What does this passage say about GOD? Is there a truth about God or Jesus? Jesus?

Transcription

1 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 1:1-14 Predestined (vs. 5) προορίσας (proorisas) occurs once in the Bible: Def - previously ordained, predetermined or appointed through Jesus Christ. God ordained them to something in this case to adoption as children of God. God initiated redemption / salvation. (vs. 11) προορισθέντες (prooristhentes) occurs once in the Bible: Def - God planned to make those who believed in Him heirs with Christ. Mystery (vs. 9) µυστήριον (mystērion) occurs seventeen times in the Bible: Def - refers to the revelation of something that was previously hidden or known only vaguely but now is more fully made known. The mystery of God s will, now revealed in Christ, is to unite all things in him Sealed (vs. 13) - ἐσφραγίσθητε (esphragisthete) occurs twice in the Bible: Def - can mean either that the Holy Spirit protects and preserves Christians until they reach their inheritance or that he certifies the authenticity of their acceptance by God as being genuine. GULSA Questions: Ephesians 1:1-14 Predestined (vs. 5) προορίσας (proorisas) occurs once in the Bible: Def - previously ordained, predetermined or appointed through Jesus Christ. God ordained them to something in this case to adoption as children of God. God initiated redemption / salvation. (vs. 11) προορισθέντες (prooristhentes) occurs once in the Bible: Def - God planned to make those who believed in Him heirs with Christ. Mystery (vs. 9) µυστήριον (mystērion) occurs seventeen times in the Bible: Def - refers to the revelation of something that was previously hidden or known only vaguely but now is more fully made known. The mystery of God s will, now revealed in Christ, is to unite all things in him Sealed (vs. 13) - ἐσφραγίσθητε (esphragisthete) occurs twice in the Bible: Def - can mean either that the Holy Spirit protects and preserves Christians until they reach their inheritance or that he certifies the authenticity of their acceptance by God as being genuine.

2 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 1:15-23 Spirit of wisdom and of revelation (vs. 17) - refers to the Holy Spirit s secret working in Christians to give them insights into God s Word and the saving knowledge of him. Eyes of your hearts enlightened (vs. 18) - Paul prays that believers will comprehend the blessings that are theirs in Christ. Hope (vs. 18) a looking forward to in confident expectation. Heavenly places (vs. 20) the dwelling place of God GULSA Questions: Ephesians 1:15-23 Spirit of wisdom and of revelation (vs. 17) - refers to the Holy Spirit s secret working in Christians to give them insights into God s Word and the saving knowledge of him. Eyes of your hearts enlightened (vs. 18) - Paul prays that believers will comprehend the blessings that are theirs in Christ. Hope (vs. 18) a looking forward to in confident expectation. Heavenly places (vs. 20) the dwelling place of God

3 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 2:1-10 Dead in trespasses and sins (vs. 1) Humans enter the world spiritual dead. We have no inclination or responsiveness toward God and no ability to please God. Trespasses: Violations of divine commandments. Sins: offenses against God in thought, word or deed. Prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience (vs. 2) Refers to Satan and those who are not Christians who rebel against God. Heavenly places (vs. 6) the dwelling place of God Grace (vs. 8) God s favor upon those who have sinned against Him. God s grace not only offers salvation but also secures it. Saved (vs. 8) deliverance from God s wrath at the final judgement. Faith (vs. 8) confident trust and reliance upon Christ Jesus and is the only means by which one can obtain salvation. GULSA Questions: Ephesians 2:1-10 Dead in trespasses and sins (vs. 1) Humans enter the world spiritual dead. We have no inclination or responsiveness toward God and no ability to please God. Trespasses: Violations of divine commandments. Sins: offenses against God in thought, word or deed. Prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience (vs. 2) Refers to Satan and those who are not Christians who rebel against God. Heavenly places (vs. 6) the dwelling place of God Grace (vs. 8) God s favor upon those who have sinned against Him. God s grace not only offers salvation but also secures it. Saved (vs. 8) deliverance from God s wrath at the final judgement. Faith (vs. 8) confident trust and reliance upon Christ Jesus and is the only means by which one can obtain salvation.

