Pe 5:13)
- Aristarchus (Ac 19:29; 20:4; 27:2)
- Demas (2 Ti 4:10)
- Luke (The "we" sections of Acts, 2 Ti 4:11)

40) What is Paul's concluding prayer for Philemon? (25)
- "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."

The Epistle To Philemon- Introduction

The Epistle To Philemon- Introduction

AUTHOR

Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ (1,9,19).

PLACE OF WRITING

Rome, about the same time the epistle to the Colossians was written. This deduction is based upon the following:
* Like the epistle to the Colossians, the epistle to Philemon was written when Paul was in chains (1,10,13,23)
* Timothy joined Paul in both epistles (1; Co 1:1)
* Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke joined in the salutation of both (23,24;Co 4:10-14)
* Onesimus, the subject of this epistle, was one of the messengers by whom the epistle to the Colossians was sent (Co 4:7-9)
* Archippus, to whom this epistle is partially addressed (2), is also addressed in the epistle to the Colossians (Co 4:17)

TIME OF WRITING

If the epistle to Philemon was written about the time Colossians and the other "prison epistles"(Ephesians and Philippians) were written, then it was written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome, sometime during the period of 61-63 A.D.

BACKGROUND OF THE EPISTLE

Philemon was a member of the church at Colosse (cf. 1,2, with Co 4:17), and a very hospitable one at that (1,2,5,7). It is possible that he was one of Paul's own converts (19). It is also plausible that Apphia was his wife, and Archippus his son (1,2).

Onesimus had been one of Philemon's slaves (16), who had run away (15). It appears that he somehow traveled to Rome where he found Paul and was converted to Christ (10). He had become very dear to Paul, and was proving to be very useful (11-13).
But Paul did not think it right to keep Onesimus in Rome, and was sending him back to Philemon(12-14). This letter to Philemon is an appeal for him to receive Onesimus now as a brother in Christ, and for him to forgive Onesimus if he had done any wrong (15-21).

PURPOSE OF WRITING

From the content of the epistle, it appears that Paul had both a primary and secondary purpose:

* Primarily to secure forgiveness for Onesimus
* But also to provide from himself a place of lodging after his release from imprisonment(22)

THE VALUE OF THIS EPISTLE

This short, but valuable epistle has been described as:
* A Model Of Christian Courtesy
* A Manifestation Of Christian Love
* A Monument Of Christian Conversion

Perhaps this is why the Holy Spirit deemed it proper to preserve it for our benefit.
KEY PASSAGE: Philemon 10,11
"I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my
chains, who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to
me."

BRIEF OUTLINE

Paul's Courtesy (1-3)
Paul's Compliment (4-7)
Paul's Counsel (8-21)
Paul's Conclusion (22-25)

A detailed outline of the epistle can be found in the material on Chapter One.

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION

1) Who is the author of this epistle?
- Paul

2) Where was he writing from?
- Rome

3) Approximately when was this epistle written?
- Sometime between 61-63 A.D.

4) What other epistles were written by Paul about the same time?
- Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians

5) What church possibly met in Philemon's home?
- The church at Colosse

6) Who was Onesimus?
- A runaway slave that had belonged to Philemon

7) What was Paul's purpose in writing this epistle?
- To secure forgiveness for Onesimus
- To provide for himself a place of lodging after his release from imprisonment

8) What are the key verses to this epistle?
- Philemon 10-11

God's “Second String”- Colossians 4:7-18

God's “Second String”- Colossians 4:7-18

INTRODUCTION

1. We have stressed throughout this study of Colossians that we are “complete in Christ” - Co 2:9

2. To be “complete in Christ”, or “perfect in Christ” (Co 1:28), is certainly to be the goal of every Christian...
a. Does this mean that those who are in Christ are to be exactly alike in every way?
b. Should we expect every mature Christian to be duplicates of one another in ability and service?

3. No, it does not, and that becomes especially clear as we consider Paul’s closing comments concerning several individuals who were instrumental to the success of Paul’s ministry

4. Reading Paul’s comments about these individuals reminds me of the key to any successful sports team: the strength of the “second string” that supports the key players

5. So as we come to this last section of the Book of Colossians, I hope we do not consider these closing comments of Paul as something to quickly gloss over
a. There are important lessons we can glean from these verses
b. We are reminded of the need and the value of “God’s Second String”

[First, we are introduced to...]

