Hebrews 12:1-2

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Christian life is a difficult marathon that we must run
It is not just a 1-2 week marathon. It is lifelong.
- You need self-discipline to get into good shape, you will need to maintain your motivation, and you will need sustained effort
- We’re competing against the enemy of our souls, who opposes God’s kingdom and wants us to drop out

To run the Christian marathon, we must get into shape and stay in shape
“Throw off everything that hinders us”
- In Ancient Greece, athletes use to run naked to lighten their weight
- Not just sin that hinders us. 
- Eg. Throwing off some sleep to wake up earlier to do quiet time, Throwing off your recreational time/rest time to read God’s Word
- Everything you do should you grow in Godliness, if it doesn’t, then it is not important (eg. Movies, computer games)
“And especially the sin that so easily entangles us”
- Sin always begins in the mind, and so we must judge all sin at the thought level. Pride, lust, envy, greed, anger, grumbling, selfishness—all of these things originate in our thought life
- If you entertain these things, they incubate and develop into sinful words and actions (James 1:14-15)

To run the Christian marathon, we must run with endurance the course set before us
“Run with endurance the race set before us”
- God sets the course
o God is the Sovereign One who sets the course for each of us, just as He set the course of the cross for Jesus
o Sometimes you will question, “Why this way, why am I going against the norm?” answer is, “Because the Sovereign God planned it this way.” You won’t be able to run by faith unless you submit your will to His will.
- We must run with endurance
o So what does it mean to run the race (Follow Christ)? – Luke 14:28-33
o As Christians, we must know what is the cost of starting the race and enduring all the way to the end

Motivation is essential. Where do we get it from?

The encouragement to keep running comes from those who have run before us, but primarily from Jesus Himself

- “Therefore having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us”
o Refers to Chap 11 – Old Testament Saints, maybe other heroes of faith in the New Testament, encouraging us in our race all the way, along the way.
- Jesus Himself is the main motivation to keep running
o Verse 2: “The pioneer and perfector of Faith”
o Author also uses Jesus (Human Form). Jesus showed us exactly how to live by faith in God in this world.
He trusted God at the beginning of His ministry when Satan tempted Him. 
He relied on God to such a degree that He could claim, “the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing” (John 5:19).
He claimed to speak the very words that He heard from the Father (John 8:38).
He trusted the Father in the Garden and He went to the cross entrusting His soul to the Father.
His final words included, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46).
o So from start to finish, but especially on the cross, Jesus showed us how to walk by faith.
o Jesus also ran the race. The greatest endurance by Faith by enduring the cross. Only Jesus knew the glory and joy of perfect fellowship with the Father in heaven before coming to this earth. Only Jesus knew the perfect holiness of His divine nature. To leave heaven and take on the form of a servant and be obedient to His death on the cross as the substitute for our sins.
o His final reward of Faith - “has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We run with endurance by fixing our eyes on Jesus
- FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS REQUIRES TAKING OUR EYES OFF OF OURSELVES
o Examine your heart, check ourselves if we are in the faith but remember to turn your eyes toward Jesus

- FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS REQUIRES TRUSTING ALL THAT HE IS FOR US.
o When Satan tempts us with guilt over past sins, we take refuge in Christ’s shed blood (Eph. 1:7)
o All of God’s promises are yes in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20)

- FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS MEANS TRUSTING HIM WHEN SINNERS WRONG US
o Consider the fact that the more committed we are to Jesus, the more those who oppose Him will oppose us, no matter how nice we try to be (John 15:20)
o But we calculate that the joy of knowing and obeying Jesus is greater than all of the rejection, anger, ridicule, or anything worse that we might have to bear for His sake.

- FIXING OUR EYES ON JESUS IS THE KEY TO NOT GROW WEARY AND LOSE HEART.
o Just as a runner who is not in excellent condition gradually slows down and finally collapses, so the believer who does not keep looking with faith to Jesus will eventually collapse.

