Philippians 4:6-7; NKJV
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Perhaps Philippians 4:6 is the hardest command of the New Covenant. "Don't worry." How am I to go about submitting to Philippians 4:6?
Pray. Instead of worrying about it, being anxious over it, being troubled by it, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving talk to God about it.
Instead of being full of anxiety, He will fill you full of His peace...
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Enemies of the Cross of Christ
Philippians 3:17-21; NKJV
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame — who set their mind on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Not everyone is receptive to the gospel of Christ. There are "enemies of the cross of Christ," folks who are actively hostile (Strong's). They live lives that are in opposition to the walk of disciples of Christ. They set their minds on earthly things, their glory is their shame, their end is destruction.
Let us follow the pattern of men like the Apostle Paul and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. How we live determines whether we are His friends or His enemies. "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Colossians 2:6; NKJV).
17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame — who set their mind on earthly things.
20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Not everyone is receptive to the gospel of Christ. There are "enemies of the cross of Christ," folks who are actively hostile (Strong's). They live lives that are in opposition to the walk of disciples of Christ. They set their minds on earthly things, their glory is their shame, their end is destruction.
Let us follow the pattern of men like the Apostle Paul and walk in the footsteps of Jesus. How we live determines whether we are His friends or His enemies. "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Colossians 2:6; NKJV).
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
I Press
Philippians 3:12-16; NKJV
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Press – to pursue, to run swiftly
Goal – the end one has in view
Prize – the award to the victor
High – upward or on the top
Calling – invitation
12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Press – to pursue, to run swiftly
Goal – the end one has in view
Prize – the award to the victor
High – upward or on the top
Calling – invitation
Monday, February 25, 2013
That I May Know Him
Philippians 3:7-11; NKJV
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
“…that I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10; NKJV)
Paul, led by the Spirit, uses the Greek word (ginooskoo) that means to know by experience.
The entire focus of Paul’s life was to experience more of Jesus.
7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
“…that I may know Him…” (Philippians 3:10; NKJV)
Paul, led by the Spirit, uses the Greek word (ginooskoo) that means to know by experience.
The entire focus of Paul’s life was to experience more of Jesus.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me,
and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said,
"Let us rise up and build." Then they set their hands to this good
work. (Nehemiah 2:18; NKJV)
Friday, February 22, 2013
Epaphroditus
Philippians 2:25-30; NKJV
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;
26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
Epaphroditus was a member of the church in Philippi. He was sent by the Philippians to Paul to minister to his needs while he was in prison. While in Rome he became so sick he nearly died. As soon as he was well Paul sent him back to Philippi to ease the minds of his brethren.
Epaphroditus was a man who was to be held in high esteem because of work and heart. He loved the Lord and the Lord's people. He worked to glorify God and to edify his brethren. Follow his example and be held in high esteem among your brethren to the glory of God.
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need;
26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem;
30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.
Epaphroditus was a member of the church in Philippi. He was sent by the Philippians to Paul to minister to his needs while he was in prison. While in Rome he became so sick he nearly died. As soon as he was well Paul sent him back to Philippi to ease the minds of his brethren.
Epaphroditus was a man who was to be held in high esteem because of work and heart. He loved the Lord and the Lord's people. He worked to glorify God and to edify his brethren. Follow his example and be held in high esteem among your brethren to the glory of God.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Work Out, Works In
Philippians 2:12-13; NKJV
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
My Part - Work out - katergazomai - work fully, accomplish, finish (Strong's)
God's Part - Works in - energeo - to be active (Strong's)
Do your part. He'll do His part. You will experience salvation.
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
My Part - Work out - katergazomai - work fully, accomplish, finish (Strong's)
God's Part - Works in - energeo - to be active (Strong's)
Do your part. He'll do His part. You will experience salvation.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Exalted
Philippians 2:5-11; NKJV
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high” (Isaiah 52:13; NKJV).
Made a Little Lower. In eternity, the Word submitted to the will of the Father. In the first century, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He "was made a little lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:9; NKJV). Angels are spirit beings of a higher order than physical men and women. The Word lowered Himself. A body was prepared for Him (Hebrews 10:5). The One who inhabits eternity inhabited a body for some thirty-three and a half years. He became flesh and blood. He was a baby, a young man, a teenager, a twenty-something. He was made a little lower.
Lifted Up. The Word became flesh for the purpose of being "lifted up" (John 3:14). The process of crucifixion was efficient. A hole was dug in the Earth. The cross was laid on the ground. The victim was laid on the cross where he was then nailed to it. The cross was then "lifted up" and dropped into the Earth. The Word "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death" (Hebrews 2:9; NKJV). GOD in the form of GOD cannot die. The Word made Himself lower than the angels so He could die. He became flesh “so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9; NASBU). He was made a little lower so He could be lifted up.