I. THE MEN WHO WERE MESSENGERS (7-9)

A. TYCHICUS... (7-8)
1. Described as “a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord”
a. We read of him in Ac 20:7, as one of those who accompanied Paul
b. Again in Ep 6:21-22, where he performed the same duties as outlined in Co 4:7-8
c. And also in Ti 3:12 and 2 Ti 4:12, where he continues to serve Paul as a messenger

2. He might have been one of the brethren referred to in 2 Co 8:23, who were called
“messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ”

B. ONESIMUS... (9)
1. Also “a faithful and beloved brother”

2. Who was from Colosse (cf., “who is one of you”)

3. We learn from the Epistle to Philemon that Onesimus was a runaway slave who was
converted by Paul and sent back

4. He, too, was serving as a messenger for Paul

[Because of men like these, the influence of the apostles was able to spread much farther than if they were by themselves. And that also means the influence of the gospel spread much farther! Next, we read of...]

II. THE MEN WHO WERE COMFORTERS (10-11)

A. ARISTARCHUS... (10A)
1. A “fellow prisoner”

2. He also had been a fellow traveler of Paul - Ac 20:4
a. Who nearly lost his life to the riot in Ephesus - Ac 19:29
b. Who sailed with Paul to Rome - Ac 27:2

3. And was now in Rome with Paul, sending greetings

B. MARK... (10B)
1. The writer of the second Gospel, he was the cousin (nephew) of Barnabas
a. The church in Jerusalem met in his mother’s house - Ac 12:12
b. Started out with Paul and Barnabas on their first journey, but then turned back - Ac 13:1-13
c. He later became a bone of contention between Paul and Barnabas - Ac 15:36-41
d. But eventually proved “profitable” to Paul for service - 2 Ti 4:11

2.. Even now, he is included with those who Paul said “proved to be a comfort to me”

C. JESUS, CALLED JUSTUS... (11)
1. Little is known of this man, except that he was a Jew (“of the circumcision”) and a “fellow worker for the kingdom”

2. He, too, was a comfort to Paul

[No man can produce what they are capable of producing, unless they receive the right kind of encouragement. Just as Barnabas (the “son of encouragement” - Ac 4:36) had been the one to encourage a young man who made a mistake (i.e., John Mark) and made him profitable, so now that young man with two others were comforting the apostle Paul in his trials. With such comfort, Paul was able to continue his work while awaiting trial before Caesar. Now let’s notice...]

III. THE MAN WHO PRAYED (12-13)

A. EPAPHRAS, WHO STARTED THE CHURCH AT COLOSSE... (12a)
1. He was from Colosse (“one of you”) - Co 1:7-8

2. He cared deeply for them and those in Laodicea and Hierapolis

3. He too was a “fellow prisoner” (Phile 23); what could he do for those so far away?

B. EPAPHRAS, A MAN OF PRAYER... (12b-13)
1. He could at least pray for his brethren!

2. And pray he did...
a. He prayed “constantly” (“always”)
b. He prayed “fervently” (“laboring fervently”)
c. He prayed “personally” (“for you”)
d. He prayed “with a goal in mind” (“that you may stand perfect and complete...”)

[Just as one does not have to be on the court to contribute to a team’s success, one does not have to be present to be a blessing to others! So Paul himself realized, and often solicited the prayers of others on his behalf (e.g., 2 Th 3:1-2). On a bittersweet note, we now consider...]

