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Colossians 3-4 Perfect and Complete in the Will of God

TMS Philippians 4:13 The Strength of Christ

4:13 (“11 Not that I speak in respect to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.")

13 "I can do all things

through Christ,

Who strengthens me.”

Observations: 4:13 Sometimes doing what God wants seems impossible. However, God will always give us all we need to do His will if we are depending upon Him (Hebrews 13:21; 2 Corinthians 9:8). He is the source of supernatural strength necessary for living the Christian life (John 15:5). An abiding, dependent relationship with the Lord Jesus allows His Spirit/strength to flow into our lives and do all He calls us to do and be. That is not only the secret of accomplishment but also contentment. See context and comments on Philippians 4 for more.

Application: Christ will strengthen us to do His will if we faithfully depend upon Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks that in You I always have all I need to live the life You desire for me; may I be faithful to walk through today with You. Amen.

Colossians 3-4 In the previous chapter (Colossians 2:12-13), Paul said believers were buried and raised with Christ (on the basis of their faith in the working of God), so they could live a new life. He now tells them how to live that life so they can be rewarded with the glory God has planned. Seeking our future glory gives us the motivation to sacrifice the glory of this life, and be transformed to live in love and wisdom. We can't please God by living like we used to; we need to live as He wants us to. See under Digging Deeper for an audio sermon on Living The Christian Life After The Cross.

Colossians 3 Seek Glory Above and Walk In Love

3:1 "If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with Him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;

8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in/by knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly; in/by all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another; with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. 17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him.

18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.

23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality."

Observations: 3:1-4 Those raised with Christ are commanded (imperative) to seek as their chief ambition, the things that are above (where Christ is, ie, their eternal reward), not the temporal trinkets on earth. The right hand of the emperor is where the future king of a conquered territory sat at the victory banquet. Christ is seated in the position of honor and glory waiting to take up His Messianic rule in the future kingdom, which He will share with those faithful to Him. That is what we should seek. Those who will miss out on their inheritance will do so because they are disobediently seeking the stupid stuff of earth instead. The overwhelming testimony of the Scripture is that God doesn't bless those who are disobedient. Faithful obedience doesn't happen automatically, but is the result of a mindset. Therefore Paul tells the believers to set their minds on pleasing God, and being blessed by Him. This is parallel to his instruction to the Ephesians that they have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. But for those blessings to be experienced, believers need to please God (hence the need for writing the epistles). The reason Paul gives for believers obeying is because they have died to their old life and their new life is now bound up or hidden with Christ, as they are in union with Him. If that continues, when He, who is our life (source of every breath we take and action we do, as well as source of future power) is revealed (at His second coming), we who are in union with Him will also be revealed as sons of glory (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 19:28; Matthew 25:31-34; Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 1).

3:5-7 The means or manner in which believers set their minds and lives toward heavenly objectives is by putting to death the immoral desires and behaviors of their old life. Covetousness, a violation of the tenth commandment, is the desire for more (of that which gives temporal worth, value, and pleasure) and is equated with idolatry. Those believers who don't kill their temporal desires will wish they had come judgment day. Paul uses the coming judgment as the motivation for obedience. This is not a reference to unbelievers being tossed into the lake of fire, but of God's disobedient and displeasing children being judged for behaving badly (cf Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 5:6 comments). Verse 7 clearly refers to the former behavior of his believing audience.

Ephesians 5:6 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."

The reason we sin as believers is because we want to. The reason we want to is because we think that such behavior is beneficial to us. Even when we realize it isn't good for us, we engage in evil because we've developed evil habits. See “It Ain't Gonna Reign No More” on Truthbase.net for help in renewing your values and life. See exposition on Romans 8:13 on how to put to death the deeds of the body by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

3:8-11 Not only are believers to put bad behaviors to death, they are to put off/remove self-centered attitudes and actions from their life as well, and put on/embody other-centered attitudes and actions. The items mentioned are necessary for Biblical Body building, the emphasis in what follows (cf Ephesians 4). The list in verse 8 is self explanatory (see Galatians 5 comments on the works of the flesh for elaboration). The last item, abusive or dishonorable speech is probably, in this context, putting others down to boost one's self-worth, which in reality, diminishes it in God's sight. Lying to others, to pridefully present a more positive perspective of oneself than reality warrants, is a sad self-deception. No one is fooled, except the liar. Paul tries to motivate his audience by saying that such behavior belongs to the old man, not the new man in Christ, which is being renewed into the image of Christ (see comments on Romans 12:1-2 for the renewal process). The new man is composed of renewed individuals who's identity is that of a Christian. What they were before is largely irrelevant. Christ, not ethnicity, religiosity, nor cultural nor social status is the basis of who they are now.

3:12-17 Just like old habits and identities don't go away unless we take appropriate action, God's chosen, holy and beloved children need to choose to learn and put on new behaviors in their interactions with each other. The list in verses 12-13 is also self-explanatory. You might want to think about how you've demonstrated each toward others in the past month. Christ forgave us without our asking (cf Luke 23:34), which is necessary to prevent bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) but brought us into fellowship with Himself when we acknowledged our wrong doing and repented. We are to forgive others, regardless of whether or not they repent, but we don't need to fellowship with them until they do (cf. Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 on church discipline). It is not in the best interest of a sinning believer to continue to sin against others. Love requires appropriate reproof and restoration. Walking in love is having our actions and attitudes guided by what is in the other person's best interest, not our comfort. If you are tempted to complain about the pain of loving others, remember how Christ loved you. Putting on love is the bond or belt which hold the relationships together. Verse 15 is usually cited out of context as applying to decision making, when in reality, doing God's will, especially involving difficult change can cause initial anxiety (cf Jesus in the Garden). The Colossian context is that of believers living in peace and harmony with each other as the Body of Christ. Like in Ephesians, the Colossians are to be a unified body (temple) in which God dwells. Being thankful for a fellowship of like-minded Christ followers in a self-centered world aids the unity. Letting the word of Christ (His teachings) dwell/abide in us is the key to being able to build up others with wise instruction and admonishment/warning. We speak the truth to each other, but sing with psalms, etc., to God. Such singing isn't just mouthing words, but that which flows from a heart pulsating with the grace of God. Not all who sing joyfully have a good relationship with God, but those who don't sing with their hearts, don't have a heart energized by His grace. In Ephesians Paul reached the climax of Body life in 5:21, submitting to each other in the fear of God. Here he says that whatever we do, in word or deed, should be enabled by a concern for the name/reputation/glory of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him.

3:18-25 Paul now addresses the same three pairs of subordinated relationships as He did in Ephesians 5-6 (see comments there). The command to wives is in the middle voice, in which the subject does something for their own benefit (see 1 Peter 3 comments). “As is fitting” emphasizes the duty/obligation. Husbands are to love their wives, sacrificing themselves to do what is in their wife's best interest. “Bitterness” also has the meaning of “be irritated.” Children are to obey their parents in everything as the means of pleasing the Lord, who will watch out for those who please Him. Fathers are not to provoke their children to anger (KJV) so they won't be discouraged or disheartened. A father who is never satisfied or always angry with his children (because he didn't train them properly) breaks the spirit of the child. The goal is to break the will, and shape the spirit. See Parenting Resources on Truthbase.net and the synopsis in TOYL.