Ephesians 6

PART I - Honour

(1) Honour is a huge part of the Lord’s kingdom – we must learn to respect our parents, our masters, and the governing authorities placed over us

Ephesians 6:1-9

* See also Romans 13:1-8 and Proverbs 21:1

o Exceptions – Acts 4:19

* God is over all

(2) Prayer

Repent and confess

* Dishonour, anti-establishment sentiments, ingratitude towards those who have provided for us etc…

o Ingratitude breeds contempt and unbelief

o Repent: We are a generation of complainers, we are hard to please, we are always nit-picking and finding fault, we always think we can do better than those placed in authority over us

o It leads to rebellion

* Rebellion

o God hates rebellion – That is what characterised Satan, who was proud and rebelled against God (Isaiah 14:10-14)

Thanksgiving

* Thank God for our parents, for our teachers and principals, for our church leaders and pastors, for our bosses and for the good governance in Singapore

* None of these people are perfect, but they are good, and whatever they have done well, we must be thankful for

PART II - Standing

(1) What comes before standing

No Christian can hope to enter the warfare of the ages without learning first to rest in Christ and in what He has done (Ephesians 1:19), and then, through the strength of the Holy Spirit within to follow him in a practical, holy life here on earth (3:16,4). If he is deficient in either of these, He will find that all the talk about spiritual warfare remains only talk, and will never become a reality

The Greek word “stand” means to hold your ground. We are not on the offensive, we have already won the victory. Our Christian lives are the process of claiming victory over what is already God’s. Only those who can sit will stand.

(2) Know who you stand in

Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power

The name of Jesus

* “Given among men” (Acts 4:12)

The Lord asks us to “ask in His name” (John 14:13-14; 15:16; 16:23-26)

* Preaching in His name (Acts 4:10-12)

o Cleansing, justification and sanctification to God

o Luke 24:47; Acts 10:43; 1 Cor 6:11

* Warfare

o Mighty against Satanic powers

o Binds and brings these powers under control

o Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17-19; Acts 3:6, 16:18

* Asking God of things

God looks at his Son in the glory, not at us here on the earth. It is only because we are seated with him there that his name and authority are with us.

* Illustration: A fellow worker asked a man for a sum of money. The man read his letter, prepared what his fellow worker had asked, and gave the money to the messenger. He did the right thing because the letter bore his friend’s signature. He did not require the messenger’s name, age or employment, for the messenger had come in the name of his friend, and he honoured that name.

* Note: relationship with Christ is the basis of authority in Christ Acts 19:13-15

Elements of what you stand in – the armour

Ephesians 6:10-20

Belt of truth buckled around your waist – Isaiah 11:5

Breastplate of righteousness in place – Isaiah 59:17

Wear on your feet the readiness that comes from the Good News of shalom – Isaiah 52:7

Shield of trust

Helmet of deliverance – Isaiah 59:17

Sword of the Spirit, that is the Word of God – Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16; Isaiah 49:2

Pray in the Spirit on all occassions… for all God’s people

Ask the youths if they understand and appreciate each element

Are you with God or against Him?

In Paul’s generation, every believer had specific relation to the eternal purpose of God (4:11-16). That should be no less true of us today. The eyes of God are turning towards His coming kingdom. What we know as organised Christianity will shortly have to make way for something else – the sovereign rule of Christ. But as with the kingdom of Solomon, so now, there is first a period of warfare represented by the reign of David. God is seeking those who will cooperate with him today in that preparatory warfare.

Ephesians 5:22-33

Wives and Husbands

The similarities between Christ and the church and husband and wife

Fun fact: Marriage is the greatest area of conflict among human beings.

Verse 22-24

v21- Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ
In the Revised Standard Version, v24 says "As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives be subject in everything to their husbands."
v22-24 is the application of the above principle. As Christian husbands and wives, the subjection is not merely on the part of one alone but it is to be done by both husband and wife.

The method of subjection for each other is different for both the husband and wife but the principle is the same for both.

So the question is: How does the wife subject herself to the husband, and how does the husband, on the other hand, subject himself to the wife, out of reverence for Christ? That is what we will find out today.

Definition of Submit/ Subject is to adjust yourself to the to the authority or will of another. So Paul is trying to say to the wives to "Adapt yourself to your own husband, adjust to him.". This is the fulfillment of the initial word of the Creator when he said of the woman that she was to "be a help meet for man" (Gen 2:20). Be a help definitely does not mean to be a slave or rival but a willing and loyal helper to accomplish his aims and goals as led by God. It is in this role that woman finds fulfilment.

Verse 22-23

Key phrase is "as to the LORD". The wife is subject to her husband not because her husband is such a wonderful creature, but because she has a previous and primary relationship to her Lord. It is not for wives to worship the husband! She is just to yield herself to the will and aims of her husband.
The submission of a wife to her husband in the proper areas of his authority is the gauge of her submission to Christ.

It is a matter of headship and headship means authority. 1 Cor 11:3 states "But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a woman is her husband, and the head of Christ is God." Focusing on the last part "The head of Christ is God", there are 4 elements involved in the headship of the Father.

