James 3-5 Endure for the Blessing

TMS Hebrews 12:2-4 Weary and Discouraged

12:2 ”looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him

who endured such hostility

from sinners against Himself,

lest you become weary

and discouraged in your souls.

4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.”

Observations: 12:3 Following Christ in the midst of an apathetic or hostile world can easily cause discouragement to the point of quitting and sitting on the sidelines, or going back to the way we were. This was a temptation faced by the original audience (see context in Hebrews 12) and modern believers as well. The corrective is to fix our eyes on Jesus, who had His eyes fixed on the joy of the prize. If He became discouraged and quit, where would we be? The same Spirit and grace that energized Him is available to us. The same prize, to a lesser degree, awaits us if we endure and don't give up. (See James 5 below).

Application: If we keep our eyes on Jesus and God's promises, we'll keep heading to where God wants us to go; if we focus on the difficulties, we'll become discouraged and want to quit.

Prayer: Father God, thanks that Your Spirit dwells in me to give me both the motivation and power to do Your good pleasure like Jesus did; please help me follow in His footsteps. Amen.

James 3-5 In James 1:25 James stated that the one who would be blessed in the Kingdom was the one who was a performer/worker of the law of liberty. Then he taught that pure and undefiled (“blessable”) worship required controlling one's speech and meeting the needs of others. In chapter two he elaborated upon the importance of works for faith to be blessed, using an illustration of meeting the needs of those in need. He now picks up on the importance of speech and having an undefiled life. He will explore the sources of incorrect speech in both our unsanctified desires and demonic influences, and advocate solutions that will enable believers to have blessable lives and works.

James 3 Words and Wisdom

3:1 "Let not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. 2 For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn’t stumble in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also. 3 Indeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. 4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. 5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest! 6 And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna. 7 For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. 10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness/humility of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Observations: 3:1 It's amazing how many “Bible teachers” say there are no consequences for how believers live their lives on earth once they accept Christ, nor differentiation of blessedness in heaven. James says that teachers need to know that they, in particular, will receive greater judgment. The fact that there is greater judgment means there is judgment. Judgment necessitates consequences. It's not like: “Good teacher...enter into the joy of your Lord” and “Bad teacher...enter into the joy of your Lord.“

It's more like “Well done, good and faithful servant...enter into the joy of your Lord” and “Bad teacher...no biscuit.”

As Jesus taught in Matthew 25:21-30 and Luke 19:17, reward is dependent upon having “done well,” and been good, faithful, and a servant. The key element is being faithful with what God has entrusted to us. Teachers have a stricter judgment because they have been entrusted with more truth (or at least should have more truth) with which to be faithful, and they multiply truth (or error) by their teaching. Surveys indicate that only 10% of those who teach the Scriptures professionally have actually read the entire Bible even once. One has to wonder if they are teaching the truth, or just parroting some party line, or what people want to have tickle their ears. Teachers who don't see or walk in the light keep their listeners in the dark (in more ways than one). Come judgment day, some will be blessed with reward and joy in the Kingdom of light, and some will be in the outer darkness lamenting that they have “no biscuit.”

3:2-12 The reason James warns about the judgment of teachers, is because we all stumble (offend), but if one doesn't stumble in word, that person is mature/perfect, and able to control (James 1:26 for only other use) the whole body. Arguing by analogy, bridles and rudders exert a control far greater than their size. The tongue has a similar influence, but it is difficult to control. Words can cause great defilement (and loss of blessing), and destruction. James compares the destructive power of the tongue to a fire that consumes one's life with the fire of Gehenna. Gehenna is the garbage dump outside the city of Jerusalem where unprofitable things are burned. It should not be confused with the lake of fire, the place of eternal punishment. The majority of uses of Gehenna occur in Matthew, being introduced in the Sermon on the Mount referring to unpleasant consequences for unpleasant believers (see comments on Matthew 5:22,29,30). This is the only use of the term outside the Gospels. James says the tongue can't be tamed, but alludes to the source of the defilement, one's heart, which can be purified. He will discuss the cure in the next chapter, but first he highlights the incompatibility of blessing God and cursing men who are made in the image of God, which is like a spring sending out fresh and bitter water or a tree bearing figs and olives.

