Eph. 4:8 Therefore (For this reason) He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”
4:8 Scripture confirms that He led us as trophies in His triumphant procession on high; He repossessed His gift (likeness) in man. Mirror Translation
Taken from-Psalm 68:18 You have ascended on high; you have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the Lord God might dwell there.
Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Eph.4:9 Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
4:9 The fact that He ascended confirms His victorious descent into the deepest pits of human despair. Mirror Translation
Eph. 4:10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
4:10 He now occupies the ultimate rank of authority from the lowest regions, where He stooped down to rescue us, to the highest authority in the heavens, having executed His mission to the full. Mirror Translation
“He led captivity captive” – aorist active indicative of AICHMALWTEUW-This verb means either “to take captives in battle” or “to lead a triumphal procession of one’s own soldiers along with their captives.”
The consensus of the commentators which I studied is that this phrase is a reference to Christ leading the believers who had previously died, that is, they died prior to his ascension. This would include all Old Testament believers and those saved during Christ’s lifetime. They have been residing in Paradise (also called “Abraham’s bosom”) until the Ascension of Christ. They are called captives because they do not have a resurrection body yet. They will not have a resurrection body until the second coming of Christ, 1 Cor. 15:51-54.
Christ’s body was in the grave, His spirit was in the presence of the Father, and then descended to a region called Hades (Greek) or Sheol, (Hebrew). Some say soul descended.
All believers from Adam and Eve up to the Resurrection of Christ, who had died, stayed in one compartment of SHEOL, known as Paradise, or Abraham’s Bosom. Those who died without Christ prior to the Resurrection were sent to Torments.
Prior to the Resurrection of Christ, no human beings were in heaven; all believers checked in to Paradise in the heart of the earth. Reference: Luke 16:19
There is also a place called Tartarus which is a residence for certain of the fallen angels (demons) who were involved in the events chronicled in Genesis 6. They are locked up there until the Judgment of the Great White Throne.
Jesus Christ was not in Hell, He was in Hades. At that time, Hades has two divisions, Paradise for the believer, and Torments for the unbeliever. Hell, and the lake of fire and brimstone, is reserved for the future. Rev.20:14 He led captivity captive and led them out.
The ministry gifts, which were given by the Lord Jesus Christ, include those mentioned here, that of apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher, the five- fold ministry. As a conqueror distributes in token of his triumph the spoils of the foes as gifts among his people. The impartation of ministry gifts (graces) depended upon Christ’s ascension. Christ as Lord of all first took possession of the earth, the unseen spiritual world, then heaven.
Acts 2:27-28 For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’
Romans 10:7 or, “Who will descend into the abyss?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
Revelation 1:18 “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.
Spiritual Gifts
I. Introduction and Definition.
A. God has a purpose in life for each and every believer.
1. Life-long purpose (Jer. 1:5; Ps. 139:16; Matt. 6:27).
2. Short-term purposes (Acts 16:6 Paul is forbidden to go to Asia, Acts 18:19-21; 19:1-41 where Paul bears some of his greatest fruit in Asia).
B. To facilitate the believer’s fulfillment of that purpose, God has provided spiritual gifts.
1. During this present dispensation, the distribution of spiritual gifts is universal. Every Church Age believer motivational gifts- (Rom. 12:3,6)- ministry gifts (Eph. 4:7; 1 Pet. 4:10), gifts or manifestations of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12).
2. During previous dispensations, each and every believer had a purpose in life, or a work-assignment, but the giving of spiritual gifts was not universal. The Spirit of God would come upon a person for a specific time or reason, and then depart just as suddenly (Judg. 3:10; 6:34; 11:29; 14:6,19; 15:14; Num. 11:17-30).
3. Spiritual gifts (charisma) are given entirely by grace (charis), and the assignment of one gift versus another gift are not reflections of individual human merit or demerit.
4. Passages which speak of spiritual gifts, and “list” examples of such include Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-31; 13:8-12; 1 Cor. 14 is the application of 1 Cor. 12-13 to the particular circumstances in Corinth, but we gain great principles there as well; 1 Pet. 4:10-11).
a. Peter (1 Pet. 4:10-11) gives the simplest breakdown of gifts when he divides them between communication gifts and service gifts.
b. Paul gives more detailed distinctions of gifts. Eph. 4:11-13 should be taken in context with what Paul has already written in Romans 12 and 1st Corinthians. In Eph. 4 and 1 Pet.4. Paul is describing what are often referred to as the leadership gifts: Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, and Pastor- Teacher. I prefer to think of them as the equipping gifts, because they are designed for the equipping of the saints for the work of service (Eph. 4:12).
5. The purpose for spiritual gifts.
a. For the common good (of the entire body of Christ) (1 Cor. 1:7).
b. For the equipping of the saints for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12).
c. For serving one another (1 Pet. 4:10).
6. Who gives these spiritual gifts? The Holy Spirit is referred to as the giver of these gifts (1 Cor. 12:11). The Lord Jesus Christ is referred to as the giver of the “5- fold ministry/leadership gifts” (Eph. 4:11). The Father is referred to as the giver of the motivational gifts in Romans 12:6-8. These are delegated responsibilities, of course, because ultimately everything is given by the Father (James 1:17).
