West Concord Church

Isaiah 40:1-5, 28-31 The Promise of Peace (vv. 1-5) The voice of consolation The voice of expectation The voice of resolution The Power of Peace (vv. 28-31) Focus on Gods power (Isaiah 26:3-4) Faith in Gods provision He gives power He gives perseverance More to Consider An Introduction to the God of Israel (40:126): This chapter describes eight attributes of God. His mercy (40:12) 1.He comforts (40:1): He wants his people to be comforted. 2.He forgives (40:2): Jerusalem has been pardoned and punished in full for her sins. His glory (40:35) 1.The messenger (40:3): Isaiah predicts the ministry of John the Baptist. 2.The message (40:45): John calls Israel to repentance in preparation for the glorious appearance of the Messiah. His eternality (40:69): Gods word stands forever, unlike people, and his people are called to proclaim the Lords coming. His gentleness (40:11): God will treat his own with the same tenderness a shepherd displays for his flock. His omnipotence (40:10, 12, 26): He is master over all nature. His omniscience (40:1314): He knows and understands all things and needs no one to counsel or advise him. His sovereignty (40:1517, 2124) 1.All nations are as a drop in the bucket, as dust on the scales to him (40:1517). 2.He is enthroned above the circle of the earth (40:2122): He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them. 3.He rules over all people (40:2324). His uniqueness (40:1820, 25): He cannot be compared to anyone or anything. HL. Willmington, The Outline Bible (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999), Is 40:120.

Isaiah 9:1-7 The Need for Hope (v. 1) Gloom Distress Oppression The Nature of Hope (vv. 2-6) Light Joy Peace The Name of Hope (v. 7) His character Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Everlasting Father Prince of Peace His Crown A peaceful government A just government A forever government More to Consider Although Mt 4:16 applies the passage as a whole (vv. 27) to Jesus Christ by implication, the NT does not specifically apply to Him the names, or titles, listed in this verse. Some commentators believe Isaiah was describing a Judean ruler to come during his own time; thus, these names were applied to the reigns of Hezekiah, Josiah, and even Ahaz. But even if the names do not recur, as such, in the NT, they fit the ministry and messianic role of Jesus. As a Wonderful Counselor, He is a doer of miracles, wonders, and signs (Acts 2:22) who sends the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to continue His work (Jn 14:26). Hailed as My Lord and my God (Jn 20:28) in His resurrection, Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:18). As one with the Father (Jn 10:30), He is eternalalive forever and ever (Rv 1:18). As a member of Davids royal line (Rm 1:3) He is the Prince who brings peace between Jew and non-Jew (Eph 2:14), whose rule over all kingdoms (Rv 1:5) brings an end to wars. Ted Cabal et al., The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2007), 1006. A time will come when gloom and darkness (8:22) will be a thing of the past. The gloom on the northern section of Israel came because of discipline. God humbled Zebulun and Naphtali for a while. Though Isaiah was probably using these two tribal names to represent the Northern Kingdom, it is striking that Jesus upbringing and early ministry was mostly in that very area near the Sea of Galilee. His presence certainly honored that area. In 732 b.c. this northern portion of Israel became an Assyrian province under Tiglath-Pileser III, thus humbling the people there and putting them in gloom. Under Gentile domination, that area was called Galilee of the Gentiles. John A. Martin, Isaiah, in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1052. The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. Dietrich Bonhoeffer God of hope, I look to you with an open heart and yearning spirit. During this Advent season, I will keep alert and awake, listening for your word and keeping to your precepts. My hope is in you. Matthew Kelly

