Devotions

But Now He Is Useful To You

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Philemon is a unique letter because of its very personal nature. The life of Onesimus had been transformed as he accepted Christ, but in the eyes of the world, he was still a runaway slave. Onesimus could never fulfill his ministry without dealing with his past. For Onesimus, returning to Philemon his master likely meant death even though Philemon had also accepted Christ. It was possible that Onesimus could return to service for his old master branded as a runaway as was the custom but freedom was not a possibility. Although it seems that freedom was granted as Onesimus faced his past.

Philemon Introduction

In Jesus day, and Paul’s day, slavery was common and “slaves were deliberately repressed. There were in the Roman Empire 60,000,000 of them, and the danger of revolt was constantly to be guarded against. A rebellious slave was promptly eliminated. And, if a slave ran away, at best he would be branded with a red-hot iron on the forehead, with the letter F—standing for fugitivus, runaway—and at the worst he would be put to death by crucifixion”.1

By the gospel of the kingdom, we become new creatures in Christ, old things pass away, we are forgiven as it says in

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.

And, here is a great example of the grace of God. “Onesimus, of Colosse (“one of you,” Col 4:9), slave of Philemon, had fled from his master to Rome, after having probably defrauded him (Phm 2:18). He there was converted to Christianity by Paul, and being induced by him to return to his master, he was furnished with this Epistle”.2 

To the Church in Your House

Philemon 1–3
This is a special letter, to the church in this community, but it is mainly a personal appeal to Philemon. By its tone, it seems that Paul was well acquainted with them so, “Probably during the “two years” of Paul’s stay at Ephesus, when “all which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus” (Ac 19:10, 26), Epaphras, Philemon, Archippus, Apphia and the other natives of Colosse, becoming converted at Ephesus, were subsequently the first sowers of the Gospel seed in their own city. This will account for their personal acquaintance with, and attachment to, Paul and his fellow ministers, and for his loving language as to them, and their counter salutations to him. So also with respect to “them at Laodicea,” (Col 2:1)”.3

Now though, as Paul is writing, he honors Philemon as a “fellow worker” and, “it has been suggested that Apphia was the wife and Archippus the son of Philemon (and) … Archippus had seen Christian service with Paul, for Paul speaks of him as his fellow campaigner”.4

Paul is writing also to the “church in your (Philemon’s) house”. And E. J. Goodspeed suggests that this is the church of Laodicea because of these references, “in Colossians 4:17: ‘And say to Archippus, “See that you complete the task that you have received in the Lord.” ’ Now, that instruction comes after a whole series of very definite references, not to Colosse, but to Laodicaea (Colossians 4:13, 4:15, 4:16). Might not the fact that he appears among the messages sent to Laodicaea imply that Archippus must be at Laodicaea”.5 

That Your Faith May Become Effective

Philemon 4–7
After the short introduction, Paul turns his attention to Philemon the reason for writing the letter, and commends him in

Philemon 5 because I hear about your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints.

and then says in

Philemon 6 I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing that is in us for Christ.

Paul makes it clear that the power of the work that God is doing through Philemon is not just about him and his life, it is wrapped up in “the fellowship of your faith”. It seems that Philemon was not only a property owner (the church in your house) and a slave owner (of the runaway Onesimus) but it seems that in some way Philemon had begun using his position and wealth for the purpose of the gospel. Note though, the warning to the church of Laodicea in

Revelation 3:17 Because you are saying, “I am rich, and have become rich, and I have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and pitiable and poor and blind and naked,

 

But Now He Is Useful To You

Philemon 8–16
As Paul says in Philemon 8 “I have great confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper” and it would be easy for Paul to use his position and prior relationship with them to tell them what to do. Or, he might react as we do when we read this history of slavery and simply tell Philemon to emancipate Onesimus. But Paul is very careful with his words and makes this bold statement about Onesimus in

Philemon 11 Once he was useless to you, but now he is useful to you and to me,

Philemon only knows Onesimus as a runaway slave that legally belonged to him and likely stole from him to make his escape. But Onesimus has accepted Christ and was transformed so that he excelled in his service to Paul. Now, though, it was necessary that Onesimus repair this breach in his life by confronting his owner and slave master Philemon.