1) Identity as to nature
"I and my Father are one" - John 10:30
When a man and a woman are married, they become "one flesh" - Gen 2:24/Matt 19:5-6, Mark 10:7-8

2) Cooperation as to work
"My Father is always at work to this very day, and I, too, am working" - John 5:17
We cooperate together

3) Honor as to person
"I always honor my Father" - John 8:49 and "It is the Father who honors me" - John 8:54
There is the mutual sharing of honor.

4) Subservience as to final decisions
"My father is greater than I" - John 14:28
Despite the identity of the person, there is a difference of authority for he says "I always do what pleases Him" - John 8:29

Verse 24 "Wives should submit to their husbands in everything", this definitely excludes moral wrong. Other than that, the husband is expected to encourage the wife to express her desires, soeak her viewpoint, or to bring out what she feels is the right way. But, ultimate decision is to honor his choice.

How is the church subject to Christ?

The Bible is the Lord's word to the church, the hymn book is the church's word to the Lord. The hymns reflect the hungerings and yearnings of the church subject to it's Lord.

Verse 25-32  can be summarized into one phrase and that is "Husbands,love your wives, as Christ loved the church"

Definition of love is grossly misused nowadays. Paul not only says that we should love but the extent at which we love is to be like Christ giving up himself for her (church). This are how husbands should love,by giving himself up for her. NOTE: It is not to give in but to give up himself for the wife.

The Lord gave himself up for the church with certain purposes. There are 3 factors listed in these passage.
1) Sanctification
Jesus gave himself up on the cross  in order that the church can be redeemed by His grace and that men and women might be called back to the original function and purpose of humanity. Similarly, husbands should
give himself up for the wife so that she might fulfil her womanhood.

The purpose of womanhood is twofold.
1) To be a helper to her husband. Husbands should not neglect their wives and exclude them from his thinking.

2) To contribute beauty into his life. Not only beauty of the physical form but a spiritual form as well. Just as Peter puts it clearly in 1 Peter 3:4. This is what the woman can uniquely contribute to life but it is the husband who opens the door to opportunity for a woman to do this by sharing himself with her.

Husbands can help their wives fulfil womanhood by giving himself up, sharing with her, discussing with her, talk about things. It is the husband's responsibility to open up and share with her.

2) That He might present the church to Himself in splendor (as a radiant church) - Verse 27
Just as Apostle Peter said in 1Peter 3:7. Similarly, the husband must give himself up to the end to honor his wife, glorify her and exalt her in the family circle.

3) He might fulfil the mystery of His own being. v30 - For we are members of His body
Christ loves us and continually gives Himself up for us because He cannot help it, we are part of Him and we belong to Him. v31 - And the two shall become one. This can be seen through how blended the lives of the husband and the wife are. Moreover, when conflict arises, what huts the wife damages the husband and if he is bitter towards the wife, it will eat him like a cancer in his own life and heart.

Verse 33

This verse is the basis of each person in the marriage relationship fulfilling his responsibility to Christ regardless of what the other does. You do not wait for the other partner to love you/ submit before loving him/her.



Ephesians 5:1-21

Ephesians 5:

Hi guys, Alex here. This week’s lesson for the kids is on Ephesians 5. Rayner and I recently came to the conclusion about how we should focus on the first 21 verses of the text first. As the later part of the chapter should be taught separately and in a different manner.

Recall:
Chap 1-3: Position in the Heavenly places (Doctrine)
Spiritual Blessings that we have received à Resources we need for living à God’s desire for us is that we display and manifest the Glory of God and that we walk in the resources that He has given to us.

Chap 4-6: Our practice in this earth (Application)
Spiritual Walk that is rooted by spiritual wealth. We are His workmanship. We have been created in Christ Jesus for good works.
The application can only be done if we are rooted by the doctrine in Chap 1-3

In the previous chapter; chapter 4, Paul was talking about how as Christians we are now Children of the light and what it means to walk in the light. How we are now able to put of our former self because of what Christ has done. He continues this topic in the beginning of chapter 5. 

Purity/ Forsaking the darkness (verses 1 to 21):

Verse1 and 2:
Be imitators of God because we are no longer orphans but now children. We imitate because we have been adopted into the family. We imitate because as children you learn from your parents. God has already given the perfect example to follow when he sent his Son down to walk this earth. But Christ is not only the example. His death on the Cross is the only reason why we have the power to walk as how he did- a walk in love.