4 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 2:11-22 Gentiles (vs. 11) those who were not Jews by heritage, so the Jews called them Uncircumcision. Circumcision was the surgical sign on flesh that marked the Israelites (Jews) as God s covenant people. A Gentile was without Christ and was outside of the covenant people of God. Covenant (vs. 12) promise in a solemn agreement Hope (vs. 12) a sure and steady faith in God s promises. But now (vs. 13) this signals an abrupt transition in the text. The Gentiles had been rescued from distance and alienation and had been elevated to a position of nearness to God. Law of Commandments (vs. 15) The Law of Moses found in the Old Testament was holy, just and good and revealed man s sinful nature. Jesus died to pay the penalty of the law that had been broken by sin and completely satisfied the righteous claims of God. The penalty has been paid in full. Reconcile (vs. 16) to restore GULSA Questions: Ephesians 2:11-22 Gentiles (vs. 11) those who were not Jews by heritage, so the Jews called them Uncircumcision. Circumcision was the surgical sign on flesh that marked the Israelites (Jews) as God s covenant people. A Gentile was without Christ and was outside of the covenant people of God. Covenant (vs. 12) promise in a solemn agreement Hope (vs. 12) a sure and steady faith in God s promises. But now (vs. 13) this signals an abrupt transition in the text. The Gentiles had been rescued from distance and alienation and had been elevated to a position of nearness to God. Law of Commandments (vs. 15) The Law of Moses found in the Old Testament was holy, just and good and revealed man s sinful nature. Jesus died to pay the penalty of the law that had been broken by sin and completely satisfied the righteous claims of God. The penalty has been paid in full. Reconcile (vs. 16) to restore How should you personally apply "I will..."

5 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 3:1-21 Mystery (vs. 2, 4, 6, 9) - refers to the revelation of something that was previously hidden or known only vaguely but now is more fully made known. The mystery of God s will, now revealed in Christ, is to unite all things in him Revelation (vs. 3) The mystery of God had been revealed to Paul by the direct revelation of God, he was not taught it from someone. Apostles / Prophets (vs. 5) Apostle: a person personally commissioned by Christ to represent Him (someone who visibly saw Jesus and walked / talked with him). Prophet: an inspired messenger called by God to declare His will. GULSA Questions: Ephesians 3:1-21 Mystery (vs. 2, 4, 6, 9) - refers to the revelation of something that was previously hidden or known only vaguely but now is more fully made known. The mystery of God s will, now revealed in Christ, is to unite all things in him Revelation (vs. 3) The mystery of God had been revealed to Paul by the direct revelation of God, he was not taught it from someone. Apostles / Prophets (vs. 5) Apostle: a person personally commissioned by Christ to represent Him (someone who visibly saw Jesus and walked / talked with him). Prophet: an inspired messenger called by God to declare His will.

