King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Chapters: The Book Of Ephesians
Message: The Hope of God’s Calling
Hello My Friend,
Many people believe that when God created man He automatically made some good some bad, and only those whom He chooses get to go to heaven when they die. While this is true to some extent, who He chooses is those who through His Son, Jesus Christ, and here is a hint, none are good, [Romans 3:10-12,23-24 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:]
Good meaning perfect, none of us are perfect, we are all sinners, and that is why God sent His only begotten Son so that we can be perfect through our faith in Him. I do not care how long we are saved or how many times we read the Bible, we will never fully comprehend what God did for us in sending His Son to save us from our sins. It all comes down to this, faith, those who truly have faith in God will see that they need Jesus, for their eyes have been enlightened to the hope that they will be with God.
[Ephesians 1:18-20 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand 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 world, but also in that which is to come:]
The Book of Ephesians was written by Paul from Rome, approximately 64 AD, and is addressed to the Ephesians, and all the faithful in Christ. The purpose of the epistle (letter) was to inform believers of their wealth in Christ and instruct them concerning their walk with Christ. What we are to learn from the book is that all who receive Christ are heirs to both the blessings (heavenly wealth) and responsibilities (the work) of their calling created in them through Christ Himself, [Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.]
Paul, sent Tychicus, with this letter to the church at Ephesus by at the same time as the Colossians and Philemon. The church that Paul describes here is the true church, “Christ’s body,” and not the local church, such as Ephesians, Philippians, and Corinthians. Paul, begins the letter by listing all the spiritual blessings that come from becoming a child of God through ones faith in Christ.
[Ephesians 1:1-7 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;]
[predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ] [Predestined; Predetermined; foreordained; decreed.] God, had already planned this out, He never intended for mankind to be just another creation, He wanted them to be one with Him, but the second sin entered in the world man became enemies with Him. However, He was done with mankind, He still intends to have one nation of people who not only worship Him, but are one with Him and that is where Jesus comes in.
[according to the riches of his grace;] Until Christ’s passion we were all just a creation of God and while He did call the Israelites His chosen people, even they were not considered His children as they were the children promised to Abraham. Those who receive Christ as their Saviour are adopted into God’s family, making them as one of His very own as Jesus is. You see, our faith in Christ alone not only reconciles us with God, we are accepted by Him and brought into His family.
[Ephesians 1:10-14 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.]
[both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;] In other words, those who believed in Christ before He got here, all the way back to Adam as well as those who believe in Christ now are also one in the same. The difference between us and them is that we are now sealed with the Holy Spirit permanently until we leave this earth, [Romans 4:2-3 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.]
[until the redemption of the purchased possession,] While Jesus purchased all souls with His own blood on the cross, He will only redeem those who trust Him as their Saviour. Jesus, gave His sinless life to not only keep our souls out of hell and the lake of fire, He also did it so that we can live with Him forever. The world and quite frankly many religions see God as the tyrant who will strike you down if you look at Him the wrong way, but they have it completely wrong. While God is a just God, He is also a loving God and Father to all to are His faithful or not. While those who are faithful will face some affliction those who are not will face more because we cannot just get saved and continue living the life we lived.
[Ephesians 2:1-4,8-9 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.]
[ye walked…according to the prince of the power of the air,] This prince is none other than the devil himself, he is the one who brought sin to earth when he first went against God in the heavens, those who reject Christ are know as the children of disobedience or of the devil, [John 8:43-44 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.]
However, God, did not give His true believers the spirit of fear, walking in the shadow of the devil himself, He gave them the power of His Spirit and lives inside every soul that receives Christ as their Saviour. The walk we walk with Christ is not about obeying every one of the six hundred and thirteen commandments written in the Law, it is about having the relationship that He has always wanted to have with us. God, used Israel as the door that would bring other nations to not only come to Him, but understand that there is only one living God who happens to be their Creator as well. Paul, goes on to explain this.
[Ephesians 2:12-14,18-20 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;]
[being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,] [Commonwealth; Citizenship; concretely a community;] Israel, was merely a nation of people often called Israelites or Hebrews, who are descendants of Jacob, that God had chosen to start a nation of believers based on the promise that He made to one man, Abraham. God, did not limit any other nation nor deny any other person from becoming one of His people, but until Christ’s passion no one really understood God, [Romans 9:6-8 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.]
