Copyright © 2000 Charles D. Adkins. All Rights Reserved

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE

A. YUSUF ALI writes in his introduction to the QUR'AN

It is the duty of every Muslim, man, woman, or child, to read the Qur'an and understand it according to his own capacity. If any one of us attains to some knowledge or understanding of it by study, contemplation, and the test of life, both outward and inward, it is his duty, according to his capacity, to instruct others, and share with them the joy and peace which result from contact with the spiritual world. The Qur'an, indeed every religious book has to be read, not only with the tongue and voice and eyes, but with the best light that our intellect can supply, and even more, with the truest and purest light which our heart and conscience can give us.

The Holy Qur'an, Translation and Commentary by A. Yusuf Ali, Published by Amana Corp. 1983

ON TRANSLATIONS

The Moslem believes that he must study the Koran in the original Arabic. A translation is inadequate. Every language is unique. To reliably and faithfully convert the meaning of a document from one language to another requires a great a great effort. There are several methods of translation.

The first approach may seem the best solution. But each language has its own vocabulary, its own specialized structure. When a document is as old as the bible, there are also differences in culture, in idioms, in ways of thinking or expression. There may be times that it is necessary to translate the meaning, because a literal word for word translation may cloud, confuse, or even leave a total misconception in the mind of the reader.

If, however, the second approach is applied too liberally, the result is not a translation but a paraphrase. In the Preface to the Living Bible - which is a Paraphrase and NOT a translation - a rather extensive note is given discussing both the merits and the problems associated with the second method. On the plus side, it avoids figures of speech, wording, sentence constructs, and technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the modern reader.

On the minus side, a translator - no matter how honest- may be saying something that the original writer did not intend. This happens because method two requires the translator to use his knowledge of the language, his skill in simplifying the wording, and at times his own theology and beliefs.

The New American Standard, the Darby, and the King James are examples of the first method of Translation. It is my opinion that the NIV tends more to method II. The Living Bible (Paraphrased) - is basically entirely method II.

Ephesians Text:

Ephesians 1:1-2

1. Paul <3972>, an apostle <652> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> by the will <2307> of God <2316>, to the saints <40> which <3588> are at <1722> Ephesus <2181>, and to the faithful <4103> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>:

2 Grace <5485> [be] to you, and peace <1515>, from God <2316> our Father <3962>, and [from] the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.

Ephesians 1:3-14

3. Blessed <2128> [be] the God <2316> and Father <3962> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, who <3588> hath blessed <2127> us with all <3956> spiritual <4152> blessings <2129> in heavenly <2032> [places] in Christ <5547>:

4 According <2531> as he hath chosen <1586> us in him before <4253> the foundation <2602> of the world <2889>, that we should be holy <40> and without <299> blame <299> before <2714> him in love <26>:

5 Having predestinated <4309> us unto the adoption <5206> of children <5206> by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> to himself <848>, according <2596> to the good pleasure <2107> of his will <2307>,

6 To the praise <1868> of the glory <1391> of his grace <5485>, wherein <3757> he hath made <5487> us accepted <5487> in the beloved <25>.

7 In whom <3739> we have <2192> redemption <629> through <1223> his blood <129>, the forgiveness <859> of sins <3900>, according <2596> to the riches <4149> of his grace <5485>;

8 Wherein <3757> he hath abounded <4052> toward <1519> us in all <3956> wisdom <4678> and prudence <5428>;

9 Having made <1107> known <1107> unto us the mystery <3466> of his will <2307>, according <2596> to his good pleasure <2107> which <3739> he hath purposed <4388> in himself <848>:

10 That in the dispensation <3622> of the fulness <4138> of times <2540> he might gather <346> together <346> in one all <3956> things in Christ <5547>, both <5037> which <3588> are in heaven <3772>, and which <3588> are on <1909> earth <1093>; [even] in him:

11 In whom <3739> also <2532> we have obtained <2820> an inheritance <2820>, being predestinated <4309> according <2596> to the purpose <4286> of him who worketh <1754> all <3956> things after <2596> the counsel <1012> of his own <848> will <2307>:

12 That we should be to the praise <1868> of his glory <1391>, who <3588> first <4276> trusted <4276> in Christ <5547>.

13 In whom <3739> ye also <2532> [trusted], after that ye heard <191> the word <4487> of truth <225>, the gospel <2098> of your <5216> salvation <4991>: in whom <3739> also <2532> after that ye believed <4100>, ye were sealed <4972> with that holy <40> Spirit <4151> of promise <1860>,

14 Which <3739> is the earnest <728> of our inheritance <2817> until <1519> the redemption <629> of the purchased <4047> possession <4047>, unto the praise <1868> of his glory <1391>.