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
We will continue with Lesson 5 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Eph.4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
4:7 The gift of Christ gives dimension to grace and defines our individual value. (Grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the gift of Christ) Mirror Translation
There is a unique grace package designed for each Christian. The aorist tense of the verb “given” shows that there was a time in the past when this grace package was given. I teach these were given to you from the foundations of the earth. The passive voice shows that we were given this by God.
The plan of God for every believer includes:
Salvation and the assurance of a glorious eternal future.
The opportunity to walk in the Spirit and be occupied with Christ.
The opportunity to live in the Word of God, acquire divine wisdom and prudence, and be able to make decisions and solve problems according to God’s divine viewpoint.
Peace that passes understanding.
A great happiness (joy) that does not depend on circumstances, people, or things.
A well laid out “career” of serving God, fulfilling the plan of God, exercising spiritual gifts, prophesying, evangelizing and teaching, producing “gold, silver, and precious stones.”
Ephesians 4:8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”
4:8 Scripture confirms that He led us as trophies in His triumphant procession on high; He repossessed His gift (likeness) in man. Mirror Translation
Taken from-Psalm 68:18- You have ascended on high, you have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men, Even from the rebellious, That the Lord God might dwell there.
Led Captivity Captive:
Colossians 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.
Gave Gifts to Men:
I have a course I teach on God-Given Design. Quote from that teaching:
God has given you a unique combination of skills, interests, aptitudes, personality traits, motivational patterns, callings, gifts and talents. He has specially equipped you to be a dynamic minister to and within your family, your job and to the community of faith. You’ll need to discover this by the Holy Spirit’s leading. Your God-given passion which indicates where you should serve – Your God-given gifts which indicate what you should do – Your God-given personal style which indicates how you should serve – Together, they indicate what you do best. (your passion)
When you were given this unique design? The answer should be in all of the Scriptures.
Gen. 1:26, 1 Cor. 11:7, Jer. 1:5, Romans 8:29-30. Eph. 1:4-5, Eph. 2:10, Ps. 139:13-16
That’s why the gift and callings of God are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29) He never takes them back because they were given to you at your creation. (Gen. 1:26) If to be a wise steward of your gifts and abilities, you need to fully understand and appreciate your God-given design. As the Psalm 139:14 states, “…you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has given you tremendous responsibility in being a steward (or manager) of your unique design. It is like your fingerprint, something specific to you as an individual, a person uniquely crafted and gifted by God to perform meaningful tasks of service to Him and to others.
You are uniquely fitted into the Body of Christ.
We will continue with Lesson 5 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Eph.4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
Eph. 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
Eph. 4:6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
4:4 We are identified in one expectation (hope), there is no plan B. We bear the same surname.
4:5 We are employed by the same Boss, we share the same faith, and our baptism says the same thing (we are equally included in His death and resurrection.)
4:6 There is only one God. He remains the ultimate Father of the universe. We are because He is. He is present in all; He is above all, through all and in all. (He is not far from each one of us, in Him we live and move and have our being, we are indeed His offspring. Acts 17:24-28). Mirror Translation
The One God over all, in His sovereignty and by His grace.) IN THE APOSTLES CREED-
“as you were called”
The passive voice of the verb indicates that every believer receives this calling from God the Holy Spirit; and the indicative means that this is a dogmatic assertion. Every believer is in one body, elected.
“your calling” – the descriptive genitive of the noun “calling”. Being a member of God’s family, the Body of Christ, in your station in life!
“one faith” – PISTIS-
Everyone is saved the same way. Those who have placed their faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ are members of the Church, members of His Body, members of God’s family.
THE BODY OF CHRIST-Each member of the Trinity is related to the Body of Christ. God the Father places Christ as the Head of the Body.
Eph. 1:22,23 “And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.”
Col. 1:18,19; Eph. 5:23,24- The Holy Spirit forms the Body of Christ and sustains the Body.
1 Cor. 12:12-14, “For as the body in one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Greeks, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.” See also1 Cor. 6:15; 6:19,20.
Christ is the Savior of the Body
Eph. 5:23, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the savior of the body.” Eph. 5:25,30.
Christ is the Sanctifier of the Body.
Heb. 2:11, “For both he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one, for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.”
Heb. 13:12, “Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate.”
The Body of Christ participates with the Lord Jesus Christ in tactical and strategic victory over satan and his forces of evil.
Eph. 1:22,23, “And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.”
Every Christian is a member of the Body of Christ. The Body includes Gentile believers and Jewish believers.
Ephesians 3:16, “And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.”
The Body of Christ is the recipient of many spiritual gifts.
Rom. 12:4,5, “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
1 Cor. 12:7,8, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit. For to one is given, by the Spirit, the word of wisdom, to another, the word of knowledge, by the same Spirit…”
“one baptism” (Here we are talking about baptized into Jesus, all placed in the Body of Christ))
This is a good place to study the doctrines relating to baptism. There are actually seven types of baptism mentioned in the Bible, including the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It’s important to be able to distinguish among the types of baptism and to know which type is being discussed in a particular context.
Four of the types of baptism mentioned in the Bible are real baptisms and three are ritual /symbolic baptisms.