Exalted. The death of Jesus on the cross is not the end of the story. It was never intended to be the end of the story. Isaiah prophesied the story from beginning to end over seven hundred years before the Word lowered Himself. “Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted” (Isaiah 52:13; NASBU). The I AM raised up His Servant and "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:30-31; NKJV). When He, "by Himself purged our sins," He then "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," exalted (Hebrews 1:3; NKJV). Jesus is worthy of exaltation because He lowered Himself, He sacrificed Himself, and He loved us without end. With the “myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands” around the throne, let us say with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:11-12; NASBU).
Is He exalted in your life?
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,
7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
“Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high” (Isaiah 52:13; NKJV).
Made a Little Lower. In eternity, the Word submitted to the will of the Father. In the first century, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. He "was made a little lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:9; NKJV). Angels are spirit beings of a higher order than physical men and women. The Word lowered Himself. A body was prepared for Him (Hebrews 10:5). The One who inhabits eternity inhabited a body for some thirty-three and a half years. He became flesh and blood. He was a baby, a young man, a teenager, a twenty-something. He was made a little lower.
Lifted Up. The Word became flesh for the purpose of being "lifted up" (John 3:14). The process of crucifixion was efficient. A hole was dug in the Earth. The cross was laid on the ground. The victim was laid on the cross where he was then nailed to it. The cross was then "lifted up" and dropped into the Earth. The Word "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death" (Hebrews 2:9; NKJV). GOD in the form of GOD cannot die. The Word made Himself lower than the angels so He could die. He became flesh “so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone” (Hebrews 2:9; NASBU). He was made a little lower so He could be lifted up.
Exalted. The death of Jesus on the cross is not the end of the story. It was never intended to be the end of the story. Isaiah prophesied the story from beginning to end over seven hundred years before the Word lowered Himself. “Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted” (Isaiah 52:13; NASBU). The I AM raised up His Servant and "Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:30-31; NKJV). When He, "by Himself purged our sins," He then "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," exalted (Hebrews 1:3; NKJV). Jesus is worthy of exaltation because He lowered Himself, He sacrificed Himself, and He loved us without end. With the “myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands” around the throne, let us say with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:11-12; NASBU).
Is He exalted in your life?
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Striving Together for the Faith
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel…” (Philippians 1:27; NKJV)
Striving Together for the Faith
“…in one spirit…” – pneuma – 5. universally, the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of anyone; the efficient source of any power, affection, emotion, desire (Thayer’s)
- “And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul…” (Acts 4:32; NKJV)
“…with one mind…” – psuchee – the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (Thayer’s)
–“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5; NKJV)
–“But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16; NKJV)
“…striving together…” – sunathleo - to wrestle in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to seek jointly (Strong’s); to strive at the same time with another (Thayer’s).
“…for the faith of the gospel…”
–The facts to believe, the commands to obey and the promises to receive of the gospel of Christ.
–The faith (the conviction) we have in the gospel (the good news of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ).
Question: Who are we?
Answer: We are a team!
Together
Everybody
Accomplishes
More
Components of Teamwork
1.Good Leadership – Our Eldership!
2.Common Purpose – seek & save the lost!
3.Plan of Action – plant, water, pray!
4.Well-defined Roles – know your role!
5.Execution – use your gifts!
Monday, February 18, 2013
To Live is Christ
Philippians 1:19-26; NKJV
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
To be this Man's disciple is to think about life and death from a spiritual perspective. To live is to become like Him. To die is to be with him.
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell.
23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you.
25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
To be this Man's disciple is to think about life and death from a spiritual perspective. To live is to become like Him. To die is to be with him.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me,
and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said,
"Let us rise up and build." Then they set their hands to this good
work. (Nehemiah 2:18; NKJV)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Christ is Preached
Philippians 1:12-18; NKJV
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill:
16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Some were preaching Christ for the right reasons. Some were preaching Christ for the wrong reasons. Christ was preached and folks had the opportunity to hear of Him and His will for their lives no matter the motive of the preacher. Let us rejoice that Christ has been and continues to be preached, giving folks the opportunity to hear of "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6).
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill:
16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains;
17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
Some were preaching Christ for the right reasons. Some were preaching Christ for the wrong reasons. Christ was preached and folks had the opportunity to hear of Him and His will for their lives no matter the motive of the preacher. Let us rejoice that Christ has been and continues to be preached, giving folks the opportunity to hear of "the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6).