IV. TWO MEN OF CONTRAST (14)

A. LUKE, THE “BELOVED PHYSICIAN”...
1. A fellow traveler with Paul on a number of his journeys - Ac 16:10; 20:5; 27:1 (note the personal pronouns “we”, “us”)

2. He was used by the Holy Spirit to write over half of the New Testament!
a. He penned both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts
b. In total volume, they constitute the majority of the New Testament

3. He was faithful to Paul to the end - 2 Ti 4:11

B. DEMAS, WHO LATER FORSOOK PAUL...
1. At the time Colossians and Philemon was written, Demas was a “fellow laborer”

2. But not long after, it was said of him, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world” - 2 Ti 4:10

CONCLUSION

1. Demas serves as a sober reminder of the need to remain steadfast to the end - cf. also Re 2:10

2. But the others in this passage remind us that the spread of the gospel during the first century was not accomplished through the efforts of great men like Paul and the twelve apostles alone

3. It was greatly assisted by humble men and women willing to serve as “God’s Second String”...
a. Who served as messengers, comforters, prayer warriors, and servants to those in positions of greater influence than themselves (7-14)
b. Who opened their hearts and their homes to the service of the church, as did Nymphas (15)

4. If the gospel is to spread today, there is also a need for “God’s Second String”...!
a. Are we willing to do whatever we can in the service to the Lord, whether it be great or small?
b. Then let Paul closing remarks to a man named Archippus serve as an admonition to us as well: “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” - Co 4:17

5. Whatever our calling, whatever our ability, let us be faithful to the Lord!
As Paul closed his epistle to the Colossians in his own personal handwriting (18), so we close this series of sermon outlines: “Grace be with you. Amen”

If we truly let Jesus be our “All-Sufficient And Preeminent Savior”, then God’s grace will certainly be with us!

Essentials For Living The Christ-Like Life- Colossians 4:2-6

Essentials For Living The Christ-Like Life- Colossians 4:2-6

INTRODUCTION

1. In the last two chapters in his epistle to the Colossians, the apostle Paul exhorts them to live the kind of life that demonstrates their faith in Jesus Christ as the “All-Sufficient And Preeminent Savior”
a. In Co 3:1-11, Paul describes the “basics” of Christian living
b. In Co 3:12-17, Paul describes the “apparel” Christians are to wear
c. And in Co 3:18-4:1, Paul discusses the “guidelines” to govern Christian families

2. Prior to making his closing comments, he now gives three exhortations to his brethren in Christ that I am calling in this lesson, “Essentials To Living The Christ-Like Life”

[Beginning in Co 4:2-4, then, the Colossians as well as all Christians are exhorted to...]

I. CONTINUE IN PRAYER (2-4)

A. PRAYER THAT IS “FAITHFUL”...
1. As Paul writes, “continue earnestly in prayer”
a. Just as he wrote to the Romans - Ro 12:12
b. And also to the Thessalonians - 1Th 5:17

2. That people faithfully continue in prayer was a concern of our Lord as well
a. He taught a parable that men always ought to pray - Lk 18:1
b. He was concerned that when He returned, He might not find faith on the earth! - Lk
18:8

3. We have several wonderful examples to serve as role models...
a. David, a man after God’s own heart - Ps 55:16-17
b. Daniel, a man greatly beloved by God - Dan 6:10
c. Anna, an elderly widow blessed to see the Christ-child - Lk 2:36-38
d. Of course, Paul himself- Co 1:9
e. And also Epaphras, himself a member of the church at Colosse - Co 4:12

4. So many people pray only when there is a crisis - may that not be true of us!

B. PRAYER THAT IS “WATCHFUL”...
1. Or as Paul put it in our text, “be vigilant in it”

2. On several occasions, Jesus warned His disciples to be watchful in prayer - Mk 13:32-33; Mt 26:41

3. So His apostles warn us...
a. Paul, in Ep 6:18
b. Peter, in 1 Pet 4:7

4. Through “watchful” praying, we will not be caught unprepared by:
a. Satan, and the temptation to sin
b. Death, and the judgment to follow
c. Christ, and the glories for those who are ready when He comes again

C. PRAYER THAT IS “THANKFUL”...
1. “with thanksgiving”, Paul says

2. Throughout his epistle to the Colossians, there has been an emphasis on being thankful - Co 1:3,12; 2:7; 3:15,17; 4:2

3. As someone said, “We should thank God just as diligently in our prayers as we
make requests of Him.” - cf. also Ph 4:6

4. Let’s be sure to “abound with thanksgiving”!
a. Especially in light of Ro 1:21
b. Where we see that ingratitude was one reason why God’s wrath was being revealed
from heaven!