3:13-18 The person who is wise and has insight will demonstrate his/her wisdom with good and humble conduct. But if jealousy and selfish ambition reside in his/her heart, he/she is living inconsistently with the truth. Such self-centeredness is not from God, but is demonic. It is a product of earthly and sensual motivation rather than Spirit-led thinking. Self-centeredness results in disorder/contention and evil works rather than love and good deeds. Wisdom that comes from God is pure, peaceful, gentle, reasonable (easily entreated), demonstrating mercy, fruitfulness, and without partiality nor hypocrisy. Godly wisdom results in the fruit of righteousness, doing what is right in God's sight, which would include harmonious relationships with other believers.

Application: Those who are wise teach truth that bears the fruit of righteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may my words reflect Your wisdom and result in a reflection of Your character, for Your glory. Amen.

James 4 Grace for the Humble

4:1 "Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures/lusts that war in your members? 2 You lust, and don’t have. You kill, covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. 3 You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures. 4 You adulterers and adulteresses, don’t you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously"?

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore it says,

"God resists the proud,

but gives grace to the humble."

7 Be subject therefore to God.

But 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.

9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.

11 Don’t speak against one another, brothers. He who speaks against a brother and judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge. 12 Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another? 13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit." 14 Whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. 15 For you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that." 16 But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil. 17 To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin."

Observations: 4:1-5 The reason some of James' audience have intrapersonal discontent and interpersonal difficulties is because they have unsanctified desires/lusts, developed in Satan's world, and not renewed by the Spirit. Their desires are unsatisfied because they are looking to their self-gratification, rather than seeking and trusting God to meet their needs (you don't have because you don't ask). When they do turn to God, it's to demand the the fulfillment of their temporal desires, rather than seeking His will (you ask amiss). There is no abiding contentment in the goodness and timing of an infinitely good God (Psalm 84:11; Philippians 4). James accuses such worldlings of adultery, being friendly with the world, and disloyal to God. By seeking their temporal pleasures (as well as power and possessions) they become enemies of God (not a good place to be if they wish His blessings). James cites a principle from the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:5) although there a number of passages that have roughly the same idea, that God wants the sole allegiance of His people, and gets rather peeved when we are disloyal. The Spirit that dwells in us wants us to Himself (which is why God isn't thrilled with idolatry in either testament). So those who have a higher loyalty to the their pursuit of pleasure and prosperity in the world than they do to God, are not only His enemies, but are adulterers headed for judgment, and nowhere near the blessings promised in the Good News.

4:6-10 Speaking of good news, there is a solution for all who find themselves not living the abundant life that Jesus came to give. It is to draw on His grace to do His will. There is a limitless supply of God's power/grace available to live the victorious Christian life. And God gives it to those submitted to Him and His revealed will. God actively resists (stand in battle against) the proud (those who consider themselves above others). Those who set them up as lord of their own life and master of their fate, will find a fearsome opponent in God. Imagine having the Creator of the universe thwarting your efforts. On the other hand, imagine having Him as your Helper. The choice is yours. He gives grace/power to the humble, those who have a proper estimation of themselves as His dependent creatures. Therefore, we should submit to (line ourselves up under) God's rightful authority in our life. Living dependently is the path to blessing; living independently is the path to ruin. Note what we have to do:

• subject ourselves – place ourselves under God's rule to get His grace;
• resist the devil (and his temptations – so he will flee (more below);
• draw near to God (it's our move, then He responds; He doesn't intrude where not invited);
• cleanse our hands (stop playing in the mud of the world) otherwise we remain defiled sinners;
• purify our hearts from our double-mindedness (decide once and for all that God's way is the only way, and do whatever it takes to not deviate from it).

A couple things worth elaboration, beyond what you can find in “It Ain't Gonna Reign No More” are Defense Against the Dark Arts, and being wholehearted like Caleb, rather than double-minded.