Ephesians 1:15-23

15. Wherefore <5124> I also <2504>, after I heard <191> of your <5209> faith <4102> in the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, and love <26> unto all <3956> the saints <40>,

16 Cease <3973> not to give thanks <2168> for you, making <4160> mention <3417> of you in my prayers <4335>;

17 That the God <2316> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, the Father <3962> of glory <1391>, may give <1325> unto you the spirit <4151> of wisdom <4678> and revelation <602> in the knowledge <1922> of him:

18 The eyes <3788> of your <5216> understanding <1271> being enlightened <5461>; that ye may know <1492> what <5101> is the hope <1680> of his calling <2821>, and what <5101> the riches <4149> of the glory <1391> of his inheritance <2817> in the saints <40>,

19 And what <5101> [is] the exceeding <5235> greatness <3174> of his power <1411> to us-ward <2248> who <3588> believe <4100>, according <2596> to the working <1753> of his mighty <2479> power <2904>,

20 Which <3739> he wrought <1754> in Christ <5547>, when he raised <1453> him from the dead <3498>, and set <2523> [him] at <1722> his own <848> right <1188> hand in the heavenly <2032> [places],

21 Far <5231> above <5231> all <3956> principality <746>, and power <1849>, and might <1411>, and dominion <2963>, and every <3956> name <3686> that is named <3687>, not only <3440> in this <3588> world <165>, but also <2532> in that which is to come <3195>:

22 And hath put <5293> all <3956> [things] under <5259> his feet <4228>, and gave <1325> him [to be] the head <2776> over <5228> all <3956> [things] to the church <1577>,

23 Which <3748> is his body <4983>, the fulness <4138> of him that filleth <4137> all <3956> in all <3956>.

Ephesians 2:1-10

1. And you [hath he quickened], who were dead <3498> in trespasses <3900> and sins <266>;

2 Wherein <3757> in time <4218> past ye walked <4043> according <2596> to the course <165> of this <5127> world <2889>, according <2596> to the prince <758> of the power <1849> of the air <109>, the spirit <4151> that now <3568> worketh <1754> in the children <5207> of disobedience <543>:

3 Among <1722> whom <3739> also <2532> we all <3956> had our conversation <390> in times <4218> past in the lusts <1939> of our flesh <4561>, fulfilling <4160> the desires <2307> of the flesh <4561> and of the mind <1271>; and were by nature <5449> the children <5043> of wrath <3709>, even <2532> as others <3062>.

4. But God <2316>, who is rich <4145> in mercy <1656>, for his great <4183> love <26> wherewith <3739> he loved <25> us,

5 Even <2532> when we were dead <3498> in sins <3900>, hath quickened <4806> us together <4806> with Christ <5547>, (by grace <5485> ye are saved <4982>;)

6 And hath raised <4891> [us] up together <4891>, and made <4776> [us] sit <4776> together <4776> in heavenly <2032> [places] in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>:

7 That in the ages <165> to come <1904> he might shew <1731> the exceeding <5235> riches <4149> of his grace <5485> in [his] kindness <5544> toward <1909> us through <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424>.

8 For by grace <5485> are ye saved <4982> through <1223> faith <4102>; and that not of yourselves <5216>: [it is] the gift <1435> of God <2316>:

9 Not of works <2041>, lest <3361> any <5100> man should boast <2744>.

10 For we are his workmanship <4161>, created <2936> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> unto good <18> works <2041>, which <3739> God <2316> hath before <4282> ordained <4282> that we should walk <4043> in them.

Ephesians 2:11-22

11. Wherefore <1352> remember <3421>, that ye [being] in time <4218> past Gentiles <1484> in the flesh <4561>, who <3588> are called <3004> Uncircumcision <203> by that which <3588> is called <3004> the Circumcision <4061> in the flesh <4561> made <5499> by hands <5499>;

12 That at <1722> that time <2540> ye were without <5565> Christ <5547>, being aliens <526> from the commonwealth <4174> of Israel <2474>, and strangers <3581> from the covenants <1242> of promise <1860>, having <2192> no <3361> hope <1680>, and without <112> God <112> in the world <2889>:

13 But now <3570> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> ye who <3739> sometimes <4218> were far <3112> off <3112> are made <1096> nigh <1451> by the blood <129> of Christ <5547>.

14. For he is our peace <1515>, who <3739> hath made <4160> both <297> one <1520>, and hath broken <3089> down the middle <3320> wall of partition <5418> [between us];

15 Having abolished <2673> in his flesh <4561> the enmity <2189>, [even] the law <3551> of commandments <1785> [contained] in ordinances <1378>; for to make <2936> in himself <1438> of twain <1417> one <1520> new <2537> man <444>, [so] making <4160> peace <1515>;

16 And that he might reconcile <604> both <297> unto God <2316> in one <1520> body <4983> by the cross <4716>, having slain <615> the enmity <2189> thereby <846>:

17 And came <2064> and preached <2097> peace <1515> to you which <3588> were afar <3112> off, and to them that were nigh <1451>.