D. PRAYER THAT IS “PURPOSEFUL”...
1. As Paul requested of his brethren in Colosse, “praying also for us...”

2. Prayers are often too general in their requests, lacking specific purpose

3. But as here in our text, Paul often asked for specific prayers in his behalf - e.g., Ro 15:30-32

4. From our text in Colossians and elsewhere, what specific requests can we make for those who preach and teach God’s Word?
a. Opportunity (“an open door”) - Co 4:3; cf. 2 Th 3:1
b. Wisdom (“as I ought to speak”) - Co 4:4
c. Boldness - Ep 6:19-20

[As we endeavor to live a Christ-like life, make the right kind of prayer a crucial element! Prayer that is:
Faithful
Watchful
Thankful
Purposeful
The exhortation in verse 5 of our text is also crucial to living a Christ-like life, especially when among those who are not Christians...]

II. WALK IN WISDOM (5)

A. CHRISTIANS NEED TO BE CONCERNED WITH HOW THEY “WALK”...
1. In other words, how they conduct themselves

2. We are to walk in wisdom especially “toward those who are outside”
a. By proper conduct, we can influence them for good - e.g., 1 Pe 3:1-2
b. The world is constantly making judgments concerning us by our conduct, and according to Jesus, this is their privilege - cf. Jn 13:35; 17:20-21

B. ANOTHER REASON SUCH WISDOM IS IMPERATIVE IS “TIME”...
1. To be exact, the lack of time! - cf. Ep 5:15-17
a. The time we have in this life is short
b. We cannot afford to waste much of it through foolishness
c. And there are some people who need Christ whose time left on this earth is even shorter than ours!

2. So we need to “redeem” the time; i.e., make the most of the time we have

[Finally, as we consider these “Essentials To Living The Christ-Like Life” found in our text, let’s remember that it was said of Jesus that people “...marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.” (Lk 4:22) As His disciples, so we should...]

III. SPEAK WITH GRACE (6)

A. THE POWER OF THE TONGUE IS VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATED IN JAMES 3...
1. It effects the entire body - Ja 3:2

2. It can have great destructive power - Ja 3:6

3. It is inconsistent for us to use it for both good and evil - Ja 3:9-12

B. THEREFORE WE NEED TO LEARN TO SPEAK “WITH GRACE”...
1. As Paul also commanded in Ep 5:29
a. No corrupt communication is to proceed out of our mouths
b. Only that which edifies, imparting “grace to the hearers”

2. Our speech is to be “seasoned with salt”
a. Not to be confused with the “salty language” of some sailors!
b. But rather speech properly flavored so that it well received by others

3. We especially need to watch our language around those who are NOT Christians
a. “that you may know how to answer each one” - Co 4:6
b. “a servant of the Lord must not quarrel...” - 2 Ti 2:23-26

4. Are we as careful with our own speech, as we want others to be with their lives?
a. Do we, who claim to be the disciples of Jesus Christ...
b. ...speak the words of truth that come by Him in the same gracious manner He did?

CONCLUSION

1. These three simple exhortations, if truly heeded, can have a powerful impact on our lives:
a. Our prayer life will likely be very different!
b. Our walk (conduct) will be noted for its wisdom
c. Our speech will be a source of encouragement to others

2. This is the essence of following Jesus Christ! To allow Him to so live in us that by God’s grace we experience a transformation that affects every aspect of our lives!
Speaking of the grace of God, have you taken advantage of what time it is...? (2 Co 6:1-2)

The Epistle To The Colossians- Chapter Four study guide

The Epistle To The Colossians- Chapter Four study guide

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

1) To consider the importance of prayer, and proper conduct toward those who are not Christians

2) To appreciate the value of God's "second string", those workers in the kingdom who assisted key players like Paul and contributed so much to the spread of the gospel

SUMMARY

Paul concludes his section on "the Christian Solution" as an alternative to the heresies being proposed at Colosse with exhortations to prayer and proper conduct. His desire is that they devote themselves to prayer with vigilance and thanksgiving. A special request for prayer in his behalf is made, that God might give him an open door for the word of God, and that he might make the mystery of Christ known. Their own conduct is to be with wisdom toward outsiders, making good use of their time. This includes speaking with grace, knowing how one ought to answer others (1-6).