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Philippians 1:6
"...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ..." (Philippians 1:6; NKJV)
Confident - persuaded
Begun - to make a beginning
Complete - bring to an end, accomplish
Our Father in Heaven will complete the work He has begun in each of us through His Son and Holy Spirit.
Confident - persuaded
Begun - to make a beginning
Complete - bring to an end, accomplish
Our Father in Heaven will complete the work He has begun in each of us through His Son and Holy Spirit.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
If Grace is to be With You
"Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen." (Ephesians 6:24; NKJV)
If grace is to be with you, love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Sincerity - genuineness (Strong's); incorruption (Thayer's); undiminishing (Vine's).
If grace is to be with you, love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity.
Sincerity - genuineness (Strong's); incorruption (Thayer's); undiminishing (Vine's).
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Praying in the Holy Spirit
Ephesians 6:18; NKJV
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 —
Jude 20; NKJV
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Romans 8:26-27; NKJV
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Pray to your Father in Heaven in the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ Jesus. The Spirit will help you in your weakness. He will make intercession for you according to His perfect understanding of the will of your Father.
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 —
Jude 20; NKJV
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
Romans 8:26-27; NKJV
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Pray to your Father in Heaven in the Holy Spirit in the name of Christ Jesus. The Spirit will help you in your weakness. He will make intercession for you according to His perfect understanding of the will of your Father.
Monday, February 11, 2013
As to Christ
Ephesians 6:5-9; NKJV
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
All of our relationships are to revolve around Christ.
1. "as to Christ" (EPH 6:5)
2. "as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (EPH 6:6)
3. "as to the Lord" (EPH 6:7)
4. "he will receive the same from the Lord" (EPH 6:8)
5. "your own Master also is in heaven" (EPH 6:9)
Let your life revolve around Him and others will see Him in you.
5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart,
7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men,
8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.
9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
All of our relationships are to revolve around Christ.
1. "as to Christ" (EPH 6:5)
2. "as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (EPH 6:6)
3. "as to the Lord" (EPH 6:7)
4. "he will receive the same from the Lord" (EPH 6:8)
5. "your own Master also is in heaven" (EPH 6:9)
Let your life revolve around Him and others will see Him in you.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel." (Ezra 7:10; NKJV)
Friday, February 8, 2013
What's Not in Ephesians 6:4
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4; NKJV).
What's not in Ephesians 6:4?
1. The State
2. The Local Church
3. Mom
What is in Ephesians 6:4?
Fathers.
Ephesians 6:4 speaks of the responsibility of fathers to their children.
Bring up: ektrepho – to rear up to maturity, i.e. to cherish or train (Strong's)
—Nurture: paideia – tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction: KJV - chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture. (Strong's)
—Admonition: nouthesia – calling attention to, i.e. (by implication) mild rebuke or warning: KJV - admonition. (Strong’s)
—Lord: kurios – from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority. (Strong's)
Father's Arise!
1. Read the Word with your kids.
2. Speak specifically of application.
3. Worship with them.
4. Lead by example.
What's not in Ephesians 6:4?
1. The State
2. The Local Church
3. Mom
What is in Ephesians 6:4?
Fathers.
Ephesians 6:4 speaks of the responsibility of fathers to their children.
Bring up: ektrepho – to rear up to maturity, i.e. to cherish or train (Strong's)
—Nurture: paideia – tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction: KJV - chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture. (Strong's)
—Admonition: nouthesia – calling attention to, i.e. (by implication) mild rebuke or warning: KJV - admonition. (Strong’s)
—Lord: kurios – from kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority. (Strong's)
Father's Arise!
1. Read the Word with your kids.
2. Speak specifically of application.
3. Worship with them.
4. Lead by example.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Christ and the Church
"This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:32; NKJV).
Question: Which came first? The church or marriage?
Answer: The Church
God the Father's eternal purpose is fulfilled in Christ. The church makes His eternal purpose known. The marriage relationship serves as an object lesson of the relationship He longs to have with each of us...
Question: Which came first? The church or marriage?
Answer: The Church
God the Father's eternal purpose is fulfilled in Christ. The church makes His eternal purpose known. The marriage relationship serves as an object lesson of the relationship He longs to have with each of us...