18 For through <1223> him we both <297> have <2192> access <4318> by one <1520> Spirit <4151> unto the Father <3962>.

19 Now <3767> therefore <686> ye are no <3765> more <3765> strangers <3581> and foreigners <3941>, but fellowcitizens <4847> with the saints <40>, and of the household <3609> of God <2316>;

20 And are built <2026> upon the foundation <2310> of the apostles <652> and prophets <4396>, Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> himself <848> being <5607> the chief <204> corner <204> [stone];

21 In whom <3739> all <3956> the building <3619> fitly <4883> framed <4883> together <4883> groweth <837> unto an holy <40> temple <3485> in the Lord <2962>:

22 In whom <3739> ye also <2532> are builded <4925> together <4925> for an habitation <2732> of God <2316> through <1722> the Spirit <4151>.

Ephesians 3:1-13

1. For this <5127> cause <5484> I Paul <3972>, the prisoner <1198> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> for you Gentiles <1484>,

2 If <1489> ye have heard <191> of the dispensation <3622> of the grace <5485> of God <2316> which <3588> is given <1325> me to you-ward <5209>:

3 How that by revelation <602> he made <1107> known <1107> unto me the mystery <3466>; (as I wrote <4270> afore <4270> in few <3641> words,

4 Whereby <3739>, when ye read <314>, ye may <1410> understand <3539> my knowledge <4907> in the mystery <3466> of Christ <5547>)

5 Which <3739> in other <2087> ages <1074> was not made <1107> known <1107> unto the sons <5207> of men <444>, as it is now <3568> revealed <601> unto his holy <40> apostles <652> and prophets <4396> by the Spirit <4151>;

6 That the Gentiles <1484> should be fellowheirs <4789>, and of the same <4954> body <4954>, and partakers <4830> of his promise <1860> in Christ <5547> by the gospel <2098>:

7 Whereof <3739> I was made <1096> a minister <1249>, according <2596> to the gift <1431> of the grace <5485> of God <2316> given <1325> unto me by the effectual <1753> working <1753> of his power <1411>.

8 Unto me, who am less <1647> than the least <1647> of all <3956> saints <40>, is this <3778> grace <5485> given <1325>, that I should preach <2097> among <1722> the Gentiles <1484> the unsearchable <421> riches <4149> of Christ <5547>;

9 And to make <5461> all <3956> [men] see <5461> what <5101> [is] the fellowship <2842> of the mystery <3466>, which <3588> from the beginning of the world <165> hath been hid <613> in God <2316>, who <3588> created <2936> all <3956> things by Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>:

10 To the intent <2443> that now <3568> unto the principalities <746> and powers <1849> in heavenly <2032> [places] might be known <1107> by the church <1577> the manifold <4182> wisdom <4678> of God <2316>,

11 According <2596> to the eternal <165> purpose <4286> which <3739> he purposed <4160> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> our Lord <2962>:

12 In whom <3739> we have <2192> boldness <3954> and access <4318> with confidence <4006> by the faith <4102> of him.

13 Wherefore <1352> I desire <154> that ye faint <1573> not at <1722> my tribulations <2347> for you, which <3748> is your glory <1391>.

Ephesians 3:14-21

14. For this <5127> cause <5484> I bow <2578> my knees <1119> unto the Father <3962> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>,

15 Of whom <3739> the whole <3956> family <3965> in heaven <3772> and earth <1093> is named <3687>,

16 That he would grant <1325> you, according <2596> to the riches <4149> of his glory <1391>, to be strengthened <2901> with might <1411> by his Spirit <4151> in the inner <2080> man <444>;

17 That Christ <5547> may dwell <2730> in your <5216> hearts <2588> by faith <4102>; that ye, being rooted <4492> and grounded <2311> in love <26>,

18 May be able <1840> to comprehend <2638> with all <3956> saints <40> what <5101> [is] the breadth <4114>, and length <3372>, and depth <899>, and height <5311>;

19 And to know <1097> the love <26> of Christ <5547>, which passeth <5235> knowledge <1108>, that ye might be filled <4137> with all <3956> the fulness <4138> of God <2316>.

20 Now <1161> unto him that is able <1410> to do <4160> exceeding <5228> abundantly <4053> above <5228> all <3956> that we ask <154> or <2228> think <3539>, according <2596> to the power <1411> that worketh <1754> in us,

21 Unto him [be] glory <1391> in the church <1577> by Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> throughout <1519> all <3956> ages <1074>, world <165> without end <165>. Amen <281>.

Ephesians 4:1-16

1. I therefore <3767>, the prisoner <1198> of the Lord <2962>, beseech <3870> you that ye walk <4043> worthy <516> of the vocation <2821> wherewith <3739> ye are called <2564>,

2. With all <3956> lowliness <5012> and meekness <4236>, with longsuffering <3115>, forbearing <430> one <240> another <240> in love <26>;

3 Endeavouring <4704> to keep <5083> the unity <1775> of the Spirit <4151> in the bond <4886> of peace <1515>.

4 [There is] one <1520> body <4983>, and one <1520> Spirit <4151>, even <2532> as ye are called <2564> in one <3391> hope <1680> of your <5216> calling <2821>;

5 One <1520> Lord <2962>, one <1520> faith <4102>, one <3391> baptism <908>,

6 One <1520> God <2316> and Father <3962> of all <3956>, who <3588> [is] above <1909> all <3956>, and through <1223> all <3956>, and in you all <3956>.