I Know That You Will Do Even Beyond

Philemon 17–22
Paul wants Philemon to understand the value he places on the new man that Onesimus has become, not the man Philemon knows as a runaway salve. So Paul offers to pay back for any wrong done in the past by Onesimus. But this isn’t an empty offer based on a momentary confession of sin by Onesimus. Paul has proven Onesimus as a faithful son and fellow worker in ministry. In this letter, Paul shows us that “Christianity is not trying to help people escape from their past and run away from it; it is aiming to enable them to face the past and rise above it”.6

My Fellow Workers

Philemon 23–25
Paul takes time to honor those that Philemon would know as fellow workers ans specifically mentions Epaphras who it seems was sent from their region to help Paul as mentioned in

Colossians 4:12–13 Epaphras, who is one of you, greets you, a slave of Christ always struggling on behalf of you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify to him that he is working hard on behalf of you and those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.

The Bishop of Ephesus

It isn’t always possible for us to follow the life of people we read about in the Bible but they are real people and the Bible is a record of at least some of the event in their lives. There is though, this extra-biblical account of Onesimus: “Let us move on about fifty years. Ignatius, one of the great Christian martyrs, is being taken to execution from Antioch to Rome. As he goes, he writes letters—which still survive—to the churches of Asia Minor. He stops at Smyrna and writes to the church at Ephesus, and in the first chapter of that letter he has much to say about their wonderful bishop. And what is the bishop’s name? It is Onesimus; and Ignatius makes exactly the same pun as Paul made—he is Onesimus by name and Onesimus by nature, the one who is profitable to Christ. It may well be that, with the passing years, the runaway slave had become the great Bishop of Ephesus”.7

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Philemon 1-25

References

  • 1. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, pp. 304–305). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
  • 2. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 436). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 3. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 370). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 4. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 314). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
  • 5. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 308). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
  • 6. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 318). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
  • 7. Barclay, W. (2003). The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon (3rd ed. fully rev. and updated, p. 310). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
Devotions

Speak the Mystery of Christ

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As Paul closes this letter he turns attention from the false teachers to the true gospel and says in Colossians 3:1–2 “seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth”. He tells them to “put on the new man” becoming more like Christ. Then to be actively engaged, yes in living the pure and kind Christian example, but also devoted, seeking God’s direction in prayer as in Colossians 4:3 “that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ”. And finally, that we understand the opposition to the gospel and be prepared to face it, as Paul said, “remember my imprisonment”.

Christ is Seated at the Right Hand of God

Colossians 3:1–4
After exposing the false teachers, Paul turns to the one true message, Jesus Christ and tells them to “set your mind on the things above” in

Colossians 3:1–2 Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth.

 

Put On the New Man

Colossians 3:5–11
For us as Christians, there is a new way of life and in

Colossians 3:10–11 and have put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all.

This new man is becoming more and more like Jesus Christ as it says in

Ephesians 4:13 until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ,

But fist, we must, in Colossians 3:9 “have taken off the old man together with his deeds”. This is the old “earthly” way of life and Paul says in

Colossians 3:5–6 Therefore put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry, 6 because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

Few today are willing to preach this part of the gospel message. If we are not willing to accept Christ and “put to death what is earthly”, only destruction awaits. There is no other answer, no excuse or reason we can offer when we stand before God to give an account of our life.

Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly

Colossians 3:12–17
Paul admonishes in Colossians 3:12 “put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, …”. Then in Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly …”. We are to be kind, loving, forgiving, teaching and thankful because these things are are good and pure and come from the heart of God.

From the Lord You Will Receive the Reward

Colossians 3:18–4:1
This section is often difficult because not everyone around us is Christian and they don’t respond with the love and kindness we expect and even deserve. But Paul says, “be subject”, “do not be embittered”, “do not provoke”, “obey … with sincerity of heart”.