We are supposed to flee temptation, but resist the devil. Anyone unaware of the devil's schemes and dirty tricks of twisting truth and distorting reality is most likely stumbling around in the dark. The way to resist the devil, is as Jesus did (and Eve didn't), with truth. When he can’t get you to buy a lie, he might try to scare you, which is just another lie (see, and memorize 1 John 4:4). We must cleanse our hands and purify our hearts by washing them with truth. Verse 9 is my favorite verse to write on birthday cards and for other happy occasions. What it means is that sinners need to change their hearts, so their value system is brought into conformity to God’s values. The things that they once thought were fun, are now poison to them. It’s difficult to drink poison and expect happy consequences. So if we humble ourselves in submitting to what is right in God’s sight, we can trust that He will give grace and exalt us in the proper time.

4:11-17 James addresses some behaviors that should flow from hearts that are cleansed and submitted to God. Not speaking against or judging each other (except as God has mandated) is how to be a doer of the law. Another is depending upon God for our plans making sure they are in line with God’s will, rather than just tacking “God willing” onto our statements. He can help or hinder our plans, or rescue us from trouble, or bring calamity. So it makes sense to seek His will, which He will bless. Those who glory in their accomplishments aren't holy. If we know what we should do to please God, and don’t do it, it’s sin. Paul also said that whatever is not of faith is sin (Romans 14).

Application: Humbling ourselves to draw upon God’s grace and do His will is our position of protection and prosperity.

Prayer: God, You are my Master, I exist to do Your will; please guide me and protect me, so I may do what is pleasing in Your sight. Thanks. Amen.

James 5 Endure For Blessing

5:1 "Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you. 2 Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up your treasure in the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of those who reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Hosts. 5 You have lived luxuriously, on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have fattened your hearts as in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned, you have murdered the righteous one. He doesn’t resist you.

7 Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Don’t grumble, brothers, against one another, so that you won’t be judged. Behold, the judge stands at the door.

10 Take, brothers, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 Behold, we call them blessed who endured. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the Lord in the outcome, and how the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 But above all things, my brothers, don’t swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no"; so that you don’t fall into hypocrisy. 13 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. 14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 15 and the prayer of faith will save/heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The pryer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.(NIV) 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn’t rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 He prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit. 19 Brothers, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, 20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins."

Observations: 5:1-6 Those who've spent their time accumulating temporal wealth at the expense of doing God’s will and loving others will regret the judgment day, when their ill-gotten gain is called as a witness against them. Gain gotten at the expense of fulfilling God’s purpose for being on earth, is ill-gotten. Just because we can do something, doesn't mean we should. Just because we don’t experience immediate negative consequences, doesn't mean that we won’t.

5:7-11 In the closing “book-end” James advocates that believers wait patiently for the coming of the Lord, like a farmer waits for the fruit of his labors. This requires having a fixed heart, waiting for the return of the Lord. He will not only bring our reward, but will judge our behavior, therefore we must be careful to have proper relationships with one another. As an example of patience in the fire of suffering, Job should give us hope. The story didn't end until the Lord doubly blessed him for his sinless response. (See comments on Job). James is clearly talking about blessing and reward, not forgiveness and the substitutionary atonement.

5:12-20 James admonishes believers to be truthful in their speech, meaning what they say. If any suffer, they should pray (rather than complain). If cheerful, they should sing praises. If sick, they should call for the elders, who using medical (oil) and spiritual means (prayer), should save/heal the sick, and the Lord will raise them up. James uses a more common word for putting oil on the body, that some suggest should be translated "rub." If the person has committed sins they will be forgiven as a result of the prayer (which would have included confession or acknowledgement of sin if it were present).  The fact that the elders are called for suggest that this is a spiritual sickness, or one brought on by sin. This passage indicates that sin is at the root of some sickness. Not all sickness (physical and/or spiritual) is healed. Paul left Trophimus sick in Miletus (2 Timothy 4:20), and Ephaphroditus was sick while with Paul. Some think that this is only a reference to elders who had the supernatural gift of healing, or that this was a temporary bestowal of God's grace. Others suggest that anyone who is sick today lacks faith. The one thing that is clear is that believers who aren't functioning to their full potential physically or spiritually should take whatever steps are necessary to live as God intended. 

