LHIM Everything

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]

The book of Ephesians breaks evenly into two halves: chapters 1-3 are theological, and 4-6 are practical. Today begins our focus on the practical.

4:1-3   We are to walk in a way that is worthy of our calling, yet with humility, gentleness, patience, and love for one another. The best example of what this looks like is Jesus himself.

4:4-6   Although the church is a diverse community, including people with different nationalities, skin colors, political views, careers, and passions, we are still unified in that we are part of the same body with the same spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God.

4:7-10   The NRSV translates v8 “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive.” Paul is not talking about freeing souls from the underworld here but the abstract idea of captivity, which he himself captured in his death, resurrection, and ascension. At his death, Christ descended into the earth, and at his exaltation, he ascended far above the heavens. (See Eph 1:20-21.)

4:7-13   The role of pastors, teachers, evangelists is to equip you for the work of ministry.  Together we are a team who seeks to mature over time until we are like Christ.

4:14   As Christ-followers, we are to be careful to detect fraudulent beliefs and practices. Probably the number one way to strengthen yourself against counterfeits is to spend time in the Scriptures every day.

4:15-16   I love the phrase “speaking the truth in love!” It’s such a foreign concept in our time when truth is a weapon with which we can beat others, and love means we must compromise what we believe is right. Both are critical for us in this time.  We must have truth and love.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]

Acts 20:25 – 38   The final time they saw Paul, he was kneeling in prayer. Now again he is kneeling, usually a posture for prayer. Luke 18:10-13

Ephesians 3:14 – “for this reason – 3:1 relates for all the perceived

Matthew 7:11   We pray to our Father.

Ephesians 3:15 – We are God’s family.

3:16 – “riches of His glory”   Ephesians 1:18: Psalm 19:1; Isaiah 6:3; Exodus 34:6-7; Philippians 4:19   The extensiveness of His glory is incomprehensible to our finite human minds and imaginations.

“Inner man” – 1 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 4:22-24

Ephesians 3:17 – Proverbs 4:23   The heart determines everything about our lives.

“Rooted and grounded in love” – Ephesians 1:5; 2:5; 4:15-16

Ephesians 3:18 – Job 11:7-9   The comprehension of love and all spiritual blessings; it is impossible to comprehend love without interaction with others. We must share love to know love.

Ephesians 3:19 – Philippians 1:9   Knowledge and application are essential but not enough to know the love of Christ. God must reveal it to us.

Ephesians 3:20 – When we pray, God can do “exceeding abundantly beyond….”

21 – The prayer ends with praise for God.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Sean Finnegan”]

3:1   Paul wrote Ephesians later in his life when he was in prison.

3:2   Stewardship is a BIG word here. Christ had commissioned Paul to declare what God had done to

3:3-6   In the ancient world, gods tended to go with ethnicities. The Canaanites worshipped Baal and Asherah; the Egyptians worshipped Isis and Osiris; the Greeks worshipped Zeus and Ares; the Romans worshipped Jupiter and Mars; and the Jews worshipped Yahweh. The idea of a single God pursuing worshippers from all nations probably would have been unusual. In fact, the revelation of this mystery is why Christianity is all over the world, rather than secluded on a people group. Furthermore, this inheritance and these promises are nothing short of receiving the world (Rom 4:13).

3:7-8a   God let Paul in on His big plan and commissioned him to tell the world. He doesn’t deserve this job since he persecuted Christians. Perhaps God delights to work with the unqualified?

3:8b-9   Paul’s twofold mission is (1) to preach Messiah to Gentiles and (2) to share God’s hidden plan

3:10   The end result is that God’s wisdom be made known to heavenly authorities. Within Christian communities, ethnic diversity is something of which we should be proud.

3:11-13   God’s multiethnic family has equal access to Him. You are part of something bigger than yourself, something awesome.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Jerry Wierwille”]

Eph 2:11-12—Circumcision was a distinguishing mark that separated out the Jewish people from the rest of the world, but it was only a physical mark in their flesh. What God truly wanted was the change/cleansing of a person’s heart.

When seeking to understand the significance of something, it is often helpful to contrast it with what has changed to better grasp the difference.