The bulk of Paul's comments concern servants and masters, because the idea of working for a reward is dominant in the epistle. Servants/employees are to do their work heartily as if they are serving the Lord. Worship is a response to revelation, so responding to this revelation by doing their work fo the Lord, turns it into worship. An employee is not a slave bound to a master. If an employee can't follow the Biblical instructions for work, nor fulfill their other Biblical responsibilities because of work, it's time to trust God for a job in which they can fulfill all their responsibilities. See the Work As Worship sermon on Truthbase.net. Note that this does not mean worshiping work. (Americans have been described as a people who worship work, work at play, and play at worship.) One isn't doing their work as worship nor for the Lord, if they neglect the other things the Lord has commanded, especially relationships and ministry. That would not be fearing God.
See TOYL for how to develop a Biblical balance. We should work not just to fulfill the minimum requirements, but strive to give more service than that for which we are compensated, as long as we don't neglect other responsibilities. Sometimes, people get their worth and value from giving their lives to get praise from their workplace, but lose out on getting praise from God. The person who works for the Lord's approval knows that the Lord will give them the reward of the inheritance. This is a great verse to show that inheritance is a reward, just as it was in the OT. Israel had to work to get and maintain the blessings in the Promised Land. The one who fails to work heartily as for the Lord, does what is wrong and will be repaid with loss of reward (1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). This is not justification by works, but glorification by works.

Application: Born again believers need to put away bad behavior and put on new attitudes and actions in order to live the new life which God rewards.

Prayer: God, thanks that You want what's best for me; help me do and be all that You desire. Amen.

Colossians 4 Walk in Wisdom and Be Perfect and Complete

4:1 "Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it." 18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."

Observations: 4:1 This is an unfortunate verse division, which clearly belongs in the last chapter. Masters need to give to their employees what is just and fair. God hates injustice and judges those who engage in it.

4:2-4 Paul starts to conclude the epistle with a request for prayer, but reminds the Colossians to be ever vigilant and watchful in prayer against the attacks of the enemy. This is parallel to the end of the spiritual warfare section in Ephesians. This is the fifth admonition to be thankful. Thanksgiving acknowledges that God has given the blessing and circumstances one has, and fosters dependent trust for the future. If I'm aware that God has given all I have needed in the past, then I can trust Him for my present needs, as well as those of the future. Thankfulness also diminishes discontent. You can find a number of outlines on the topic on Truthbase.net, as well as a Biblical Survey of Prayer. Paul requests that they pray for God to open a door for him to boldly speak the mystery of Christ, that the Gentiles are equal heirs with the Jews in the promises of the Messiah. That message is why the Jews sought to kill him (see Acts) and why he was currently in prison. It's also why prayer is needed since the satanically motivated Jews sought to suppress the message.

4:5-6 Paul commands the believers to walk/live in wisdom (choosing the right objectives for their lives, as well as the right means of obtaining them) toward the unbelievers. The means of walking wisely is to redeem (buy back) the fleeting hours of each day by exchanging them for what has eternal value (see comments on Ephesians 5:16). The souls of others rank pretty high on the heavenly value scale. Verse 6 doesn't have a separate finite verb, but it modifies verse 5. The wise believer will learn to cultivate communication that is empowered by grace (God's power), seasoned with salt (used in Greek of wit, which makes people thirst for more), knowing how to respond to each individual person, according to what is appropriate and beneficial.

4:7-11 Paul turns attention to the visit of Tychicus and Onesimus which is for the purpose of sharing news and teaching of Paul, and receiving news about the Colossians for Paul. Note the common characteristic of faithfulness (the major criteria of our future judgment – see Semper Fi at the end of the TOYL booklet). Onesimus was a slave who had robbed his Colossian master Philemon, had met Paul, was converted, and sent back to Philemon with the eponymous epistle. Aristarchus was a companion of Paul on his missionary journey (Acts 19:29; 27:2). Verse 10 gives some insight into the split between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, Barnabas' cousin in Acts 15:36-41. There were only two fellow Jews working with Paul for the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Kingdom which God promised in the OT (Isaiah 40; see comments on Matthew introduction).

4:12-16 Epaphras, at one time a fellow prisoner with Paul (Philemon 1:23) not only taught the Colossians (1:7) but fervently labored and fought for them in prayer that they would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This involves doing what is pleasing in His sight so as to receive the blessing He intends for His loyal and faithful saints. This is the goal of the Christian life on earth. It is not automatic, but a result of teaching to obey (Matthew 28:20) and prayerful ministry. Notice that it is so much more than getting sins forgiven. This passage is the one that tells us that Luke was a physician, and that Demas was a co-laborer. One of the saddest verses in the NT is 2 Timothy 4:10 which tells us that this companion and fellow laborer with Paul, forsook him, because he was seduced by and loved this present world. Not even Paul's teaching and prayers could save Demas from destroying his future. His fate is so much the worse, because, as Dr. Luke recorded, to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Paul instructs the Colossians to swap letters with the lukewarm Laodiceans, who Christ said were on track to lose their glory/reward.

Revelation 3:16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' --- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked ---18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."”

4:17-18 Paul ends with an admonition/encouragement to Archippus, a fellow-soldier (Philemon 1:12) who apparently had received a commission from the Lord as had Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3). Nothing else is known of him. The interesting thing is the function of the Body in encouraging such an individual to fulfill or bring to completion the responsibility/ministry the Lord had entrusted to him. Paul signs with his own hand, and asks them to remember his bonds (third reference - Colossians 4:3,10,18). The reminder is of his willingness to suffer for the benefit of others, as they should too. They had life because Christ was willing to suffer. They heard about life because Paul was willing to suffer. They were taught because Epaphras was willing to suffer. The route to glory is through suffering (see comments on Mark 10:45), so the Colossians should be willing to suffer for others on their route to their glorious inheritance. Paul ends with a shorter benediction, wishing them the blessing of grace.

Application: Life is short; make it count for eternity, by using every hour for God's pleasure and the benefit of others.

Prayer: God, may I be perfect and complete in all Your will, as You desire; show me what ever You want me to do, and help me trust You to bring it about. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God will pour out His wrath on His disobedient children who seek to live for just this world rather than His will.

Build-a-Jesus: The Lord Jesus sits at the right hand of God awaiting the inauguration of His Messianic rule, when He will reward His faithful servants in whom His word dwells.

Us in a nutshell: We need to be transformed to be able to live as God desires; that involves choosing to put to death our old self-centered desires and habits, and putting on the Christ-like characteristics that enable us to minister to others.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Colossians: Living The Christian Life After The Cross

Ephesians 5-6 Walk and Warfare

Ephesians 5-6 Walk and Warfare

Psalm 148:1-14 Exalting the Creator God Who Exalts Holy People

Ps 148:1 “Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his hosts! 3 Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens, you waters that are above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh, For he commanded, and they were created. 6 He has also established them forever and ever. He has made a decree which will not pass away.

