A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 15

 

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) (Ephesians 4:7–10 ESV).

 

Our reading today is one of the most difficult passages to definitively interpret. We do know that it serves as a vital theological transition in the Apostle Paul's letter, moving from the overarching corporate unity of the Church to the individual diversity of spiritual gifts. However, theologians have debated the “descension” and “ascension” of Jesus. So, we will look briefly at these verses from a reformed perspective and draw a brief conclusion to encourage us as we look at the gifts God bestowed on His church.

 

Because of the brevity of this format, we will look at Christ’s ascension today. It benefits us in many ways. First, it marks His formal assumption of His kingly office. Because the Son humbled Himself, took on our flesh, and fulfilled His mission, the Father highly exalted Him (cf. Philippians 2:5–11). Having eternally enjoyed an authority equal to the Father’s with respect to His deity, Christ ascended to heaven to execute authority over all in His humanity as well. The God-man now reigns over all, putting all His and our enemies under His feet (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:25). This is no small thing, but there is more.

 

Christ’s ascension also furthers the good of His people. The Apostle tells us that Jesus ascended above all the heavens “that he might fill all things” (vv. 9–10). John Calvin comments on this filling, explaining that “while [Jesus] is removed from us in bodily presence, he fills all things by the power of his Spirit.” According to His human nature, Christ is in heaven, for that is where His human body and soul are present. But through the Holy Spirit, Christ is present with His people here on earth.

 

Calvin continues: “Did [Christ] not fill them before? In his divine nature, I own, he did; but the power of his Spirit was not so exerted, nor his presence so manifested, as after he had entered into the possession of his kingdom.” So, it is better for us that Jesus is not presently among us in the flesh. Jesus Himself said, “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you” (John 16:7). For the Holy Spirit (the Helper) to fully exercise His ministry among God’s people, Jesus had to ascend to heaven. His ascension and His sending the Spirit mean we are in the last days before the renewal of creation (cf. Joel 2:28–32; Acts 2). Moreover, by His Spirit, we can now fellowship with the whole Christ, in His deity and in His humanity, for by the Spirit Christ bridges the distance between us and His physical body in heaven. Christ is omnipresent according to His divine nature, so He has always been at hand everywhere. But until Jesus ascended to heaven and sent His Spirit, only the people who came into direct contact with Him as He ministered in Galilee and in Judea encountered Him in His humanity. Since His ascension, we can fellowship with Christ in His humanity no matter where we live.

 

This is the great gift and strength we may possess for every circumstance and difficulty of life. Because He has ascended, victorious and Lord over all things, now we have One who is always with us to give us that same power and victory. Nothing we face can ever do more than hurl empty threats toward us. And, as we will see later, we have also been equipped with the necessary armor to ward off all of those attacks! What a GREAT God we have! Grace is not an empty word!

 

A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 14

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:1–6 ESV).

 

Our reading today serves as the structural and thematic turning point of Paul’s letter, shifting from theological doctrine (Chapters 1–3) to practical Christian living (Chapters 4–6). Writing from prison, the Apostle Paul issues a passionate plea for believers to live out their high heavenly calling through concrete relational virtues and an unwavering commitment to church unity.

 

We should not miss the reference Paul makes to be a "prisoner for the Lord," emphasizing that his chains are a direct result of his alignment with God's purpose. As such he adds authority and example of his teaching that many cannot. These practices resulted in his imprisonment, yet he holds they are worth every sacrifice.

 

The phrase "live a life worthy" (or "walk worthy") uses the Greek word axiōs, which carries the imagery of a balancing scale. Paul is urging that daily conduct must match the heavyweight identity given by God's grace. It is not a way to earn love, but a response to being loved. He then lists five attitudes of this unity he calls them to live. He desires us to exhibit humility, seeing ourselves accurately in relation to God and putting others first. He encourages gentleness. This is power under control, mimicking Christ's own meekness. He also encourages patience. Paul understood personal the long-suffering endurance under difficult or provoking circumstances that describe such a practice. This leads him to say we ought to practice bearing with one another; consciously making allowances for each other's flaws and quirks. And last, he says we are to love one another which is the motivating framework that binds all these virtues together.