Real Baptisms
The Baptism of Moses
The Baptism of the Cross (or Cup)
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The Baptism of Fire
Ritual Baptisms
The Baptism of John
The Baptism of Jesus
The Baptism of the Christian Believer
Since the scope of the immediate context shows Paul is writing of the spiritual unity of the church, this reference to baptism has no bearing upon the mode of Christian baptism. In the same manner as there are expressly stated to be two circumcisions, one with hands, which is the sign (Ro 4:11) of the real, made without hands (Ro 2:29. Col 2:11).
Scripture teaches there are at least two baptisms: ritual baptism with water, and real baptism by the Holy Spirit. Since ritual baptism is the mere symbol of real baptism, the “one baptism” of this passage must refer to real baptism, by which we are all placed in the one body (1 Co m12:13). Paul is not contradicting himself or the rest of Scripture when he speaks here of one baptism, since there is only one real, spiritual baptism which places all believers into the one body.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
We will continue with Lesson 5 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Eph. 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power (dunamis, authority) that works in us,21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
3:20 We celebrate Him who super charges us powerfully from within. Our biggest request or most amazing dream cannot match the extravagant proportion of His thoughts towards us. Mirror Translation
Now unto him that is able” God the Father is the author of the plan for the Christian’s growth. God knew all about human IQ, and He knew what IQ every person would have. He decided not to use any of it and designed a grace plan for spiritual perception that would depend on the Holy Spirit’s teaching ministry rather than a person’s ability to understand in the soulish/sense realm. “to do exceedingly abundantly above” – a double adverb meaning “beyond all measure;(infinity) infinitely more than”. This is the highest form of comparison in New Testament Greek. o768 God is able to do what we cannot do, beyond anything that we can ask, think or imagine.
“all that we ask or think” – Prayer will not produce BLESSINGS. (they are freely given, overtaking us Deut. 28:2a)
And it’s far beyond what the greatest genius could devise. You can ask God to edify you or bless you, but His answer will be “Everything has been provided for your edification/blessing.” You have already been blessed and edified!!
“according to the power that works in us” – the power on the inside, the indwelling Holy Spirit working in the human spirit to produce the Christian life from the spiritual food of the Word of God.
Related Scriptures:
Deuteronomy 28:2a And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you,
Eph. 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,
2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
John 1:16 16 [b]And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
Grace Upon Grace- Infinite, no end.
John 1:16 drives this home with an unusual phrase: “And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.” When you read that verse the first time, it sounds as though some words are missing. But the actual Greek phrase is grace “anti” grace. The word anti is a Greek preposition that can have several meanings. The New King James Version translates it for, but most linguists prefer using the word upon. Out of the fullness of His own grace, Jesus gives us grace upon grace, grace on top of grace.
New Living Translation (NLT) simply says:
16 From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another.
Ephesians 1:3 says, “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.”
Psalm 68:19 says similarly, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits.”
(Eph 3:21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, forever. Amen. ASV
Eph. 3:21- “unto this God be eternal worship and praise on the part of all believers through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ from now until eternal ages, even beyond the end of time itself.”
3:21 He owns the applause displayed in the church (His redeemed image and likeness), confirmed in Christ Jesus. The encore continues throughout every generation, not only of this age but also of the countless ages to come. Amen! Mirror Translation
Jude 1:25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.
2 Tim. 4:18
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever.
to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
Is. 42:12
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Ps. 115:1
Let them give glory to the Lord and declare his praise in the coastlands.
Ps.29:1-2
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!
Rev. 5:9-14
And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshipped.
CANNOT BE SAID ENOUGH!!
We will continue with Lesson 5 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Ephesians 3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- (of His love)
3:18 This is your reservoir of superhuman strength which causes you as saints to collectively grasp (come to terms with, make one’s own) the limitless extent of His love in breadth, in length, in height (rank), and the extremities of its depths. Mirror Translation
Eph.3:19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
3:19 I desire for you to become intimately acquainted with the love of Christ on the deepest possible level, far beyond the reach of a mere academic, intellectual grasp. Within the scope of this equation God finds the ultimate expression of Himself in you (so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God). Mirror Translation
“And to know the love of Christ” The experience of knowing Christ and the love that comes from Him is the edification, and it is what Paul desires for the Ephesians. As you learn Bible truth and apply faith to it, you grow in grace and in your knowledge of the Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ.”which passes knowledge”
The verb “passes” is HUPERBALLO,”to surpass; to throw beyond”. Also translated as surpass, excel, exceed, transcend.
Knowledge” is GNOSIS, “mental understanding in the human mind. Knowledge of the love of Christ (EPIGNOSIS) is produced by edification of the spirit man and surpasses any purely human mental knowledge.
Application
When there is something that surpasses, be aware that there is still something you need; there is still a distance to go.
The word for knowledge (GNOSIS) refers to knowledge in the mind of the soul.
To know something which surpasses GNOSIS means to have wisdom in the “heart, the spirit man.” (EPIGNOSIS).
This surpassing knowledge is the spiritual IQ of the believer, how large the spirit man is and it’s based on the quantity and quality of the applied knowledge in the heart.
The greater the spiritual IQ, the greater the knowledge of the love of Christ.
There is a surpassing experience available to every person – to have a real, object, experiential the greater the knowledge of the love of Christ.
“that ye might be filled”
“Filled” is the aorist active subjunctive of PLERMO, which has several related meanings in the Greek New Testament.