7 But unto every <1538> one <1520> of us is given <1325> grace <5485> according <2596> to the measure <3358> of the gift <1431> of Christ <5547>.

8 Wherefore <1352> he saith <3004>, When he ascended <305> up on <5311> high <5311>, he led <162> captivity <161> captive <162>, and gave <1325> gifts <1390> unto men <444>.

9 (Now that he ascended <305>, what <5101> is it but that he also <2532> descended <2597> first <4412> into <1519> the lower <2737> parts <3313> of the earth <1093>?

10 He that descended <2597> is the same also <2532> that ascended <305> up far <5231> above <5231> all <3956> heavens <3772>, that he might fill <4137> all <3956> things.)

11 And he gave <1325> some <3588>, apostles <652>; and some <3588>, prophets <4396>; and some <3588>, evangelists <2099>; and some <3588>, pastors <4166> and teachers <1320>;

12 For the perfecting <2677> of the saints <40>, for the work <2041> of the ministry <1248>, for the edifying <3619> of the body <4983> of Christ <5547>:

13 Till <3360> we all <3956> come <2658> in the unity <1775> of the faith <4102>, and of the knowledge <1922> of the Son <5207> of God <2316>, unto a perfect <5046> man <435>, unto the measure <3358> of the stature <2244> of the fulness <4138> of Christ <5547>:

14 That we [henceforth <3063>] be no <3371> more <2001> children <3516>, tossed <2831> to and fro <2831>, and carried <4064> about <4064> with every <3596> wind <417> of doctrine <1319>, by the sleight <2940> of men <444>, [and] cunning craftiness <3834>, whereby <4314> they lie <3180> in wait <3180> to deceive <4106>;

15 But speaking <226> the truth <226> in love <26>, may grow <837> up into <1519> him in all <3956> things, which <3739> is the head <2776>, [even] Christ <5547>:

16 From whom <3739> the whole <3956> body <4983> fitly <4883> joined <4883> together <4883> and compacted <4822> by that which every <3596> joint <860> supplieth <2024>, according <2596> to the effectual <1753> working <1753> in the measure <3358> of every <1538> part <3313>, maketh <4160> increase <838> of the body <4983> unto the edifying <3619> of itself <1438> in love <26>.

Ephesians 4:17-32

17. This <5124> I say <3004> therefore <3767>, and testify <3143> in the Lord <2962>, that ye henceforth <3371> walk <4043> not as other <3062> Gentiles <1484> walk <4043>, in the vanity <3153> of their mind <3563>,

18 Having the understanding <1271> darkened <4654>, being <5607> alienated <526> from the life <2222> of God <2316> through <1223> the ignorance <52> that is in them, because <1223> of the blindness <4457> of their heart <2588>:

19 Who <3748> being past <524> feeling <524> have given <3860> themselves <1438> over <3860> unto lasciviousness <766>, to work <2039> all <3956> uncleanness <167> with greediness <4124>.

20 But ye have not so <3779> learned <3129> Christ <5547>;

21 If <1489> so <3779> be that ye have heard <191> him, and have been taught <1321> by him, as the truth <225> is in Jesus <2424>:

22 That ye put <659> off <659> concerning <2596> the former <4387> conversation <391> the old <3820> man <444>, which <3588> is corrupt <5351> according <2596> to the deceitful <539> lusts <1939>;

23 And be renewed <365> in the spirit <4151> of your <5216> mind <3563>;

24 And that ye put <1746> on <1746> the new <2537> man <444>, which <3588> after <2596> God <2316> is created <2936> in righteousness <1343> and true <225> holiness <3742>.

25 Wherefore <1352> putting <659> away <659> lying <5579>, speak <2980> every <1538> man truth <225> with his neighbour <4139>: for we are members <3196> one <240> of another <240>.

26 Be ye angry <3710>, and sin <264> not: let not the sun <2246> go <1931> down <1931> upon your <5216> wrath <3950>:

27 Neither <3383> give <1325> place <5117> to the devil <1228>.

28 Let him that stole <2813> steal <2813> no <3371> more <2001>: but rather <3123> let him labour <2872>, working <2038> with [his] hands <5495> the thing which is good <18>, that he may have <2192> to give <3330> to him that needeth <5532>.

29 Let no <3361> corrupt <4550> communication <3056> proceed <1607> out of your <5216> mouth <4750>, but that which <1536> is good <18> to the use <5532> of edifying <3619>, that it may minister <1325> grace <5485> unto the hearers <191>.

30 And grieve <3076> not the holy <40> Spirit <4151> of God <2316>, whereby <3739> ye are sealed <4972> unto the day <2250> of redemption <629>.

31 Let all <3956> bitterness <4088>, and wrath <2372>, and anger <3709>, and clamour <2906>, and evil <988> speaking <988>, be put <142> away from you, with all <3956> malice <2549>:

32 And be ye kind <5543> one <240> to another <240>, tenderhearted <2155>, forgiving <5483> one <1438> another <1438>, even <2532> as God <2316> for Christ's <5547> sake <1722> hath forgiven <5483> you.