 

In today’s culture which is rife with division and an ever widening gap between, I wonder if we have lost these characteristics completely. I urge all of us to take seriously the call to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to be the children of God!

 

  

A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 13

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20–21 ESV).

 

We cannot leave the third chapter of Paul’s letter without a mention of the benediction he ends it with. It declares that God can do far more than we ask or imagine through His power working in us, and gives Him glory forever through the church and Jesus Christ. The words translated “far more abundantly” (v. 20) use a Greek word for “abundantly” that is very interesting. It is ὑπέρ (pronounced “hoop-er'”). We get our English word “hyper” from it. It is usually best translated "for the betterment (advantage) of" (i.e. focusing on benefit). The apostle wants to leave no doubt that what he see in the grace of God is far exceeding any imagined benefit we might hope for or think. God's power has no limits. It goes past our highest prayers and biggest dreams.

 

This declaration must always follow any discussion of theology. Knowledge of the Lord’s character and His work should inspire heartfelt praise, for why learn about God if we are not moved to fulfill the purpose for which we are created — to worship and glorify the Creator (cf. Isaiah 43:7)? When studying theology does not prompt us to adoration, we must question whether we are more concerned to puff ourselves up with knowledge than to glorify God.

 

Besides exalting the name of our God, Paul’s doxology also comforts us with the knowledge that the Lord “is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us”. There is no limit to what God can achieve for His people, and it is impossible to ask Him to do too much, so we should not fear asking Him for too many blessings. He can and will grant us wonderful things — in accordance with His will, of course (cf. James 4:2b–3; 1 John 5:14). That is the basis of our prayer life. We must know we can’t ask for more than God is able to grant.

 

C.S. Lewis writes in his introduction to St. Athanasius on the Incarnation: “I tend to find the doctrinal books often more helpful in devotion than the devotional books, and I rather suspect that the same experience may await many others. I believe that many who find that ‘nothing happens’ when they sit down, or kneel down, to a book of devotion, would find that the heart sings unbidden while they are working their way through a tough bit of theology with a pipe in their teeth and a pencil in their hand.”

 

Whether you use a “pipe” or not while studying the Scripture, please know that knowledge of God brings us to the praise of God. Always look for that revelation given to you as a means to know the wonder of His grace and character!

  

A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 12

 

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:14–21).

 

For the third part of this great mystery now revealed the Apostle Paul tells us of the riches we have found in the FAMILY OF GOD. Our reading today is the next paragraph in the section of this letter. Here Paul comes to the last verb of his thought in this section. He tells them that it is for a specific reason that he kneels before the Father and prays for them. This petition contains four specific requests:

 

He asks that they be strengthened with power (v. 16). He asks that the target of that strength be their “inner man.” That is the seat of intellectual and spiritual life. It is the point of influence in our lives. Unfortunately, it is often just the opposite. It is there we are most vulnerable. It has become a point of feebleness rather than power in so many Christian’s lives. Paul asks that their power be increased in those areas of faith, trust, humility, love, patience, joy, and perseverance, all those things that come through our intimate walk with the Holy Spirit.

 

He asks that they know the indwelling of Christ. This is far different than an occasional visit or influence of Jesus in our lives. Paul wants them to know the constant power of Christ within them. It is the same power he knew when he faced so many trials and difficulties in his life. It gave him his unwavering knowledge of pardon and acceptance; it molded his will, emotions, enlightening and confirming his conscience that he had been truly forgiven! No wonder he could face death itself and laugh at its consequence. For Paul it was just another doorway to another part of life! That’s a treasure!