6 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 4:1-16 Humility (vs. 2) the opposite of arrogance and pride; an attitude which grows out of the recognition that all we are and everything we own are gifts from God. Humility makes us conscious of our own nothingness and enables us to esteem others better than ourselves. Gentleness (vs. 2) an attitude that submits to God s dealings without rebellion, and to man s unkindness without retaliation. Patience (vs. 2) Biblical patience is a God-exercised, or God-given, restraint in face of opposition or oppression. This is often translated as longsuffering and can be defined as a long holding out of the mind before it gives room to anger. A spirit of patience under prolonged provocation. Bearing with one another in love (vs. 2) making allowance for the faults and failures of others, or differing personalities, abilities and temperaments. This is not a maintaining of a façade or curtesy while inwardly frustrated. IT is a positive love to those who irritate, disturb, or embarrass. Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (vs. 3) In forming the church, God had eliminated the greatest division that had ever existed among humans the rift between Jews and Gentiles. In Christ, these distinctions were abolished. The Holy Spirit has made all true believes one in Christ, this is a unity that nothing can destroy. To keep the unity of the Spirit means to live at peace with one another. GULSA Questions: Ephesians 4:1-16 Humility (vs. 2) the opposite of arrogance and pride; an attitude which grows out of the recognition that all we are and everything we own are gifts from God. Humility makes us conscious of our own nothingness and enables us to esteem others better than ourselves. Gentleness (vs. 2) an attitude that submits to God s dealings without rebellion, and to man s unkindness without retaliation. Patience (vs. 2) Biblical patience is a God-exercised, or God-given, restraint in face of opposition or oppression. This is often translated as longsuffering and can be defined as a long holding out of the mind before it gives room to anger. A spirit of patience under prolonged provocation. Bearing with one another in love (vs. 2) making allowance for the faults and failures of others, or differing personalities, abilities and temperaments. This is not a maintaining of a façade or curtesy while inwardly frustrated. IT is a positive love to those who irritate, disturb, or embarrass. Unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (vs. 3) In forming the church, God had eliminated the greatest division that had ever existed among humans the rift between Jews and Gentiles. In Christ, these distinctions were abolished. The Holy Spirit has made all true believes one in Christ, this is a unity that nothing can destroy. To keep the unity of the Spirit means to live at peace with one another. to follow or to follow or main point of main point of

7 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 4:17-32 Futility of their minds (vs. 17) & Darkened in their understanding (vs. 18) Both when Paul wrote this letter and today, people who reject the knowledge of God think of themselves as enlightened. Their ignorance here is not a lack of general education; some are brilliant in their own way, but such brilliance is all wasted in the end when combined with a hardness to the Gospel. They were no longer Gentiles; they were Christians. There should be a corresponding change in their lives. Their lives should no longer be aimless. There was great activity but no progress towards the Gospel. Put off your old self (vs. 22) Christians are a new creation in Christ. We need an inner transformation because our old selves were not corrupt. As far as a Christian is concerned, a believer s old self is crucified and buried with Christ. Renewed in the spirit of your minds (vs. 23) The Spirit of god influences the thought processes to reason from God s standpoint, not form that of a non-christian. This points to a complete about-face in thinking, a change from mental impurity to a pursuit of holiness. Put on the new self with Righteousness and holiness (vs. 24) the self is created in God s likeness and it manifests itself in righteousness and holiness. Righteousness means right conduct towards others. Holiness is reverence towards God, which puts Him in His rightful place. GULSA Questions: Ephesians 4:17-32 Futility of their minds (vs. 17) & Darkened in their understanding (vs. 18) Both when Paul wrote this letter and today, people who reject the knowledge of God think of themselves as enlightened. Their ignorance here is not a lack of general education; some are brilliant in their own way, but such brilliance is all wasted in the end when combined with a hardness to the Gospel. They were no longer Gentiles; they were Christians. There should be a corresponding change in their lives. Their lives should no longer be aimless. There was great activity but no progress towards the Gospel. Put off your old self (vs. 22) Christians are a new creation in Christ. We need an inner transformation because our old selves were not corrupt. As far as a Christian is concerned, a believer s old self is crucified and buried with Christ. Renewed in the spirit of your minds (vs. 23) The Spirit of god influences the thought processes to reason from God s standpoint, not form that of a non-christian. This points to a complete about-face in thinking, a change from mental impurity to a pursuit of holiness. Put on the new self with Righteousness and holiness (vs. 24) the self is created in God s likeness and it manifests itself in righteousness and holiness. Righteousness means right conduct towards others. Holiness is reverence towards God, which puts Him in His rightful place. to follow or to follow or main point of main point of