Philippians 2:5-11 The Humiliation of Christ (vv. 5-8) He left His place He lowered His status He lived obediently The Exaltation of Christ (vv. 9-11) He is raised He is revered He is renowned More to Consider Hudson Taylor was scheduled to speak at a Large Presbyterian church in Melbourne, Australia. The moderator of the service introduced the missionary in eloquent and glowing terms. He told the large congregation all that Taylor had accomplished in China, and then presented him as "our illustrious guest." Taylor stood quietly for a moment, and then opened his message by saying, "Dear friends, I am the little servant of an illustrious Master." W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, p. 243. George Washington Carver, the scientist who developed hundreds of useful products from the peanut: "When I was young, I said to God, 'God, tell me the mystery of the universe.' But God answered, 'That knowledge is reserved for me alone.' So I said, 'God, tell me the mystery of the peanut.' Then God said, 'Well, George, that's more nearly your size.' And he told me." Adapted from Rackham Holt, George Washington Carver. It is crucial for us to understand that in doing this he did not cease to be God. God cannot cease to be God! He rather laid aside the glories and riches of heaven and the independent exercise of authority and added our humanity to his deity so he was at one and the same time fully God and fully man. Ellsworth, R. (2004). Opening up Philippians (p. 37). Day One Publications.

John 1:1-18 The Word The Communion of God (vv. 15) His deity His community His creativity His majesty The Flesh The Incarnation of God (vv. 613) His witness His rejection His reception The Glory The Revelation of God (vv. 14- 18) His grandeur His glory His grace More to Consider Most of the NT creeds are found in the writings of Paul and most were likely passed along in the churches orally before and during Pauls ministry. The NT creeds and traditions predate the NT writings themselves and focus generally on Jesus identity, activity, and commands, but mostly on his death and resurrection that was central to the core message of the earliest churches. The affirmations in these creeds and traditions reflect the earliest Christian beliefs and practices and focus on Jesus ministry and teachings, death and resurrection by the mid AD. 30s. Lee Martin McDonald The early Christian creeds leave an essential question for modern-day Christians: Does this evidence of the resurrection inspire you as it did first-century Christians? When you hear that Jesus rose from the dead, do you want to share the good news about Jesus with others?We must continue to share our common belief in the risen Jesus so we can remember him, praise him, and be stirred to share him with others. Dr. Bob Martin III He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life. Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water. Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King. Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons. Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears. Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world. Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death. Gregory of Nazianzus, A.D. 381.

1 Corinthians 10:23-33 The Principle of Sacred Liberty (vv. 23-24) Libertys reality Libertys range Libertys root (Psalm 24) The Exercise of Sacred Liberty (vv. 25-30) A clear conscience A careful compassion A considered conduct The Goal of Sacred Liberty (vv. 31-33) The glory of God The gospel of Christ More to Consider "Why should my strong conscience be judged by a brother's weak conscience? And what damage can there be in meat for which I have given thanks?" The answer is: regardless of what we do, be it eating or drinking, we must do it for God's glory and not just to please ourselves. Humanly speaking, it may seem wrong for a strong Christian to bow to a weaker brother, but this is what glorifies God. Making that weaker brother stumble into sin would disgrace the church and the name of Christ. There are only three groups of people in the world: the Jews, the Gentiles, and the church. God expects the church to seek to win Jews and Gentiles to the Lord. If a Christian lives to win souls, these questions about conduct will take care of themselves. It is the idle Christian, the carnal Christian, who frets over how far he can get involved with the world. When believers live to build the church and win the lost, they put first things first and glorify the name of Christ. Warren W. Wiersbe The principle which summarized Pauls response to the question of eating food offered as a pagan sacrifice was an application of the command to love God and neighbors. Christian behavior should be for the glory of God. Also it should build up the church of God by leading some to new birth (v. 33b) and others to maturity in the process of salvation (justification, sanctification, glorification; cf. 1:30). Christians should avoid behavior that would cause otherswhether Jews (cf. 9:20), Greeks (cf. 9:21), or the church of God to stumble (lit., fall; cf. 10:12). Lowery, D. K. (1985). 1 Corinthians. In J. F. Walvoord R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 528). Victor Books. A man's worst difficulties begin when he is able to do as he likes. Thoman Huxley, "Address on University Education," Collected Essays, 1902, III, 236.