[the household of God;] Just think about what that means, we are not of the house of Jacob, or the house of Abraham, or in my case, the house of Sam as that is my father’s name, we who receive Christ as our Saviour are of the house of God, through our faith in Christ alone. Now, there are many who believe that no one knew about Jesus before His passion and therefore, they were not under the same grace that we are under today, but there is some misinformation there. Yes, they did not know the name, Jesus Christ, and were under the law of Moses, and were still subject to the Law because that is how God dealt with them at that time, but He was revealed to those who truly loved Him and wanted Him in their lives.
[Ephesians 3:2-6,9 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:]
[from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God,] Until Christ came here in the flesh, the law of grace was just a mystery, no one understood that their obedience to God had nothing to do with their salvation because He hid it from the world. In fact, the reason why the Law of Moses was given in the first place was for true believers of God to have a guide to follow, they knew that Christ was coming to end all that, but when and who it was was hidden from them. Now, that Christ has come, those who believe are made known of the mystery.
[Ephesians 3:14-16,19-21 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.]
[to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,] It takes some faith in order to understand the love of Christ because millions believe Him to exist, but true believers come to know Him as the Christ. In fact, still today John 3:16 is quoted by more unsaved people than those who are saved, but not everyone knows who Christ is. Those who know Christ receive more than knowledge of Him, they acknowledge that they are sinners and will perish without Him, [John 3:14-15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.]
Each of us is given enough grace that is sufficient to fulfill God’s purpose for us. Those who are called to be preachers are given the measure of grace that enables them to fulfill that purpose, likewise, teachers, evangelists, prayer warriors, speakers, and every other ministry that Jesus has called them for. However, we must understand that first and farmost we are to show them the love of Christ.
[Ephesians 4:1-7 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.]
[forbearing one another in love;] There is nothing more challenging to our flesh than loving someone like Christ does, but to the Spirit that lives inside us, all things are possible. Paul, goes on to explain how we show the love of Christ.
[Ephesians 4:26-32 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.]
[Let him that stole steal no more:] Jesus, said it this way, [John 10:1-2,9-11 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.]
It is only by the grace of God that we are saved, we cannot earn our way to heaven with good works, but once we get saved and start living our lives through Christ we start gravitating to those good works. Christ changes us for the better, He gets rid of all the junk that causes unnecessary suffering, temptation, and shame, and teaches us something that we could never do in our own flesh, forgiveness. Since most of those who are lost will never step foot in a church, it is imperative that we are out there preaching the Gospel. We do not need to throw a bunch of Scripture at them, we just need to show them the just love of Christ.
[Ephesians 5:1-4,7-8 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:]
[now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:] How do we walk as children of the light? Paul, gives us some examples. Keep in mind that while we are to be in the world, we are not of the world, so while we are to distance ourselves from them, we are also to be kind.
[Ephesians 5:14-21 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.]
[be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.] We are not always going to be in God’s will, we are not always going to understand God’s will, but God just showed me something about knowing when we are in His will, and that is when we are walking circumspectly, which means, cautiously, or with watchfulness in every way. In other words, we are to pay attention to what we are doing, where we are going, and have some respect for God and ourselves. The very best way that we can give thanks to Jesus for what He did for us is by living our lives through Him.
[Ephesians 6:1-6,13 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.]
[which is the first commandment with promise;] This is referring to the first ten commandments, the first four were honoring God, but the fifth commandment is this, [Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.] Being obedient and having respect for our parents gives honor due to them, and this goes for biological, step, and adopted parents. Godly parents are representatives of God, if children desire to have the good will of God resting upon them, then they should live a life of obedience to their parents. We are not perfect, but we are God’s children, we cannot stop people from living the life they want, but they cannot stop us from living for God either. Christ alone is the key to standing firm in our beliefs and not giving into evils of this world.
[Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;]
[watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication] We can cry out to God all we want, we can sing the songs, preach the Gospel, pray the prayers, teach the lessons, but if we are not sincere, God will not recognize our efforts. Everything we do and even say to God needs to be done wholeheartedly, [1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,]
Today’s Prayer: God, Your mercy is truly something amazing that we all often take for granted, but Your grace is beyond measure, it is just astounding to think of what kind of life I lived before You were in it, and how You have completely changed it. Over the years, You have brought peace, hope, and joy to my life through both the good times and the bad. Lord, I know that I am not always in Your will, but it is Your good pleasure that You offer Your grace to get me back in it time and time again. Lord, Lead me and guide me, search me and open my heart to discover anything that is keeping me out of Your will. Strengthen me and grow me as I look only to You for wisdom and guidance while You are pleased to keep me here on earth. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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