Paul then mentions several companions, starting with Tychicus and Onesimus who were evidently the bearers of this epistle, and who would inform them of Paul's circumstances. Special greetings are also sent from brethren with Paul. These included three Jewish brethren (Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus called Justus), a brother who was from Colosse (Epaphras), a beloved physician (Luke), and one we know from another epistle (Demas, cf. 2 Ti 4:9) who later forsook Paul (7-14).

Finally, greetings are sent to those in Laodicea and the church meeting in the home of Nymphas, along with a charge to exchange epistles with the church in Laodicea. With a final exhortation for Archippus to fulfill his ministry, Paul signs off using his personal signature, asking that they remember his chains, and praying for grace on their behalf (15-18).

OUTLINE

I. EXHORTATIONS TO PRAYER AND PROPER CONDUCT (2-6)

A. DEVOTE YOURSELVES TO PRAYER (2-4)
1. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant with thanksgiving (2)
2. Pray for ministers of God, like Paul (3-4)
a. That God would open a door for the Word (3a)
b. That Paul would make the mystery of Christ manifest (3b-4)

B. CONDUCT YOURSELVES PROPERLY (5-6)
1. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of your time (5)
2. Speak with grace, properly answering each one (6)

II. PAUL'S COMPANIONS (7-14)

A. COMMENDATION OF HIS MESSENGERS (7-9)
1. Tychicus (7-8)
a. A beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord (8a)
b. Sent by Paul to inform them of his circumstances, and to comfort their hearts (8b-9)
2. Onesimus (9)
a. A faithful and beloved brother, from Colosse (9a)
b. He also will inform them of Paul's circumstances (9b)

B. GREETINGS FROM HIS FRIENDS (10-14)
1. From Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner (10a)
2. From Mark, a cousin of Barnabas, whom they are to welcome if he comes (10b)
3. From Jesus, called Justus, who together with Aristarchus and Mark are Paul's only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision (11)
4. From Epaphras (12-13)
a. One of their number at Colosse (12a)
b. A servant of Christ in their behalf (12b)
1) Laboring fervently for them in prayers
2) Praying that they may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God
c. Paul bears witness of his great zeal (13)
1) For those at Colosse (13a)
2) For those in Laodicea and Hierapolis (13b)
5. From Luke, the beloved physician (14a)
6. From Demas (14b)

III.CONCLUDING REMARKS (15-18)

A. PERSONAL MESSAGES (15-17)
1. Greet the brethren (15)
a. Those who are in Laodicea (15a)
b. Nymphas and the church in his house (15b)
2. Exchange epistles (16)
a. Once this epistle is read, see that it is read in the church of the Laodiceans (16a)
b. You also read the epistle from the church in Laodicea (16b)
3. A charge to Archippus, that he take heed to his ministry received from the Lord, and to fulfill it (17)

B. A PERSONAL SIGNOFF (18)
1. Salutation written by his own hands (18a)
2. A plea to remember his chains (18b)
3. A prayer that grace be with them (18c)

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER

1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Exhortations to prayer and proper conduct (2-6)
- Paul's companions (7-14)
- Concluding remarks (15-18)

2) In calling them to earnest prayer, what four things does Paul ask of them? (2-4)
- That they pray with vigilance
- That they pray with thanksgiving
- That they pray for God to provide an open door for the word
- That they pray for him to be able to make the mystery of Christ manifest

3) How were they to walk? (5)
- In wisdom toward outsiders, making good use of their time

4) How were they to speak? (6)
- With grace, knowing how to answer each one

5) How is Tychicus described? Why was Paul sending him? (7-8)
- A beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord
- To inform them of Paul's circumstances and comfort their hearts

6) How is Onesimus describe? What was Paul sending him? (9)
- A faithful and beloved brother, one of them
- To make known the things happening in Rome

7) What three men were Paul's only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who were of the circumcision, i.e. Jews? (10-11)
- Aristarchus, Mark, Justus

8) What is said about Epaphras in relation to the churches in Colosse, Laodicea, and
Hierapolis? (12-13)
- Labors fervently for them in prayer, that they might stand perfect and complete in all the will of God
- Has a great zeal for them

9) Who else sends greetings? (14)
- Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas

