* We come to the conclusion of our study of Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus. Paul reminds them that as they seek to "Walk Worthy" of the calling with which they were called, they will be faced with a spiritual war. As Paul told the church in Corinth, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled." (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)

* Today, we will discuss the four commands which we are given in relation to Walking Worthy in this spiritual war and the accoutrement which God has provided us to wear during the course of the warfare!

* This message was presented on September 25, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* Based upon the greatness of their calling, believers are challenged to "Walk worthy of the calling with which [they] were called."

* We have seen Paul's challenge for them to "Walk worthy" in the body of Christ - seeking unity and synergy in the body of Christ; and in the world - living transformed and sanctified lives. We are no longer to think like the Gentiles think; we are no longer to act like the Gentiles act. Rather, we are to have the mind of Christ and put on the new man which is created by God in true righteousness and holiness.

* Last week, we began to consider how we are to "Walk Worthy" within three specific relationships that we have in this world: marital, parental, and occupational relationships. We saw that in our marital relationships, we are to model the relationship that Christ has with the Church.

* Today, we will consider how can "Walk Worthy" in our parental and occupational relationships.

* This message was presented on September 18, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* Paul shared with the Ephesian believers the greatness of their calling and then challenged them to "Walk worthy of the calling with which [they] were called."

* We have seen Paul's challenge for them to "Walk worthy" in the body of Christ - seeking unity and synergy in the body of Christ. We are united having one hope which is founded in us having one Lord, one faith, one baptism ... knowing there is only one God!

* Over the past two weeks, we have considered how we are to "Walk Worthy" in the world. We are to live transformed and sanctified lives. We are no longer to think like the Gentiles think; we are no longer to act like the Gentiles act. Rather, we are to have the mind of Christ and put on the new man which is created by God in true righteousness and holiness. We are, as children of God, to walk in love, light, and wisdom. We are to redeem the time, understand the will of God, and submit to one another in the fear of God.

* Today, we begin to consider how we are to "Walk Worthy" within three specific relationships that we have in this world: marital, parental, and occupational relationships.

* Today, we will consider how can "Walk Worthy" in our marriage relationships.

* This message was presented on September 11, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* Paul shared with the Ephesian believers the greatness of their calling and then challenged them to "Walk worthy of the calling with which [they] were called."

* Two weeks ago, we saw Paul's challenge for them to "Walk worthy" in the body. Understanding our calling, leads for a desire to see unity and synergy in the body of Christ. We will recognize that we have one hope which is founded in us having one Lord, one faith, one baptism ... knowing there is only one God!

* Last week, we began looking at we live out this calling individually ... while we are walking in the world. We used to "walk" according to course of the world, but now we are changed. No longer are we to think like the rest of Gentiles in the futility of their mind. Rather, we are to have the mind of Christ and put on the new man which is created by God in true righteousness and holiness.

* Paul called upon the believers to live a transformed life.

* Today, we continue in the midst of that challenge with commands ... not requests ... for us to WALK differently. Having the mind of Christ and being taught by Him ... we ought to Walk in Love, Walk in Light, and Walk in Wisdom!

* This message was presented on August 28, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* In our study of Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus, we have transitioned into the second half of the letter which is more "practical" in nature. In this section, Paul challenges the believers to Walk Worthy of the Calling with which they were Called. What effect should the bestowal of the grace of God have in our lives practically?

* Last week, we saw the effect that the grace of God should have in the body of Christ. That we should desire Unity within the Body - that Unity would be accomplished by the Synergy of the Body - working together for the Body to be conformed to the image of Christ.

* Today, we begin looking at the application of God's grace to us individually ... yet, still in the context of our relationships to one another.

* Paul, initially challenges the believers that they should be changed. In chapter 2 we saw that we "used to" walk according to the course of the world and according to the prince of the power of the air ... but that God made us alive ... unto good works which He had before ordained. He now continues to expound upon that theme.

* This message was presented on August 21, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* In our study of Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus, we have finished first half in which Paul has encouraged the believers regarding their relationship with the one true God.

* Today, we begin considering the second half of the letter which is more "practical" in nature. We took two weeks to study the passage that we arrive at today, as part of our study regarding The Marks of a Healthy Church (on May 22 and May 29). Hence, today we will be covering it as more of an overview and from the perspective of the result of Paul's instruction regarding the greatness of our calling.