Verse 3 and 4:
Paul gives a contrast of what a walk in love or a life in love does not look like. 
A life in love should not have sexual immorality, impurity or covetousness.
Sexual immorality is sexual sin.
Impurity includes spiritual and emotional purity. Includes defiling your own or your brother’s or your sister’s purity.
Covetousness or greed includes lust 

Verse 5 and 6:
The emphasis must be made that it is not that we avoid the sins mentioned above so that we can become a saint. Rather it is because we are saved/children of God/ you are made a saint by Jesus’s blood therefore now live and have the power to live in a manner fitting for a saint.
David Guzik: “ If God's kingdom is alive in them, a transformation has occurred so that they cannot rest in the habitual practice of these things.”
God’s wrath will come upon those who are disobedient.

Verse 7:
Therefore it is right to assume that Christians will not have their lives habitually filled with the above mentioned sins. Those who are Christians should not be partakers with those who do such things. Partakers means to be a part of or to share.

Verses 8 to 12:
Once you were darkness, once you were sons of disobedience. You practiced a form of fornication, impurity or covetousness.  But now you are light in the Lord. God by his grace has shined his light on your ways, you have been enlightened. You recognised your ways to be wrong and his ways to be right. Therefore you are children of light. Who should be marked of the fruit of the light consisting in goodness righteousness and truth. We can explore these fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Comparing these fruits with what was seen in Ephesians 5: 3
Similarly in verse 7, verse 11 implores us to have nothing to do with the fruitless DEEDS, not the people who are in darkness. In verse 7, Paul also says don’t partake in the actions. He says nothing about avoiding the people.

Rather in verse 11, Paul says we should expose these deeds. We should bring to light that these deeds are wrong.

Verses 13 to 14:
This light is God’s searching judgement. It exposes unfruitful works of darkness even works done in secret. When Jesus shines upon us, he resurrects our dead spirit. Spiritual regeneration.

Verses 15-17:
Since this light was given to us, we should walk wisely not as fools. We should make the most of every opportunity for Jesus Christ for the days are evil. Evil times can be refered to Matthew 24:11-12

Verse 18:
Do not be drunk but be filled with the Spirit

David Guzik:” Paul contrasts the effect of the Holy Spirit with the state of drunkenness. Alcohol is a depressant; it "loosens" people because it depresses their self-control, their wisdom, their balance and judgment. The Holy Spirit has an exactly opposite effect. He is a stimulant; He moves every aspect of our being to better and more perfect performance.”

Verses 19-21:
Filled with the spirit:

1) It is not a one time thing, rather it is a constant filling

2) When we are filled, we desire to worship God and encourage others in their worship of God. 

3) One of the products of being filled with the spirit is a thankful heart.

4) Mutual submission to each other in the fear of God. Mutual submission is having a team mindset, a mindset which thinks of others.

Ephesians 4

Ephesians 4

Recall:

Chap 1-3: Position in the Heavenly places (Doctrine)

- Spiritual Blessings that we have received à Resources we need for living à God’s desire for us is that we     display and manifest the Glory of God and that we walk in the resources that He has given to us.

Chap 4-6: Our practice in this earth (Application)
 Spiritual Walk that is rooted by spiritual wealth. We are His workmanship. We have been created in Christ Jesus for good works.
The application can only be done if we are rooted by the doctrine in Chap 1-3