10) To what two groups does Paul send greetings? (15)
- To the brethren in Laodicea
- To Nymphas and the church in his house

11) What was to be done with the epistle after it had been read to the church? (16)
- It was to be read to the church of the Laodiceans

12) What was to be done with an epistle coming from Laodicea? (16)
- They were to read it

13) What special charge does Paul tell them to give to Archippus? (17)
- Take heed to fulfill the ministry received from the Lord

14) How does Paul confirm that this epistle was from him? (18)
- By writing his name in his own hand

15) What final request does Paul ask of the Colossians? (18)
- Remember my chains

16) What final prayer does Paul offer in behalf of the brethren? (18)
- Grace be with you

Guidelines For The Family And Business- Colossians 3:18-4:1

Guidelines For The Family And Business- Colossians 3:18-4:1

INTRODUCTION

1. The theme throughout the Book of Colossians is that Jesus Christ is our “All-Sufficient And Preeminent Savior” - cf. Co 1:16-18; Co 2:3,9-10

2. As a demonstration of Jesus as our “all-sufficient” Savior, we now find His apostle Paul giving guidelines by which we can successfully conduct our family and business matters! - Co 3:18-4:1

3. This passage illustrates that the “preeminence” of Christ reaches even to the secular concerns of our lives

[Beginning with verse 18, let’s examine some of these guidelines Christ has given us...]

I. WIVES, SUBMIT TO YOUR HUSBANDS (18)

A. DEFINING THE WORD “SUBMIT”...
1. The Greek word is hupotasso {hoop-ot-as’-so}

2. It means to...
a. arrange under, to subordinate
b. subject, put in subjection
c. subject one’s self, obey
d. submit to one’s control
e. yield to one’s admonition or advice
f. obey, be subject

3. Thus, wives are to be in submission to their husbands, “as to the Lord” (Ep 5:22)

B. THIS IS SAID TO BE “FITTING IN THE LORD”...
1. The word “fitting”...
a. Grk., aneko {an-ay’-ko}
b. To pertain to what is due, duty, as was fitting

2. To be willing to submit to another is certainly in keeping with Jesus’ own teaching and example - Mt 20:25-28

3. It is also in keeping with what is expected of all Christians...
a. We are to submit to one another - Ep 5:21
b. We are to submit those who rule over us in the faith - He 13:17
c. We are to submit to the ordinances of government - 1 Pe 2:13-15
d. Christian servants were to submit to their masters - 1 Pe 2:18
e. Younger Christians are to submit to the elders, and to one another as well, even as we submit to God - 1 Pe 5:5-7

C. IF WIVES DO NOT SUBMIT TO THEIR HUSBANDS...
1. They may never win their unbelieving husbands to Christ - cf. 1 Pe 3:1-2

2. God will not be gracious to them - cf. 1 Pe 5:5

3. There is even a possibility that it may have a strong bearing on the sexual orientation of the children!
a. A study by Dr. Irving Bieber was made of the family background of 106 male
homosexuals (cf. “What Everyone Should Know About Homosexuality”, LaHaye, p.
71-72)
b. Dr. Bieber found that:
1) 81 mothers were dominating
2) 62 of the mothers were overprotective
3) 66 mothers made the homosexual their favorite child
4) 82 of the fathers spent very little time with their sons
5) 79 fathers maintained a detached attitude toward them
c. The more “modern” man learns through tested research, the more we begin to realize
that Jesus and His Word were right all along!
1) Whatever the subject, Christ certainly knows best
2) And He should...remember, He’s the Creator of all things!

[And now, for an often much needed word to the husbands...]

II. HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES (19)

A. PAUL EXPANDS UPON THIS THEME IN HIS LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS...
1. Our role model is Christ, and His love for the Church - Ep 5:25-27
a. Husbands are to love their wives just as Christ loved the Church
b. I.e., with a sacrificial love

2. Another example is the kind of love we have for our own bodies - Ep 5:28-29
a. Just as one “nourishes” and “cherishes” his own body, so he should his wife
1) The word “nourish” comes from ektrepho {ek-tref’-o}, and means...
a) to nourish up to maturity, to nourish
b) to nurture, bring up
2) The word “cherish” is from thalpo {thal’-po}, meaning...
a) to warm, keep warm
b) to cherish with tender love, to foster with tender care
b. Again, this is how Christ loves the Church!