Colossians 3:23–24 Whatever you do, accomplish it from the soul, as to the Lord, and not to people, 24 because you know that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Serve the Lord Christ.

 

Speak the Mystery of Christ

Colossians 4:2–6
Paul says, in Colossians 4:2 “be devoted to prayer” as he is describing the qualities of the Christian life. He had said we “have put on the new man” in Colossians 3:10 and there is an outward action that we learn here. Paul is not just saying that we should pray in secret, although much of our prayer occurs (see Matthew 6:6). This is active prayer, “keeping alert”, and when we understand how God had directed Paul in his ministry, his request in Colossians 4:3 “that God may open for us a door of the message, to speak the mystery of Christ” is all the more imperative. This prayer that Paul describes is not a general “it would be nice if people heard the gospel” request. Paul is asking for specific, right now, when and where and how leading by the Holy Spirit as he had experienced in

Acts 16:6 And they traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in Asia.

We might say, but shouldn’t I always be preaching the gospel wherever I am? And, yes, there may be an opportunity wherever you are, but there also seem to be times and seasons and places where people are ready to receive. This is what happened with Paul in

Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul during the night: a certain Macedonian man was standing there and imploring him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

Then later, Paul continued his stay even though there was opposition in

1 Corinthians 16:8–9 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a great and effective door has opened for me, and there are many opponents.

Fellow Workers for the Kingdom of God

Colossians 4:7–17
Paul names those that are working with him and this is particularly important because there have been false teachers, Judaizing Christians, those of the circumcision that have been introducing different doctrine. Paul was clear to endorse them in

Colossians 4:11 “These are the only ones who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God from the circumcision, who have been a comfort to me”.

 

Remember My Imprisonment

Colossians 4:18
We often think that if we are in the middle of God’s will for our lives, everything will be perfect. But we are in the world and opposition comes when we preach the gospel. Jesus said in

John 16:33 I have said these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have affliction, but have courage! I have conquered the world.”

Paul described this in his life in

Colossians 1:24-29 “Now I rejoice in my sufferings on behalf of you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking of the afflictions of Christ, on behalf of his body which is the church …”

And for us, there is this ongoing opposition that we face to deliver the gospel to the world which is also described as “The misery of persecuted Christians (Acts 11:19) (which) was seen in the early Church in connection with the afflictions of the pious of the old covenant (cf. Acts 7:10; Heb 11:37) and thus as properly belonging to the Christian life (Acts 14:22; cf. E. Haenchen, Acts [Eng. tr., 1971] ad loc.; Heb 10:33)”.1

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Colossians 3:1-25
  • Colossians 4:1-18

References

  • 1. Balz, H. R., & Schneider, G. (1990–). Exegetical dictionary of the New Testament (Vol. 2, p. 152). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans.
Devotions

The Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge

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Paul is in prison, likely in Rome where it says in Acts 28:30 “So he stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and welcomed all who came to him”. But he was not free to travel as he had been in earlier years yet his “stewardship” in Colossians 1:25 was to all of the Gentiles. Paul wrote to contend for, in Colossians 2:2 “the wealth of the full assurance of insight into the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ” and in Colossians 2:4 “in order that no one will deceive you with persuasive speech”. These letters are still important for us today as there are many proponents of, as Paul called them in Colossians 2:22-23 “human commandments and teachings, which … do not have any value”.

