No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
In Ephesians 1:3-14 and 2:1-10, we learn that our standing with God cannot be earned. Throughout these chapters, the phrases “In Him” and “In Christ” are repeated seven times, highlighting that all our spiritual blessings and salvation are found exclusively in Christ. Paul emphasizes that our standing with Christ is not based on our actions or efforts.
3. Unity among believers is essential as we are all connected through our shared faith in Christ. This bond creates one body, united in our beliefs and devotion to God. As believers, we are called to uphold this unity within the Church, recognizing it as a fundamental requirement for all followers of Christ.
5. Equipped with a purpose: Our purpose is intricately woven into the fabric of who we are, extending to our families, churches, and ministries. Just as we are not saved by ourselves or for ourselves, our unique purpose guides us from the very beginning.
7. As believers, we are called to emulate the qualities and traits of Jesus, reflecting His love, compassion, and grace in our daily lives. By striving to mirror the image of God in our thoughts, words, and actions, we participate in the process of sanctification, drawing closer to the living God and spreading His light to those around us. In following Christ’s example, we embody the essence of His teachings and embody His unconditional love for all.
9. Train your children in righteousness according to Ephesians 6:1-4. The gospel is not just reflected in our marriages, but also in our interactions with our children. Paul outlines clear guidelines for parents and children on how to treat each other respectfully and lovingly.
The book of Ephesians is a priceless treasure for believers, offering invaluable teachings and timeless truths that we must continually hold close to our hearts. Each day, we must have the gospel reaffirmed in our lives, embracing our identity in Christ and living it out authentically. It is not merely a decorative accessory we wear on our wrist; rather, it is the transformative power of the gospel manifested within each of us.
While we await our inheritance, we can experience spiritual blessings now – including God’s peace and presence through Christ, and the gift of adoption. Though an easy life is not promised, we have Christ with us to guide us through any hardship we face.
Why should you study and share Ephesians?
Paul’s timeless writing continues to provide unwavering support, reassurance, and unwavering faith for believers throughout the centuries. Studying Ephesians allows us to delve deeper into the profound work of the Trinity in our salvation journey. In chapter one, we are reminded that God the Father lavishes us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly realms, while God the Son redeems us, and the Holy Spirit secures our salvation with His seal of approval.
The theology of Ephesians teaches that through the life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and enthronement of Jesus Christ, the church, as his body, proclaims through its unity, the supreme authority of Jesus not just within the church, but also across the entire cosmos. This truth underscores the essential role of the church in revealing the sovereignty of Jesus on a cosmic scale, inviting believers to walk in discipleship and live out this profound theological reality in their daily lives.
Following Ephesians 4:20-24, Christians are encouraged since every sin is voluntary to “put off your old self” and embrace the “new self.” This transformation through Jesus enables believers to leave behind sinful behaviors and embark on a fresh journey. This fundamental teaching holds true for both lifelong followers of Christ and individuals who choose to accept Him later in life. The old man is dead!
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
THE WORDSMITH
MATRIXBecause life is to journey, God has no expectation you will get it all right the first time, You’ve started on the journey, not arrived.
Click My writing to engage.
1 Corinthians 3:16
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”
Romans 8:16
“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”
Paul emphasizes the true Gospel with Galatians 3 verse 11 stating that no one is justified before God by the law; rather, the righteous will live by faith. The just shall live by faith.
First, in the Old and New Testament books the Holy Spirit is referred to as “he,” and throughout the New Testament, He’s referred to as a person (John 6:63; 14:26; Rom. 8:11, 16, 26; 1 John 5:6). The Holy Spirit can be grieved, resisted, and even insulted. An impersonal force cannot do these things. Only a person can.
Second, before ascending to heaven, Jesus said he was going to send the Holy Spirit to be a counselor like Him (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit is so very capable of teaching (Luke 12:12). Unlike a force such as gravity, an impersonal force that cannot counsel nor teach people, the Holy Spirit can do both while testifying to the Word and acting as witness for all.
In both these ways, we can see that the Holy Spirit is much more than a force—he’s the third member of the Trinity, who actively guides, teaches, and interacts with believers.