“To fill up a deficiency” – The deficiency is in the believer’s soul, namely a lack of spiritual IQ. The “fullness of God” is not there, so it must be provided.
“To fully possess” – Word truth in the spirit is knowledge that is fully possessed by the human spirit. Since Jesus Christ is the Word, this is a reference to “Christ at home in your hearts by faith.” Eph. 3:17
Colossians 1:27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul also prayed in Eph.1:17-19 that the :God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your [a]understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the power of His mighty power.
Be Filled to the Measure of All the Full Fullness of God.
3. “To fully influence” – Edification fully influences the life of a believer.
4. “To fill with a certain quality” – The believer’s spiritual quality, his spiritual IQ and level of edification, are available to be used to provide a quality life. A quality life is characterized by: Faith-
Rest, Joy, Peace, a relaxed mental attitude, occupation with/in Christ, divine production of gold, silver, precious stones.
1 Cor. 3:11-13 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, preciousstones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
Silver -Redemption-Lev. 5:15; Ps. 68:13;1Pet. 1:18- 20;
Matt. 27:3-9
Precious stones-Brilliant- In New Jerusalem, the Bride of Christ.Wood- human endeavor
Hay-little worth
Straw- useless, worthless
The verb “filled” is in the subjunctive mood. This means that edification is not a given, it is potential. The tragedy here is that there are those who fade out rapidly.
Example: Matt. 13;18, Mark 4:1-20, Luke 8:4-15-the parable of the sower, in which:
The unbeliever by the wayside rejects the gospel.
The person on rock soil has knowledge pushed out by suffering.
Thorns refer to slavery to the details of life, resulting in no edification.
But knowledge (GNOSIS) plus good soil.
(FAITH) produce wisdom (EPIGNOSIS), and the production of divine good.
“with all the fulness of God” – the complete package – length, breadth, depth, height. As mentioned in the previous lesson this means:
Width- language used in shadowing forth the greatness, extent, and number of the blessings received from Christ,Length – of number and quantity, equivalent to numerous, large: ἀγέλη, Mark 5:11; abundant
Depth- thickness- fathomless-broad place- same word as used in Ps. 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Height- tank-your position in Christ.
FULLNESS. (Eph. 3:19) pleroma (play-row-mah); Strong’s #4138: Full number, full complement, full measure, copiousness, plenitude, that which has been completed. The word describes a ship with a full cargo and crew, and a town with no empty houses. Pleroma, strongly emphasizes fullness and completion.
Spiritual Leaders: Pray as Well as Teach (Eph. 3:14-21).
Spiritual leaders must pray for their people as well as teach them. Paul prayed that his fellow believers might know the strength of the Spirit’s reinforcement in the inner person, just as a storm-tossed ship on which he once sailed was strengthened inside by bracings and undergirded outside by cables (Acts 27:17).
Acts 27:17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the [a]Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven.
Knowing that the strength of Christianity is not outward laws but inward character, Paul prayed that Christ might enter through the open door of faith, dwell in their hearts, and imprint His nature upon their minds, wills, and emotions. Christ brings His life—the very soil in which we take root and blossom, the ground in which our lives are founded. Prayers/Declarations beget prayer, for the believer in whom Christ’s love is bringing the fullness of God will learn to ask and expect great things from Him because everything has already been given us that pertain to life and godliness.
2 Peter 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
We have not been called, chosen, redeemed and accepted because of our own merit – but by His glory, His goodness, His virtue and His grace and we are called to share in His glory and be clothed in His righteousness as children of God and joint-heirs with Christ.
Let us never forget that our heavenly position and privileges are ours in Christ Jesus Who, by His divine power has given us everything that is needed for life and godliness. And let us never forget that all that we are and all that we have is because of His glory, His goodness and His grace – Who laid aside His glory so that He could call us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Again, knowledge (EPIGNOSIS)means to have wisdom in the “heart, the spirit man.” EPIGNOSIS (is a Greek word meaning precise and correct knowledge. It is used in the New Testament twenty times: fifteen times by the Apostle Paul, one time in Hebrews and four times by the Apostle Peter.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (Eph. 1:17 KJV).
Epignosis produces practical results in our knowledge of God. For example, we may have an understanding (gnosis) of healing, but still be sick in our body. When you have epignosis of healing, you get healed! Get epignosis of the Father.
MEDITATE
What happens when epignosis is received? Declare that “I am growing in the epignosis of God, and coming into the fullness of the knowledge of my rights, privileges, and blessings in Christ”.
APPLY THE WORD
Epignosis is your key to unlock the treasures of grace in your life. Go for it. It is in the Scriptures, if you will allow the Spirit to give it to you!
PRAY/DECLARE- this knowledge with the Word of God
We will continue with Lesson 4 next week. The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Eph. 3:17 – that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
3:17 – This will impact your faith with capacity to fully grasp the reality of the indwelling Christ. You are rooted and founded in Love. Love is your invisible inner source just like the root system of a tree and the foundation of a building. (The dimension of your inner person exceeds any other measure that could possibly define you.) Mirror Translation
“through faith”
Belief in Christ is required. Belief in the Word of God is required.