Five-fold depiction of Gentiles: 1) without Christ, 2) excluded from citizenship of Israel, 3) strangers to the covenants based on the promise, 4) having no hope, 5) without God.

Rom 9:5—The Jews had many advantages and privileges over those of the Gentiles.

Eph 2:13-16—The Law stipulated that God’s people, Israel, were to be separate from the other nations and were to live under the rule of Yahweh as their King. In the temple, there was a separate courtyard for the Jews and another one further away from the holy place for the Gentiles. But Christ has now destroyed that barrier and brought all people together into one new humanity.

Eph 2:17-20—The message that Christ brought was a message of “peace” for both Jews and Gentiles. Now everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord has “access” to God by one spirit.

Focus on unity: “both groups into one” (v. 14), “one new man” (v. 15), “one body” (v. 16), “one spirit” (v. 18),

Eph 2:21-22—God’s people are His building, His dwelling place through the spirit. It is not only that we now have access and are able to approach God, but that God has made His home in us by His spirit that He has given to us. We are the holy sanctuary/temple of God.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]

1:18-23   Prayer

2:1-3   Trapped: 1) course of this world, 2) prince of the power of the air, and 3) lusts of our flesh and minds. Romans 3:9-18

3   “Lusts of the flesh” are the longings and impulses of the self-centered life, Romans 8:4-9; Galatians 5:16-21. Selfishness is not limited to the emotions but embrace intellect and reasoning processes as well.

Unbelievers are subject to the wrath of God (Romans 3:19; Ephesians 5:5-6; Colossians 3:5-6;

4-5   God’s mercy, love, and grace are the only possible way out for those who are totally unworthy and undeserving. “Us” relates back to 1:1, the faithful saints (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10).

6   We were raised up with him and seated with Him in the spiritual realm.  Ephesians 1:19-21   We are in Christ, empowered by him to be like him.

Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38; 1 John 3:8; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 2:14; Matthew 28:18

Colossians 1:13; 1 John 4:4; Romans 8:37

7   The crowning display of God’s grace 1:10, 11; 3:11

8   Romans 3:20-22; Galatians 2:16; 1 Peter 1:5

10   We were created for good works – Ephesians 4:24; John 14:12; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:4; Colossians 3:10; Genesis 1:26-27

Ephesians 1:11–12   God predestined the church to “be to the praise of his glory.”  This is our purpose as a community, to make much of God.

Ephesians 1:13–14   The spirit is God’s seal that we are His and His pledge of our future inheritance.

Genesis 38:11, 13-23   Tamar provides a helpful if colorful example of how a pledge works.  Just like Judah didn’t force Tamar to receive the pledge, God does not force us to stay faithful.  But if we do, He has guaranteed

Ephesians 1:15-19   Paul prayed four things for the church:

Ephesians 1:20-23   God demonstrated His power by raising Christ from the dead, seating him at His right hand in heaven, and bestowing on him a position above all other authorities (Daniel 7:13-14).

How do your prayers sound?  Although our tendency is to focus on ourselves and others who are in need, it would be better for us to become more God-focused—know Him, the hope He called us to, His inheritance, and His power.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]

1:1   Paul made known what God accomplished for us in Christ Jesus.

“Saints” is the Greek word hagios that occurs 15 times in Ephesians (1:1, 4, 13, 15, 18; 2:19, 21; 3:5, 8, 18; 4:12, 30; 5:3, 27; 6:18). “Saint” means holy one.

2   The Epistle begins with “grace and peace,” and in 6:23 and 24 ends with “peace and grace.” “Grace” is God’s divine favor and is used 12 times (1:2, 6, 7; 2:5, 7, 8; 3:2, 7, 8; 4:7, 29; 6:24). “Peace” which is similar to the Hebrew shalom means completeness, wholeness, well-being. It occurs 8 times (1:2; 2:14, 15, 17 20; 4:3;

3   “Blessed” is the Greek word eulogetos and means well-spoken of. We get the English “eulogize” from this word (1:6, 12, and 14).

Verse 2 states the relationship we have with God and Jesus; verse 3 states the relationship God has with Jesus.

“Heavenly places” is the invisible spiritual environment or realm, as contrasted with the visible, tangible environment we call earth.