Colossians Introduction

There are many ideas about God and the spirit realm and how we should interact. Many of these are based on knowledge, or I might more correctly say, deception propagated by the devil and fallen angels. These fallen angels have challenged God from the beginning and their misuse of their dominion along with the willfulness of man has led to “the false teaching opposed in this Epistle (which) is that of Judaizing Christians. These mixed up with pure Christianity Oriental theosophy and angel-worship, and the asceticism of certain sections of the Jews, especially the Essenes”.1 

The Hope Reserved for You in Heaven

Colossians 1:1–8
This is “one of four “prison letters” attributed to the apostle Paul. As with Philippians, Philemon, and Ephesians”2

Paul opens, as he does in the other letters, with a greeting and statement about the gospel of the kingdom, that Jesus Christ is Lord and we have God’s grace, as he says here in Colossians 1:5 “hope reserved for you in heaven” and as he calls it, “the word of truth”. Then in Colossians 1:6 he emphasizes the power of the gospel by saying “in all the world it is bearing fruit and increasing” just as it continues to do today after so many generations.

There is though, one interesting difference in this letter, Paul did not bring the gospel to this city. In Colossians 1:7 we find that they “learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow slave who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf”. Paul was not only carrying the gospel to the gentiles, he was also raising up others as faithful ministers because Paul understood his role as a leader was to raise up and equip others that could carry on for the next generation. Paul describes this in

Ephesians 4:11 And he himself gave some as apostles and some as prophets and some as evangelists and some as pastors and teachers 12 for the equipping of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for building up the body of Christ. 

Live in a Manner Worthy of the Lord

Colossians 1:9–23
Paul now goes on from the hearing of the truth and the acceptance of the gospel for reconciliation to God. Paul says in Colossians 1:9-10 “be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual insight, 10 so that you may live in a manner worthy of the Lord”. With this knowledge and wisdom and spiritual insight we are fruitful, increasing, enabled, steadfast, patient, joyful partakers of in Colossians 1:12 “the inheritance of the saints in light”. We are, in Colossians 1:13 rescued from “darkness and transferred to the kingdom of the Son”. Then in Colossians 1:15-20 Paul describes who Jesus Christ is by saying “all things … were created by him”, “he himself is before all things”, “in him all things are held together”, “he himself is the head”, “all the fullness to dwell in him”, “to reconcile all things to himself”. After this, there is no doubt about the place of Jesus Christ in God’s kingdom.

So, “(1) An inferior view of Christ is combated in 1:15–20. This christological passage implies that the heretics did not consider Jesus to be fully divine or perhaps did not accept Him as the sole Source of redemption”.3

The Glorious Wealth of This Mystery

Colossians 1:24–29
Paul was given the “stewardship” in Colossians 1:25 “to complete the word of God” by taking this revelation to the Gentiles. As it says in

Colossians 1:26–27 the mystery which has been hidden from the ages and from the generations, but has now been revealed to his saints, 27 to whom God wanted to make known what is the glorious wealth of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory,

 

The Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge

Colossians 2:1–5
Paul says in Colossians 2:1 “I want you to know how great a struggle I have on behalf of you” but what is this about? Paul had never been there and didn’t know these people. But Paul’s “stewardship” in Colossians 1:25 was to all of the Gentiles. Paul wasn’t just randomly writing letters to people he thought might be interested. Paul was diligent in prayer and seeking to understand the progress of the gospel and is writing to contend for, in Colossians 2:2 “the wealth of the full assurance of insight into the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ”. Paul was writing in Colossians 2:4 “in order that no one will deceive you with persuasive speech”.

In Him All the Fullness of Deity Dwells Bodily

Colossians 2:6–15
Now, Paul says in Colossians 2:6-7 “live in him, firmly rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught”. And he might have gone on to say, because there is no further revelation, there is no deeper truth than what they have already received. But now, “(2) The Colossians were warned to beware of plausible sounding “philosophies” which were antichrist (2:8). (3) The heresy apparently involved the legalistic observance of “traditions,” circumcision, and various dietary and festival laws (2:8, 11, 16, 21; 3:11). (4) The worship of angels and lesser spirits was encouraged by the false teachers (2:8, 18)”.4

And Paul goes on to say in Colossians 2:9-15 that all of that work of traditions and circumcision and … whatever else Christ “removed it out of the way by nailing it to the cross”.