The process of maturing is as follows:
1. God the Father provided the written revelation of His thinking. “We have the mind of Christ.” 1 Cor. 2:16
2. Communicators (5- fold leaders) teach the Word for the purpose of bringing us to maturity (Ephesians 4:11 to 16). (equipping) They activate, train and release or help put into application. The local church is the principal environment for learning doctrine, growing in grace and releasing those in the Great Commission.
3. The Holy Spirit dwells in us. We are filled with the Spirit (spiritual), the Spirit teaches us and brings us to understanding of those things which are “spiritually discerned.” This understanding is GNOSIS, knowledge in the mind of the spirit (heart). Knowledge in the soul (mind) is temporal and subject to change. (head knowledge)
4. Once a principle of Scripture is understood, a believer has a choice, whether to adopt the teaching, believer the teaching, obey the teaching – in short, “faith” is required. Faith, in effect, causes the transfer of truth from the mind to the “heart”. Head knowledge becomes heart knowledge through the exercise of faith. Once an unbeliever understands the gospel, he must make a choice. Faith in the gospel brings about regeneration and all that is associated with it. By grace through faith are you saved. Eph. 2:8-9
When a Christian understands a Bible principle, a choice must be made. Faith in a promise brings about claiming the promise. Faith in a command brings about obedience to the command.
It is absolutely vital that you always stay positive to Bible truth. But here is where the spiritual tragedies occur. Believers who have heard Bible teaching and understand it through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, understand that revelation comes by knowing that the faith of God resides in you. Your spirit bears witness.
5. Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
The “roots” of doctrine in the “heart” become part of the foundation and building that is growing in the believer’s soul (EPIGNOSIS). The “edifice” is in the process of construction. And a Biblical frame of reference is formed in which Bible truth becomes the basis for understanding deeper truth. Bible principles are stored in the heart to make a believer ready for any contingency which requires godly decision making or problem solving.
6. Releasing into Ministry- an important step which is sadly missing in most churches or organizations.
The Great Commission is: Matthew 28: 18 – 20 – And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go [c]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
7. Maturing into mature fathers and mothers. After being equipped and released (ongoing process) one matures int a mentoring position. The Word teaches that both mothers and fathers are to exercise leadership in the nurture, training, discipline and teaching of their children (Exod. 20:12; Lev 19:3; Deut. 6:6-9, 21:18-21, 27:16; Prov 1:8, 6:20; Eph 6:1-4; Col 3:20; 2 Tim 1:5; see also Luke 2:51). It is the same with spiritual children.
1 Cor 4:15 For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers (mothers); for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Eph.3:17b that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
“that you being rooted and grounded” “Rooted” is the perfect passive participle of RHIZOO, “to take root.” “Grounded” is the perfect passive participle of THEMELIOS, “to lay a foundation.” The perfect tense points to that teaching which resides permanently in the soul. That is the growing process, mind renewal process.
The passive voice shows that the believer receives the action of the verb, that it is God that plants and roots the doctrine. This activity is a Grace gift; the believer receives these benefits from the Lord. The participle indicates that this is a law of God.
“in love” – EN plus the instrumental of AGAPE. “By means of love.” Romans 5:5, Galatians 5:22.
Eph.3:18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—(of His love)
Next verse says: Eph. 3:19 “and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
3:18 This is your reservoir of super human strength which causes you as saints to collectively grasp (come to terms with, make one’s own) the limitless extent of His love in breadth, in length, in height (rank), and the extremities of its depths. Mirror
“to comprehend” – aorist middle infinitive of KATALAMBANO, “to seize; to lay ahold of. A believer has every grace opportunity to benefit fully from divine provision and strength. There is benefit from acquiring EPIGNOSIS, “full and applied knowledge” of Bible truth. The believer must wholeheartedly and forcefully “seize” truthful doctrine.
Paul then poetically notes the extent of God’s love, including every possible physical dimension. He used similar wording in Romans 8:38–39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The Old Testament often used “height and depth” regarding measurements. Paul used these figurative terms in relationship to God’s love that cannot be measured, though believers can grow in their understanding of God’s love.
Width – language used in shadowing forth the greatness, extent, and number of the blessings received from Christ.
Length – of number and quantity, equivalent to numerous, large: ἀγέλη, Mark 5:11; abundant
Depth – thickness- fathomless-broad place- same word as used in Ps. 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Height – rank – your position in Christ
This is Paul’s constant prayer.
John 8:32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth (that you know) shall make you free.
We will continue with Lesson 4 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Eph.3:15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
3:15 Every family in heaven and on earth originate in Him; He remains the authentic and original identity of every nation. Mirror Translation
Gen. 1:26 is when our true selves were created, little spirits. We come from Him.
We are members of a family, the family of the Lord Jesus Christ. Because Jesus Christ is “King of kings, Lord of lords, the Bright Morning Star,” His family is a royal family. In fact, we are “seated together with Him in the heavenly places” right now (Eph. 2:6), so that our union with Christ gives us a wonderful position as intimate members of Christ’s family, the church, the Body of Christ.
Rev 19:16, “He has a royal title written on His robe, `King of kings and Lord of lords.'”
WE HAVE HIS NAME:
Revelation 14:1 Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Revelation 3:12 The one who conquers, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God. Never shall he go out of it, and I will write on him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down from my God out of heaven, and my own new name.