Believers should confess their sins to one another (not some intermediary) and pray for each other so they may be healed. James notes that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective, citing Elijah’s prayers in the days of Ahab.

If a believer wanders from the truth, and another believer turns then from the error of their way back to the truth, a multitude of sins will be prevented, and the sinning person would be spared from death (either physical discipline as in 1 Corinthians 11, or spiritual as in Romans 8).

Application: Believers should prayerfully endure suffering knowing that the Lord will return, rectify, and reward those who remain faithful to Him.

Prayer: God, thanks that I can trust You to be faithful and just in all your dealings with me. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God gives grace to the humble, blessings to the righteous, and opposition to the proud and sinful.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus isn't mentioned in these chapters, but His example of resisting the devil is implied.

Us in a nutshell: We need to watch our words and walk to receive the blessings God has planned for those who are loyal to Him. We have the responsibility to work at our relationship with God, from submitting to His will, resisting the devil, drawing on His grace to purify our hearts and clean up our act. If we do, we will be blessed. If we don't...what do you think happens?

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

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 4 Biblical Church Growth

Psalm 147:1- 20 Praising the Creator Who Communicates

Ps 147:1 “Praise Yah, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and fitting to praise him. 2 Yahweh builds up Jerusalem. He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars. He calls them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord, and mighty in power. His understanding is infinite. 6 Yahweh upholds the humble. He brings the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God, 8 who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains. 9 He provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call. 10 He doesn’t delight in the strength of the horse. He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his hesed/loyal covenantal love

12 Praise Yahweh, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion! 13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you. 14 He makes peace in your borders. He fills you with the finest of the wheat. 15 He sends out his commandment to the earth. His word runs very swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes. 17 He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can stand before his cold? 18 He sends out his word, and melts them. He causes his wind to blow, and the waters flow. 19 He shows his word to Jacob; his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not done this for just any nation. They don’t know his ordinances. Praise Yah!"

Observations: 147:1-11 In this second Praise Psalm (see last post) our great and infinite God not only names the stars, He knows each of His people by name and cares about their physical, spiritual and emotional health. The correct response to His care is to not just praise Him with words, but to give Him pleasure by fearing Him and continuing to trust His promises and hesed. The fact that we can give the God who runs the universe pleasure (or not) is both astonishing and humbling.

147:12-20 God should be blessed and praised for His blessings. He gives peace and prosperity to His people (who fear Him), filling them with the finest of wheat. He is not meager in His blessings. The psalm ends with the greatest blessing, that of His word, containing both the rules for getting blessed, and providing the ground of our hope. He is the Creator who communicates.

Application: Do you please God? Could you be more pleasing in His sight? Start by listening to what He said He likes, then do it.

Prayer: Everlasting Father, I praise You for revealing Yourself in Your work of creation and Your care of me; thanks for being concerned about my needs and desires, and for communicating what I can do to please You. May I be pleasing in Your sight every day. Amen.

TMS Romans 5:8 Sinner to Saint

Rom 5:8 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us,

in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

Observations: 5:8 God loves the unlovely, which is good news, because at times we can be downright ugly. Sin isn't attractive. God knows that. He knew how independent and rebellious we were, and would be when He sent Jesus to die for us. Jesus died for all the sins we committed before we believed and were born again, and all the ones we would commit after we believed. So, despite Satan's lies, we can always count on God's love, and experience it when we repent (change our mind). But note the change of identity in the last half of the verse. “While we were still sinners” implies that the situation has changed. Indeed the context of 5:1 says we're justified and have peace with God, as do verses 9-10. Our identity should no longer be that of sinners (folks who miss the mark), but of those those who have a relationship with God. Ephesians 4:20-24 below gives some help in living the new way. If you want to understand how Paul uses this verse in context (and what it means to be saved by His life) see the comments on Romans 5 in the Blog.

Application: Sinner is what you were, saint is what you are. Live like it.

Prayer: God, thanks for your love of me, and sending the Lord Jesus to die for my sin; may I live in love towards You, and seek to please You in all I do. Amen.