Matthew 22:15-22 The Plot Initiated (vv. 15-17) Freak Companions False coaxing Fallacious Conundrum The Profile Imprinted (vv. 18-20) Show Me the money Show Me the image" The Point Illustrated (vv. 21-22) A horizontal philosophy that which is Caesars A vertical reality that which is Gods More to Consider Jesus was aware of the hypocrisy in their approach and also of the implications of His answer. He therefore answered their question by demonstrating that government does have a rightful place in everyones life and that one can be in subjection to government and God at the same time. He asked them to give Him a coin used to pay the tax. A Roman denarius, with its image of Caesar, the Roman emperor, made it obvious they were under Roman authority and taxation. (One coin inscription reads, Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of the Divine Augustus.) Therefore the taxes must be paid: Give to Caesar what is Caesars. But Jesus also reminded them that a sphere of authority belongs to God: Give to God what is Gods. Individuals are to be subject also to His authority. Man has both political and spiritual responsibilities. Amazed at Jesus answer, both the Pharisees and the Herodians were silenced. Barbieri, L. A., Jr. (1985). Matthew. In J. F. Walvoord R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 72). Victor Books. Man bears Gods image and owes God his all. Caesars image was on the coin; Gods image is on man (Gen. 1:2627). Sin has marred that image, but through Jesus Christ, it can be restored (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10). The relationship between religion and government is personal and individual. It is right for the people of God to serve in government (remember Daniel and Joseph). But it is wrong for government to control the church, or for the church to control government. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 80). Victor Books. Nothing is known of the Herodians outside of the Gospels. Judging from their name, they were supporters of the Herodian dynasty in its collaboration with the Roman government. This would put them at the opposite end of the political spectrum from the Pharisees. Yet their common hatred of Christ was great enough that the Pharisees and Herodians joined forces against Him. Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., House, H. W. (1999). Nelsons new illustrated Bible commentary (p. 1183). T. Nelson Publishers.

Genesis 1:26-31 Our Design (v. 26) We are representative of God We are responsible to God Our Dominion (v. 27-28) Manage the Earth Maintain the Earth Gods Supply (vv. 29-30) He provided for our care He provided for what we care for Gods Satisfaction (v. 31) Beautiful Bountiful Blessed More to Consider The French Mathematician, Lecompte de Nouy, examined the laws of probability for a single molecule of high dissymmetry to be formed by the action of chance. De Nouy found that, on an average, the time needed to form one such molecule of our terrestrial globe would be about 10 to the 253 power, i.e. billions of years. "But," continued de Nouy ironically, "let us admit that no matter how small the chance it could happen, one molecule could be created by such astronomical odds of chance. However, one molecule is of no use. Hundreds of millions of identical ones are necessary. Thus we either admit the miracle or doubt the absolute truth of science." Quoted in; "Is Science Moving Toward Belief in God?" Paul A. Fisher, The Wanderer, (Nov 7, 1985), cited in Kingdoms In Conflict, C. Colson, p. 66. Near the end of his life, Jean-Paul Sartre told Pierre Victor: "I do not feel that I am the product of chance, a speck of dust in the universe, but someone who was expected, prepared, prefigured. In short, a being whom only a Creator could put here; and this idea of a creating hand refers to God." HIS Magazine, April, 1983. It is absurd for the Evolutionist to complain that it is unthinkable for an admittedly unthinkable God to make everything out of nothing, and then pretend that it is more thinkable that nothing should turn itself into everything. G.K. Chesterton The yearning to know what cannot be known, to comprehend the incomprehensible, to touch and taste the unapproachable, arises from the image of God in the nature of man. Deep calleth unto deep, and though polluted and landlocked by the mighty disaster theologians call the Fall, the soul senses its origin and longs to return to its source. A.W. Tozer God, who needs nothing, loves into existence wholly superfluous creatures in order that He may love and perfect them. He creates the universe, already foreseeing - or should we say "seeing"? there are no tenses in God - the buzzing cloud of flies about the cross, the flayed back pressed against the uneven stake, the nails driven through the mesial nerves, the repeated incipient suffocation as the body droops, the repeated torture of back and arms as it is time after time, for breath's sake, hitched up. If I may dare the biological image, God is a "host" who deliberately creates His own parasites; causes us to be that we may exploit and "take advantage of" Him. Herein is love. This is the diagram of Love Himself, the inventor of all loves. C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Part 1: Accept the Reality Psalm 24 Recognize Gods Ownership (vv. 1-2)God owns everything God runs everything Refine Your Life (vv. 3-6)The question The answer1.Reject immorality2.Refuse idolatry The blessing Raise Your Barriers (vv. 7-10) Open the gates you have erected1.Selfish ambitions2.Secret sins3.Secluded fears Welcome the King1.The Creator of the universe2.The Conquerer of evil3.The Commander of angels More to Consider The United Nations complex sits on sixteen acres of New York City's choicest real estate, bordering the East River and Manhattan. The lean, immense Secretariat building rises into the sky, the sun reflecting off its window walls. Bright flags of the nations of the world fly in the breezes off the river; the most prominent is the blue and white UN flag, its two white reeds of olive branches surrounding the world. A visitor is immediately struck by the grandeur of the building, stirred by the sight of dignitaries stepping out of black limousines to cross the massive plaza. He realizes that if this place represents the powers of the world, one might well want to see the place of worship, where the nations bow before the One under whose rule they govern. The information personnel are bemused. "The chapel. We don't have a chapel. If there is one, I believe it's across the street." The visitor darts across the thoroughfare, dodging New York's taxis, and successfully arrives at the opposite building's security-clearance desk. "Well, there's a chapel here," responds the officer, "But it's not associated with the UN." He thumbs through a directory. "Oh, I see, all right, here it is. It's across the street--and tell them you're looking for the mediation room." Again the visitor dashes across the pavement. An attendant tells him that the room is not open to the public; it's a "nonessential area," and there has been a personnel cutback. But a security guard will escort the visitor through long, crowded hallways and swinging glass doors. Again, there is the pervasive sense of weighty matters being discussed in the noble pursuit of world peace. The guide pauses at an unmarked door. He unlocks it and gingerly pushes it open. The small room is devoid of people or decoration. The walls are stark white. There are no windows. A few wicker stools surround a large square rock at the center of the room. It is very quiet. But there is no altar, rug, vase, candle, or symbol of any type of religious worship. Ceiling lights create bright spots of illumination on the front wall. One focuses on a piece of modern art: steel squares and ovals. Beyond the abstract shapes, there is nothing in those bright circles of light. They are focused on a void. And it is in that void that the visitor suddenly sees the soul of the brave new world. Chuck Colson, Kingdoms in Conflict, pp 182-3.