Ephesians 5:1-20

1. Be ye therefore <3767> followers <3402> of God <2316>, as dear <27> children <5043>;

2 And walk <4043> in love <26>, as Christ <5547> also <2532> hath loved <25> us, and hath given <3860> himself <1438> for us an offering <4376> and a sacrifice <2378> to God <2316> for a sweetsmelling <2175> savour <3744>.

3. But fornication <4202>, and all <3956> uncleanness <167>, or <2228> covetousness <4124>, let it not be once <3366> named <3687> among <1722> you, as becometh <4241> saints <40>;

4 Neither <3756> filthiness <151>, nor <2532> foolish <3473> talking <3473>, nor <2228> jesting <2160>, which <3588> are not convenient <433>: but rather <3123> giving of thanks <2169>.

5 For this <5124> ye know <1097>, that no <3756> whoremonger <4205>, nor <2228> unclean <169> person, nor <2228> covetous <4123> man, who <3739> is an idolater <1496>, hath <2192> any inheritance <2817> in the kingdom <932> of Christ <5547> and of God <2316>.

6 Let no <3367> man <3367> deceive <538> you with vain <2756> words <3056>: for because <1223> of these <5023> things cometh <2064> the wrath <3709> of God <2316> upon the children <5207> of disobedience <543>.

7 Be not ye therefore <3767> partakers <4830> with them.

8 For ye were sometimes <4218> darkness <4655>, but now <3568> [are ye] light <5457> in the Lord <2962>: walk <4043> as children <5043> of light <5457>:

9 (For the fruit <2590> of the Spirit <4151> [is] in all <3956> goodness <19> and righteousness <1343> and truth <225>;)

10 Proving <1381> what <5101> is acceptable <2101> unto the Lord <2962>.

11 And have no <3361> fellowship <4790> with the unfruitful <175> works <2041> of darkness <4655>, but rather <3123> reprove <1651> [them].

12 For it is a shame <149> even <2532> to speak <3004> of those <3588> things which are done <1096> of them in secret <2931>.

13 But all <3956> things that are reproved <1651> are made <5319> manifest <5319> by the light <5457>: for whatsoever <3956> doth make <5319> manifest <5319> is light <5457>.

14 Wherefore <1352> he saith <3004>, Awake <1453> thou that sleepest <2518>, and arise <450> from the dead <3498>, and Christ <5547> shall give thee light <2017>.

15 See <991> then <3767> that ye walk <4043> circumspectly <199>, not as fools <781>, but as wise <4680>,

16 Redeeming <1805> the time <2540>, because <3754> the days <2250> are evil <4190>.

17 Wherefore <5124> be ye not unwise <878>, but understanding <4920> what <5101> the will <2307> of the Lord <2962> [is].

18 And be not drunk <3182> with wine <3631>, wherein <3757> is excess <810>; but be filled <4137> with the Spirit <4151>;

19 Speaking <2980> to yourselves <1438> in psalms <5568> and hymns <5215> and spiritual <4152> songs <5603>, singing <103> and making <5567> melody <5567> in your <5216> heart <2588> to the Lord <2962>;

20 Giving thanks <2168> always <3842> for all <3956> things unto God <2316> and the Father <3962> in the name <3686> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>;

Ephesians 5:21-33

21. Submitting <5293> yourselves one <240> to another <240> in the fear <5401> of God <2316>.

22 Wives <1135>, submit <5293> yourselves unto your <3588> own <2398> husbands <435>, as unto the Lord <2962>.

23 For the husband <435> is the head <2776> of the wife <1135>, even <2532> as Christ <5547> is the head <2776> of the church <1577>: and he is the saviour <4990> of the body <4983>.

24 Therefore <235> as the church <1577> is subject <5293> unto Christ <5547>, so <3779> [let] the wives <1135> [be] to their own <2398> husbands <435> in every <3956> thing.

25 Husbands <435>, love <25> your <1438> wives <1135>, even <2531> as Christ <5547> also <2532> loved <25> the church <1577>, and gave <3860> himself <1438> for it;

26 That he might sanctify <37> and cleanse <2511> it with the washing <3067> of water <5204> by the word <4487>,

27 That he might present <3936> it to himself <1438> a glorious <1741> church <1577>, not having <2192> spot <4696>, or <2228> wrinkle <4512>, or <2228> any <5100> such <5108> thing; but that it should be holy <40> and without <299> blemish <299>.

28 So <3779> ought <3784> men <435> to love <25> their wives <1135> as their own <1438> bodies <4983>. He that loveth <25> his wife <1135> loveth <25> himself <1438>.

