Eph 6 ARMOR OF GOD
Monday, January 17, 2022.
Eph 6:11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes: Paul exhorted believers to put on the full armor of God in order to stand against the devil’s schemes to defeat him.
What is the symbolism behind each armor piece? The “belt of truth” is walking in dependency of Jesus, as He holds all things together Col 1:17 and apart from Him, we can do nothing Jn 15:5. The “breastplate of righteousness” is Christ’s righteousness to guard our hearts from evil actions Pr 4:23, while putting on the “shoes of peace” is being ready to share the Gospel and provide answers to all who ask, with gentleness and respect 1 Pe 3:15. The “shield of faith” is placing our trust in the promises of God Ro 8:28 to protect us from the lies of the enemy. The “helmet of salvation” reminds us that we have been made new creations in Christ 2 Co 5:17, who need to renew our minds to God’s truth Ro 12:2 for we have the mind of Christ 1 Co 2:16. The “sword of the Spirit” is to use the Word of God offensively to defeat the lies of the enemy Heb 4:12.
Application: Jesus told His disciples to take up their cross daily Lk 9:23. We, therefore, after rising each day, need to put on our armor. The last piece of armor should be used at the end of the day before we go to bed. “Praying in the Spirit” is communing with God, asking Him for peace, a good rest, and refreshment for tomorrow, to do His will.
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Eph 5 BRIDE OF CHRIST
Sunday, January 16, 2022.
Eph 5:32
This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church: two chapters later Paul revealed a second mystery. Just as a man is married to his wife and they become one flesh, believers are united to Christ and become the “Bride of Christ.” The marriage of a man and a woman is a physical union, while the partnership with the Lord is a spiritual one 1 Co 6:17. A husband must love his wife, while she must respect him. In Christ, He has demonstrated His love for His bride by giving up His life Eph 5:25, so our response is to reverence Christ Eph 5:33 and submit to Him in all things Eph 5:22.
Application: a faithful wife blesses her husband in every way, and believers please God Eph 5:10 by obeying His commandments—living righteously, doing good and walking in the truth Eph 5:9. No idolator will have any inheritance in the Millennium or Eternal kingdom Eph 5:5.
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Eph 4 PROFITABLE SPEECH
Saturday, January 15, 2022.
Eph 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen: Paul taught the importance of controlling our speech. We are not to use speech that is unwholesome the debases the conversation with others. Our words should encourage the listeners according to their needs.
Application: Paul exhorted believers to think positive thoughts Php 4:8. How much more when we encourage others to avoid negativity and use our words to bring healing and life rather than depression and death.
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Eph 3 THE MYSTERY
Friday, January 14, 2022.
Eph 3:6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus: a mystery in the Bible is truth that has yet to be revealed. Here, Paul revealed the mystery, that God was going to bless, not only Israel but the Gentiles also, through the Gospel. Both would be heirs of the promises and members of one body. God had planned this mystery before time began and if the enemies of God would have understood the mystery, they would not have crucified Christ 1 Co 2:7,8. Why? Because, now God’s power is working through all members Eph 3:20.
Application: Jesus said a house divided cannot stand Mk 3:25. There is power in the body of Christ when we all obey His commands. Satan’s worse fear has appeared with the coming of the mystery. Victory lies ahead for all obedient Christians.
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Eph 2 THE CHURCH: ONE UNITED BODY
Thursday, January 13, 2022.
Eph 2:18
For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit: for through Him, referred to Jesus, who has given both Jews and Gentiles access to God the Father by His payment of our debt. He then sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost to unify all followers of God into one body—the Church Eph 4:4-6. In the past, there was hostility between the Jews and the Gentiles but now Jesus has brought everyone into harmony Eph 2:14. The two groups have become one just as husband and wife are one Eph 5:31,32.
Interestingly, Paul described the Trinity and their roles in this one verse. Jesus was the sacrifice who provided access to the Father, the architect of the wonderful plan of salvation, while the Holy Spirit presently works to bring to completion the Father’s plan for mankind.
Application: we are getting close to the end of God’s plan and should work diligently to promote the kingdom of God. Jesus said work while there is light for the night is coming soon Jn 9:4.
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Eph 1 HOW TO KNOW GOD, BETTER
Wednesday, January 12, 2022.
Eph 1:17
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better: Paul prayed that God would give believers wisdom and revelation to know God more intimately. This is the key to having a productive Christian life. Our relationship with the Father determines how well we will serve and glorify Him.
Application: How does one practically acquire wisdom and revelation? Paul mentioned that it is through the Spirit that wisdom and revelation come. Therefore, we must read the Scriptures daily, then inquire of the Holy Spirit to reveal the insight of the knowledge which we have studied. This comes through meditating on the thoughts that we have read. The Holy Spirit will then direct us to deeper revelation and new wisdom. We must then put this knowledge into action. By embracing God’s Word, we are drawing near to God in understanding and thus He will be drawing near to us Jas 4:8.
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