An Appearance of Wisdom in Self-Made Religion

Colossians 2:16–23
Finally, Paul says in Colossians 2:16 “do not let anyone judge you …” and in Colossians 2:7 “Let no one condemn you …” in Colossians 2:22-23 “according to human commandments and teachings, 23 which things although they have, to be sure, an appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and unsparing treatment of the body, do not have any value”. These people claimed to have a more mature understanding brought “(5) Asceticism, the deprivation or harsh treatment of one’s “evil” fleshly body, was promoted (2:20–23). Finally, (6) the false teachers claimed to possess special insight (perhaps special revelations) that made them (rather than the apostles or the Scriptures) the ultimate source of truth (2:18–19)”.5

Paul will go on to say in Colossians 3:1-2 “seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth. Because, as he said in Colossians 2:22-23 these “human commandments and teachings” “do not have any value” for your life now or in God’s eternal kingdom.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Colossians 1:1-29
  • Colossians 2:1-23

References

  • 1. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 2, p. 370). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
  • 2. Cannon, G. E. (1988). Colossians, Letter to The. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 496). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
  • 3. Martin, M. (2003). Colossians, Letter to The. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 319). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
  • 4. Martin, M. (2003). Colossians, Letter to The. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 319). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
  • 5. Martin, M. (2003). Colossians, Letter to The. In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (pp. 319–320). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
Devotions

Understand What the Will of the Lord Is

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Many people look at the world as it is and think this is the way God created it to be. What we see now is the fallen world. What we see now is the world influenced by good and evil. If you want to see the world as God intended, look at the joy of parents with the birth of their healthy child, look at young love, feel the accomplishment of a job well done. The list of what is good, and righteous, and holy, and well-pleasing to the Lord could go on. And it is all of these things that are the will of the Lord. But, there is also evil influence, a warfare between the will of the Lord and what is well-pleasing to him. As it says in Ephesians 6:12 “our struggle is … against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places”. 

Learn What is Well-Pleasing to the Lord

Ephesians 5:7–16
As Christians, we have a new way to live. We are, in Ephesians 5:8 “children of light” so we are to be, in

Ephesians 5:10 trying to learn what is well-pleasing to the Lord.

Our old way of life in Ephesians 5:11 resulted in “the unfruitful deeds of darkness”. Just as we might wake up in the light of day from a meaningless dream, so Paul says in Ephesians 5:14 for us to “Wake up, sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you”. And because of this, we can become fruitful for God’s Kingdom. 

Understand What the Will of the Lord Is

Ephesians 5:17–24
There is a right way for us to live, not as the world does pleasing only themselves at the expense of others. The way for us is in Ephesians 5″17 to “understand what the will of the Lord is”. And this is not burdensome or harsh or legalistic as some would say. However, “The discerning Christian seeks always to search God’s word and to follow the Spirit’s guidance”.1

Instead of burdensome legalism, we find the will of the Lord in

Ephesians 5:18b-21 “be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and singing praise in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to the God and Father, 21 being subject to one another out of reverence for Christ”.

And this overflow of joy and goodness and thanksgiving and reverence happens “When the Spirit fills us with the presence of the Godhead, joy and singing are the natural byproduct”.2

People are not hurt by this overflow but are instead built up and encouraged.

Cleansing Her With the Washing of Water by the Word

Ephesians 5:25–33
There is power in God’s word to sanctify us, to cleanse us, to make us holy in Ephesians 5:26-27. Husbands must understand that it takes an all in commitment, as Christ gave for the Church. It isn’t possible to try and see because in Ephesians 5:31 “the two will become one flesh”. And going back to Ephesians 5:28 “The one who loves his own wife loves himself”. We do understand that not everyone will be saved and in

1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. The brother or the sister is not bound in such cases. But God has called us in peace.

Still, Jesus made the effort and gave himself in

Ephesians 5:27 in order that he might present to himself the church glorious, not having a spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she may be holy and blameless.