Revelation 22:4 ESV They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.
It is because a Christian has permanent position of solid authority as a member of the royal family of Jesus Christ that Paul can speak so confidently in these verses of the value and absolute necessity that believers be thoroughly rooted in the principles of the Christian life.
Eph.3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,
3:16 I desire for you to realise what the Father has given you from His own limitless resources, so that you may be dynamically reinforced in your inner being by the Spirit of God. Mirror Translation
“Grant” is a New Testament Grace word. That for which Paul is praying is available on a grace basis. However, the subjunctive mood of the verb indicates that there is potential here. Whether a Christian receives the benefit of the “grant” depends on personal volition.
Paul prays that Christians will take advantage of that which God has provided. Verses 17 to 19 list the provisions of this grace gift: inner strength, Christ dwelling within, grounding in love, comprehension of the whole realm of Bible truth, knowledge of the love of Christ, and being filled with the fullness of God.
Paul, the Apostle, knows the source of true riches; and he directs us to that source. The believer learns to know God in His complete character (breadth, length, depth, height), His “glory”.”
“to be strengthened” – from the Greek, the passive infinitive of (krataiow), “to have an inner ruling power/authority”
The passive voices of the verb indicates that a Christian “receives strength”. Since this is by grace, it is on a non-meritorious basis. The infinitive indicates that this is God’s purpose for every believer.
“with might” – (dunamis), “inner power”.
“by the Spirit” – “by means of the Holy Spirit”
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to teach us spiritual truth, to make spiritual things understandable. The control of the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary for this to take place. The Spirit is the agent of perception and understanding.
“in the inner man” – in the human spirit and in the mentality, heart/mind of the Spirit and also, in the thinking apparatus of the soul.
2 Peter 3:18but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
We are commanded to “grow” in grace, and to keep on growing. The growing is a process in the soul/mind, will and emotions. As mentioned before, the pruning and refining process is a MIND RENEWAL PROCESS. There are roots to that which grows; then that which is above ground produces fruit. Christian edification is that which is above ground. We must make positive decisions to be continually filled with the Spirit/ to Walk in the Spirit; to study daily His Word; and to believe sound teaching by faith applying the teaching in our hearts, minds/souls.
But the command to grow is accompanied by God’s giving us the ability to perform the command. We grow in grace and in knowledge. Our part is receiving the spiritual instruction of sound truth. God’s part, through the Holy Spirit as our Teacher, is to establish the roots and bring about growth.
How to Develop the Inner Man; Heart and Soul:
Your spirit is perfect, completely renewed, but as we have said, the soul is renewed daily.
2 Corinthians 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
Through the Word of God, fellowship with the Word of God through the illumination of the Holy Spirit Col. 3:10, Matt. 4:4, John 6:63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
Meditation of God’s Word (muttering) Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Praying in the Holy Spirit -Jude 20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Constant communion, fellowship, and prayer. John 4:24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Walking in the Spirit and led by the Spirit- John 16:13, Gal. 3:16
Walking in Love, choose to love God’s kind of love (agape’)
Eph. 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
We will continue with Lesson 4 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Continued: Eph.3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Repentance:
Aggressive Forgiveness-Grace
The challenge; believing the gospel of grace (aggressive forgiveness) for yourself and others, daily!
“Your salvation is not a reward for good behavior! It was a grace thing from start to finish; you had no hand in it. Even the gift to believe simply reflects His faith! (Ephesians 2:8)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…”
Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
You did not invent faith; it was God’s faith to begin with! It is from faith to faith, (Rom. 1:17) He is both the source and conclusion of faith.” (Heb. 12:2)
Paul said in Gal. 2:20: “I live by the faith of Jesus Christ.” And in Gal 2:16 “man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ,”
This “aggressive” forgiveness–grace journey progresses in/by a ‘mind shift’ away from re-penance (faith in the law) to (faith in grace). “The word ‘repentance’ is a fabricated word from the Latin, penance, and to even give it more ‘religious’ mileage, the English rendering became re-penance!”
That is not what the Greek word means at all! The true word that sets the journey of grace, by faith in motion is ‘Metanoia’. This comes from (meta)-meaning together with, and (nous) meaning mind, together with God’s mind; continuously perpetuated by a ‘radical mind-shift.’
Romans 3:27
A mind-shift from trying to impress God with/by your behavior to faith/righteousness in Christ, is fundamental. There is no life left in the old system, it is dead and gone; you have to move on.”
The research I’ve done on ‘re-penance’ is: a misuse. It is ‘a shifting and change of mind’ gets you thinking/meditating/focused on ‘transformation’.
Repentance is a vital ‘part’ of the grace, by faith journey of being transformed into the image of Christ. Why? Because it gets us to turn away (once and for all) from a failed, fallen minding of ourselves; and turning us to living in God’s mind-set.
We can now truly move on beyond ‘re-penance’ and the sin-consciousness it produces to a moment by moment awareness of sharing in and being covered by Christ’s righteousness. God’s mind-set, thoughts and opinion of us becomes our plumb-line. We literally take on the ‘mind of Christ.’
Man, via ‘religion’ built a doctrine of ‘re-penance’; which gets us to agree with a faith based on our performance, instead of the finished work of Christ. And this renders us ‘impotent’ to the power of being transformed completely into the image of Christ by grace, through faith.