He communes (2 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 21:11; 28:25–26; 1 Tim. 4:1; Heb. 3:7–8; Rev. 2:7; 14:13; 22:17). He witnesses (John 15:26). He searches (1 Cor. 2:11). He can be grieved (Isa. 63:10; Eph. 4:30). He loves (Rom. 15:30). He has a mind (Rom. 8:27). He has intelligence (1 Cor. 2:10–11). He can be tested (Acts 5:9). He can be resisted (Acts 7:5). He has a will (1 Cor. 2:11; 12:7–11).
His ultimate mission is to glorify Jesus, not seeking recognition for himself or us.
By shifting our focus from self-centered pursuits to honoring Jesus, the Holy Spirit encourages us to love God and others with a newfound purpose, leading us to a life of worship and fulfillment in God’s presence. (John 15:26; 16:14; Acts 5:32; 1 Cor. 12:3; 1 John 4:2)
When reading Scripture, seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance to grasp its meaning and impact on your life. Through personal study, interactions with others, and sharing the gospel, the Holy Spirit works to illuminate the Bible’s truths (Rom. 1:16; 10:14–16). If you teach the Bible, invite the Holy Spirit to aid your listeners in comprehending the passages you present.
Here are just a few examples.
The Holy Spirit specifically called upon Barnabas and Saul for a unique task, guiding them to the work He had appointed for them in Acts 13:2. Similarly, the Holy Spirit directed Philip to assist an Ethiopian eunuch in comprehending the teachings of the Old Testament in Acts 8:26–40. In Acts 16:6–7, the Holy Spirit intervened to prevent Paul from entering certain regions to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. While the Holy Spirit may at times provide supernatural guidance, He mostly leads us through the everyday rhythms of life. By placing your trust in God (Prov. 3:5–6), immersing yourself in Scripture (Rom. 12:1–2), and seeking wise counsel (Prov. 11:14), the Holy Spirit will gently steer you towards the work He has ordained for you.
Pray “Come, Holy Spirit”Amen
For “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Cor. 1:27)
When you feel unsure of what to pray for, the Holy Spirit steps in to assist in aligning your prayers with God’s will for a specific situation.
In times of weakness, always remember to seek the Holy Spirit’s help for strength and guidance.
“Lord, in Jesus’ name I thank You for everything and especially now that the Holy Spirit joins me in the contests I am facing today. You sent Him to be my Helper, my Guide, my Teacher, and my Intercessor; the One helping me deal with my problems truthfully and showing me paths to overcome them!” Amen
Just as he led Jesus into the wilderness and provided specific instructions to Philip, believers are encouraged to walk according to the Spirit, actively cooperating with his guidance (Rom. 8:4; Gal. 5:16).
Rather than passively waiting for a feeling, believers are called to pray and prepare for action in alignment with the Holy Spirit’s leading. John 15:9–11 Reminds Us of the Promise of Fullness of Joy
God has not left us alone in this vital work, as he has graciously sent the Holy Spirit to empower our evangelistic efforts.
The Holy Spirit enables us to be effective witnesses (Acts 1:8), guides our evangelistic endeavors (Acts 8:26, 29), and empowers our preaching of the gospel (Acts 4:38, 31; 6:10; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:12) with the ultimate goal of glorifying Jesus Christ.
He reveals the presence of Jesus to us, transforms us to be more like Jesus, aids in our understanding of the Bible, calls us to serve, equips us for service and evangelism, assists in our prayers, directs us, and blesses us with spiritual gifts.
Let us not overlook the Holy Spirit, but instead, embrace His attributes as part of the Trinity and strive to walk closely with Him. I trust we have shed light on the Holy Spirit and His workings in your life.
Also, if you’re in a position of teaching the Bible to your family, friends, small group, or church, it’s a good idea to ask for the Holy Spirit to help your listeners understand the passage you are sharing.
If I do what I do not want to do, it is not me but sin living in me that does it. This highlights the distinction between living in the flesh versus living by the Spirit of God, as warned by Paul against attempting to live a holy life solely through our own efforts.
For the right actions I desire, I often find myself unable to take them, while I end up doing the wrong things that I wish to avoid.