And as husbands, our wife is a reflection of our love and care for her as we take our place as priest in our own home. Sadly though, many men have taken Ephesians 5:24 and Ephesians 5:33 to demand obedience even to their stern abuse and to this I say

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for her

Doing the Will of God From the Heart

Ephesians 6:1–9
We all have parents and many become parents. We may work for ourselves, but even when we do, we depend on other relationships either for materials or as our customers. And many work as employer or employee. The point here is that in whatever position we find ourselves, leading or following, worker or boss, parent or child, the Lord knows our situation and in Ephesians 6:8 “know that each one of you, whatever good he should do, this he will receive back from the Lord”. So, if you are the boss and you are treating your employees right, God notices. If you are an employee and you slack with your boss, God notices. Some wonder, why doesn’t God intervene? Dominion was given and God is not unjust. The unanswered prayers have not gone unheard but are held for the days of judgement and at the seventh seal, these prayers will return to the earth in

Revelation 8:3-5 And another angel who had a golden censer came and stood at the altar, and a large amount of incense was given to him, in order that he could offer the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne …

 

Our Struggle is Not Against Blood and Flesh

Ephesians 6:10–20
Our natural bodies interact with the world around us through our five senses and they are always active, always connected to the people and situations around us. But there is a spirit realm. We are a spirit being in this physical body. And, there are spirit beings that do not have bodies as we do. God is a spirit being. Angels are spirit beings and a third of them are fallen, evil, what we call demons. Even these fallen angels and the devil himself have areas of dominion. For example, in

Matthew 4:8–9 Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, 9 and he said to him, “I will give to you all these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”

Now Paul says in

Ephesians 6:12 because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

We are each faced with a decision about the gospel, will we accept the Lordship of Jesus Christ through his death, burial, and resurrection? And we each must learn to live this Christian life in love. And we are each given gifts to fulfill our part in the body of Christ. But there is also, behind all that is happening around us, this spiritual warfare that we have entered. And just as we accept Christ by faith, we also overcome our adversary by faith but with our faith we also must add perseverance (stand), truth, righteousness, preparation, the word of God, and prayer.

That You May Know Our Circumstances

Ephesians 6:21–24

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Ephesians 5:7-33
  • Ephesians 6:1-24

References

  • 1. Osborne, G. R. (2017). Ephesians: Verse by Verse (p. 179). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
  • 2. Osborne, G. R. (2017). Ephesians: Verse by Verse (p. 182). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
Devotions

Strengthened with Power Through His Spirit

by  • 

Paul has rehearsed the gospel message. He has reminded them that God, in Christ has broken down the wall of separation between Jew and Gentile and we are all in Christ, as he said in Ephesians 2:22 “built up together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit”. Now it is time for us to walk in the fullness of Christ, and in Ephesians 4:23–24 “be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth”. There is a new way of living, a new way of behaving, and new power through the gifts and spirit of God. 

Strengthened With Power Through His Spirit

Ephesians 3:14–21
Ephesians 3:14 says “On account of this, I bend my knee before the Father” and this is the second time this phrase is used. In Ephesians 3:1 is says, “On account of this I, Paul, the prisoner of the Lord. for the sake of you Gentiles”. Certainly Paul is leading to his prayer in Ephesians 3:16-19 “that he may grant you … to be strengthened … firmly rooted … to know the love … filled up to all the fullness of God”. This is a great prayer for us to be praying for ourselves and for others. But remember the context from Ephesians 2:13-22 where “the whole building, joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord” with Jew and Gentile together. And, Ephesians 3:3-6 “that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel” so that when Paul prays in Ephesians 3:16 “that he may grant you …” the prayer is for every one in Christ, Jew and Gentile.

Worthy of the Calling

Ephesians 4:1–6
Paul has declared again the gospel to them in Ephesians 1. He explained the new life we now have through Christ in Ephesians 2. He has explained why this message is different, that it was not revealed in the ages past in Ephesians 3:5 and prays for full revelation and maturity through Ephesians 3. Now, in Ephesians 4, he tells them to live the life! He says in Ephesians 4:3-6 one body, one Spirit, one hope, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all”. Somehow we see the differences and want to band together in our tribes but the gifts given were not to separate us, but to cause us to grow and mature into one body. 