Ephesians 4:1-16

Unity in the body of Christ

Sin is a disruptive force, it always divides, separates, and splinters. It divides a man within and against himself. It has produced the constant fight and struggle which we are all aware of in our own lives and in the life of the church. Consequently, the central object of salvation, in a sense, is to re-unite, to bring together again, to reconcile, to restore the unity that God created before sin and the fall produced this terrible havoc between God and man, between men, and within man himself. So the unity that we have in Christ is part of the grand design. Thus, one of the peculiar marks of the Christian calling is to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
2 aspects of Unity - Character and nature of unity & Practical outworking of unity
Unity is not just a spirit of friendliness or camaraderie or just a team effort to achieve a common goal. 
There can be no Christian unity unless it is based on the teaching of chapters 1-3. Since Christian unity is a result of God's work in Christ, it is not something that we are to aim at for the sake of unity.
Character and nature of unity (spend less time on this part)
Unity is "of the Spirit" - Refers to the unity provided by the Holy Spirit
1. Unity is organic - Christian unity, the unity of the Spirit, is a unity which starts within and works outward through organic life like we see in a flower or in the human body. The unity of the church is also organic in character. She is not a collection of parts. She is a new creation, a spiritual body created by God in Christ.
(Can give the example of the human body: The human body is first, an organic unity. It consists of many parts: toes, fingers, hands, feet, legs, eyes, ears, etc. But it is not a collection of parts put together like in an automobile or a house. It begins from one cell which begins to develop, grow and shoots off little buds that eventually make up the variegated parts. Similarly, this is an organic and a living unity by creation. So is the church in the spiritual sense)
2. Unity is diversity - the different parts do not function alike but they are all important, needed, interdependent, and all work toward the same end, the purposes for which each member was designed in the function of the body as directed by the head and in accord with the creative purpose of God. Some of the parts are covered, others are within the body and are unseen, but nevertheless, very important. Some gifts are more in the fore front, they are more obvious and others less so, but all are essential to the effective work of the body.
Practical outworking of unity (spend more time on this part)
1.Unity of Calling - The calling is the responsibility to respond to what we have become in Christ. Every believer has been called to be Jesus' disciple and to serve in the body of Christ.
2. Unity of Common life and Source - There is great emphasis of togetherness in this letter. For example: Eph 2:5,6,19,21,22; 3:6; & 4:16. The world today is so full of selfishness only caring about I, me and myself. It no longer upholds the teachings of the importance of togetherness.
3. Unity of purpose - The purpose is maturity in Christ, being conformed to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. The ultimate goal is Christ-likeness, or spiritual maturity according to the standard of Christ. This is the primary goal of the equipping and the unity desired. The more we possess His character and mind, the more we will experience the unity of the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:17-32
In the NKJV, v17 uses the word "therefore" which means that whatever Paul is about to say is based upon what he talked about previously about preserving unity and peace.
v18-19: Unsaved people are alienated from the life of God, because of the blindness of their heart! "Blindness of the heart" is a spiritual disease. Because of this alienation, and blindness to the things of the Lord, the unsaved are usually engulfed in life dominating sins. It is our choice to be disciplined and choose/do right. It is definitely not God's will! 
v20-24: We as Christians have the truth in Jesus Christ and that we put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. We can put off our old self and put on the new self as 2Cor5:17 puts it.
v25: Speak truth to your neighbours! We are now one body of Christ and lying to one another will end up destroying and hurting each other.
v26-27: In your anger, do not sin! Psalms 37:8, Proverbs 16:32. Irritation in the heart of a believer is always an invitation to the devil to stand by.
v28: Stop being a taker but start being a giver. We as Christians should live a selfless life. The scripture also states that we should "carry our own weight"
v29: Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies! Things that flow from a Christian's mouth should build people up, not put them down.
v30: Do not hurt the Lord with your words and action. Our body is a temple of God, the Holy Spirit lives in us, when we sin, we not only give a bad image of ourselves to people but the Holy Spirit in us also gets hurt.
v31: These actions and attitudes might be "natural" and easy, but we should endeavor to keep them under the control of the Holy Spirit. Think twice before doing anything. Do not let your emotions and feelings cloud your judgement!
v32: Forgive just as how God forgave us. Romans 2:1-6 says it all.
Done by: Rayner

Ephesians 3

Lesson plan – Ephesians 3

God’s Marvellous Plan for the Gentiles

3 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 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.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

A Prayer for the Ephesians

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Theme: The inclusiveness of the Christian faith

The aim of the lesson is to help us understand that the Christian faith is an inclusive one, available for all people. However, most of the time, we tend to stick to our own groups of friends, and shut out others. We should reflect on the condition of their groups, whether in church or outside, and see if they have been doing so. If yes, what can we do about it? If no, what can we do to prevent it?

*This may or may not follow from last week’s idea about how we treat our friends and whether we judge others :x



Questions:



1. Why are the Gentiles heirs together with Israel? (v6){comprehension question} What does that imply about the early church? {implied that the church served as one body, without distinction, or at least ideally that was what they aimed for}What implications does this have on our church today?{thinking question}

2. What then is God’s plan? How does it affect the way we live? {thinking question}

3. Why does Paul call himself “less than the least of God’s people”? (v8) – is it implying low self-esteem? (It’s not btw – he was comparing what he had to what was in God [which is really very little]) link here: http://www.preceptaustin.org/ephesians_38-9.htm {Just a reminder that any and everyone can be used by God – not crucial, can skip} Thus, who are we to gather in cliques and deny others the opportunity/comfort of seeking God? {thinking question}

4. We know we can approach God without hesitation- in the same way, when relating to others; do we assure them that we are approachable? WWJD? {thinking question}

5. But we know we can’t do it alone, because human nature is selfish. So, Paul’s prayer to the Ephesians rings true in our lives as well – leaders can pray this prayer in your groups=)



I hope the lesson helps us all to think and reflect about the condition of our small groups, and maybe our own lives, to keep us in check :x jyjy guys!