Definition of Repentance- Metanoia- – Greek μετάνοια into metanoia and borrowing it as an English word with a definition that matches the Greek: “a transformative change of heart; “from metanoiein to change one’s mind, repent, from meta- + noein to think, from nous mind, renewed mind, understanding and reason, the Mind of Christ.
The thief never owned, nor gets ownership of us! He merely takes advantage of our fallen mind-set, and perpetuates this lie, as the accuser of the brethren. “God did not buy man back from the devil, but in the New Covenant of Grace, He redeemed us from our own ignorance, our fallen (Adamic) carnal mindsets.” That is what the pruning and refining process is—A MIND RENEWAL PROCESS.
The fallen mind-set passed laws of performance for acceptance. “All that passing laws against sin did was produce more law-breakers. But sin didn’t, and doesn’t, have a chance in competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it’s sin versus grace, grace wins hands down. All sin can do is threaten us with death, and that’s the end of it. Grace, because God is putting everything together again through the Messiah (Jesus), invites us into life–a life that goes on and on and on, world without end.”
Romans 5:20-21 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father God’s minding of us becomes a continuous re-minding of our acceptance in the Beloved, not performance!
Example, recently I gained an assumption or perceived notion about a situation. I was completely wrong, and I found out the real truth. So, I repented, changed my mind and attitude back to what I have in the Spirit, the mind of Christ. I was totally operating in my own mind and perceptions!
Is not this but,
Yes, we do need to change our ways, but we can do that only by the power of the Spirit of God! There’s a sports commercial which says: “Change your mind and our body will follow.” As I focus on righteousness that which I am I tend to not focus on sin or judgment. I don’t try to live up to that on my own but through His power!
I know you’ve seen the commercial with the NBA players, it says: “train the mind and the body will follow.” WRONG!!
I live by the Spirit and the soul (mind, will and emotions) and body follow.
Galatians 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
Eph.3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
3:14 Overwhelmed by what grace communicates, I bow my knees in awe before the Father. Mirror Translation
Prayer is the expression of man’s thoughts to God the Father. The Bible, God’s Word, and the Voice of God you hear are the expressions of God’s thoughts to mankind. Therefore, human beings can have two-way communication with the Almighty God.
Prayer is an extension of the Faith-Rest principle – it is a part of the Grace principle of claiming promises from the Bible. Here are some of the principal passages dealing with prayer: Psalm 116:1,2; Isaiah 65:24; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:7; John 14:13,14; 15:7; Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Principles of Prayer
Prayer is for Christian believers only. One can address God as Father/Yaweh, as a member of the family of God. John 1:12; Gal. 3:26
Prayer should be directed to God the Father/Yaweh. Eph. 5:20; Matt. 6:9; 1 Peter 1:17
Prayer should be made in the name/nature of the Lord Jesus Christ/Yeshua Ha’Masiach. John 14:13: 15:16
The power for prayer is through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Eph. 6:18 Prayer is never made to the Holy Spirit.
Four Parts to Private Prayer
The first part of private prayer is the confession/repentance (changing mind back to the Mind of Christ).
Next, thanksgiving should be made to express appreciation to God the Father for His blessing and provision. Eph. 5:20
Then, prayer should be made for others (intercession). Eph. 6:18
Of course, there is no formula or ritual for prayer. Prayer is of the heart led by Holy Spirit.
Rom. 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession [a]for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
VARIOUS KINDS OF PRAYERS:
PRAYER OF FAITH – MATTHEW 21:22, MARK 11:24
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION LUKE 22:42
PRAYER OF COMMITMENT 1 PETER 22:42
PRAYER OF WORSHIP LUKE 24:52-53, ACTS 13:1-4
PRAYER OF AGREEMENT MATTHEW 18:18-20
PRAYER IN THE SPIRIT; PRAYING IN TONGUES, 1 COR. 14:14-15
UNITED PRAYER ACTS 4:23-31
PRAYER OF PETITION 1 JOHN 5:14-15
8. Elements of petition: Some helps
·Pray the Word of God.
·Pray in and by the Holy Spirit.
·Write your petition (if possible).
·Pray the prayer of petition.
·Have confidence, know that He hears you and shall answer.
·Praise God for the answer.
* Personal Note: I rarely petition God since I have already been blessed and provided for, only where circumstances merit a prayer of petition. Again, there is no formula or ritual. Prayer is from the heart to the Father in the name/nature of Jesus Christ/Yeshua Ha’Masiach
PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION- Praying on behalf of others. Phil 4:6
INTERCESSORY PRAYER Eph. 6:18
Reasons Why Some Prayers Are Not Answered
Sometimes God does not respond to prayers from believers, no matter how earnest that prayer might be. The main reason that this communication is hindered is carnality (asking amiss) on the part of the one praying.
James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures (hēdonē, sensual delights or desires)
When a Christian is not walking in fellowship, the only prayer that God will answer is that of confession OR REPENTANCE. We will teach next week about repentance. When confession/repentance (changing of the mind and attitude) is made, the Lord provides cleansing, according to the provisions of 1 John 1:9, at which time further prayer can be made.
There are many reasons given in the Bible why some prayer is not answered.