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Walk Circumspectly
Ephesians 5:15-21; NKJV
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Circumspectly - akribos - is correctly translated in the RV of Luke 1:3, "having traced the course of all things accurately" (KJV, "having had perfect understanding"). It is used in Matt 2:8, of Herod's command to the wise men as to searching for the young Child (RV, "carefully"; KJV, "diligently"); in Acts 18:25, of Apollos' teaching of "the things concerning Jesus" (RV, "carefully"; KJV, "diligently"); in Eph 5:15, of the way in which believers are to walk (RV, "carefully"; KJV, "circumspectly"); in 1 Thess 5:2, of the knowledge gained by the saints through the apostle's teaching concerning the Day of the Lord (RV and KJV, "perfectly"). The word expresses that "accuracy" which is the outcome of carefulness. It is connected with akros, "pointed." (Vine's)
1. Walk in love (Ephesians 5:2).
2. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
3. Walk carefully (Ephesians 5:15).
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Circumspectly - akribos - is correctly translated in the RV of Luke 1:3, "having traced the course of all things accurately" (KJV, "having had perfect understanding"). It is used in Matt 2:8, of Herod's command to the wise men as to searching for the young Child (RV, "carefully"; KJV, "diligently"); in Acts 18:25, of Apollos' teaching of "the things concerning Jesus" (RV, "carefully"; KJV, "diligently"); in Eph 5:15, of the way in which believers are to walk (RV, "carefully"; KJV, "circumspectly"); in 1 Thess 5:2, of the knowledge gained by the saints through the apostle's teaching concerning the Day of the Lord (RV and KJV, "perfectly"). The word expresses that "accuracy" which is the outcome of carefulness. It is connected with akros, "pointed." (Vine's)
1. Walk in love (Ephesians 5:2).
2. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
3. Walk carefully (Ephesians 5:15).
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Walk as Children of Light
Ephesians 5:8-14; NKJV
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
14 Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light."
We once were dead in sins and trespasses, walking in darkness (Ephesians 2:1-3; 5:8). Now we are children of light and we must walk as such (Ephesians 5:8). We are to find out what is acceptable to the Lord and walk that way trusting Him to give us light (Ephesians 5:8-14).
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
14 Therefore He says:
"Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light."
We once were dead in sins and trespasses, walking in darkness (Ephesians 2:1-3; 5:8). Now we are children of light and we must walk as such (Ephesians 5:8). We are to find out what is acceptable to the Lord and walk that way trusting Him to give us light (Ephesians 5:8-14).
Monday, February 4, 2013
Walk in Love
Ephesians 5:1-7; NKJV
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, 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 upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Our God and Father would have us imitate Him as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). We are to live lifestyles that are rooted and grounded in His love (Ephesians 5:2). We are to live and love and Christ lived and loved us to the point of giving and sacrificing Himself to God as a means to our forgiveness and adoption (Ephesians 5:2).
Know Him. Love Him. Walk in love.
1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.
2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints;
4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this you know, that no fornicator, 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 upon the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Our God and Father would have us imitate Him as dear children (Ephesians 5:1). We are to live lifestyles that are rooted and grounded in His love (Ephesians 5:2). We are to live and love and Christ lived and loved us to the point of giving and sacrificing Himself to God as a means to our forgiveness and adoption (Ephesians 5:2).
Know Him. Love Him. Walk in love.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Hidden in My Heart
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel." (Ezra 7:10; NKJV)
Friday, February 1, 2013
The New Man's Behavior
Ephesians 4:25-32; NKJV
25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
27 nor give place to the devil.
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
The New Man's New Behavior
1. Speaks truth to his neighbor (4:26)
2. Doesn't sin when he gets angry (4:26)
3. Doesn't let the sun go down on his wrath (4:26)
4. Doesn't give place to the Devil (4:27)
5. Works for his living and shares what he earns with others (4:28)
6. Speaks words of good and grace for necessary edification (4:29)
7. Doesn't grieve the Holy Spirit (4:30)
8. Puts away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking and malice (4:31)
9. Is kind, tenderhearted and forgiving to others (4:32)
10. Remembers what God did for him in Christ (4:32)
25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.
26 "Be angry, and do not sin": do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
27 nor give place to the devil.
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
The New Man's New Behavior
1. Speaks truth to his neighbor (4:26)
2. Doesn't sin when he gets angry (4:26)
3. Doesn't let the sun go down on his wrath (4:26)
4. Doesn't give place to the Devil (4:27)
5. Works for his living and shares what he earns with others (4:28)
6. Speaks words of good and grace for necessary edification (4:29)
7. Doesn't grieve the Holy Spirit (4:30)
8. Puts away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking and malice (4:31)
9. Is kind, tenderhearted and forgiving to others (4:32)
10. Remembers what God did for him in Christ (4:32)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)