7 Praise Yahweh from the earth, you great sea creatures, and all depths! 8 Lightning and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling his word; 9 mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars; 10 wild animals and all livestock; small creatures and flying birds; 11 kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; 12 both young men and maidens; old men and children: 13 let them praise the name of Yahweh, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens. 14 He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise Yah"

Observations: 148:1-14 This third Praise Psalm (see Ps 146) exhorts all of creation, the heavens and earth, (and all that is in both) to praise the name of Yahweh. The reason given in verse 5 is because God commanded, and it happened, bringing everything into existence as an express of His sovereign will. All the elements on earth fulfill His word alone, and His glory/rule is above/over the heavens and earth. Then in the last verse, the psalm zeros in on Israel and His holy ones (saints), whom he has exalted, and brought near to Himself (as in a near and dear relationship). He's not just the God “way up there” but one who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, exalting them (lifting up horn = power and prosperity; cx. Job 16:15), so they can exalt Him.

Application: We should praise the sovereign God of creation because He exalts His holy ones, and brings them into a relationship with Him (it would probably help things if we were holy to be in His presence, fulfilling the purposes for which He created us, and worthy of His exaltation and relationship [cx Israel in most of its history]).

Prayer: Sovereign Creator, You are worthy of all praise, from all that You have created; it's amazing that You want a relationship with me, may I be among those You exalt and bring near to Yourself; may my praise be pleasing to You. Amen.

TMS 1Peter 3:18 Being Brought to God

1Pt 3:18 “For Christ also suffered once for sins,

the just for the unjust,

that He might bring us to God,

being put to death in the flesh

but made alive by the Spirit”

Observations: 3:18 This is a great verse to memorize since it explains the heart of the substitutionary atonement (cf. Isa 53). It's the center of the Bridge to Life illustration (which you should be able to draw and explain from memory on a napkin or envelope). Christ died (once) in our place, so we didn't have to. However, He didn't just die for our forgiveness, but so that we could have a relationship with Him and He could bless us (see the context and comments in 1Peter 3).

Application: Learn how to share this passage with others by memorizing it and the Bridge to Life. Then use it to bring someone to God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for suffering and dying for me, so I could be forgiven and have a relationship with You; may I too, die to my old self, and live by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.

Ephesians 5-6 The previous chapter described how unified believers should live/walk worthy of their invitation to glory, so they actually arrive there. Chapter 5 describes how to walk in love, walk in the light, walk in wisdom, and walk in the Spirit, reaching the summit of unity, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Paul then parenthetically clarifies three hierarchical relationships that are exceptions to mutual submission. Finally he closes with the Spirit's strategy for corporate spiritual warfare, telling the Body how to stand in unity against the onslaughts of Satan. If the Body of believers follow God's instructions, they will be the temple in which He displays His glory to the world, and will fulfill God's final purpose for them as they share in the glorious inheritance of the saints in the light, during the future Kingdom of the Messiah.

Ephesians 5 Walk This Way

5:1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. 5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

7 Therefore don’t be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, 10 proving/demonstrating what is well pleasing to the Lord. 11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works/deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them. 12 For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. 13 But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. 14 Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise/fools, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another

in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;

21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly/church, being himself the savior of the body. 24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly/church, and gave himself up for it; 26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, 27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; 30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. 31 "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh." 32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. 33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Observations: 5:1-2 We learn how to love by observing God's love of us. Butterfly believers (who undergo the mind/value transformation of 4:23 and Rm 12:1-2 -see comments there), should imitate Christ, in giving themselves for the benefit of others (love is sacrificially doing what is in another's best interest) in their worship of God. They will not engage in self-centered behavior as described in the last half of chapter 4, nor in the behaviors listed in this chapter. If they do, it doesn't mean that they're not saved/justified, but it means they will lose their reward/inheritance. Those who think or teach otherwise are demonically deceived, as Paul states in 5:6. The corrective for badly behaving believers is not to accept Christ, but to change the way one thinks, from believing the father of lies' deadly deceptions about life and pleasure, to believing and embracing the Spirit's truth about life. Those who walk/live in love, offer their lives to God as an offering He really likes.

5:3-6 The opposite of love is self-centered behavior, indulging our desires for power, pleasure, and possessions, independently of God. This is also known as sin, which is bad (in case you haven't been paying attention). Sin leads to death, and loss of dominion/glory. So we're faced with a choice: go for the temporal success/significance and security/safety (subsets of power), and immediate but unsatisfying pleasure, and corroding outdated possessions, or go for the eternal delights of God, at whose hands are pleasures forevermore. Only a demonically deluded worldling would chose the former over the latter.

Sexual immorality, defiling uncleaness, and covetousness, the insatiable desire for more (all three of which we are commanded to put to death -Co 3:5) should not be present in the lives of holy believers. Nor should improper speech: obscenities, foolish (literally moronic) talk, nor coarse jesting be heard, but instead the edifying giving of thanks. Paul uses a word play in Greek contrasting the jesting with the thanks, so refined jesting is OK :)

Know for certain that bad believers lose their reward/inheritance (see comments on 1Cor 3:15 if you have any doubt). Paul repeats the items in verse 3 and adds that covetousness is idolatry. When someone looks to things (and the means of things, like a job or wealthy spouse) to meet one's needs, rather than God, they are an idolater. If one spends all their time serving a paycheck rather than depending on God for their daily bread, and doing His will in all things, one is setting themselves up for inevitable judgment. Did you notice how God felt about idolaters in the OT? Bad unsanctified believers will not have an inheritance in the future Kingdom of the Messiah. Satan and his agents, the false teachers, will tell you otherwise, trying to deceive you with lies that contradict this truth. Here' s quick quiz to see if you're deceived:

Do bad things happen to bad believers, both now and in the future? (1Cor 11:29-32; 3:15)

Does how you live as a believer make a difference in your eternal reward? (Gal 5:21; 6:7-9; 1Cor 6:9; Rom 2:5-10 )

Are there differential rewards in the kingdom? (1Cor 15; 2Tim 4:7-8)

Does the wrath of God come upon God's naughty, disobedient children? (Rom 2:5-10; 5:9-10)

If you answered “No” to any of the above, you've been deceived. Note particularly verse 6, in an exegetical outline the point would read: The Reason (nuance) Paul can say that badly behaving believers lose their reward (VP/subject) is because God's wrath/judgment comes upon His disobedient children (complement). Paul is not talking about unbelievers, but born again members of God's family who have gone the way of the wayward prodigal son. Repentance is always an option. God always spares based upon it. It's never too late to turn around and do the right thing (unless you're lying in a coffin). It is also incorrect to say that if a believer engages in bad behavior that they're not a believer. This is an invention of well-meaning folks, who aren't seeing nor understanding the Scriptures clearly.