B. THIS LOVE INCLUDES BEING FREE FROM “BITTERNESS”...
1. “and do not be bitter toward them” - Co 3:19
a. The Greek word for “bitter” is pikraino {pik-rah’-ee-no}
b. It means...
1) to produce a bitter taste in the stomach
2) to embitter; exasperate
3) render angry, indignant
4) to be embittered, irritated
5) to visit with bitterness, to grieve (deal bitterly with)

2. Peter gives us some insight as to why it is important not to be “bitter toward them” - cf. 1 Pe 3:7
a. They are the more delicate partner in the relationship (“a weaker vessel”)
1) Capable of providing the motherly tenderness and sensitivity crucial in the early
development of children
2) Bitterness will make the wife (mother) coarse and resentful, contributing to the
environment of a “dysfunctional” family
b. They are “heirs together of the grace of life”
1) In Christ, they are not just wives, they are “sisters in Christ”
2) Therefore, worthy of love and honor, not bitterness!
c. How we treat them determines the efficacy of our prayers (“that your prayers may not be hindered”)!

[When husbands love their wives as Christ loves the Church, and are not bitter toward them, it is much easier for wives to be submissive to their husbands. Since husbands are to be the “leader” in the family, then let them show leadership by fulfilling their responsibility! I dare say that the wives will then gladly follow, and the family (with our society) will benefit. Speaking of the family, what about the children?]

III. CHILDREN, OBEY YOUR PARENTS (20)

A. THE VALUE OF SUCH OBEDIENCE...
1. It is well-pleasing to the Lord (it is certainly what He did - Lk 2:51-52)
2. It contains an important promise - cf. Ep 6:1-3

B. THE SERIOUSNESS OF REBELLIOUSNESS...
1. Consider how God viewed lack of obedience in the Old Testament...
a. On par with witchcraft and idolatry! - 1 Sam 15:22-23
b. The punishment in some cases for rebellious children was death! - Deu 21:18-21

2. Therefore, rebelliousness is not to be taken lightly by parents...
a. It is not “just a stage they go through” (for some never leave it)
b. It is a serious problem that should concern us
c. It is a problem that requires much prayer for the wisdom to bring the child out of it!

[What can help the children to escape the sin of rebellion is if their fathers take to heart what is said to them...]

IV. FATHERS, DON’T PROVOKE YOUR CHILDREN (21)

A. FATHERS HAVE AN AWESOME RESPONSIBILITY...
1. They are to be understanding and compassionate, yet firm
a. Joshua was strong in his resolve for his family to serve the Lord - Josh 24:14-15
b. Eli, however, was condemned because of his failure to restrain his sons - 1 Sam 3:
11-14

2. They thus have the responsibility to provide spiritual training for their children - Ep 6:4
a. They do it by their example - the following quotes are taken from “The Father -
God’s Representative In The Family”, printed in Pulpit Helps
1) “A child tends to look upon the Heavenly Father as he does his earthly father. If his earthly father is kind, loving, just, forgiving and good, a child will perceive of God as the same. If, on the other hand, his earthly father is cruel, unloving, unkind, the child will perceive the heavenly Father in the same manner.”
2) “Generally speaking, the concept which all people have of God is the concept each
has of his father. Such is extremely difficult to erase. It is vitally important for a man to live the kind of life, and be the kind of person who is demonstrating to his sons and daughters what God is really like - for the father is God’s representative here on earth. This provides an inestimable privilege, and also a solemn responsibility.”
b. They do it by their instruction (whether it be formal or informal, cf. Deu 6:6-7)

B. HOW CAN FATHERS BE GUILTY OF PROVOKING THEIR CHILDREN...?
1. By being unfair in their discipline
a. Punishing without fair warning
b. Showing favoritism in the exercise of discipline

2. By being hypocritical in our teaching and example
a. “Do as I say, not as I do” has no place in the vocabulary of Christian fathers
b. Not only does hypocrisy provoke children to wrath, it often is the underlying reason why children leave the faith!