Ephesians 4 This is the paramount passage on Body life and Biblical church growth. Paul now expands upon the first request of his prayer in 1:18 “hope of calling” (having already addressed power and inheritance). The corporate calling is to the co-inheritance with all the saints in the Messiah's kingdom (chapters 2-3) and now Paul begs believers to walk/live in a manner worthy of that calling by living in Holy Spirit empowered unity with each other. Failure to do so prevents God's glory from being displayed. Most believers and churches subsist in perpetual infancy and never grow to being able to reproduce, and thus fail to fully glorify God. If you are the exception, praise God!, and share what you do with others. The section reaches its climax in 5:21 “submitting to one another in the fear of God,” but we'll save the final chapters for tomorrow to focus on the dynamics that make unity, maturity, and reproduction possible.

Ephesians 4 Self-Edifying Body

4:1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and humility/meekness with patience, bearing with one another in love; 3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in/by the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.

7 But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Therefore he says, "When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." 9 Now this, "He ascended," what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

11 He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets;

and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds/pastors and teachers;

12 for the perfecting of the saints,

to the work of serving,

to the building up of the body of Christ;

13 until we all attain to the

unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

to a perfect/complete man,

to the measure of the stature/maturity of the fulness of Christ;

14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

15 but speaking truth in love,

we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ;

16 from whom all the body,

being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies,

according to the working in measure of each individual part,

makes the body increase/growth to the building up of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,

18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts; 19 who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But you did not learn Christ that way; 21 if indeed you heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus:

22 that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

24 and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor. For we are members of one another.

26 "Be angry, and don’t sin." Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.

29 Let no corrupt speech/communicaton proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edification/building up as the need may be, that it may minister grace to those who hear.

30 Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

Observations: 4:1-2 Walking worthily of our calling/invitation (see chapter 1) means living so that God rewards us. 1Thess 2:12 “that you would make your walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

Note the parallel passage in Colossians 1:4 we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love towards all the saints 5 because of the hope being laid up for you in the heavens, which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you...and is bearing fruit and growing...from the day which you heard and fully knew the grace of God in truth; 9 Because of this...praying for you, asking that you may be filled with the full knowledge of His will by all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 that you should walk worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit and increasing in the full knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to the might of His glory, for all endurance and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.

We bring God glory simply by obeying Him. God wouldn't make us for one purpose and then give us a bunch of commands that are irrelevant. He made us for His glory, and then gives us commands to guide us in fulfilling the purpose for which He created us. This is the same as the major OT theme of being careful to do what is right/pleasing in His sight. If we do what He wants, we, as a Body of believers, will become the temple in which His glory will dwell, and then He will glorify us in the Messianic kingdom of light. In short: we glorify Him; He glorifies us -2Th 1:11-12 ).

Note the character qualities necessary to live in unity with others (be they a sibling, roommate, spouse, or church member):

Humility - literally “lowly mindset,” is the opposite of self-will or self-centered pride; it's not poor self-esteem but esteeming oneself as the servant of others (Phil 2:3), which results in a willing submission to others (1Pt 5:5). It was a characteristic of Jesus (lowly of heart -Mt 11:29) and Paul (Acts 20:19) so it's not about being weak or spineless, but keeping one's strength focused on serving others. Colossians 3:12 tells us we should be wearing it daily, along with meekness, the next trait.

Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23); and the twin sister to Jesus' humility in Matthew 11:29, which made it easier to learn from Him. It's a quality we need to minister (Gal 6:1) and to try to teach the dunderheads who have been taken captive to do the devil's work (2Tim 2:25). Like humility, it's something we should put on as the “elect” of God (Col 3:12); and chase after until we catch it (1Tim 6:11). It is the basis of inheriting the earth in the Kingdom (Mt 5:3).