The Fullness of Christ

Ephesians 4:7–16
We might have expected Christ to descend and deal with the powers of darkness, as John recorded when he saw Jesus in

Revelation 1:17–18 “I am the first and the last, 18 and the one who lives, and I was dead, and behold, I am living forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and of Hades”.

However, Jesus did more than that and in

Ephesians 4:8 Therefore it says, “Ascending on high he led captivity captive; he gave gifts to men.”

Jesus also equipped us in Ephesians 4:12 “for the work of the ministry” so that we could become mature as it says in

Ephesians 4:13 until we all reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to a measure of the maturity of the fullness of Christ,

And this mature body of Christ is something that is beyond what was ever seen with the children of Israel in the Old Testament. 

Renewed in the Spirit of Your Mind

Ephesians 4:17–24
Now Paul draws a line between the ways of the world, being without understanding, “alienated from the life of God”, ignorant, callous, greedy in Ephesians 4:18-19. We would expect that you would add knowledge of the truth and wisdom where there is a lack of understanding. And, in other places, the bible says to be filled with the spirit, but here Paul says in Ephesians 4 22 to “take off, according to your former way of life, the old man” and in

Ephesians 4:24 and put on the new man (in accordance with God), who is created in righteousness and holiness from the truth.

The problem here is that our old nature can’t be cleaned up or polished up or fixed to hold the knowledge and life of God. God didn’t say he would fix their heart, he said in

Ezekiel 36:26 And I will give a new heart to you, and a new spirit I will give into your inner parts, and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh, and I will give to you a heart of flesh.

Or, as Jesus explained to Nicodemus there is a new birth required in John 3:3 “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (v. 3). In other words: “Nicodemus, stop talking about peripheral matters and personal honors. The thing I want to get across to you is this: There is something a person absolutely must do in order to see the kingdom of God.”1

And as Paul will say that we are no longer alive to that old man that was ignorant and callous and greedy in

Romans 6:11 So also you, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Speak Truth Each One of You

Ephesians 4:25–32
There is a change in behavior that results from this new birth. We are no longer controlled simply by fleshly desires of the world, but have a new heart, sealed with the Holy Spirit of God. And now, we can in

Ephesians 4:32 Become kind toward one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as also God in Christ has forgiven you.

There is though, one other truth that we often gloss over in

Ephesians 4:27 nor give place to the devil.

When we accept Jesus Christ, we come into God’s Kingdom and power, “Believers are free from the devil’s rule (Eph 2:2), and they should not allow him to cause division or influence their actions”.2

We can however, provide an opportunity to our enemy, the devil if we do not keep our fleshly nature in check, “A similar term is used in Romans 7:8 for sin as an invading army that seizes the opportunity (aphormē) to gain a foothold in our lives. Aphormē is a military term for a bridgehead from which forays may be sent out to attack the enemy.”3

Become Imitators of God

Ephesians 5:1–6
There is a pure, righteous, and holy life that God has for us to live in Christ.

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Ephesians 3:14-21
  • Ephesians 4:1-32
  • Ephesians 5:1-6

References

  • 1. Sproul, R. C. (2010). What Does It Mean to be Born Again? (Vol. 6, p. 6). Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing.
  • 2. Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (Eph 4:27). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
  • 3. Osborne, G. R. (2017). Ephesians: Verse by Verse (p. 151). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
Devotions

The Hope of His Calling

by  • 

The church in Ephesus is now six or more years old and they are a mix of Jews and Gentiles. But they are also still in the midst of a pagan religious center. This is the city where the crowd reacted to Paul in Acts 19:28 And … they began to shout, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”. But these in the church now have a revelation of who God is and they are encouraged to press in to this revelation because they are God’s adopted sons and daughters. These who believe in Jesus Christ have been reconciled to God and are now a part of His family.