Ephesians 6:10-19 Adapted from an outline by Dr. Warren Weirsbe The Enemy We Fight (vv. 10-12) The call to stand The need for strength The Equipment We Wear (vv. 13-17) Belt of Truth Breastplate of righteousness Boots of the gospel of peace Shield of faith Helmet of salvation Sword of the Spirit The Energy We Need (vv. 18-19) Prayer for others Prayer for ourselves More To Consider In contrast to modern skepticism toward evil spirits, Paul pictured the churchs battle for survival as a struggle against the devil, demons, and malign supernatural beings (see 2:2; 3:10). Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J. P., Powell, D. (2007). The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p. 1770). Holman Bible Publishers. In the first half of his letter Paul prayed that his readers would come to know the power of God which was demonstrated and is operative in the Resurrection of Christ. That power had been demonstrated, too, in the readers conversion to Christ. Each persons conversion is a Resurrection from the deadness of sin to life in Christ and deliverance from the prevailing forces of sin. Now, in this last chapter, Paul reminds his readers that in all their future they will have to rely on the same Resurrection power. We may be tempted to think that our enemies are human and then to seek to fight with worldly weapons. But our real enemies are the spiritual forces that stand behind all institutions and seek to control the lives of persons and nations. Dunnam, M. D., Ogilvie, L. J. (1982). Galatians / Ephesians / Philippians / Colossians / Philemon (Vol. 31, pp. 236237). Thomas Nelson Inc. The soldier's first article of faith is summed up nowhere more eloquently than in an 1865 letter from William Tecumseh Sherman to U.S. Grant: "I knew wherever I was that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come--if alive." This is the unwritten, unspoken but unbreakable contract of the battlefield: You will leave no one, dead or alive, in the hands of the enemy. U.S. News and World Report, July 29, 1991, p. 5.