29 For no <3762> man <3762> ever <4218> yet hated <3404> his own <1438> flesh <4561>; but nourisheth <1625> and cherisheth <2282> it, even <2532> as the Lord <2962> the church <1577>:

30 For we are members <3196> of his body <4983>, of his flesh <4561>, and of his bones <3747>.

31 For <473> this <5127> cause shall a man <444> leave <2641> his father <3962> and mother <3384>, and shall be joined <4347> unto his wife <1135>, and they two <1417> shall be one <3391> flesh <4561>.

32 This <5124> is a great <3173> mystery <3466>: but I speak <3004> concerning <1519> Christ <5547> and the church <1577>.

33 Nevertheless <4133> let every <1520> one of you in particular <1520> so <3779> love <25> his wife <1135> even <5613> as himself <1438>; and the wife <1135> [see] that she reverence <5399> [her] husband <435>.

Ephesians 6:1-9

1. Children <5043>, obey <5219> your <5216> parents <1118> in the Lord <2962>: for this <5124> is right <1342>.

2 Honour <5091> thy father <3962> and mother <3384>; (which <3748> is the first <4413> commandment <1785> with promise <1860>;)

3 That it may be well <2095> with thee, and thou mayest live <3118> long <2118> on <1909> the earth <1093>.

4 And, ye fathers <3962>, provoke <3949> not your <5216> children <5043> to wrath <3949>: but bring <1625> them up in the nurture <3809> and admonition <3559> of the Lord <2962>.

5 Servants <1401>, be obedient <5219> to them that are [your] masters <2962> according <2596> to the flesh <4561>, with fear <5401> and trembling <5156>, in singleness <572> of your <5216> heart <2588>, as unto Christ <5547>;

6 Not with eyeservice <3787>, as menpleasers <441>; but as the servants <1401> of Christ <5547>, doing <4160> the will <2307> of God <2316> from the heart <5590>;

7 With good <2133> will <2133> doing <1398> service <1398>, as to the Lord <2962>, and not to men <444>:

8 Knowing <1492> that whatsoever <5100> good <18> thing any <1538> man doeth <4160>, the same <3778> shall he receive <2865> of the Lord <2962>, whether <1535> [he be] bond <1401> or <1535> free <1658>.

9 And, ye masters <2962>, do <4160> the same <846> things unto them, forbearing <447> threatening <547>: knowing <1492> that your <5216> Master <2962> also <2532> is in heaven <3772>; neither <3756> is there respect <3382> of persons <4382> with him.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10. Finally <3063>, my brethren <80>, be strong <1743> in the Lord <2962>, and in the power <2904> of his might <2479>.

11 Put <1746> on <1746> the whole armour <3833> of God <2316>, that ye may be able <1410> to stand <2476> against <4314> the wiles <3180> of the devil <1228>.

12 For we wrestle <3823> not against <4314> flesh <4561> and blood <129>, but against <4314> principalities <746>, against <4314> powers <1849>, against <4314> the rulers <2888> of the darkness <4655> of this <5127> world <165>, against <4314> spiritual <4152> wickedness <4189> in high <2032> [places].

13 Wherefore <5124> take <353> unto you the whole armour <3833> of God <2316>, that ye may be able <1410> to withstand <436> in the evil <4190> day <2250>, and having done <2716> all <537>, to stand <2476>.

14 Stand <2476> therefore <3767>, having your <5216> loins <3751> girt <4024> about <4024> with truth <225>, and having <1746> on <1746> the breastplate <2382> of righteousness <1343>;

15 And your <3588> feet <4228> shod <5265> with the preparation <2091> of the gospel <2098> of peace <1515>;

16 Above <1909> all <3956>, taking <353> the shield <2375> of faith <4102>, wherewith <3739> ye shall be able <1410> to quench <4570> all <3956> the fiery <4448> darts <956> of the wicked <4190>.

17 And take <1209> the helmet <4030> of salvation <4992>, and the sword <3162> of the Spirit <4151>, which <3739> is the word <4487> of God <2316>:

18 Praying <4336> always <2540> with all <3956> prayer <4335> and supplication <1162> in the Spirit <4151>, and watching <69> thereunto <5124> with all <3956> perseverance <4343> and supplication <1162> for all <3956> saints <40>;

19. And for me, that utterance <3056> may be given <1325> unto me, that I may open <457> my mouth <4750> boldly <3954>, to make <1107> known <1107> the mystery <3466> of the gospel <2098>,

20 For which <3739> I am an ambassador <4243> in bonds <254>: that therein <846> I may speak boldly <3955>, as I ought <1163> to speak <2980>.

Ephesians 6:21-24

21 But that ye also <2532> may know <1492> my affairs <2596>, [and] how <5101> I do <4238>, Tychicus <5190>, a beloved <27> brother <80> and faithful <4103> minister <1249> in the Lord <2962>, shall make <1107> known <1107> to you all <3956> things:

22 Whom <3739> I have sent <3992> unto you for the same <846> purpose, that ye might know <1097> our affairs <4012>, and [that] he might comfort <3870> your <5216> hearts <2588>.

23 Peace <1515> [be] to the brethren <80>, and love <26> with faith <4102>, from God <2316> the Father <3962> and the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.

