Satan aims to bring down Christ’s people by denying their sincerity and salvation, and scheming their backsliding. No wonder Paul is inspired to use the terminology of combat. There is no hiding from this battle.
‘I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.’
The famous ‘armour of God’ passage, drawn from the Roman soldier’s equipment, shows the approach to the spiritual life for holiness and fruitfulness. Each item, and the order in which each must be put on, provides safety and advance in the spiritual warfare.
He who would be angry without sin must not be angry at anything except sin. Our Saviour was angry with Peter, and angry with the Pharisees for the hardness of their hearts. Moses was filled with holy anger at the people over the golden calf. Equanimity in such circumstances would be no better than complacency or listlessness.
Why does God allow Satan, sin and the Fall?
‘And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord’ (Ephesians 6.4). It hardly needs to be said that parenthood is a tremendous responsibility, and we are glad of every word we have in the Bible showing how we should go about it.
In our efforts to make the Gospel acceptable, we find ourselves confronted with two obstacles: man’s fallen nature and the Satanic forces which surround him. Very few apologetic works today give them serious consideration.
How easily we slip, as believers, into living without consideration of all that we do. In the Apostle’s call to vigilance, we review the ‘departments’ of life needing close attention, and the seeking of God’s will in the major decisions of life.
‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.’
How important it is to review our stewardship of time! The ‘redeeming’ word is highly significant, because we buy it back from harmful thoughts and actions to positive and spiritual use. Here are the biblical steps for the sanctified use of time.
When several virtues are presented as the Christian’s armour, sincerity is the piece which must be donned first as foundational to all others. If not the ‘greatest’ it is a pivotal virtue. Do we possess it? And do we know how to maintain it?
Coming to Christ brings us to taste and feel and experience His power and kindness. It is far deeper than head-knowledge or mere sentimentality. Here, from the prayer of Scripture, we show what Christ gives to all who trust in Him.
‘To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,’
‘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.’
At first it shocks us that the Bible describes us as spiritually dead – walking dead; physically alive but inert and lifeless in the soul. But this picture shows what we lose and miss while away from God, and how our souls may be brought to life.
It is not difficult to believe in God but to have a general kind of belief does not lead to true reconciliation with Him. ‘Saving faith’ is the vital key. Why should this be essential? What is it and how is it expressed?
‘That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of … Continued
If we have no connection with Christ we have only physical life, but no experience of spiritual life, no understanding of the purpose of life, no acceptance by God, no power to shape character, and no eternal life. Here is how Christ provides all these.
‘And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.’ Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ … Continued
Paul’s dependence on the prayers of believers comes first, especially for openness and plainness of speech – and this is what this should mean for today. Here also are the vital components of biblical ministry, and the stirring concept of an ambassador in bonds. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
Explaining the words Paul uses in his great ‘armour of God’ exhortations to pray, words such as ‘always – supplications – watching thereunto – perseverance’ and particularly ‘in the Spirit’. Here is what he does not mean, and what he does mean by this most remarkable term.
In the soldier image the sword of the Spirit represents the Gospel work of the church. Here is the penetrating, searching, persuasive power of the Gospel as proclaimed by the apostles. A church or believer not proclaiming salvation is a soldier without the sword. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
The helmet is the hope or anticipation of final salvation, when Heaven’s glory dawns on the soul and we see Christ – the greatest possible incentive to serving Him. Here is the Lord’s emphasis on eternal life, and the believer’s experience of death. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of … Continued
Why is faith described as a shield? What are the fiery darts? Here is the centrality of faith in the Christian life, how it is tested in our earthly journey, how the shield is taken up, and the gracious accomplishments of faith. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of the … Continued
The third component of the Christian armour, the footwear, portrays us on the march for Gospel witness. It is readiness for Gospel work. Here are seven essential parts of readiness, and the means provided by God for these to remain present in the heart. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
The apostle shows how righteousness acts to be protective of the heart or affections in a saved person – a large target of the devil. Here is how self-denial, love for Christ and obedience to the commandments garrison the heart from pollution and shame. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
The foundational piece of the Christian’s armour is firstly objective truth – the unchanging doctrines of the faith. (The sword, later, is Scripture used ‘offensively’ to make Christ known). Secondly, the belt is also subjective truth, truthfulness and sincerity for which here are helpful rules. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning … Continued
The introductory passage to the magnificent description of the Christian ‘armour’ – all that is needed in the spiritual warfare to defend against the wiles of the devil and to preserve and enhance instrumentality for the Lord. Each item is a wonder of grace and effectiveness. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the … Continued
Beginning with the duty of conversation, admonition and encouragement between believers the apostle moves to the blessing of singing psalms plus hymns and spiritual songs (here defined), the elements of true worship (public and personal) and the importance of melody of the heart. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of … Continued
Charismatic thinking mistakenly sees similarities between the effects of alcohol and the filling of the Spirit. This verse describes tremendous differences between them. Here are the details of Spirit-filling together with the fruit and the means of obtaining this filling. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of the New Testament. … Continued
In a marvellous overview of the Christian’s walk and duties, the apostle shows how they should demonstrate the light of Christ in new life; how they should channel the message of light, and how they may enlighten their surroundings or new posting in this fallen world. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the … Continued
The duty and treasure of kindness toward God’s people, its impediments contrasted with the great motive – the full readiness of the nature of Christ’s love to us, and how He yielded Himself up for eternity. Also the necessity of cleanness, and the pitfalls of jesting. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the … Continued