Ephesians 6:1-9 The Family Circle (vv. 1-4) The practice The promise The Workplace Circle (vv. 5-9) The respectful employee The regardful employer More to Consider Paul did not condone slavery when urging both slaves and masters to live as responsible Christians; his concern was to change Christians attitudes toward each other. The gospel is opposed to slavery. Where the gospel permeates lives, the institution of slavery will be undermined and abolished. It is worth noting that the first generation of Christians who had been freed from slavery to sin, gladly called themselves slaves of God or of Christ (see 1 Tm 6:1; Phm 16). Paradoxically, this latter slavery is the highest human freedom. Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J. P., Powell, D. (2007). The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p. 1770). Holman Bible Publishers. The New Testament emphasizes a voluntary (James 4:7) rather than a forced (Luke 10:17) submission. Submission is appropriate in social roles (as citizen or servant, see Rom. 13:1; Titus 2:9). It is also appropriate in Christian interpersonal relationships. Here the image is one of responsiveness and willingness to yield to one another out of love. Richards, L. O. (1987). The teachers commentary (p. 927). Victor Books. Start Owne Wister, an old college friend of Theodore Roosevelt, was visiting him at the White House. Roosevelt's daughter Alice kept running in and out of the room until Wister finally asked if there wasn't something Roosevelt could do to control her. "Well," said the President, "I can do one of two things. I can be President of the United States or I can control Alice. I cannot possibly do both." Bits Pieces, December 9, 1993, p. 16. A manager and a sales rep stood looking at a map on which colored pins indicated the company representative in each area. "I'm not going to fire you, Wilson," the manager said, "but I'm loosening your pin a bit just to emphasize the insecurity of your situation." Bits Pieces, May 26, 1994, Page 9. The work of a Beethoven, and the work of a charwoman, become spiritual on precisely the same condition, that of being offered to God, of being done humbly "as to the Lord." This does not, of course, mean that it is for anyone a mere toss-up whether he should sweep rooms or compose symphonies. A mole must dig to the glory of God and a cock must crow. C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory.

Ephesians 5:20-33 1. The Submission of Wives (vv. 22-24) Christ is Head of the Body Christ is Savior of the Body Submit to husbands as the Church submits to Christ 2. The Submission of Husbands (vv. 25-32) Love your wives as Christ loves the Church Christ has died for the Church Christ now lives for the Church Christ will cherish the Church Love your wives as you love yourself You are both made one flesh You are both members of One Body 3. A Mutual Submission (v. 33) Sacrificial love Spiritual respect More to Consider Driving down a country road, I came to a very narrow bridge. In front of the bridge, a sign was posted: "YIELD." Seeing no oncoming cars, I continued across the bridge and to my destination. On my way back, I came to the same one-lane bridge, now from the other direction. To my surprise, I saw another YIELD sign posted. Curious, I thought, "I'm sure there was one posted on the other side." When I reached the other side of the bridge I looked back. Sure enough, yield signs had been placed at both ends of the bridge. Drivers from both directions were requested to give right of way. It was a reasonable and gracious way of preventing a head-on collision. When the Bible commands Christians to "be subject to one another" (Ephesians 5:21) it is simply a reasonable and gracious command to let the other have the right of way and avoid interpersonal head-on collisions. Stephen P. Beck Pauls command for wives to submit follows the all-encompassing command to submit to one another in the fear of Christ (v. 21)the last outcome or result of the filling of the Spirit (vv. 1821). While a submissive wife is counter-cultural today, she was not so in Pauls time. Moreover, while a self-sacrificing and loving husband sounds quite appropriate in our culture, he was radically counter-cultural in Pauls time. Cabal, T., Brand, C. O., Clendenen, E. R., Copan, P., Moreland, J. P., Powell, D. (2007). The Apologetics Study Bible: Real Questions, Straight Answers, Stronger Faith (p. 1769). Holman Bible Publishers. Paul had much more to say to the Christian husbands than to the wives. He set for them a very high standard: Love your wives even as Christ also loved the church. Paul was lifting married love to the highest level possible, for he saw in the Christian home an illustration of the relationship between Christ and the church. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 50). Victor Books.