24 Grace <5485> [be] with all <3956> them that love <25> our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> in sincerity <861>. Amen <281>.

Lesson 1 Ephesians 1: 1- 2 Introduction (To the Saints)

Although the historic city of Athens is deserted today, with its ruins of many splendid buildings, the letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in that city nearly 2000 years ago has much to tell us today. There is a small Turkish town of Selcuk near the location of the original temple.

During New Testament Times, Ephesus had problems keeping its ports on the Cayster River from becoming silted. At the present time, the coast has retreated some six miles from the city.

Inscriptions referring to the town clerk still exist on the ruins. Luke writes about the townclerk in Acts 19.

The people of Ephesus:

Ephesus/Ephesians is mentioned 27 times in the New Testament. A listing of these passages is provided below.

1. Acts 18:19
19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

2. Acts 18:21
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

3. Acts 18:24
24. And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

4. Acts 19:1
1. And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

5. Acts 19:17
17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

6. Acts 19:26
26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

7. Acts 19:28
28 And when they heard [these sayings], they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.

8. Acts 19:34
34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians. 35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, [Ye] men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the [image] which fell down from Jupiter? {a worshipper: Gr. the temple keeper}

9. Acts 20:16
16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

10. Acts 21:29
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

11. 1 Corinthians 15:32
32 If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. {after...: or, to speak after the manner of men}

12. 1 Corinthians 16:8
8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

13. Ephesians 1:1
1. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:

14. Ephesians 6:24
24 Grace [be] with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. <<[To [the] Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.]>> {in sincerity: or, with incorruption}

15. 1 Timothy 1:3
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

16. 2 Timothy 1:18
18 The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

17. 2 Timothy 4:12
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

18. 2 Timothy 4:22
22 The Lord Jesus Christ [be] with thy spirit. Grace [be] with you. Amen. <<[The second [epistle] unto Timotheus, ordained the first bishop of the church of the Ephesians, was written from Rome, when Paul was brought before Nero the second time.]>>

19. Revelation 1:11
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

20. Revelation 2:1
1. Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have [somewhat] against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Lesson 7 Ephesians 3:14-21 Prayer (for the Church)

Because of God's plan in Christ, Paul bows his knees to God, who is the Father of our Lord -- Jesus Christ. God has only one family; part of it is in heaven, part of it is on the earth. When your son or daughter moves out of your home to continue their education or to establish their own home, it doesn't mean that they are not part of your family. That son or daughter is still your child. We can be the child of God even while we live on this world. Paul will develop this concept of unity, of one family further in chapter 4.

Paul then prays that the Ephesian Church would be granted strength for their inner man. Paul is not praying for the physical strength or health of the Ephesian Church, but for the inner or spiritual man. He wanted their faith to be so strong that Christ could literally dwell in their heart. He did not want a weak faith as is written about in James 1:6-7 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Our Lord, Christ Jesus does not want to be an occasional visitor to your heart. He wants to be enthroned on your heart. Paul writes in Galatians 5:20 I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. In Rom 6:1-6 Paul writes What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. We are to put Christ so firmly in the throne of our hearts, that it is easy, even natural for us to do his will, instead of our own will.

But we are to be rooted and grounded in love. We are to be like a tree with its roots deeply embedded and seeking out love. We are to be like a building with a firm foundation and that foundation is a confidence of love. We can truly love each other simply because God loves us. And God showed us how to love one another (by his example). Christ said in John 13:35 that all men would know that we were his disciples if we had love one to another. In Gal 5:15 Paul writes For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. John writes in 1John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. John tells us to love in deed and truth not just in words. 1John 4:18. Paul tells us how to recognize true love in 1 Cor 13:

Paul prays that after we have the required faith, and when we are rooted and grounded in love; that we might be able to understand with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth and height of the love of Christ. The love of Christ is immeasurable. But "immeasurable" is just a word. If you have not been out on the sea; if you have never lived near the sea; what does a 16 foot wave mean to you. How do you understand water whose depth is measured not in feet but in miles? When we see our love and our faith combined with the love of our brothers and sisters in Christ we can begin to understand the meaning of "immeasurable" love. When I see my brother:

I can begin to understand how "immeasureable" Christ's love is for us. With this help from my brethren, I can know or experience the love of Christ (which passeth knowledge.) I can "know" the unknowable. A Jew believed that ones knowledge always manifested itself in one's conduct. One did not know something until that fact had a practical outworking in his life. This knowledge coupled with my attitude towards God and my fellow men would allow me to be filled with the fulness of God.

God is able to do far more than we ask, far more than we think. If we are his child, this power is already at work within us. Changing us from a servant of Satan to a Child of God. God obtains glory in the church throughout all ages. In the present age, God obtains glory as he works this change in our lives. Remember it was said of the Apostles that men took note that they had been with Jesus. When we are Christ's true companions, we will be changed also. This change brings glory to God. In the next age, the Church, chosen to be the "bride of Christ" will bring honor to God because of who she has become. She will be spotless, without blemish. And God will have chosen her for his son-- world without end or forever and ever.