The apostle’s appeal never to grieve the Holy Spirit. Here are the sins that do, causing Him to withdraw from (but never leave) us. Here also is what the sealing of the Spirit means for us, and the folly of undervaluing His grace. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of … Continued
Formative in the sense that in addition to being deeply offensive to God, they form deep roots in the character, promoting other sins and shaping the whole person, whereas new opposite virtues (performed by the Lord’s help) lead to lifelong blessing and usefulness. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of … Continued
First, an analysis of the sad state of the unsaved heart. Then two levels of transformation: (1) conversion, where putting off the old and putting on the new life is God’s work, and (2) details of sanctification, where believers are empowered to act by God. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning … Continued
The apostle lays down the vital role of the entire congregation functioning together in evangelism and sanctification. The chief agent of this is ‘the truth’. Here we seek to appreciate more fully the privileges and power of the faith entrusted to us. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of the … Continued
Unity defined, not as membership of an organisation, but as a bond between those in union with Christ and bearing His likeness. Then, the opposition believers will know and the answer of holy living. Lastly: service and loyalty to the body, the local church. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
The apostle first shows that the ministry of Christ’s church is described in prophecy. He then identifies the different kinds of teacher by their tasks (expounded here), and states the great objectives of all ministry – soul-winning, sanctification, and closeness to Christ. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of the … Continued
Beginning with prerequisites for Christian fellowship, Paul presents seven reasons for close union within churches, each a powerful encouragement. What it means to be one body, under one Holy Spirit, with one eternal hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one Father. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of … Continued
First, the nature of God’s calling – irresistible and transformational, also the basis of assurance; second, the objective of the call – pardon, liberty, holiness and heaven; third, the character of the called – lowliness, meekness, patience, and forbearance among believers and before the world. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning … Continued
The true church is a demonstration to the world of God’s glory. Human nature prefers to vaunt personalities, preachers, even musicians and their produce, but our God-given role is to show the fruits of the converting and sanctifying work within us. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of the New … Continued
The apostle prays that believers will have Christ in their hearts (here explained), and rooted and grounded in love for Him, we will know more of His for us. Here is the scope of the breadth, length, depth and height of that love. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of … Continued
Paul’s special calling to unfold to the Gentile world the hitherto unproclaimed grace of God, person of Christ, and oneness of saved Gentiles with saved Jews in one body. Here also are the unsearchable riches of Christ, and the ultimate purpose of the Gospel. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
In the building of a spiritual family the work of the Holy Spirit is the vital power. Here several Holy Spirit verses in Ephesians are explored (including ‘Be filled with the Spirit’) to show the different activities of the Spirit in the Christian life. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
Having shown that God has brought saved Jews and Gentiles into one church, Paul presents the church’s character. First, her citizenship and privileges, secondly, her family ties, thirdly her doctrinal foundation, fourthly, her unworldly saved beauty, and her sensitivity to the Spirit. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles of the … Continued
The sense in which conversion is a new creation – God’s distinctive workmanship – and the implications for our daily walk. Also, the duties of remembering our origins; rightly esteeming the blood of Christ; and the uniting of saved Jews and Gentiles in the church. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning … Continued
This inspired review of Christian experience begins with the characteristics of spiritual death and the rule of the prince of the power of the air. Then we learn the extent of God’s love in both initiating and accomplishing conversion, with the goal of eternal life. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning … Continued
The fifth great theme of Ephesians calls us to consider God’s mighty power in our salvation and sanctification. To reflect on this gives a great surge of assurance, building our certainty and faith for the final stage of redemption – entry into eternal glory. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
Paul desires that his readers gain wisdom to grasp the spiritual purpose in passages of Scripture – something opposed by many preachers today. Here are the proofs for true personal study and use of God’s Word, with examples of the process given elsewhere by Paul. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning … Continued
In five verses the apostle looks to the eternal Heavenly glory awaiting the elect: first the end-time gathering, second their inheritance, third the choir, and fourth the seal or ‘down-payment’ of the Spirit received even now, with its ten (at least) marvellous, amazing components. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
The adoption of spiritual children is rooted in the longing of God before time began. It brings the redeemed into the eternal family of love, clothed with privileges and an inheritance secured by the most costly process imaginable. Here the apostle reveals its wonders. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
The apostle gives glory to the Triune God, source of all spiritual blessings, given according to His sovereign election of souls. Here we answer doubts about election, whether it is fair, whether it undermines or strengthens evangelism, and how it should inspire Christian living. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is one of the crowning epistles … Continued
To know ‘the love of Christ which passeth knowledge’ is to soar above all that may be learned and known in this world, however sensational the experience, or whatever the field of learning may be. Here are elements of Christ’s infinite love for those who seek Him. You May Be Also Interested in… Video Tract: What … Continued
‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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.’ Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 1 … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 1 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: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord … Continued
It is a profound change of life only achievable by God, by which one is completely forgiven, enlightened, adopted into God’s family, changed in character and given an eternal inheritance. It is so unmistakable it proves the reality and power of God. Is it our experience?