4-5   God loves you, called you, and wants you. God desires a love relationship with you that is real, personal, and everlasting.

The “us” is those to whom the Epistle is addressed: 1:1 to the saints, the faithful in Christ Jesus, those who have already responded to the call.  Our freewill choice is not predetermined by God; (2 Chronicles 15:2, 4, 15; Matthew 7:7-11; Deuteronomy 4:29; Proverbs 8:17). The point is by God’s grace, not your work, you are called and made to be His child.

7   Israel’s freedom from the slavery of Egypt is a type for our redemption (Exodus 15:13; Deuteronomy 7:8; Romans 3:24; Colossians 1:14).

8   Lavished his grace upon us – the Greek verb used expresses the superabundance of God’s giving, the overflow as of a fountain from a deep and abundant source.

9   The great mystery is a major topic of the Epistle that will be revealed. We are reminded over and over the blessings we have are according to God’s kindness.

10   When all the times and seasons which the Father has determined are full, the age-long purpose which He planned in Christ will attain its fullness.

Further review – Acts 19:1-20:1; 20:16-38; Revelation 2:1-11

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Victor Gluckin”]

The gospel is good “news.”

1 Samuel 31:6-9 – The Philistines spread the “good news.”

Luke 1:11-14, 18-19 – Gabriel announces “good news” to Zacharias.

Luke 2:10-11 – Angel shares “good news” with shepherds.

Good News:

   1. Something has happened.

   2. Something will happen.

   3. Something is happening now.

“The gospel is not good advice, it’s good news.” – NT Wright

1 Corinthians 15:1-6 – Paul preached good news.

Jesus Christ died

          Jesus Christ rose

Jesus Christ will return

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 – The church had responded to good news.

Acts 4:1-4 – Peter & John were proclaiming good news.

Acts 8:12 – Philip was proclaiming good news.

Acts 10:38-44 – Peter was proclaiming good news, and God worked in the hearts of the people listening.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Vince Finnegan”]

Ephesians 6:10-12   Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Luke 4:18-19   The context of this, quoted from Isaiah 61, is what the Messiah will ultimately accomplish when he returns as King of kings. However, it began when he was here and continues today through his disciples.

The spirit of Yahweh – Luke 3:21-22; 4:1, 14, 18-19; 5:17; Acts 1:2

“Poor” – in self (like Matthew 5:3 – poor in spirit); that is the humble, the meek

Release to the captives – Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:8; 2 Timothy 2:25-26

Recovery of sight to the blind – Luke 6:39; Matthew 15:14; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4

Oppressed – Acts 10:38 oppressed by the devil. “Oppressed” means subject to harsh and authoritarian treatment; to keep someone in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority.

Luke 4:31-41; 5:15-16; 6:17-19; 7:20-22; Matthew 15:30-38   Jesus immediately carried out this ministry. Has this part of his ministry ended?

Matthew 28:18; Ephesian 6:10

Ephesians 1:18-23   Jesus has more power and authority now.

The requirement for the captives, blind, and oppressed was faith – Luke 5:20; 7:9, 50; 8:48.

Faith is also required today for the suffering captives, blind, and oppressed – Ephesians 2:1-8

Ephesians 6:10-18 states the specific faith required in the warfare.

By [wbt_preacher_link preacher=”Jerry Wierwille”]

Our God Fights for Us!

2 Corinthians 10:1-4

We are in a spiritual war, both outside ourselves and within. Physical weapons are of no use in this battle, but the armor of God is powerful and can defeat our enemy.

Romans 8:31-39

“God is for us” means that He is on our side. And if God is on our side, then we are on the winning side. We don’t need to let the enemy take ground that God through Christ has already conquered because He has made us more than victorious in Christ.

What enemy can stand against us if God is for us!

2 Chronicles 14:8ff

Example: the foolishness of King Asa

When we forget or take for granted what God has done and can do for us, we will begin to look inwardly at ourselves and will not remember how important trusting God is for victory. The enemy is still mighty and can bring untold amounts of destruction to this world and our lives, but our God is greater and is the mightiest of all. He is the one who fights our battles, and with Him on our side, we are guaranteed victory over our enemy.