8 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 5:1-21 Be imitators of God (vs. 1) Christians are to imitate God s holiness in all of their conduct. They are to be like Him. Christians should manifest (be a display) God to the world. Sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not be named among you (vs. 3) The Greek word for sexual immorality is porneia and it covers all sexual sins (adultery, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, etc.). Covetousness is a jealous longing for what others possess. Sons of disobedience (vs. 6) Describes people who habitually live in disobedient sing without repentance. GULSA Questions: Ephesians 5:1-21 Be imitators of God (vs. 1) Christians are to imitate God s holiness in all of their conduct. They are to be like Him. Christians should manifest (be a display) God to the world. Sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not be named among you (vs. 3) The Greek word for sexual immorality is porneia and it covers all sexual sins (adultery, sex outside of marriage, homosexuality, etc.). Covetousness is a jealous longing for what others possess. Sons of disobedience (vs. 6) Describes people who habitually live in disobedient sing without repentance.

9 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Submit (vs. 22, 24) This discusses the right ordering of the marriage relationship. The submission of wives is not like the obedience children owe parents, nor does this text command all women to submit to all men. Both genders are equally created in God s image. This submission is in deference to the ultimate leadership of the husband for the health and harmonious working of the marriage relationship. Slaves (vs. 5-9) - It is estimated that slaves composed about one-third of the population of a city like Ephesus. They were considered an integral part of a family, so Paul s instructions for slaves were a natural part of his dealing with family relationships. In both Greek and Roman culture, slaves had limited rights and were subject to exploitation and abuse. Paul does not condone the system of slavery but instead provides instructions to believing masters and slaves regarding their relationship to each other in the Lord, and how this should be lived out within the bounds of their social and legal culture. The result, as is often observed, is that slavery slowly died out in antiquity through the influence of Christianity. The principles in this passage apply today in terms of submission to any lawfully constituted authority, the only exception being if such a lawfully constituted authority were to require a believer to disobey God s Word or to fundamentally compromise one s commitment to Christ. GULSA Questions: Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Submit (vs. 22, 24) This discusses the right ordering of the marriage relationship. The submission of wives is not like the obedience children owe parents, nor does this text command all women to submit to all men. Both genders are equally created in God s image. This submission is in deference to the ultimate leadership of the husband for the health and harmonious working of the marriage relationship. Slaves (vs. 5-9) - It is estimated that slaves composed about one-third of the population of a city like Ephesus. They were considered an integral part of a family, so Paul s instructions for slaves were a natural part of his dealing with family relationships. In both Greek and Roman culture, slaves had limited rights and were subject to exploitation and abuse. Paul does not condone the system of slavery but instead provides instructions to believing masters and slaves regarding their relationship to each other in the Lord, and how this should be lived out within the bounds of their social and legal culture. The result, as is often observed, is that slavery slowly died out in antiquity through the influence of Christianity. The principles in this passage apply today in terms of submission to any lawfully constituted authority, the only exception being if such a lawfully constituted authority were to require a believer to disobey God s Word or to fundamentally compromise one s commitment to Christ. to follow or to follow or main point of main point of

10 GULSA Questions: Ephesians 6:10-24 Be strong in the Lord (vs. 10) Because Christians cannot stand on their own against superhuman powers, they must rely upon the strength of the Lord, which He supplies chiefly through prayer. Put on the whole armor of God (vs. 11) this refers to the complete equipment of a fully armed soldier. Paul s description here draws primarily on Old Testament allusions. Supplication (vs. 18) an earnest prayer or request GULSA Questions: Ephesians 6:10-24 Be strong in the Lord (vs. 10) Because Christians cannot stand on their own against superhuman powers, they must rely upon the strength of the Lord, which He supplies chiefly through prayer. Put on the whole armor of God (vs. 11) this refers to the complete equipment of a fully armed soldier. Paul s description here draws primarily on Old Testament allusions. Supplication (vs. 18) an earnest prayer or request