‘For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.’ Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 3 … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 1 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: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord … Continued
How easily, as believers, we lose sight of the spiritual warfare, proceeding undefended through daily life. Here Satanic hostility is seen at four levels: the battle for the life of the soul; for sanctification; for the spread of the Gospel, and for defence of the Truth.
We see first, the immeasurable, surpassing, incomparable greatness of Christ’s resurrection and its chief purposes. We see also forty days of appearances, and consider the way ‘resurrection’ is replicated in a spiritual, moral way in the lives of believers, before their own resurrection.
First, the use of psalms and hymns for personal spiritual help; secondly, the biblical authority and necessity for hymns of human composition; thirdly, the nature of melody in the heart, and fourthly, the qualities needed for valid, edifying, God-glorifying hymns.
Loss of spiritual feeling, love, joy and fervour are more serious and ominous than we may think. Attendance soon suffers and a backward drift gathers pace. Why did it happen? The spiritual warfare must come back into view, with all its measures and helps.
‘Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.’ Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 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. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or … Continued
Paul’s racing analysis of the human condition before God – the extent of our spiritual lifelessness and its consequences, set alongside the astonishing power and love of Christ in the conversion of innumerable individuals, and their new lives. Here is conversion – truly a raising from the dead.
A pastoral overview of the doctrines of grace showing man’s great need of God’s initiative in salvation, the origin of the ‘five points’ and the galvanising effect they should have on witness and prayer for souls. With God sovereign in salvation, we never despair.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10) The deeper things … Continued
There was a time, and it ran for two centuries, when Baptists held a distinctive doctrine of God’s covenants quite different from the Presbyterian view, and eminently more scriptural. Then dispensational ideas made it a minority view. But a revival is taking place. This School of Theology address presents the traditional ‘1689’ covenant, its difference from Sinai, and its devotional rewards.
The Covenant of Grace: Why, Who, and When? There was a time, and it ran for two centuries, when Baptists held a distinctive doctrine of God’s covenants quite different from the Presbyterian view, and eminently more scriptural. Then dispensational ideas made it a minority view. But a revival is taking place. Two addresses will present the traditional ‘1689’ covenant, its difference from Sinai, and its devotional rewards.
We do not need much faith to know that God is there. The Bible teaches that unbelief is inexcusable because the evidence of God’s creative power is overwhelming. But faith is vital for salvation, and here are the reasons, and the way to find The Lord.
A refresher in personal Bible study. Paul prays that we should have the ability to see the spiritual message. Here is a ‘check list’ of the ten topics in Ephesians which we expect to find (not all every time) when we read the Word with expectant minds.
Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them … Continued
The apostle Paul describes the losses incurred from being without Christ, without heavenly citizenship, without forgiveness, without eternal hope, and without God’s blessing in this life also. Here also are the overwhelming gains of having Christ and proving His power.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4-5) The deeper things of life are so easily crowded out today. Here at the Metropolitan Tabernacle we cater for … Continued
What and where is the soul? Is my soul active or asleep? What am I missing if it is inactive? How is life affected? Is there fulfilment without making provision for the soul? Here is how the soul may receive life and communion with God.
For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may … Continued
‘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:Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Full chapter _____________ Ephesians 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will … Continued
Conversion is often thought to be just a change of loyalty from one religion to another, but it is far more. It involves a great change in one’s life, and a new experience of God Himself. Here are the details of what Christ does for us.
Communion is described by Paul, not in terms of a mystical sensation, but as the realisation of Christ’s love in our ‘inner lives’. Here we see how His love passes knowledge; how it is a lifelong and eternally-progressive appreciation; how it transforms us; and how it makes us feel.
Having no hope of God’s friendship and eternal life forces all our hope and anticipation to look for short-term earthly gains. This message is about the human necessity of hope, its origin and its penalties, and especially the only satisfying hope and how to possess it.
Love for Christ includes love for His cause, shown by concerned prayer for Gospel work and for fellow believers. Paul here provides for news which will fuel prayer. Here also is defined the love which brings harmony, faith and special grace into a church.
Paul’s Gospel caused trouble and offence, however lovingly expressed, because it called people to the Christ of Calvary, atoning for sin, and pressed the need for repentance and transformation of life. Is this really the Gospel as we understand it?
Viewed spiritually, we may be dead on our feet, responsible for our moral behaviour, and yet unconscious, of our need of God, and of the smallness of our lives. Here is the way of escape from a life of spiritual pointlessness, to discovery of spiritual life.