Ephesians Introduction

Ephesus was one of the largest cities of the Roman empire, a port city, a wealthy city, a place of commerce. and a religious center with the temple of Artemus (Diana to the Romans). “Magic was also prominent there, as attested by the interconnected stories of the sons of Sceva and the burning of the magic books in Acts 19:13–20″ … Paul spent more than two years in Ephesus at the end of his third missionary journey (Acts 19). By the time he wrote Ephesians it had been six years since he had left to go to Jerusalem for Passover. He had stayed in touch, though;”1

The themes are clear, as Osborne lays them out, 1. The atoning sacrifice and reconciliation 2. Christ is Lord 3. United Church with Jew and Gentile together 4. Spiritual warfare. 

Adoption Through Jesus Christ

Ephesians 1:1–14
This letter is to a community that was the a religious center for pagan culture, magic, and worship of “the gods”. So it is right that it would begin with a clear restatement of the gospel of salvation. God has “blessed us” in Ephesians 1:3 and “he chose us” in Ephesians 1:4 and “predestined us to adoption” in Ephesians 1:5 and “his grace that he bestowed on us” in Ephesians 1:6 so that “when you heard the word of truth” in Ephesians 1:13 and “when you believed you were sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit”.

The emphasis is on the work that God has done to invoke adoption,”So, why did Paul use υἱοθεσία (huiothesia)? It may be significant that he chose a word that contains the word (υἱὸς, huios), which means “son.” … Paul’s use of terms such as brothers and sisters, father, and adoption allows him to construct a family of people who are not biologically related—the community of believers (Rom 8:15–21; Gal 4:4–6). “Christ has enabled Jews and Gentiles to become related to each other”2

Our relationship with God is not based on our DNA, the blood line from our parents or the tribe we were born into. Because of Jesus Christ, we are adopted in to Gods family when we believe. 

The Hope of His Calling

Ephesians 1:15–23
We are not born into this world knowing or understanding in Ephesians 1:16 “the hope of his calling” or “the riches of the glory of his inheritance”. These come as “wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him” in Ephesians 1:17. Gods power was demonstrated for us in Ephesians 1:19-23 when he raised Christ “from the dead” and seated him “at his right hand”. At that moment, Jesus took his place as the “head over all things to the church”.

This salvation is not through our keeping of the law or our acts of goodness or kindness, it is through the blood of Jesus Christ. This is the work spoken of in

Revelation 5:9–10 And they were singing a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slaughtered, and bought people for God by your blood from every tribe and language and people and nation, 10 and made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.”

 

Alive Together with Christ

Ephesians 2:1–10
He says in Ephesians 2:1 “although you were dead”. Most people don’t understand that they are physically alive in the world, but cut-off, dead to God. As it says in Ephesians 2:3 “we were children of wrath by nature, as also the rest of them were” so it wasn’t just us, but every living human soul. Then it says in Ephesians 2:4-7 “But God, being rich in mercy, … raised us together and seated us together”. We have a place in God’s kingdom if we will accept it.

He Broke Down the Dividing Wall

Ephesians 2:11–22
Of the Gentiles he says

Ephesians 2:12 that you were at that time apart from Christ, alienated from the citizenship of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, not having hope, and without God in the world.

But Jesus did something no one saw coming, by

Ephesians 2:15–16 invalidating the law of commandments in ordinances, in order that he might create the two in himself into one new man, thus* making peace, 16 and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, killing the enmity in himself.

In Other Generations Was Not Made Known

Ephesians 3:1–13
This is the revelation of the work that Jesus Christ did

Ephesians 3:5–6 (which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit): 6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow sharers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Study Verses

Today’s Reading

  • Ephesians 1:1-23
  • Ephesians 2:1-22
  • Ephesians 3:1-13

References

  • 1. Osborne, G. R. (2017). Ephesians: Verse by Verse (p. 4). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
  • 2. Morris, M. J. (2016). Adoption. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.