 

He asks that they be rooted and established in love. The picture is one of both a tree and a building. The growth of a living tree and the stability of a firmly founded skyscraper are the pictures! He wants god’s love to be so apparent that they are like a tree stretching to the sky and standing against the storms of life like a skyscraper on an indestructible foundation!

 

He asks that they really understand the love of Christ. Isn’t this the great mystery? How and why god would send His only begotten Son to die for us is incomprehensible. Yet, he prays they may both comprehend (a mental grasp) and “know” (an experiential knowledge) that love. It is like placing a teacup on the shore of the ocean as the tide comes in. The teacup cannot hold the entire ocean, yet it holds the ocean’s full character as it is filled with the tide rolling in over it.

 

It staggers the imagination. However, we must not, we dare not, make the mistake of thinking that it is impossible. Paul says we have found the code that releases the treasure into our keeping! He breaks out into this doxology because of his absolute confidence that whatever we ask of God He is able to do:

 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

 

 

A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 11

 

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:7–13 ESV).

 

Today we look at the second great “mystery” is a part of the unsearchable riches of Christ that the Apostle Paul notes: “… so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known” (V. 10). He is saying we have found the riches in the WONDER OF THE CHURCH. Now, of course, he is speaking of the real body of Christ, not individual organizations or denominations as we know the church to be today. In fact, there are times when I wonder if we even have a frame of reference to understand the concept Paul did. We have become so fractured and divided in our petty differences that a unified Church is hardly recognizable today.

 

That does not negate the truth Paul cites in this text. We should look at three singular principles Paul outlines in this section:

 

One of the greatest treasures is the Church, the body of Christ (v. 10). AS I have written above, there are many who would argue with that statement. If we look at the church merely as an institution there is a basis for such an argument. The church has had a checkered past with its sins and wars. Yet when we truly look within, the marvelous nature of the church cannot be exaggerated. At the heart of the church’s existence is a covenant, a “testament” as the familiar title pages of our Bibles clearly tell us. To create heaven and earth was a wonder in itself. It was a further marvel to create man as a rational being, a being free to turn into a rebel against his Creator. But then to woo him back to a relationship of love and obedience, to create a people who live emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually in a similar relationship of grace and forgiveness is a wonder indeed!

 

The apostle then says it was according to his eternal purpose (v. 11). The emphatic nature of Paul’s argument is clearly shown here. We have gained this great gift through no accident or work of our own doing. It is through the eternal will and purpose of the almighty Creator, Lord of all creation!

 

Then Paul places a capstone on this truth as he writes: In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (v. 12).  These three concepts of access, freedom, and confidence are bound together. The word translated “approach” is a word that would be used in the phrase “freedom of speech.” It means we can come to Him and say whatever is on our heart and mind. In fact, he emphasizes that truth with the next descriptor of “freedom.” It speaks of the notion that there is no need for fear of rejection. We won’t be turned away from His presence for any reason. And, last he uses the word “confidence.” It really indicates assurance. The three words together form one complete idea that through faith we have free, unrestricted, confident access to God!

 

But wouldn’t you expect that? Surely that’s what Jesus meant when He used the comparison of God as our Heavenly Father and said:

 

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11 NIV).

 

 

A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 10

 

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:7–13 ESV).

 

As I wrote yesterday, we continue with this passage and the first of three incredible declarations of the Apostle Paul concerning the “mystery” within this unsearchable treasure we have been given in Christ. The apostle says we have found the riches in the FELLOWSHIP of the mystery (v 9).

 

Various translations have used different words to convey the meaning of the word “administration.” The Revised Standard Version uses “dispensation”; The King James Version uses “fellowship”; and The Message simply says, “… things that are way over my head”! The emphasis ought to be on the word “mystery.” One of the great riches of Christ is found in the “mystery” that “while we were yet sinners” He would come and die for us (cf. Romans 5:6-8). That’s what captivated Paul! He had found this great treasure and become a steward in the worldwide distribution of God’s message of grace.