[As a father who is still involved in raising children, I know all this does not come easy. But with the help of God we can apply these admonitions of the apostle of our Lord. The remaining admonitions would have fallen under guidelines for the family in the First Century (A.D.), since most Christians would have either been slaves in another family or had some slaves in their own family. Today, however, I believe that we can still apply these verses to our business relationships...]

V. SERVANTS (EMPLOYEES), OBEY YOUR MASTERS (EMPLOYERS) (22-25)

A. THE MANNER OF OBEDIENCE IS CLEARLY DEFINED... (22-23)
1. “in ALL things” (except that which would violate God’s Will, of course - Ac 5:29)

2. Not with “eye-service”
a. Grk., ophthalmodouleia {of-thal-mod-oo-li’-ah}
b. Service performed [only] under the master’s eyes
1) For the master’s eye usually stimulates to greater diligence
2) His absence, on the other hand, renders a sluggish response

3. Not as “men-pleasers”
a. Grk., anthropareskos {anth-ro-par’-es-kos}
b. Studying to please man, courting the favor of men

4. But in “sincerity of heart”
a. “sincerity” (singleness, KJV) comes from haplotes {hap-lot’-ace}
b. As used here, it means:
1) Singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty
2) The virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy
3) Not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity

5. And “fearing God”
a. The word “fear” is from phobeo {fob-eh’-o}
b. In reference to God, it means “to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or
reverential obedience”
c. It is God whom we should be concerned is watching, not man!

6. We are to do our work “heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
a. “heartily” is from psuche {psoo-khay’}
b. Which here likely refers to “the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)”
c. I.e., We are to “put our heart into our work”
d. Just as we would if was the Lord we were working for, for in reality, that is actually who we are serving!

B. THE LORD WILL JUDGE OUR SERVICE... (24-25)
1. It is the Lord Jesus Christ we serve, who has the ability to provide our inheritance

2. But the one who does wrong in his service to his master (employer) will be repaid wrong!

3. No partiality will be shown in rendering judgment for wrongdoing!
a. Being a slave is no excuse for slack service
b. Nor is being a Christian!

4. Even if our masters (employers) are abusive, we are to do what is right! - 1 Pe 2:18-25

[And now, to those on the other end...]

VI. MASTERS (EMPLOYERS, SUPERVISORS), BE JUST AND FAIR (4:1)

A. YOU DO NOT HAVE A RIGHT TO ABUSE THOSE UNDER YOU...
1. You are to be “just”
a. Grk., dikaios {dik’-ah-yos}
b. As used here, it involves “rendering to each his due and that in a judicial sense, passing just judgment on others, whether expressed in words or shown by the manner of dealing with them”

2. You are to be “fair” (equal, KJV)
a. Grk., isotes {ee-sot’-ace}
b. It means to show “equity, fairness, what is equitable”

3. In Ep 6:9, we see that masters are to...
a. “do the same thing to them (slaves)” (i.e., with good will doing service, as to the Lord)
b. “giving up threatening”

4. In other words, apply the “Golden Rule” - Mt 7:12

B. YOU ALSO HAVE A MASTER...!
1. As a motive to be just and fair, a reminder that even masters have a Master in heaven

2. Again in Ep 6:9, the point is made that there is no partiality with your Master
a. Being a master (employer) does not give you any special privileges in His sight
b. Nor being a Christian, if you are unfair and unjust to those under you!

3. So if you want your Master to be just and fair with you, then let Him be your role model for how you deal with those under your responsibility!

CONCLUSION

1. In Co 2:3 it is said of Christ: “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
a. The wisdom and knowledge that comes from Christ reaches to the relevant needs that we face today, no matter how secular or mundane
b. Clearly the passage we have examined illustrates this fact!

2. And so with Christ as our Lord, we are truly complete: “And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” - CO 2:10

3. Imagine how complete our families, our workplaces, would be if all followed the “Guidelines For The Family And Business” as revealed by the apostle Paul...
a. Families living together in love and harmony!
b. Workplaces filled with considerate, productive people!

4. We may not be able to change society totally
a. But at least we can start with ourselves
b. And provide a demonstration of the wisdom of Christ in our own lives
Are you doing what you can to “prove (demonstrate) what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”? - cf. Ro 12:2