5:7-14 The conclusion (therefore) is that butterfly believers should not be fellow-partakers (used only elsewhere in 3:6 of being a sharer in the promised inheritance) of the deeds and discipline of the bad believers. Butterfly believers were once darkness but now they are light (in union with the Lord). Notice the fundamental change of identity (not in the dark, but darkness; the essential quality has changed to light), therefore they should walk as light, shining wherever they go. That means, live as someone born of the light (all shiny and radiant like a sunbeam). The Spirit, as the energy source of God, gives the light, which manifests itself as the fruit of righteousness, goodness, and truth. Those should be the things that characterize and flow from us, as we demonstrate in our lives what is pleasing to the Lord. Remember righteousness is knowing and doing what is right in His sight. Those who are light won't be participating in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather the radiance of their lives (righteousness, goodness, truth) will expose/reprove the evil done by the sons of disobedience. Reprove means to expose by bringing to light. Both in word and deed, the children of light highlight the sin of those serving the dark side. Notice that the reproof is of the deeds of darkness (not the people who are darkness, the unbelievers). This is not about unbelievers, but about badly behaving believers, who are not living in the light.

The conclusion in verse 14 (and following) is still about believers. The quotation is probably from a hymn based upon Isaiah 60:1-5, which is in the context of the Messiah giving glory to His people which will shine on Gentiles and kings. It is an exhortation to believers living in the dark to wake up from their sluggardly slumber, arise out of their dead, dominionless state, and bask in the glory of the ascended Messiah.

5:15-21 In light of the Messiah coming and giving light to His faithful people, believers need to be very careful how they walk/live. The difference between the wise and fools is in their choice of objectives. The fools go after what they think is right in their sight; wise chose to go after what is right in God's sight. Proverbs gives wisdom by marking out the right objectives, and the right means of obtaining them (by showing consequences of actions). The fools don't understand what God's will is. The wise are careful to know and do it. The fools squander their precious hours on earth in stupid pursuits. The wise exchange their perishable time on earth (which they can't keep) for that which is infinitely more valuable, the eternal glory of God. That's why Paul uses the metaphor redeeming (buy back) the time, exchanging it for the reward of God. Note that the will of God is knowable and doable. Fools don't know or do it. Righteous and wise men and women know and do what is right in God's sight.

The major means of knowing God's will is His word, as revealed by His Spirit (see The Will of God on Truthbase.net). A person who is full of wine does not have an accurate perception of reality. They tend to say and do crazy things, because the wine controls them. The word is variously translated as excess, or dissipation or debauchery. Literally it means “not savers” or unrestrained in behavior and use of money. Someone could not be considered for eldership if their children were open to this charge (Titus 1:6), because it demonstrated they had not passed on a Spirit-controlled lifestyle. People spend on their temporal pleasures and escape from their pain because they have not found pleasure in God. Eventually they become controlled by their “drug” of escapism, and enslaved to it. That's why Paul uses the contrast of being filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit, rather than wine. The pagan worshipers of Bacchus/Dionysus, the god of wine, would become under his influence and engage in drunken behavior, including the same riotous speech and singing one hears in NYC when the bars close and the drunks stumble homeward. In contrast, Paul gives four results of being filled with the Spirit:

believers would speak to each other (cf 4:15,25) in ways that edified;
believers would sing to the Lord with psalms and hymns, making melody (a word used for plucking the strings of a harp) with their heart to Him. This could be used to support the use of musical instruments in the NT since the singing wasn't silent, neither would the melody making be (in/with your heart can mean wholeheartedly as in 6:5);
believers would give thanks to the Father for all things, recognizing not only all He has given them, but also seeing His hand in all that He permitted in their lives for their benefit (even if they don't see or like it initially);
believers would submit to one another (there's another of those passages) in the fear of God, recognizing that they will appear before Christ's judgment seat to be evaluated on the basis of how they have fitted into and fulfilled their function in His Body.

This last item is the capstone of Body life, followed by a parenthetical statement concerning hierarchical relationships in the Body, and then the final words about how the Body defends itself against Satan's attacks. Submission literally means to “line up under.” Think of a military unit, arranged in a defense formation (which is what the warfare passage in chapter 6 is all about). Submission is not a statement about worth or value, but about relative position for a specific purpose. Someone who does their own independent thing, without reference to the Lord Christ's will, or other members of the Body, is not submitting to anyone. They should fear God, because He will not be pleased with their sin. Being rightly related to others means limiting oneself for their needs/benefit, not using them to meet our needs (which should be met by our dependent relationship with God, so we're free to serve others). See the study “The S-word Submission” on Truthbase.net for more. Also see the Study Guide to Church (and the upcoming Catacomb Church blog) for how the commitment to be a Biblical body by submitting to the other members, and the oversight of Biblically qualified elders, is what constitutes a Biblical church.

5:22-33 Having just said that Spirit-filled believers are submitted to other members of the Body, the question arises: “Does that mean that there are no hierarchical relationships in the Body of Christ?” Paul address three pairs of relationships, showing that there is still a hierarchy. This is not how “mutual submission” works out. That understanding might be well intentioned, but is flat out wrong. Among believers in a church, there is not only submission to one another, but also elders (Acts 20:28 -overseers; 1Cor 16:16; 1Pt 5:1; Heb 13:7,17). Mutual submission in the Body is not people demanding that others submit to them, but everyone seeking to serve and support and line themselves up under the needs of others. The elders in their functions of shepherds and overseers could resolve differences that might arise from those submitting to each other. However, in three sets of relationships there is a clear authority, and a clear mandate to submit to that authority. The hierarchy can't be flipped around in a mutual sense, but each party in the relationship has responsibilities to the other, particularly in a marriage, where Paul spends the most words. See the resources on Marriage and Family Life on Truthbase.net which will develop the truth more fully than I can do here.

Note that the “subordinate” member of each pair is addressed first. Wives are instructed to submit, or line up under the authority of the husbands. In Colossians 3:18 and 1Peter 3:1 there is no mention of mutual submission. Paul says the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. Two headed marriages aren't a pretty sight. Christ is the head because He sacrificed Himself for the salvation of the Body. So just as the church is subject to Christ (again not a mutual submission thing), so wives should be subject to their husbands in everything (Really? Yup, that's what it says in English and Greek). What if the wife has greater expertise is an area? The wise husband, like a wise CEO or military commander will seek input and deploy resources for maximum corporate gain, because there are usually better and brighter folks under their command, but the final decision responsibility lies with the leadership of an organization. (“In everything?" Yup, that's what is says.)

So does that mean that king hubby gets whatever he wants? No, not if verse 25 is in your Bible. Husbands are to self-sacrificially (agapao) love their wives, doing that is in their best interest at the expense of their interests, desires, preferences, and sleeping in on weekends. Who got the better deal: Christ or the church? Who suffered and died for the benefit of the other and lives to sanctify and glorify the the other? Christ lives to sanctify the church, by the application of the word, so that it might be holy and without blemish in the day of judgment so the members of His body may share in His glory and rule in the Millennial kingdom. In this way He benefits as the church is benefited. Similarly, husbands love, nourish and cherish their wives, as they would their own bodies, for the benefit of the wife, and the husband shares in the glory of a glorious wife. Just like the church has a relationship with Christ that can be described as His flesh and bones (no one takes this literally by the way), so the husband has a mutually edifying relationship with his wife. Paul references Genesis 2:24, the definitive passage on marriage (as Jesus did in Mt 19:5), to show how the interconnectedness of the two. See Truthbase.net for more on the mystery of marriage. Marriage should reflect the essential unity and functional diversity of the Triune God, as two become one, through the process of leaving prior identities (legal/social declaration) to become a new unit of husband and wife, and the inextricable emotional intertwining of souls (mind/values/emotions/will) to become one new body. Paul says this is a mystery, but his focus is on the mystery (previously unrevealed information) concerning the church. However, he ends with a recap of the major responsibilities: the husband must love his wife as himself, and she must respect her husband (in the position God has placed him). See 1Peter 3 for what to do if you married a self-centered spiritual sloth.