Having the mindset of humility and meekness, we can then exhibit patience (literally “long-suffering” - the ability to inhibit the impulse to give people back the grief they've been giving to us) and forbearance (literally “holding with” - used of bearing with or “suffering” fools -2Cor 11:19) that results in enduring the faults and foibles of the temporarily insane around us. That endurance is sometimes what it takes to love one-another (there's another of those commands of what believers should do). Love is desiring what is in another's best interest, and is next in priority after loyally loving God. This means that we don't compromise the truth, nor be enabling doormats, nor let sinners continue in their stupor (Eph 4:15), but it means that we are more concerned about God's reputation and the needs of others than our needs and reputation. God knows all, and will sustain you in the pain, intervene when appropriate, and compensate you justly and richly. If this sounds like something you've been getting out of Psalms, you've been paying attention.

4:3-6 The qualities and skills above are essential for preserving the unity of the Body which the Spirit created, and Satan seeks to destroy. Therefore we need to be diligent to keep it, using the strategy God gives. “Unity” is used only here and in 3:13, and refers to the oneness of the Body or temple. Christ is the basis of our corporate peace (2:14) creating a unified body of the Jews and Gentiles (2:15-17). The awareness that none of us have standing before God apart from what Christ has done for us in conjunction with other believers (and thus no claim to hereditary superiority) provide a bond (that which holds things together or the means) to keep the temple from crumbling when hit with Satan's onslaughts. It takes diligence to keep things together. The default is decay. Paul expands upon the unity by giving seven pillars of Biblical unity. Count 'em, they should be self-explanatory by this point (you should be able to explain how each contributes to corporate unity). The one God over all will coordinate the efforts of all the individual parts, just like the brain does for the human body (which is why it's a good idea to never lose your head), as all the parts are connected and in tune with Him. Those who want to go the extra mile can figure out why Paul used each of the different prepositions.

4:7-10 The unity of the Body is made up of diverse parts, that need to work together to accomplish God's purposes (glorify Him corporately and get glory individually -1Cor 15). To achieve His purposes each believer is given grace/power to enable him/her to function as a member of the Body. Paul paraphrases Psalm 68 (click link for original context), in the LXX (Greek version -the Septuagint), to describe Christ, who came to earth from heaven and conquered the enemy, returning to heaven as the victor, receiving gifts to give to men. Christ took captive those who were captive (to Satan) to give them for the benefit of His people. Paul doesn't reference the end of the verse, but it totally fits the context of God dwelling in the midst of the NT believers.

Ps 68:18 You have ascended on high, you hast led captivity captive: you hast received gifts for men; even, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.

Christ is not giving “offices” but people. They fit into three groups that will have three functions in verse 13. The first group, apostles and prophets, upon whom the church is built (2:20), provide the basis for unity in providing authenticated truth about Jesus and the faith. The evangelists (used only of Philip and Timothy -Acts 21:8; 2Tim 4:5) were those who shared the good news particularly with non-Jews, to bring them into the Body. The last group He gave to be “pastors and teachers.” The absence of the word “some” before teachers has led many grammarians to correctly conclude that this is one critter, who shepherds and teaches. This is the only occurrence of the word “pastor” in most translations. Everywhere else the Greek word is “shepherd,” usually refering to Jesus as the Chief Shepherd. The tasks of shepherding and overseeing (bishop=overseer) are entrusted to the elders in Acts 20:28 by Paul, and in 1Peter 5:2 by Peter. Elders are also given the task of teaching in Titus 1:9, and 1Timothy 3:2. When the apostles got 3,000 converts on Pentecost, and there was no NT yet, there was a need for supernaturally gifted people to shepherd and teach. However, if they do their job correctly, they are no longer necessary, as the following verses show, because the Body will take over the work of the gifted men.

The gifted men were given to equip the saints (believers) for the work of ministry, so the Body would be able to edify/build itself up (which is exactly what happens in 4:16). The Body becomes self-edifying as the function of the gifted men is taken over by the maturing believers. The word for equip is used of mending a net to put it into service. People ripped by the world and their past need to be made whole so they can minister to others.