 

It is not a trifling matter. To think of the lengths that God went in order to redeem us is incredible. I have heard others explain away this mysterious blessing by charging that God had no other choice. Somehow, He had to save man from the consequences of his sin. His nature demanded that He send Jesus. How dare we cheapen the great gift of God’s only begotten son with such a declaration! As if the almighty Creator and Sustainer of the universe had no other choice! He had a choice and He chose grace!

 

Since the very beginning when Adam and Eve chose to live in opposition to God, He has been working this great mystery of grace on our behalf. Surely you remember the story. God comes to the garden to walk with them as was His custom. He calls out to them, knowing well they were hiding in their shame and guilt, “Adam, where are you?” do you believe for a moment that God did not know where Adam was? Can you not see the impact of his gentle compassion for Adam and Eve? Adam finally answers, “We’re over here.” He’s hiding behind some bushes because he is ashamed of his nakedness. I’ve always found that a little humorous! Like God did not know what they looked like! But still god is patient. He asks, “What happened?” And the blame game begins. Adam blames Eve; Eve blames the serpent; and God speaks. He allowed the curse of death to fall on them. He allowed them to reap what they had sown even though it must have broken His heart. God told them of the promise of the Savior:

 

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head. (Genesis 3:15 NIV).

 

He spoke the promise to them with clarity as He said their “seed” would “bruise the head of the tempter’s “seed.” Through humanity God would allow Himself to become the perfect sacrifice to pay the full and final price for our redemption. But He didn’t stop there. God’s plan would take thousands of years to unfold and finalize their redemption. God also ministered to their immediate need. He made garments for them to go out into the world from the “skins of animals.” Even then God was showing them the tremendous price that would be paid for their choice. Only the blood of God’s only begotten Son would be sufficient!

 

A Walk through Ephesians - Pt 9

 

Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:7–13 ESV).

 

I honestly do not know how many sermons, homilies, devotionals, or Bible studies I have written and/or spoken. Over the last five-plus decades it numbers in the thousands. Of all of those my wife, Mary, has heard/read them all. Of that number only one has managed to garner the title of her “favorite.” It is taken directly from our reading today and titles “The Unsearchable Riches of Christ.” And dare I say that I have preached this sermon on multiple occasions in many different places literally all over the world. The reason it is her favorite is not in my delivery; rather, it is in the impact of the Scripture itself.

 

The Apostle Paul says that he has now become privy to a far greater treasure than any man may have discovered. It is the treasure of grace that is unsearchable in its depth or height, breadth or length. It is the content of Paul’s message to the Gentiles then and to us today. This phrase, the unsearchable riches of Christ, uses a very vivid Greek word. It literally means “untrackable,” or “inexplorable.” It is simply too vast to be measured! I remember vividly how my Greek professor, Curtis Vaughn, described it:

 

It suggests the figure of a man standing, with uplifted arms, in a posture of great amazement, before continuous revelations of immeasurable and unspeakable glory. It is as if a man were tracking out the confines of a lake, walking its boundaries, and when the circuit were almost complete should find that it was no lake at all, but an arm of the ocean, and that he was confronted by the immeasurable sea!

 

That is his message! That is the treasure! And when we begin to hear it ourselves we must be struck by it as well. That God would love us so much that He would send His only son to die on our behalf, giving us access to fellowship with Him again is the most incredible treasure any man could possess! The Apostle Paul details three specific parts of this treasure we now have found in Christ. We will look at one of these in each of the next three devotionals. For now let me simply list them so you may begin to ponder each of them today:

 

§  First, we have found the riches in the FELLOWSHIP OF THE MYSTERY (verse 9).

 

§  Second, we have found the riches in the WONDER OF THE CHURCH (verses 10-13).

 

§  Third, we have found the riches in the FAMILY OF GOD (verses 14-21).

 

I pray you will recognize these are your treasures as well! Take heart in whatever circumstance your journey has presented. Your treasure is secured by the Holy Spirit of God living within you!