Application: Glory-bound believers need to walk in love, as children of light, wisely doing God's will, controlled by the Spirit of God, and submitted to the Lord and His Body. Whew!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks that You called me out of darkness to be light; please guide me in living as You desire, living and loving as Jesus wants me to. Amen.

Ephesians 6 Spiritual Warfare

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: 3 "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

4 You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

9 You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

19 on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.

Observations: 6:1-4 The second pair of hierarchical relationships is that of children and parents. Children are to obey (listen under) their parents (not the other way around). A parent doesn't submit to their child by obeying them. Paul appeals to the first command with a specific promise attached to it (Ex 20:12). The moral law is still applicable. When the offspring is no longer a child, honor is still applicable (which is not doing everything the parents wants, especially if you have two sets of unbelieving parents meddling in their kids' marriage). Honor involves respect and listening, and accommodating preferences in the grand scheme of other responsibilities. Sometimes to follow Christ people would have to leave their parents and not accede to their wishes (Mt 19:29). Parents, fathers in particular have a responsibility to their children, to nurture them in the discipline/training and instruction of the Lord. They are really the Lord's kids, on loan to parents, from whom God will demand an accounting of their stewardship. Provoking a child to wrath occurs from inconsistent, self-centered, whatever's convenient discipline/training. The standards and rules change for the parent's sole benefit, not the child's, and this kind of corrupt authority causes rebellion. Why would a kid rebel against a perfect authority? True, we rebel against God, but in general, if the parents are blameless and love their kids, it is tougher for Satan to deceive the child into thinking the grass is greener on the dark side. Actually, it's the job of the parent to sell the child on the light, both by practice and precept (that means practice what you preach, and make sure you're teaching according to Dt 6:5-7). There a bunches of resources on Truthbase.net; learn them and use them. An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of heartbreak. By the way, a child learns submission by observing how their mother submits to her husband. What's really more important to you than the spiritual success of your children? Being part of a Biblical Body with like-minded parents committed to raising the next godly generation is a great help, but no substitute for the parents learning the truth, living the truth, and loving their children with it.

6:5-9 Servants are to be obedient to their masters in the flesh, as if they were serving Christ. Masters were to treat their slaves/servants knowing that they too would face the judgment seat of Christ for how they treated those under their authority. When the claims of the master conflicted with the claims of Christ, it was time to suffer for doing what was right in God's sight (see 1Peter 2:18). If you're not a slave, even though you might be treated like one, there is nothing in the Bible that says you have to stay in the job, but there are usually some great character building lessons and dependence to be developed in the furnace of the workplace. If you are going to stay in a job, do it wholeheartedly, or find another one. God will reward you with a greater inheritance in His kingdom for the right behavior on the job (Col 3:24). Worshiping your job, and drawing your worth and value from what it provides, is tantamount to idolatry, and God will judge idolaters with no inheritance in the eternal kingdom. You've given your life to Christ, and to your spouse (if you've married), and to raising your kids, (if you have them), and to being connected to a Biblical Body, so you can't give your life to your job and be disloyal to your other commitments. See TOYL for a Biblical View of Work and other resources to help manage multiple priorities and commitments.

6:10-18 Having concluded the parenthetical section occasioned by the climactic call for mutual submission of Body member to each other in fear of the Lord, Paul now directs his instruction to corporate spiritual warfare. According to the purpose of God, and the work of Christ, the Holy Spirit constituted the assembly of believers into the Body of Christ, under His headship. Thus they became the temple in which God's glory could be manifested to the world, in this age as they live in unity, and in the age to come as He pours out the blessing of His glory upon them. For reasons discussed briefly under Digging Deeper in the post on 2Corinthians 5, Satan doesn't want that unity to be maintained and will do everything in his devious power to disrupt it (as church history so sadly demonstrates). The battle the church faces is not against flesh and blood, although many of Satan's agents are humans taken captive to do his will, but our real battle is against the demonic forces of Satan, who controls individuals, rulers, and governments (ie, Assyria, Babylon, according to God's purposes) in this age. The warfare Paul describes in this chapter is corporate, not individual. See Truthbase.net for the series on individual Defense Against the Dark Arts . Listen to The Real Battle of Spiritual Warfare for the exposition of this passage (outline below under Digging Deeper).

Satan's goal is to destroy the temple so God's glory won't be displayed, nor given to faithful saints. So the corrective is to stand in unity, and having done all, to stand. Stand is mentioned four times. The emphasis is defensive maintenance. It's not about charging the gates of hell with a water pistol, which is a good way to become toast, but about the most successful military strategy known in the ancient world, the phalanx. A single well-trained array of hoplites, or foot-soldiers, in tight formation could stand against an invading horde, and win. Each one stood firm next to his fellow soldier, and the individuals worked as a unit to repel the attackers. If they broke ranks or separated they would become vulture food. The weapons Paul describes are defensive, with the exception of the sword. Satan largely deploys lies to do his dirty work, so truth is the best defense (the basic belt upon which the rest of the armor hangs) and the best offense, (the sword of the Spirit is the word of God). Each of the pieces of armor was referred to earlier in the book, and are truths about the formation of the Body as the temple of God.

Attached to the belt of truth was the breastplate of righteousness (protecting their heart) which is the righteous conduct of a renewed mind (4:21-24), which would engage in other-centered rather than self-centered behavior.

The studded boots that enabled them to stand their ground was the gospel of peace, that Jews and Gentiles are now one, effectively nullifying the lies that would cause the two groups to become factions, splitting the temple.

The shield of faith enabled them to tap into the supernatural power of God to live in love.

The helmet of salvation, which protects their thinking is clarified in 1Thess 5:8 as the hope of salvation, emphasizing the glorification aspect. See the elaboration of each piece under Digging Deeper. The missing piece of equipment was the greaves or knee pads, which are alluded to in the weapon of praying for the saints according to the promptings of the Spirit.

As the Body puts on the truth, and keeps it protecting them, the attacks of Satan can't harm them and they will stand, and succeed.

6:19-24 Paul segues from instructing them to pray for each other to asking for prayer for himself that he might boldly proclaim the revelation of the good news, even though he is imprisoned for doing so. He sends Tychicus a faithful servant to encourage them, so they can also know how Paul is doing and encourage him (hint, hint). Paul wishes them peace (probably more harmony than the usual covenantal blessing), and continued manifestation of love and faith, the things God desires of them. He then expresses a desire for those who are loyal to the Lord Jesus the Messiah, with an incorruptible love, to have the blessing of grace in His kingdom.

Application: Believers need to draw on God's strength and truth to live in unity and withstand the onslaughts of Satan; doing things independently is certain death (loss of dominion).