4:13 The giving of the gifted men has a clearly specified time limit in mind, spelled out in verse 13. The preposition “until” plus the subjunctive verb (in this case “arrive”) is always used of "a punctiliarly conceived future event.” The verb “arrive” is used of a ship arriving at a destination. This means that the giving of the gifted men, or their ministry, occurs only until a specific destination is reached, that described in verse 13 (and alluded to above): a unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, accomplished by the ministry of the apostles and prophets; a complete/perfect man, which would have been the result of the proclaimers of Good News bringing Gentiles into the Body (the word could be translated mature, but it would be redundant with the next element); and a measure (part of the whole) of the standard/stature or maturity denoted by the fulness (full control of Christ). Notice it is a measure, not the total control. See 5:18 “filled with the Spirit” for filling = control.

As a result of reaching this standard, the negatively and positively stated consequences follow in verses 14-16. Note that verse 13 cannot possibly be perfection, because in verse 14 we're still on earth, avoiding error and in 15-16 we're helping others grow.

4:14 As a result of reaching a certain level of Body maturity (verse 13) the Body will no longer be composed of immature children, who are clueless about truth or error; they will not be susceptible to liberal lies, the theology du jour, nor the movement of the year/decade. They will also not be taken in by the schemes of worldly men, nor craftiness of the devil (2Cor 11:3). Note that this state can't be the state of perfection in heaven, since those dangers don't exist there, and the immunity from them is the result of the maturity produced by the gifted men, (not the result of being transported to heaven).

4:15-16 When organic growth reaches maturity, it reproduces life. It's true of fruit trees, sheep, and people. A certain level of maturity needs to be reached before reproduction. There is still growth of the entity, but reproduction also occurs. Verse 15 provides the Biblical means of church growth. Literally it's “truthing it in love” (only used elsewhere in Gal 4:16). Remember that in 1:4 God's purpose is for believers to be holy and blameless in love, and the end goal of verse 16 is for the Body to build itself up in love. So love (doing what is in another's best interest) is the ruling dynamic, as well as the goal -John 13:34-35.

So as the Body parts live and speak in love (5:2) according to the revealed truth, they and the Body will grow. Paul specifies that the growth is not numerical (more noses and nickles), but into the headship of Christ (this is the abiding in the vine of John 15). As truth is communicated and modeled, people become rightly related to the head, and then each other. Each part needs to be fitted and connected to the other parts (just like a human Body), and each must do its job to the standard of God's intent, supplying its part/function, so the Body causes its own growth. It becomes self-edifying, building itself up in the sphere of love. The ministry of the gifted men ceases, as those people died out, and their function is taken over by the mature body members (elders, et al). See comment under Digging Deeper for post-apostolic times. If a part of the Body isn't connected to the Head, it is spastic, causing damage to those around it. If not connected to the other parts it dies. If not connected to both, it won't bear fruit.
4:17-19 Therefore, Paul exhorts the Ephesians to not walk/live as the Gentiles do, in futility/vanity of speculations not based upon God's revelation; whose understanding is darkened, and are alienated from the vine life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them. This ignorance is due to the hardening of their heart, which is the callous formed by repeated rejection of truth (see comments on Romans 9). As a result they live for the temporal and sensual gratification of this world, defiling themselves (uncleanness cuts them off from priestly service and reward). This is the state of the carnal Christian (see Corinthians). The worse news is that it doesn't satisfy, because we were made to be satisfied by God. Pleasure becomes addictive, because it is subject to the law of diminishing returns. Most of the worldlings think “if I only had X, I'd be happy.” So they spend their days pursuing X. A few attain it, and then chase after Y, because X wasn't what they thought it would be. Those who repeat the process reach Z, and start wondering about their purpose for living. Tragic.
4:20-24 The Ephesian believers in Jesus were not taught to live like pagans. The truth in Jesus is that they were to put away/off their former way of live, the stinky old man that they were. This is the “do not be conformed to this world” of Romans 12, and the “crucified with Christ” of Galatians 2:20. “Just say no” is good, but won't work in the long term unless there is an internal change of thinking and values (see comments on Romans 12:1-2 and “Killing Deadly Desires”). There must be an inner renewal of thinking, and a new set of values and feelings. Then one can put on the “fragrant new man,” who reflects the image of God in true righteousness and holiness. This should be both an individual and corporate identity.
4:25-32 The new identity in Christ should permeate one's relationships with fellow believers, especially those with whom you don't have natural affinity (and maybe even ethnic or cultural enmity, like Jews and Gentiles). Paul gives a series of instructions that follow the format of:

Don't do (stop a self-centered behavior), Do (replace it with a better, other-centered behavior), here's why (the reason or motivation). You can verify that structure in the above text.