Ephesians 5:8-14 Realize Your Identity (vv. 8-10) What you were What you are What you should do now Reject the Darkness (vv. 11-12) Expose the sham of darkness Escape the shame of darkness Revive Your Life (vv. 13-14) Be alert Be awake More to Consider The light of Christ shining anywhere burns with cleansing, purifying transforming power. That light need not be diffused as it shines through children of the light. The effect of a Christian life in any community is first to reveal, and in that revealing to rebuke by exposing. Then there is this hopeful fact: whatever the light shines onif it shines clearly enough, consistently enough, and long enoughit must, in the end, transform. Dunnam, M. D., Ogilvie, L. J. (1982). Galatians / Ephesians / Philippians / Colossians / Philemon (Vol. 31, p. 219). Thomas Nelson Inc. In addition to knowing ones status and knowing and doing what pleases the Lord, enlightened living includes a strict refusal to have any share in what does not please him. The other side of avoiding participation in evil is exposing it, both by refusing to have a part in it and, positively, by doing the deeds which Christ would do; that is, by being a light in dark places (vv. 1112). To do so has the effect of transforming darkness into light. Hidden dark deeds are exposed for what they are by the light of Christ shining out from his followers (vv. 1314a). Erickson, R. J. (1995). Ephesians. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3, p. 1030). Baker Book House. Christians are partakers of: (1) the divine nature, 2 Peter 1:4; (2) Gods promises, Eph. 3:6; (3) Christs sufferings, 1 Peter 4:13; (4) holiness, Heb. 12:10; (5) the heavenly calling, Heb. 3:1 and (6) Gods glory, 1 Peter 5:1. Since we have this wonderful partnership with God, how could we ever become partners with that which belongs to sin and darkness? What communion has light with darkness? asks 2 Cor. 6:14 (NKJV). We are children of light and ought to walk in the light. Darkness produces sin and lies; the fruit of the light (a better translation of v. 9) is goodness, righteousness, and truth. The light cannot compromise with the darkness; it can only expose it. Note John 3:1921 and 1 John 1:510. Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbes expository outlines on the New Testament (p. 551). Victor Books.

Ephesians 5:1-7 A Sacrificial Walk (vv. 1-2) Invitation Imitation Given Offering Sacrifice Inviting A Saintly Walk (vv. 3-5) Avoid a selfishly immoral demeanor Consider the selfishly immorals destiny A Sensible Walk (vv. 6-7) Beware of immoral deception Be aware of immoralitys defeat More to Consider My God, I love Thee; not because I hope for heaven thereby, Nor yet because who love Thee not Are lost eternally. Thou, O my Jesus, Thou didst me Upon the cross embrace; For me didst bear the nails, and spear, And manifold disgrace, And griefs and torments numberless, And sweat of agony; Yea, death itself; and all for me Who was thine enemy. Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ, Should I not love Thee well? Not for the sake of winning heaven, Nor of escaping hell; Not from the hope of gaining aught, Not seeking a reward; But as Thyself hast loved me, O ever-loving Lord. So would I love Thee, dearest Lord, And in Thy praise will sing; Solely because Thou art my God, And my most loving King. Francis Xavier, 1506-1552 Translated by Edward Caswall, 1814-1878.

Ephesians 4:17-32 A Change of Direction (vv. 17-19) No longer confused No longer calloused No longer crude AChange of Wardrobe (vv. 20-24) Put off the old rags of the old self Put on the new raiment the new self A Change of Conduct (vv. 25-32) Put away lying Put away uncontrollable anger Put away stealing Put away coarse speech Put away grieving the Holy Spirt Rather, treat others as Christ has treated you. More to Consider The Bible was written to be obeyed, and not simply studied, and this is why the words therefore and wherefore are repeated so often in the second half of Ephesians (4:1, 17, 25; 5:1, 7, 14, 17, 24). Paul was saying, Here is what Christ has done for you. Now, in the light of this, here is what we ought to do for Christ. We are to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). The fact that we have been called in Christ (Eph. 1:18) ought to motivate us to walk in unity (Eph. 4:116). And the fact that we have been raised from the dead (Eph. 2:110) should motivate us to walk in purity (Eph. 4:175:17), or, as Paul told the Romans, walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4). We are alive in Christ, not dead in sins; therefore put off the old man and put on the new man (Eph. 4:22, 24). Take off the graveclothes and put on the grace-clothes! Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 39). Victor Books. London businessman Lindsay Clegg told the story of a warehouse property he was selling. The building had been empty for months and needed repairs. Vandals had damaged the doors, smashed the windows, and strewn trash around the interior. As he showed a prospective buyer the property, Clegg took pains to say that he would replace the broken windows, bring in a crew to correct any structural damage, and clean out the garbage. "Forget about the repairs," the buyer said. "When I buy this place, I'm going to build something completely different. I don't want the building; I want the site." Compared with the renovation God has in mind, our efforts to improve our own lives are as trivial as sweeping a warehouse slated for the wrecking ball. When we become God's, the old life is over (2 Cor. 5:17). He makes all things new. All he wants is the site and the permission to build. Ian L. Wilson