Prayer: God, thanks that You always provide all I need to do Your will; thanks for like-minded believers, who are intent on loyally loving You. Amen.

Digging Deeper

Ephesians 6:10-18 The Real Battle of Spiritual Warfare

I. The Ephesian (local) church was created by God to bring Himself glory as believers walked worthy of their calling in truth-based unity and love. (Temple motif 2:21)

Ac 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church….28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 "Therefore watch…

1Tim 1:3…remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine

? Ephesus was the best taught church in the NT. Did that ensure that Christ was pleased with it? If not, why not? (Rev 2:1ff)

II. Our Enemy, the Devil (demons) seeks to undermine God-glorifying Unity through deception and lies.

6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

? How does an individual believer obey the command to put on the armor? Are you dressed for battle or the beach?

III. Our Responsibility is to use God’s armor (and draw on His strength) to combat and STAND in Unity

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

We stand in unity and combat Satan by Learning, Living, and Loving others with the Truth. Our understanding and use of each piece of armor must first come from Paul’s use of it in the previous verses of Ephesians, describing truth about the nature of the Body and how our beliefs and actions must be in accord with that corporate truth. The question to ask and answer is how does each piece of armor protect or defend against Satan’s attempts to destroy unity. The individual believer must then act in accord with that understanding to accomplish God’s purposes and glory.

? Why the emphasis on standing? Why not charge the gates of hell with a water pistol and rescue/save the inhabitants?

A. TRUTH 14a Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,

1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head----Christ----

4:21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

A. W. Pink states that Satan's chief aim is to estrange man's heart from God and his work consists of substituting his own lies in the place of divine truth…spiritual warfare occurs in the mind, and it is the mental reckoning or reasoning that results in a choice between God's Word and Satan's lie, although at the time we may not recognize the alternative offered to be a lie or from Satan. http://www.path-light.com/warfarelesson.htm

? Why is Truth so important? With what specific Truth must one gird themselves? How do you do that? What truths relate to unity?

B. RIGHTEOUSNESS 14b having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

5:9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

2Tim 2: 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

? How does personal righteousness relate to corporate unity? How does an ignored conscience open us up to Satan? What’s key to 4:24?

C. Gospel of PEACE 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one…15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,

2:17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 1:2; 6:23

? How do/should you obey Eph 4:3? How does the gospel of peace relate to unity? What lies does Satan pander re: peace?

D. FAITH 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

3:12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 4:13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

6:23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

? How does Satan throw darts? What effect do those darts have on unity? How does faith quench them? Faith in what?

E. SALVATION 17a And take the helmet of salvation,

1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

1Thess 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

I Pt 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

? How do the different aspects of salvation relate to the battle for maintaining unity? How do you put the helmet of salvation?

F. WORD 17b and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Jn 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Mt 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" 7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, `You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, `You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

? How does one use the word of God against Satan? How do you gain the skill to use it?

G. PRAYER 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints----

1:16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height----19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

? What did Paul pray for the Ephesians? How do those things relate to unity?

? What other things did believers pray for other believers in the Bible? What role does discernment play in prayer?

God in a nutshell: God gives us the resources to accomplish His will, and expects us to do it.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is our Lord, who gave Himself for us, so we could give ourselves to Him.

Us in a nutshell: We need to live in love, walk in wisdom, and wage war with the weapons God had provided. Submission to a Biblical Body is a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit, as is submission in the other realms God specified.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Isaiah 1-5 Righteousness and Justice Required

Isaiah 1-5 Righteousness and Justice Required

Psalm 72:1-20 Blessing of a Righteous Ruler

Psalm 71:1 “(By Solomon) God, give the king Your justice; Your righteousness to the royal son. 2 He will judge Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice. 3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness. 4 He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces. 5 They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. 6 He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. 7 In his days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth. 9 Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him. His enemies shall lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before him. All nations shall serve him. 12 For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper. 13 He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy. 14 He will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in his sight. 15 They shall live, and to him shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Men shall pray for him continually. They shall bless him all day long. 16 Abundance of grain shall be throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field. 17 His name endures forever. His name continues as long as the sun. Men shall be blessed by him. All nations will call him blessed.

18 Praise be to Yahweh God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. 19 Blessed be his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and amen. 20 This ends the prayers by David, the son of Jesse.

Observations: 71:1-4 David asks God to give Solomon (his son and the next king) His justice and righteous so the king can rule God's people righteously and justly.

71:5 When the people experience righteous rulership as God intended, they will fear God.

71:6-17 In describing the blessings that accompany a righteous ruler, and the honor that accrues to the ruler, David foreshadows the reign of a more distant descendent, the Messiah (2Sam 7). To a limited extent many of these elements could apply to Solomon, but they will be fully realized in the Messiah.

71:18-20 David ends his prayers with praise to God for His work in blessing His people.

Application: A righteous and just ruler results in peace and prosperity. Pray for your leaders.

Prayer: King of Kings, while we await Your perfect rule, may our imperfect leaders be guided by Your righteousness and justice, so we may have freedom to openly glorify You. Amen.

Proverbs 18:22-24 Friends and Family

Pr 18:22 “Whoever finds a wife finds good, and obtains favor of Yahweh. 23 The poor speaks entreaties, but the rich answer harshly. 24 A man of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.“

Observations: 18:22-24 God blesses the blessable with what's best, when it's best. A wife from the Lord is a reflection of God's goodness and favor. (A wife from anywhere else is not so good.) God would only entrust a good wife to a good husband (and the other way around). So cultivation of one's goodness is a good objective. The poor/humble make requests, being sensitive to how it comes across, but the arrogant rich have no such concern (until they become poor). Someone with lots of friends and acquaintances often fails to develop the deeper relationships that can be relied upon in times of trouble. Usually when someone is in trouble their “friends” desert them, and they turn to their family. However, there are friends that are more loyal than family, usually found in the family of God.

Application: Seek to be the kind of person to whom God would entrust His choice friends.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the God who shows favor to His people in giving them what is good; may I be a worthy recipient of Your favor, and a friend to all who seek You. Amen.

Isaiah 1-5 These keynote chapters describe both the imminent judgment of God's people for failure to live righteously and justly according to His word, and the future blessings God will bring upon the earth when a purified and holy Israel lives under the glorious rule of the Messiah. In them, God appeals to His people to reason and repent and reap His goodness, rather than pain. It's their choice (and your choice).

Isaiah 1 God Wants Righteousness, Not Ritual

1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

10 Hear the word of Yahweh, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah! 11 "What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?," says Yahweh. "I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed animals. I don’t delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of male goats. 12 When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts? 13 Bring no more vain offerings. Incense is an abomination to me; new moons, Sabbaths, and convocations: I can’t bear with evil assemblies. 14 My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They are a burden to me. I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.

16 Wash yourselves, make yourself clean. Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil. 17 Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Judge the fatherless. Plead for the widow." 18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; 20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

21 How the faithful city has become a prostitute! She was full of justice; righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They don’t judge the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them. 24 Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Hosts, the Mighty one of Israel, says: "Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself of my enemies; 25 and I will turn my hand on you, thoroughly purge away your dross, and will take away all your tin. 26 I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called ‘The city of righteousness, a faithful town.’ 27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her converts with righteousness. 28 But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together, and those who forsake Yahweh shall be consumed. 29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired, and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen. 30 For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades, and as a garden that has no water. 31 The strong will be like tinder, and his work like a spark. They will both burn together, and no one will quench them."