The first bad behavior to stop is lying to others (to look good, cover up sin, or get gain), but instead, one should speak truth to one another, because we are members of “one another.” Lies and falsehood bear the hoof print of the father of lies, not the mark of the Spirit of Truth. Lies do damage, causing another to act on incorrect information. By deceiving others, to whom we are connected, we harm ourselves as well. There should be a level of trust from the common commitment to Christ and each other (in being a church) that one should not fear self-disclosure. The only thing you have to fear is loss of your sin, and lack of censure at the judgment seat of Christ. Of course, some immature carnal Christians might judge you, but they're already doing that anyway. The mature believers (who probably see even more of your sin than you do) will think more highly of you for being honest and transparent.

Verse 26 means: in your anger, don't sin. Anger is an appropriate response to injustice and hypocrisy, as Jesus demonstrated (Mk 3:5; 11:15). However, when anger lingers, and festers into the desire for revenge, it becomes sin. Therefore Paul says to resolve conflict quickly, before the sun sets, so that the devil, ever ready to fan the embers of resentment and bitterness into a raging conflagration won't have the opportunity to do so.

Those who have succumbed to Satan's shortcut to possessions should stop stealing, and work, not to fulfill their lusts, but to give to others in need. Working with one's hands means honest productive labor, rather than dishonest schemes.
Verse 29 is a great verse to memorize in your favorite version. It embodies a Biblical philosophy of speech. Corrupt is used exclusively of bad fruit of bad fish, that is useless and toxic. Corrupt communication is that which tears down another to make one feel better about themselves. Our speech should serve/minister God's grace/power to those who hear us. God's grace is the power that edifies, but sometimes one needs to blast before one builds, which is why the skills of refutation, reproof, and rebuke are in the toolbox of the mature believer.

Verse 30 lacks the positive exhortation, which would be something like cooperate with the Spirit. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we frustrate His efforts to build unity by our independence and sin. Paul's motivational piece is that God has sealed all believers with the Holy Spirit (1:13) for the day of redemption (and glorification) of our bodies (Rm 8:23). Failure to cooperate with the Spirit (who works in us to help us desire and do God's pleasure -Phil 2:13) will result in disappointment (if not discipline -2Cor 5:10 comments) at the judgment seat of Christ. God's will is that you do things His way. Satan's will is that you do things your/his way.

Paul ends the chapter with a list of carnal, self-centered, non-Christlike behaviors which abound in unsanctified believers, which should be put away from them, and replaced with the Christ-like behaviors that God has demonstrated toward us. Chief among these is forgiveness, since Satan uses a lack of forgiveness to create wedges and divisions among believers.

Application: Believers who want to glorify God need to learn the truth, live the truth, and then love others with the truth as part of a unified Body of believers. That's God's plan.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks that in Your wisdom You have provided the means for individuals to be blessed and glorified, as they seek to obey and glorify You. Thanks that You mend and use former sinners to love and mend others. Amen.

Digging Deeper

In post-apostolic times, a case can be made for folks functioning as the original gifted men until a Body of believers can grow, self-edify and reproduce to the glory of God. In cases where churches have existed for decades, one has to wonder why they aren't self-edifying.

God in a nutshell: God has established the unity of the Body of believers, and uses the diversity of individual believers to maintain and further it. God gives gifted men to equip believers so they can build up the body in love.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the head of the Body to which all the individual parts must be connected to function properly and fruitfully.

Us in a nutshell: We need to live in such a way that we are worthy of the glory God has planned for us. That involves being transformed from self-centered sinners to other-centered lovers, focused on building others to the glory of God.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

There are numerous sermons on the purpose and function of the Church, including study guides on unity and other topics. See the upcoming blog on the Catacomb Church for how to create a Body of believers that fulfills the plans God has for His church.