But I need something more! Despite my knowledge of the law, I struggle to uphold it. The power of sin within me constantly thwarts my best intentions, highlighting my need for assistance. It is evident that I lack the ability to achieve on my own. I can desire to do good, yet find myself falling short in action. Despite my efforts to avoid wrongdoing, I still succumb. My resolutions seem futile, as something deep within me continues to overpower me at every turn.
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (Romans 6:14)
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me..… (Romans 6:17)
Romans 8:12
“Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.”
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. (Romans 6:14);
In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul reminds us to actively control our thoughts by focusing on the eight essential characteristics of Christian thought. As Christ followers, we are called to bring every thought into obedience to Him. Check where your mind wanders to discern if your thoughts are inspired by the Holy Spirit. Reject ungodly thoughts and ask yourself if what you are dwelling on aligns with Christ.
We refuse to allow ungodly thoughts to occupy our thoughts. When you are dwelling on anything ask yourself, “Is what I am contemplating or thinking about something that is :
True – Am I focusing on the witnessed reality that is before me? It is often unproductive to dwell on falsehoods. It is crucial for us to envision our future with faith and wisdom, without becoming consumed by uncertainties and possibilities.
Honorable – having or showing a strict regard for what is morally right or morally correct – Am I focused on that which is dignified, deserving of respect, and capable of evoking awe? Or am I fixating on behaviors that are deemed sinful and wicked?
Just – The justice of God and anything that is not injurious or defrauding to anyone else. Is it right and fair? Is it deceiving? Understanding the concept of justice and fairness is essential in all aspects of life. It is crucial to consider the impact of our actions on others and ensure that we are not causing harm or being deceptive. Being honest and respectful in our interactions with others is a fundamental principle that reflects our integrity and values. In a world filled with complexities, staying true to just and righteous behavior is a testament to our character and morality. Let us strive to uphold these principles in all that we do, demonstrating our commitment to fairness and truthfulness.
Lovely – something that is pleasing, winsome, and most importantly, evokes love. Is it affectionate and delightful or is it purely physical and sensual? Is it peacefully loving/pleasing or excited, evil, lustful and/or carnal?
Commendable – Reflecting positivity and fairness towards others. Would you be proud to share it? Would you feel embarrassed sharing it?
Worthy – Anything deserving of praise leads to the glorification of God. Consider if your actions and choices result in the exaltation of Christ. The act of praise and worship through singing, dancing, and praying serves to create a sacred and profound connection with the Lord, enabling His divine voice to resonate within you. Psalms 100:4-5 “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, And into his courts with praise: Be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; And his truth endureth to all generations.”
Praiseworthy – Ethically sound and morally upright, anything that is of good report, this speaks of virtue and excellence. Ethically sound and morally upright, this speaks of virtue and excellence in a morally pure way.
This is all that results in the praise of God. Does your intended action, thoughts or words result in Christ being praised and worshipped?
Additionally, in Romans 7 verse 9, Paul clarifies that his words are not based on personal experiences, pointing out that as a lifelong follower of the Jewish law, he could never have lived outside of its influence. This serves as a reminder of the profound impact of Paul’s faith and devotion to Christ in shaping his perspectives and actions.

“Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.”
Understanding the significance of God’s Law is crucial, as it unveils the reality of sin and the consequences of breaking it. The Law serves as a guide, revealing our deepest desires and vulnerabilities, ultimately highlighting our sinful nature. It is a stark reminder that our need to detach from the Law stems not from its inherent sinfulness, but from its limitations in combating our deeply rooted sinful tendencies. Embracing this truth is a pivotal step towards acknowledging our frailties and seeking redemption.
…it is doubly sinful to use God’s Law to break God’s Law
Uncover the profound wisdom of Jesus’ teachings and experience the true liberation found in following his path. Just as he spoke to the Jews who believed in him, revealing the power of truth and freedom, let his words guide you towards a life of genuine liberation.
In Jesus, trust and rely on the profound wisdom of his teachings, embracing the transformational power of faith to find true liberation in walking in his light. Let his words guide you towards a life of genuine freedom. Follow Jesus now.