Observations: 1:1 Isaiah tells us that he saw these things, which implies he stepped outside the boundaries of normal existence to see what's happening in the future. God gives both prophetic revelation of what He is going to do, and sometimes lets His authenticated servants see the future real-time (like John sees the heavenly Jerusalem descending in the Book of Revelations). Isaiah ministered for about fifty years, during the reigns of four kings of the southern kingdom of Judah, beginning a couple of decades before the northern kingdom of Israel went into captivity.

1:2-9 Israel has rebelled against Yahweh, forsaking Him, and thus experiencing negative consequences. They are compared to Sodom and Gomorrah, ripe for judgment.

1:10-15 God hates their hypocritical ritualistic worship because their deeds are evil. He wants them out of His house, and He hides from their prayers. The reason He's unhappy is because of social injustice. People are greedily enriching themselves at the expense of others.

1:16-20 God calls for them to repent, clean up their act and learn to do what's right. Nothing about unmerited favor, although the chance to repent is great grace. He reasons with them about their sin in their “depraved” state. Hmmmm. He gives them the choice to obey and be blessed, or refuse and become refuse.

1:21-31 God then contrasts the present wickedness with the future righteousness which will be in Zion after He cleans house and disciplines them. Then they will be ashamed of their indulgence in sensual pagan worship.

Application: God hates hypocritical, unrighteous, ritualistic worship, especially when we are rebelliously failing to love our neighbor, and are committing injustice.

Prayer: God, don't let me ever deceive myself into thinking You're pleased with participating in ritual when I'm neglecting righteousness and justice. Thank You for Your gracious invitation to repent. Amen.

Isaiah 2 Walk In the Light

2:1 This is what Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 It shall happen in the latter days, that the mountain of Yahweh’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. 3 Many peoples shall go and say, "Come, let’s go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 5 House of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of Yahweh.

6 For you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled from the east, with those who practice divination like the Philistines, and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners. 7 Their land is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures. Their land also is full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots. 8 Their land also is full of idols. They worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. 9 Man is brought low, and mankind is humbled; therefore don’t forgive them.

Observations: 2:1-5 In light of the fact that one day all nations will come to Jerusalem to learn the law of Yahweh and walk in it, believers should walk in the light of what He's already revealed. (It's not going to change.)

2:6-9 Isaiah prays that God won't forgive the house of Jacob for forsaking Him and following the prosperous pagans.

2:10-22 In the day that the Lord comes in His glory to judge, every proud person will be pancaked. It's stupid to trust in idols, like moles and bats, and similarly silly to trust in man.

Application: You don't have to wait for God to return to learn His law, you've got it in front of you now, so walk in the light that it gives.

Prayer: Lord of light, may my steps be guided by the light of Your word, throughout today, and tomorrow, and... Amen.

Isaiah 3 Pride Parade Payback

3:1 For, behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Hosts, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support, the whole supply of bread, and the whole supply of water; 2 the mighty man, the man of war, the judge, the prophet, the diviner, the elder, 3 the captain of fifty, the honorable man, the counselor, the skilled craftsman, and the clever enchanter. 4 I will give boys to be their princes, and children shall rule over them. 5 The people will be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbor. The child will behave himself proudly against the old man, and the base against the honorable. 6 Indeed a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying, "You have clothing, you be our ruler, and let this ruin be under your hand." 7 In that day he will cry out, saying, "I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing. You shall not make me ruler of the people." 8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

9 The look of their faces testify against them. They parade their sin like Sodom. They don’t hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought disaster upon themselves. 10 Tell the righteous "Good!" For they shall eat the fruit of their deeds. 11 Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them; for the deeds of his hands will be paid back to him. 12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths. 13 Yahweh stands up to contend, and stands to judge the peoples. 14 Yahweh will enter into judgment with the elders of his people, and their leaders: "It is you who have eaten up the vineyard. The spoil of the poor is in your houses. 15 What do you mean that you crush my people, and grind the face of the poor?" says the Lord, Yahweh of Hosts.

16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; 17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." 18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, 21 the signet rings, the nose rings, 22 the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 23 the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. 24 It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be stink; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war. 26 Her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

Observations: 3:1-8 God will wipe out everything the nation depends upon, because their words and deeds don't demonstrate dependence upon Him.

3:9-15 The proud who parade their sin are particularly singled out for judgment, as are the leaders who lead people astray. When both religious and political leaders are ignorant of God's word and ways, disaster is inevitable.

3:16-26 The beautiful proud women will be abased; all their sweetness will stink, and they will lament and mourn the destruction of all they value and their men.

Application: God pays back sin, particularity that of the proud, by turning their world upside down. (Keep a low profile; better yet, repent.)

Prayer: God, may I be humbled by my sin and forsake it, so I can be among the righteous who will enjoy the fruit of their doings. Amen.

Isaiah 4 Future Glory Like Old Times

4:1 Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach."

2 In that day, Yahweh’s branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the beauty and glory of the survivors of Israel. 3 It will happen, that he who is left in Zion, and he who remains in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem; 4 when the Lord shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning. 5 Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy. 6 There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.

Observations: 4:1 As a result of the men being destroyed in judgment (3:25), they will be in scarce supply and the reproach of childlessness common.

4:2-4 In a future day, when the Lord returns, the “Branch” or Messiah (Jeremiah 23:5; 33:15; Zechariah 3:8 6:12) will be glorious in His rule over the survivors of God's purifying judgment, who will be holy. However, the purifying process will be painful.

4:5-6 God will again manifest His glory over Mount Zion as He did over the Tabernacle.

Application: God will reign over a righteous people as purposed and promised. Those who don't purify themselves will experience pain.

Prayer: God, You want me to be holy, and I want to be holy; show me whatever I need to do to be a person who lives in the light of Your glory. Amen.

Isaiah 5 No Wine, But Woes

5:1 Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded stinkberries. 3 "Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield stinkberries? 5 Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up. I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down. 6 I will lay it a wasteland. It won’t be pruned nor hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it." 7 For the vineyard of Yahweh of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for justice, but, behold, oppression; for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress.

8 Woe to those who join house to house, who lay field to field, until there is no room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land! 9 In my ears, Yahweh of Hosts says: "Surely many houses will be desolate, even great and beautiful, unoccupied. 10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield an ephah."

11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them! 12 The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts; but they don’t respect the work of Yahweh, neither have they considered the operation of his hands. 13 Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge. Their honorable men are famished, and their multitudes are parched with thirst. 14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices among them, descend into it. 15 So man is brought low, mankind is humbled, and the eyes of the arrogant ones are humbled; 16 but Yahweh of Hosts is exalted in justice, and God the Holy one is sanctified in righteousness. 17 Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich.

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

22 Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and champions at mixing strong drink; 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent! 24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy one of Israel.