Ephesians 4:1-16 Gracious Unity (vv. 1-6) A worthy walk Loneliness Gentleness Patience Endurance A unified work One body One Spirit One hope One Lord One faith One baptism One God Gifted Diversity (vv. 7-16) Gifted people Apostles Prophets Evangelists Pastors/teachers Gifting purpose Unified knowledge Stabilized maturity Integrated growth More To Consider All of Pauls letters contain a beautiful balance between doctrine and duty, and Ephesians is the perfect example. The first three chapters deal with doctrine, our riches in Christ, while the last three chapters explain duty, our responsibilities in Christ. The key word in this last half of the book is walk (Eph. 4:1, 17; 5:2, 8, 15), while the key idea in the first half is wealth. In these last three chapters, Paul admonishes us to walk in unity (Eph. 4:116), purity (Eph. 4:175:17), harmony (Eph. 5:186:9), and victory (Eph. 6:1024). Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 34). Victor Books. Attitudes of humility, gentleness, and patience foster unity among Christians. Having stated these three virtues, Paul then stated the manner in which they are to be carried out in ones conduct: bearing with one another in love and making every effort (the Gr. has a, making every diligent effort) to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Christians are not to make unity but to keep or guard what God made in creating the one new man (Eph. 2:1516). They are to keep this unity through the bond which consists of peace. Concern for peace will mean that Christians will lovingly tolerate each other, even when they have differences. Hoehner, H. W. (1985). Ephesians. In J. F. Walvoord R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 633). Victor Books. "The society into which the Christian is called is not a collective but a Body. It is in fact that Body of which the family unit is an image on the natural level. "If anyone came to it with the misconception that the Church was a massing together of persons as if they were pennies or chips, he would be corrected at the threshold by the discovery that the Head of this Body is utterly unlike its inferior members -- they share no divinity with Him except by analogy. "We are summoned at the outset to combine as creatures with our Creator, as mortals with immortal, as redeemed sinners with sinless Redeemer. "His presence, the interaction between Him and us, must always be the overwhelmingly dominant factor in the life we are to lead within the body; and any conception of Christian fellowship which does not mean primarily fellowship with Him is out of order." From Transposition and Other Addresses; used by permission of William Collins Sons and Co., Ltd., in Daily Walk, May 18, 1992.

Refelction Questions How much time are you spending reading God's Word? Are you reading other books about God? Are you reading biographies or autobiographies of other believers? Are you listening to Christian podcasts or preaching?