Done by: Joshua Tang

Ephesians 2

Ephesians 2

Verses:

1: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins

Examining the word dead: Not only diseased, but dead; absolutely void of all spiritual life; and incapable of helping ourselves.

2: in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

“followed the ways of this world”- this means a long series of times, wherein one corrupt age follows another.

“ruler of the kingdom of the air” – Satan’s power is penetrating and is continually roving to and fro., and he works in all who do not believe and obey the gospel.

3: All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

“Flesh”-  denotes  our whole evil nature, so the body opposed to the soul. Thus, we incur the wrath of God, as Gentiles do.

4: But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy

Mercy removes misery: love confers salvation.

5: made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.

In conformity to him, and by virtue of our union with him, we are made alive. The apostle speaks indifferently either in the first or second person; the Jews and gentiles being in the same circumstance, both by nature and by grace. This text lays the axe to the very root of spiritual pride, and all glorying in ourselves. This is repeated in Ephesians 2:8 , in the very same words- as a second reminder to us, who are naturally prideful.

6: And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Both Jews and gentiles- Believers are not yet possessed of their seats in heaven; but each of them has a place prepared for him.

7, 8: in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

By grace ye are saved through faith - Grace, without any respect to human worthiness, confers the glorious gift. Faith is the medium by which we receive this grace.

9: not by works, so that no one can boast.

Not by works - Neither this faith nor this salvation is owing to any works you ever did, will, or can do; we cannot earn it.

10: For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Why do we do good works then, if we can never earn salvation?

It is because we are made to do good works, which God had before preprepared - so we must still ascribe the whole to God. We are given the power to do good works,  though we are not justified by them.

11: Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—

Remembrance strengthens faith, and increases gratitude. We are formerly gentiles in the flesh - Neither circumcised in body nor in spirit.

12: remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

“separate from Christ” - Having no faith in, or knowledge of, him.

“excluded from citizenship in Israel “ - Both as to their temporal privileges and spiritual blessings.

“foreigners to the covenants of the promise“- The great promise in both the Jewish and Christian covenant was the Messiah.

“without hope” - Because they had no promise whereon to ground their hope.

13: But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

We are now brought towards both God and his people.

near by the blood of Christ.

14: For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,

For he is our peace - Not only as he purchased it, but as he is the very bond and centre of union. He who hath made both - Jews and gentiles, one church.

“dividing wall of hostility”- Alluding to that wall of old, which separated the court of Israel from the court of the gentiles. Such a wall was the ceremonial law, which Christ had now taken away.

15, 16: by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

By his suffering in the flesh the cause of enmity between the Jews and gentiles was abolished, And now a new mystical body is formed- the church.

17: He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.

After his resurrection, He preached peace - By his ministers and his Spirit to you (Gentiles) who are far from God and to the Jews (those who were near)

18: For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Hence both - Jews and gentiles have access  through the Holy Spirit to God as our Father.

19: Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,

We are received into the very family of God.

20: built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

As the foundation sustains the building, so the word of God, declared by the apostles and prophets, sustains the faith of all believers. God laid the foundation by them; but Christ himself is the chief cornerstone of the foundation.

21, 22: In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

The whole fabric of the universal church rises up like a great pile of living materials, dedicated to Christ, and inhabited by him, in which he displays his presence, and is worshipped and glorified.

Ephesians 1

Use this to learn a point or a few, then build your lesson on that. You may not have to use everything in here. Take what is helpful (: 

May the Lord of all grace give you wisdom and revelation to reveal the Scriptures to you, in the knowledge and understanding of Him who fills all in all. 

Ephesians 1 

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, 

There is alignment with the will of God here, and it is clear that Paul knows and understands his place and role in the kingdom of God. Do you? 

 To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 
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, 

See here the unity of believers in that 1) God is our Father, and Jesus Christ is our Lord, and 2) God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing, and Paul continues to use this collective pronoun (us, our, we), also showing us that, in this subject matter of the saints being “blessed with every spiritual blessing”, what is true for one believer, is true for every other. 

4 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, 

The ultimate purpose and result of His choosing us in Christ, is that we be holy, and be able to stand before the Holy God of heaven Himself and be found blameless. (cf 2 Peter 1:2-4 “…that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature”.) Amazingly, He desires for us to be holy because He loves us. 