25 Therefore Yahweh’s anger burns against his people, and he has stretched out his hand against them, and has struck them. The mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is still stretched out. 26 He will lift up a banner to the nations from far, and he will whistle for them from the end of the earth... 29...they shall roar, and seize their prey and carry it off, and there will be no one to deliver. 30 They will roar against them in that day like the roaring of the sea. If one looks to the land behold, darkness and distress. The light is darkened in its clouds.

Observations: 5:1-7 Israel is compared to a vineyard that fails to produce the intended product, righteousness and justice, and consequently, is turned into a wasteland.

5:8-22 God pronounces a series of seven woes against those who live for what's pleasing in their sight (temporal power, pleasure, and possessions) rather than for what is right in God's sight (righteousness and justice), and a concern for doing His word (fear of the Lord).

5:25-30 God's anger will consume those who reject His law and despise His word.

Application: If we don't fulfill the purpose for which God created us (bringing Him glory by our righteous and just living which He can bless) we will fail to have a purpose for living, and will face devastation.

Prayer: Lord, show me how to follow Your ways, so I bear You the fruit You desire. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God demonstrates incredible patience and grace in calling His people to repent, when they have so rejected Him, that they proudly parade their sins. He raised up His people to demonstrate righteousness and justice, and will angrily bring them low until they are purified and yield the fruit He wants. He has planned to save a remnant for the future, who will do what's right and just after being purified by pain. The Messiah will reign from Jerusalem and all the earth will come to seek His ways and will.

Us in a nutshell: We are created to fulfill God's purpose of living righteously and justly in our dealings with others, so that God can bless us and He will be glorified. If we seek our desire rather than God's, and do our will rather than His, as revealed in His word, we will surely suffer. God graciously calls us to repentance and obedience, but if we reject Him, there will be no forgiveness and cleansing, only burning pain.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Isaiah complete text

Isaiah 1

1:1 The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.

2 Hear, heavens, and listen, earth; for Yahweh has spoken: "I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knows his owner, and the donkey his master’s crib; but Israel doesn’t know, my people don’t consider." 4 Ah sinful nation, a people loaded with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken Yahweh. They have despised the Holy one of Israel. They are estranged and backward. 5 Why should you be beaten more, that you revolt more and more? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. 6 From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it: wounds, welts, and open sores. They haven’t been closed, neither bandaged, neither soothed with oil. 7 Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Strangers devour your land in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. 8 The daughter of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a besieged city. 9 Unless Yahweh of Armies had left to us a very small remnant, we would have been as Sodom; we would have been like Gomorrah.

21 How the faithful city has become a prostitute! She was full of justice; righteousness lodged in her, but now murderers. 22 Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. 23 Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They don’t judge the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widow come to them. 24 Therefore the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, the Mighty one of Israel, says: "Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself of my enemies; 25 and I will turn my hand on you, thoroughly purge away your dross, and will take away all your tin. 26 I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counsellors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called ‘The city of righteousness, a faithful town.’ 27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her converts with righteousness. 28 But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together, and those who forsake Yahweh shall be consumed. 29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired, and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen. 30 For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades, and as a garden that has no water. 31 The strong will be like tinder, and his work like a spark. They will both burn together, and no one will quench them."

Isaiah 2

10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty. 11 The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the haughtiness of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day. 12 For there will be a day of Yahweh of Armies for all that is proud and haughty, and for all that is lifted up; and it shall be brought low: 13 For all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, for all the oaks of Bashan, 14 For all the high mountains, for all the hills that are lifted up, 15 For every lofty tower, for every fortified wall, 16 For all the ships of Tarshish, and for all pleasant imagery. 17 The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day. 18 The idols shall utterly pass away. 19 Men shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily. 20 In that day, men shall cast away their idols of silver, and their idols of gold, which have been made for themselves to worship, to the moles and to the bats; 21 To go into the caverns of the rocks, and into the clefts of the ragged rocks, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of his majesty, when he arises to shake the earth mightily. 22 Stop trusting in man, whose breath is in his nostrils; for of what account is he?

Isaiah 3

3:1 For, behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support, the whole supply of bread, and the whole supply of water; 2 the mighty man, the man of war, the judge, the prophet, the diviner, the elder, 3 the captain of fifty, the honourable man, the counsellor, the skilled craftsman, and the clever enchanter. 4 I will give boys to be their princes, and children shall rule over them. 5 The people will be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by his neighbour. The child will behave himself proudly against the old man, and the base against the honourable. 6 Indeed a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying, "You have clothing, you be our ruler, and let this ruin be under your hand." 7 In that day he will cry out, saying, "I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing. You shall not make me ruler of the people." 8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh, to provoke the eyes of his glory.

16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet; 17 therefore the Lord brings sores on the crown of the head of the women of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald." 18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, 19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils, 20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms, 21 the signet rings, the nose rings, 22 the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses, 23 the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls. 24 It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a wearing of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty. 25 Your men shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war. 26 Her gates shall lament and mourn; and she shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

Isaiah 4

4:1 Seven women shall take hold of one man in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach."

Isaiah 5

5:1 Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about his vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. 2 He dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. He looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. 3 "Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard. 4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield wild grapes? 5 Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up. I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down. 6 I will lay it a wasteland. It won’t be pruned nor hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it." 7 For the vineyard of Yahweh of Armies is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for justice, but, behold, oppression; for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress.

8 Woe to those who join house to house, who lay field to field, until there is no room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land! 9 In my ears, Yahweh of Armies says: "Surely many houses will be desolate, even great and beautiful, unoccupied. 10 For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield an ephah." 11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them! 12 The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts; but they don’t respect the work of Yahweh, neither have they considered the operation of his hands. 13 Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge. Their honourable men are famished, and their multitudes are parched with thirst. 14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and he who rejoices among them, descend into it. 15 So man is brought low, mankind is humbled, and the eyes of the arrogant ones are humbled; 16 but Yahweh of Armies is exalted in justice, and God the Holy one is sanctified in righteousness. 17 Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich.

18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and wickedness as with cart rope; 19 Who say, "Let him make speed, let him hasten his work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy one of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it!" 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! 22 Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and champions at mixing strong drink; 23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent! 24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Armies, and despised the word of the Holy one of Israel. 25 Therefore Yahweh’s anger burns against his people, and he has stretched out his hand against them, and has struck them. The mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is still stretched out. 26 He will lift up a banner to the nations from far, and he will whistle for them from the end of the earth. Behold, they will come speedily and swiftly. 27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the belt of their waist be untied, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken: 28 whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent. Their horses’ hoofs will be like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind. 29 Their roaring will be like a lioness. They will roar like young lions. Yes, they shall roar, and seize their prey and carry it off, and there will be no one to deliver. 30 They will roar against them in that day like the roaring of the sea. If one looks to the land behold, darkness and distress. The light is darkened in its clouds.

Colossians 3-4 Perfect and Complete in the Will of God

Ephesians 5-6 Walk and Warfare

Ephesians 6:10-18 The Real Battle of Spiritual Warfare

III. Our Responsibility is to use God’s armor (and draw on His strength) to combat and STAND in Unity

Isaiah 1-5 Righteousness and Justice Required

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