Pauls Posture (vv. 14-15) His humble kneeling: physical posture His heavenly knowledge: spiritual posture Pauls Prayer (vv. 16-19) For the Spirit to strengthen them For Christ to be at home in their hearts For the Father to be fully known by them Pauls Praise (vv. 20-21) Praise for Gods abundant enablement Glory in the church through Christ forever More To Consider After contemplating such a marvelous spiritual experience, it is no wonder Paul bursts forth in a doxology, a fitting benediction to such a prayer. Note again the trinitarian emphasis in this benediction: Paul prays to God the Father, concerning the indwelling power of God the Spirit, made available through God the Son. Perhaps the best way for us to grasp some of the greatness of this doxology is to look at it in outlined form: Now unto Him that is able to do all above all abundantly above all exceeding abundantly above all Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 33). Victor Books. While crossing the Atlantic on an oceanliner, F.B. Meyer was asked to address the first class passengers. At the captain's request he spoke on "Answered Prayer." An agnostic who was present at the service was asked by his friends, "What did you think of Dr. Meyer's sermon?" He answered, "I didn't believe a word of it." That afternoon Meyer went to speak to the steerage passengers. Many of the listeners at his morning address went along, including the agnostic, who claimed he just wanted to hear "what the babbler had to say." Before starting for the service, the agnostic put two oranges in his pocket. On his way he passed an elderly woman sitting in her deck chair fast asleep. Her hands were open. In the spirit of fun, the agnostic put the two oranges in her outstretched palms. After the meeting, he saw the old lady happily eating one of the pieces of fruit. "You seem to be enjoying that orange," he remarked with a smile. "Yes, sir," she replied, "My Father is very good to me." "Your father? Surely your father can't be still alive!" "Praise God," she replied, "He is very much alive." "What do you mean?" pressed the agnostic. She explained, "I'll tell you, sir. I have been seasick for days. I was asking God somehow to send me an orange. I suppose I fell asleep while I was praying. When I awoke, I found He had not only sent me one orange but two!" The agnostic was speechless. Later he was converted to Christ. Yes, praying in God's will brings an answer. Our Daily Bread.

Pause to Clarify (v. 1) The Revealed Mystery (vv. 2-7) Revealed in Christ Concealed in the Old Testament Congealed into the Church The Real Ministry (vv. 8-12) Pauls humble practice Pauls heavenly purpose Purpose to Comfort (v. 13) ------------------------------------------- More To Consider The teenager lost a contact lens while playing basketball in his driveway. After a fruitless search, he told his mother the lens was nowhere to be found. Undaunted, she went outside and in a few minutes returned with the lens in her hand. "I really looked hard for that, Mom," said the youth. "How'd you manage to find it?" We weren't looking for the same thing," she replied. "You were looking for a small piece of plastic. I was looking for $150."sermonillustrations.com It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it. Lou Holtz It is said that Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire, once had captured a prince and his family. When they came before him, the monarch asked the prisoner, "What will you give me if I release you?" "The half of my wealth," was his reply. "And if I release your children?" "Everything I possess." "And if I release your wife?" "Your Majesty, I will give myself." Cyrus was so moved by his devotion that he freed them all. As they returned home, the prince said to his wife, "Wasn't Cyrus a handsome man!" With a look of deep love for her husband, she said to him, "I didn't notice. I could only keep my eyes on you- -the one who was willing to give himself for me. Sermonillustrations.com If the Ephesians truly understood the administration of Gods grace that was given to Paul (v. 2), they should not be discouraged because of his sufferings for them. His sufferings were for their gain and glory. If Paul had not dispensed to the Gentiles the stewardship of Gods grace, then Jews would not have been hostile to him and he would not have been imprisoned. His preaching brought salvation to the Gentiles, but it incurred the wrath of many Jews on him. However, many others became members of the church, Christs body, and this was their glory. Hoehner, H. W. (1985). In J. F. Walvoord R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, pp. 630631). Victor Books.

Guest Pastor Dr. Don Satterwhite Jesus didnt call us to be comfortable; He called us to come and die! Matthew 16:24-26 (NIV) A Disciple Needs To Deny himself Take up his cross Follow Jesus How can we cure the disease of ease? Realize that Christ is all that we need. Is Christ all that you need? II Corinthians 3:5 (KJV) HE is the only one who can save us. Acts 4:12 (NIV) Check out your own level of comfort. Amos 6:1, 4-6 (NASV) When was the last time you suffered or sacrificed for the cause of Christ? Many are guilty of what might just be the most dangerous sin in the churchComplacency. How can we cure the disease of ease? Fall in Love with Jesus all over again. Revelation 2:2-5 (NIV) How can we cure the disease of ease? Dont be content with being an average Christian. Revelation 3:14-19 (NIV) Those who are average make God sick. How would you rate yourself today? On a scale of 1-10, with 1 being far from God and 10 being close to God, where would you rate yourself? Cold 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Hot ( Far from God) (Close to God) GET HOT FOR GOD, GET ON FIRE FOR HIM. When we are willing to do anything God asks, then we can ask God to do anything.