5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, 

Only having been adopted as sons and given the right to be called children of God (John 1:12) that we may call and address God as our Father (v2) because we are in Christ who is the only begotten Son of God (v3) and are called co-heirs with Him. 

according to the good pleasure of His will, 

It pleased God to choose us and adopt us. See where the Father’s heart and soul lies – in love with us! This phrase is the first of several repetitions of the same type. 

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. 

This is the first of several repetitions of the phrase “to the praise of the (God’s) glory”. We shall see and understand more with each word. For this particular instance, it is the grace of God in Jesus Christ in making us “accepted in the Beloved” (see Matthew 3:17) that is revealed, seen and praised. 

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

It might be interesting to note that the sufficiency of His grace toward us is directly linked to the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, and because His sacrifice is perfect, His grace is always sufficient. Truly, how rich we are in Christ! 

which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 
He made His grace abound to us. See Hebrews 2:16 

having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 
10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 
Compare Ephesians 1 with Colossians 1, particularly verses 19-22. 

See the fullness and vastness of the redemption of Christ. He reconciles “all things to Himself, whether things on earth, or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.” The redemption plan of God seems to be much bigger than ourselves, than the individual’s salvation. Are we asking, “What is God’s will for my life,” or, “Which part of God’s will do I fit in?” 

11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 
Note, only children – legitimate children – have an inheritance. Compare v5. 

We see how the Lord moves and works and reveals, predestines, redeems and makes known, in accordance to His good pleasure, His counsel, His will, in love (v3), in grace (v7), in power (v19). See that we can trust in the Lord, for He is utterly consistent with Himself; He always acts according to every one of His attributes, and therefore always acts in goodness, in righteousness, in justice, in mercy, in love, in kindness, in wisdom, in sovereignty. In short, He is holy. He is also immutable, and in this Rock we may put our faith and not be proven foolish. 

12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 
Not only that we should be found singing His praises, but that we ourselves are a testimony to His glory, such that others are caused to praise Him too. 

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 
14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. 
Faith comes by hearing, and having put your faith in Christ, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit. 

4972 sphragízō (from 4973 /sphragís, "a seal") – properly, to seal (affix) with a signet ring or other instrument to stamp (a roller or seal), i.e. to attest ownership, authorizing (validating) what is sealed. 
4972 /sphragízō ("to seal") signifies ownership and the full security carried by the backing (full authority) of the owner. "Sealing" in the ancient world served as a "legal signature" which guaranteed the promise (contents) of what was sealed. 
URL: http://biblehub.com/greek/4972.htm 

The presence of the Holy Spirit indicates those that are His.

The Spirit is called the Spirit of promise, presumably because Jesus promised the coming of the Spirit (John 14). It is therefore interesting that the Spirit, coming on the believer and therefore being the promise fulfilled, is then called “the guarantee of our inheritance.” It seems like a promise within a promise! It would certainly not be outside of God’s character and desire to reassure His people in this manner (compare Hebrews 6:13-18). Therefore, believer, do not doubt, but believe, for not a word of God will fall to the ground. 

What is our inheritance? I think, at least in part, it is the “redemption of the purchased possession.” 
Compare with Romans 8

11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  
16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  
17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.  
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.  
23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.  
24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?  
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.  
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren  
30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. 

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. 
Galatians 5 
For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 

We live not for what is temporary, but what is eternal. Knowing that there will come the day that we must all stand before God and give account for every word, thought and deed, we who are in the Spirit and who live according to the Spirit have the hope – the blessed assurance in the fulfilment of every one of God’s promises – that we shall be found righteous in Christ, glorified together with Him, our bodies redeemed, and the children of God revealed. This is the inheritance of the saints. 

“And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power. … Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6: 14, 19-20) 

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this word, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:1-2) 

Are you living your life with your eyes fixed on what is unseen and eternal, or are you still in your carnal mind? (2 Corinthians 4:13-18) 

When Christ is revealed in us, God is glorified, both now and in that final day. 

15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 
Your faith in Jesus should be practically worked out and seen in your love for the saints – the first and second commandments. “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:6) 

16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:  
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,  
18 the eyes of your 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 working of His mighty power  
20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 

Compare with v3. See whence all blessings flow, even the throne room of God Most High, Jesus Christ in the heavenly places. 

21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. 
Compare Romans 8:38-39. There is no stopping God, nor His love, nor His power, nor His blessings, for they come directly from heaven above, and because Christ lives evermore and intercedes for us with the wounds upon His hands and feet. 