* Up to this point, we have seen in our study that as believers in Christ -

We are blessed with every spiritual blessing, We are Chosen, We are Adopted as Sons of God, We are Accepted (favored by God), We are Redeemed and Pardoned, We are Informed regarding the Will of God, We are Promised an Inheritance, and We are Sealed with the Holy Spirit!

We - who once were spiritually dead, and following after the course of the world and Satan - were made alive with Christ, were raised with Christ, and were made to sit together with Christ in heaven.

We (Gentiles) - who once were afar off from the promises of God - have been made joint-heirs with those of Israel through Christ!

* Today, we begin considering: HOW THOSE FACTS SHOULD AFFECT OUR LIVES TODAY! First, as a natural progression, Paul discusses how it applies to the church as a whole.

* This message was presented on August 14, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* In our study of Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus, we come to his second recorded prayer for the believers in Ephesus.

* In his first prayer, Paul had prayed for God to grant the believers the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation in the Knowledge of Him. Today, we will see a similar spiritual desire of Paul for the saints.

* As we enter this next portion, we want to consider two parallelisms.

* First, THE REASON. Paul states, "For this reason ..." This is the second time in this chapter that he uses this expression. In fact, this expression (using the accusative of the word for "Grace" as a preposition) is very rare. Of the fourteen instances two are in the of this passage. Verse 1 and Verse 14 are being expressed in parallel coming from the discussion of chapter 2 - that the Jews and Gentiles are now made one in Christ. Hence, "Because of the nullification of the enmity of the law and the establishment of the unity of Jews and Gentiles approaching the God of the heavens and earth in the same fashion ... I was given this mystery (to reveal it to everyone) ... I am bowing my knees to that God and interceding on your behalf!

* Second, this prayer of Paul's somewhat parallels Jesus' model prayer (Matthew 6) ... Jesus shared that we should proclaim our allegiance to the Father, then pray for spiritual needs, and finally praise God.

* This message was presented on August 7, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* In his letter to the church of Ephesus, Paul exhorted the believers to "walk worthy of the calling with which they were called."

* For the past two weeks we have begun considering Paul's explanation regarding God's sovereign plan for the redemption of man and the spiritual blessings we have received as a result. Paul then reveals his prayer for the believers ... that God would give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him! That they would be able to truly understand the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance, and the greatness of His power!

* Today, we have another opportunity to relish in, and rejoice in, the wonderful grace of God poured out upon us in Christ Jesus!

* This message was presented on July 31, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* In his letter to the church of Ephesus, Paul exhorted the believers to "walk worthy of the calling with which they were called."

* For the past two weeks we have begun considering Paul's explanation regarding God's sovereign plan for the redemption of man and the spiritual blessings we have received as a result. Paul then reveals his prayer for the believers ... that God would give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him! That they would be able to truly understand the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance, and the greatness of His power!

* Today, we have another opportunity to relish in, and rejoice in, the wonderful grace of God poured out upon us in Christ Jesus!

* This message was presented on July 24, 2022 by Bob Corbin.

* Last week, we began a new series - a study of Paul's letter to the church of Ephesus.

* Paul called upon his fellow believers to "walk worthy of the calling with which they were called." The letter can be broken up into two primary sections - doctrinal and practical. In the doctrinal section (comprising chapters 1-3), Paul is explaining to the saints the profound depth of their calling in Christ Jesus. In the practical section (comprising chapters 4-6), Paul reveals how we are to walk worthy of that calling in this world.

* Last week, we saw how Paul began by revealing God's Sovereign redemptive plan and purpose, and the extent of the spiritual blessings which He has freely bestowed upon those who believe! As believers in Christ - We are blessed with every spiritual blessing, We are Chosen, We are Adopted as Sons of God, We are Accepted (favored by God), We are Redeemed and Pardoned, We are Informed regarding the Will of God, We are Promised an Inheritance, and We are Sealed with the Holy Spirit!

* Based upon these truths and knowing that these Ephesians saints had placed their trust in Christ, Paul proclaims his thankfulness and intercessions to God on their behalf.

* This message was presented on July 17, 2022 by Bob Corbin.