Lack of forgiveness Mark 11:25
Lack of faith: Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:24; Rom. 14:23; James 1:5-7
Failure to take in the Word in your heart, not praying the Word (lack of edification): Prov. 1:24-31; Prov. 28:9; Zech. 7:11-13
Selfishness: James 4:2,3
Carnality: Psalm 66:18; Micah 3:4; Isa. 1:15; 59:1-3
Lack of compassion: Prov. 21:13
Lack of harmony in the home, prayers hindered: 1 Peter 3:7
Pride and self-righteousness: Job 35:12,13
Lack of control of the Holy Spirit: Eph. 6:18
Lack of obedience: 1 John 3:22; Eph. 5:18; Deut. 1:43-45; 1 Sam. 14:37; 1 John 5:14
Posture in prayer:
In the Biblical accounts of prayer, many postures are described. Abraham fell upon his face before God. (See Genesis 17:3, 17.) Moses prayed with his hands outstretched. (See Exodus 9:27–29.) King Solomon knelt in prayer. (See I Kings 8:54.) Jesus prayed looking up into heaven. (See Mark 6:41, John 11:41, and 17:1.)
Communication with God does not require a certain physical position, but about the attitudes of our hearts.
We will continue with Lesson 4 and a teaching on repentance next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
Eph. 3:12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
3:12 His faith in us gives our lives integrity. We echo and articulate the original conversation publicly. (In Him we express ourselves freely and openly) He is our platform to a universal audience. Mirror Translation
“we have” – present indicative of (echw), “we continually have”, “we possess”, “we have power over. nThis word was used in Greek as “to grip”, as in a wrestler’s hold.
“boldness” – (parreisia). In Greek this is (para) + (reisis). (reisis) is “speech”. Hence, “freedom of speech”. “and access” – (prosagwgei), “admission into someone’s presence”
This expression refers to someone who is an “insider”, someone who knows the mysteries, someone who is a “member” or “initiate”. We Christians are permanently the Elect of God, in the Plan of God, therefore we have “access”.
Related Scriptures:
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, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Eph. 1:3-4
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Pet. 2:9
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Gal. 6:16
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:10
Eph.3:13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
3:13 You have no reason to feel embarrassed or responsible because of what I am suffering, rather feel honoured! Mirror Translation
What was Paul’s sufferings?
2 Cor. 11:23b-27 I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
Paul was called to this. Paul, himself, said: “My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) WITHIN you…” (Galatians 4:19 Amplified Bible)
Sufferings today for Christ:
The Overcoming Aspect
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
It is all about overcoming, not trials and tribulations.
Philippians 3:14-15 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Encouraging One Another
There is always every reason to be encouraged in the Christian life.
We have eternal life. We are in union with the Lord Jesus Christ We share in Christ’s victory over satan and his forces. We have “all blessings in heavenly places in Christ” We have salvation, sozo, safety, ensured salvation, eternal deliverance, wellness, preservation, recovery, restoration, prosperity in spirit, soul and body.
Paul’s 2nd prayer for maturity
Therefore, I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Summary of Eph. 3: 8-13
I.God’s Grace to Paul.
In verses 8 and 9: There are 3 things: Here we see a double grace that God bestows on Paul, and Paul is thankful for that double grace:
First of all, he has the grace, the gift, the privilege of preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ and of revealing the mystery of God’s purpose.
II. God’s Eternal Plan is for the Church. He says God has purpose/s for the church. God’s got a plan for you. He has a glorious purpose for the church. And the Apostle Paul explains here that it is the eternal purpose of God through Christ for the church to be the display of God’s wisdom to the heavenly powers.
III. Don’t Lose Heart Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you. KJ
The apostle was a man attended with many tribulations, and great afflictions, which he did not suffer as an evildoer, either from God or men; wherefore he was not ashamed of them, but gloried in them; yes, he took pleasure in them, having much of the presence of God in them; they did not come to him unawares, he always expected them, and was helped to look to the glory which should follow them. They were ready to faint at them; but he desires they would no., It was an honor to suffer in such a cause.
There is always every reason to be encouraged in the Christian life.
We have eternal life. We are in union with the Lord Jesus Christ We share in Christ’s victory over satan and his forces. We have “all blessings in heavenly places in Christ”
Paul’s 2nd prayer for maturity
Observations from the Prayer Requests of Paul
Paul believed prayer to be powerful, effective, and necessary. Paul knew that when we pray for someone in ministry, we join them in ministry. Paul desired to serve the church and fellowship with the church. Paul asked for prayer to have a bold and clear proclamation of the Gospel. Paul requested prayer to be rescued from wicked men. Paul submitted his requests to God’s will.
Review of 1st prayer: Eph. 1:15-21
Paul prayed in Ephesians 1 these 5 things that lead to maturity: You would receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the deep & intimate knowledge of Him. That this would come by having eyes of your heart being flooded with light. And therefore, you would see and understand the hope to which He has called you. And you would see the richness of His glorious inheritance that is inside of you. This light would show you the immeasurable greatness of His power – that is in you! Christ in you the manifested glory of God!!Col 1:27
We will continue with Lesson 4 next week.
The blessings of the Lord are upon you whether by blood, adoption/sonship or assignment. The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it. Prov. 10:22