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 
The negative expression of the previous verse; Christ is above, and all things are under. Heaven is His throne, and the earth is His footstool (Matthew 5:34-35). Compare Psalm 8 and Genesis 3:15. 

23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all
Compare Ephesians 3:19, 4:8-10. 

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:8-10) 

Done by: Elvira Tan

Intro into Ephesians

Intro of Ephesians
Written for believers who are rich beyond measure in Jesus Christ but are living as beggars as they are ignorant of their spiritual wealth as they are yet to accept and understand it

What does the scripture teach us about the wealth that God has given to us and how do we learn to lay hold of that? It can all be found in the book of Ephesians.

The huge usage of “In Christ” statements throughout the book shows Paul emphasizing the richness of Christ in this book.

1)
Chap 1-3: Position in the Heavenly places (Doctrine)
Adopted into the family of God/ Accepted in Him/ Redeemed us/ Fully forgiven us of our sins/ Wisdom in Christ/ Inheritance in Christ/ Sealed w the Holy Spirit of Promise/ Recipients of God’s Glory and grace/ Heavenly citizenship. These are Spiritual Blessings
Spiritual Blessings that we have received à Resources we need for living à God’s desire for us is that we display and manifest the Glory of God and that we walk in the resources that He has given to us.  Chap1:3
Chap 4-6: Our practice in this earth (Application)
 Spiritual Walk that is rooted by spiritual wealth. We are His workmanship. We have been created in Christ Jesus for good works.
The application can only be done if we are rooted by the doctrine in Chap 1-3

2)
Background of the epistle
Prison epistle: Paul’s Roman’s imprisonment.
Preventive epistle: Not written to correct the church (as compared to other epistles) but to prevent problems in the church by encouraging the body of Christ to mature in Him.
Make believers more aware of the position in Christ.

3)
Purpose of Ephesians: Primary purpose: Motivate believers to draw upon that spiritual source in their daily living.
Connection between the 2 parts (Doctrine and Application).  Ephesians 4:1
Chap 1-3: No imperatives/ commands in the first 3 chapters. Why? Because these are God’s gifts given to us and there is nothing we can do to make those things happen.
Chap 4-6: There are 35 imperatives/commands. The principles are timeless and are relevant to our lives then and now.

4) Quick run through of the book of Ephesians
DISCUSSION: Split the small group into 6 different groups and allocate 1 chapter for them to summarize and then present their summary to the whole group.

The summary I have below is just a general guide so feel free to add on any points if they missed out any.
Ephesians Chap 1

Ephesians 1:3-14 à ‘Hymn’ to God’s Grace.
Trinitarian approach:
-          Praises the Father for choosing us (v3-6) à Work of the Son in redeeming us (v7-12) à Work of the Holy Spirit in applying the redemption in sealing us (v13-14)
-          Praise of his glorious Grace [The Father (v6), The Son (v12), The Spirit (v14)]
V15-23: Prayer of Revelation. Prayer of Spiritual illumination

Ephesians Chap 2
The Power of God’s Grace: Former position of separation from God vs Present spiritual life in Christ. Salvation by divine grace (v1-10)
Jews and Gentiles are now together in the body of Christ (v11-22). Mystery of the church

Ephesians Chap 3
Revelation of this mystery to God’s holy apostles and prophets (v1-13)
Prayer – v16 (v14-21)

Ephesians Chap 4
Behavior does not determine blessing but blessing should determine behavior (Romans).
V16- Growth and maturity comes from the effective working of every part doing its share. The unity in the Body of Christ
Emphasizes the exercise of spiritual gifts and to do them in love
Put off the old man and the new man (v22-24)

Ephesians Chap 5
Maintain the Walk of holiness as a children of light be it Husband, wife, slave etc. Every relationship must be transformed by the new love and their new life in Christ.

Ephesians Chap 6
Spiritual Warfare and putting on the Armor of God
--
Interesting and good to apply:
2 out of 4 Life changing prayers of Paul: These prayers can be transformative on our inside. Not prayers for head knowledge but prayers for heart/relational knowledge. Moving from the head to the heart requires the Grace of the Spirit of God.
First prayer: Ephesians 1: 17-19
-          Wisdom and Revelation
-          Eyes of your heart be enlightened
-          His inheritance, His power, His calling
Second prayer: Ephesians 3:14-21
-          Knowledge that goes beyond our intellect and moves into a deeper spiritual knowledge


The other 2 prayers are in Philippians 1:9, Colossians 1:9-12.

Done by: Rayner
If you are interested, I got the material from this link https://bible.org/seriespage/ephesians