Lesson 8 Ephesians 4: 1-16 Unity Lived Out (The Conduct of the Church)

Paul, who is a prisoner because of his relationship with Christ, begs us to live in a manner appropriate to the vocation (invitation) that we have received. He tells us to have a humble opinion of ourself. (We are not to think more of ourself than is right - Rom 12:3). We are to be gentle to everyone, to be longsuffering, and to bear with one another because we love each other. None of us are perfect. Remember our own flaws when dealing with one another. If we will do these things, we will be able to keep the unity of the Church as Christ desired.

Paul said to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He did not say to produce the unity. We have already studied how Christ provided the unity. We are tasked with not disturbing, with perserving and guarding that unity. Christ prayed in John 17:20. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. It is the disunited front that we display to the world that allows the world to doubt that our message is from God. Christ wants us, as members of his church, to be united in the same way that He and the Father are united. What do you think it would take to cause a separation between Christ and our God? What kinds of things do we allow to divide us today? We should be held together with the bond of peace. Peace with God and peace with our fellowmen.

Unity is important because:

There is only one body -- the church. 1Cor 12 explains that the church is one body with many members but only one head. Christ Jesus is the head.

There is only one Spirit. That Spirit was the Comforter that Christ promised the apostles. That Spirit makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. (Rom 8:26)

There is only one hope of our calling. That hope is to be with God. If my hope is to be with God, and your hope is to be with God; if we are both able to achieve our hopes - aren't we hoping to be together? Isn't that what unity is all about? In 1Cor 15:18 Paul wrote that if our hope in Christ is in this world only, we are of all men most miserable. Peter said that we were to be ready always to give a reason of the hope that lies in us. (1Peter 3:15)

There is only one Lord. Peter is quoted in Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Since we are following the same Master, how can we be divided? Would he lead us differently?

There is only one faith. 2 Peter 1:1. Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: God has given us everything that we need to know him in his word. We are told that the secret things belong to God ( Dt 29:29). If we take away from His word, our part in the holy city will be taken away. If we add to His word, God will add to us the plagues that are written in His book (Rev 22:18-19).

There is only one baptism. Christ told the apostles to teach and to baptize before he returned to heaven in Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. Peter taught that baptism was for the remission of our sins Acts 2:37. Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. Paul taught that our baptism put us in one body -- the church. 1Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

There is only one God. He is the Father of all. He is above all of us, and he is through out his creation. David asks in Psalms 139:8, "Where can I go and not find God?" He is in all of us - who seek to follow Him.

Because of this oneness, this unity in Christ, each of us is given grace according to the measure of Christ. The Lord has given every one of us some talents, some ability. 1Corinthians 4:7. For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]? We are to be content with the gifts that the Lord has given us, we are not to covet someone else's abilities.

Paul quotes Psalms 68:18 in describing the Christ's victory over the grave and triumphant ascension into heaven. By these things Christ assured victory over the things that put us in captivity now -- such as sin, death, fear of death, etc. Paul reminds us that the one who ascended is the very one who died and DESCENDED into the grave for us. BUT he is now risen above the heavens.

It is this Christ that has given grace to some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pasters and teachers. These talents, though different, are to be used to perfect the saints, to edify the body, and the general work of the ministry until we all -- not just some of us -- come together in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God -- to form a perfect man.

We are not to be as children, easy persuaded, easily deceived, and always looking for something new; but we are to speak the truth in love. We are not told to speak the truth, but to speak the truth in LOVE.

We are to realize that each part of the body is necessary. (1 Cor 12:12-31) It is only when the whole is come together that it is complete and able to grow. We should remember what the writer of Hebrews told us (13:17) Obey them that have the rule over you and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Lesson 9 Ephesians 4:17-32 Put off ... Put on

As members of Christ's Church, as members of his body, we can not live as other gentiles live. We must not allow our own thoughts, opinions and desires to influence the way we obey our Lord. God is so much higher than we are in every way. There is no comparison between his ways and our ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. In Romans chapter 1, Paul discusses what happens when men begin to trust in their own ways. Because that,when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

When we allow our own thoughts to become too important, we become hardened against the truth of God. Since truth only comes from Christ: John 14: 6 I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. when we are separated from the light of God, we become darkened in our understanding; we become ignorant about the way of God. This ignorance causes our way of life to be separated from the type of life that God would have us to live. Without God, our hearts become calloused and hard. We are no longer able to feel proper emotions. Therefore we try to satiate ourselves with even more sensual forms of impurity, ever lusting for more. But we didn't learn this manner of life from Christ; if we truly heard what he had to say and truly listened to his teaching. John 3:17-21 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotton Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

We are to put off our old way of life; in which we did according to our own desires. Our old lusts are deceitful. They promise us many things, but they only deliver separation from God. We need to be renewed in the spirit of our mind; to put on the new man that is created in righteousness and holiness. We have to put away lying. Truth cannot exist with lies. Lies corrupt truth. We cannot have the truth of Christ and continue to practice lying. We are all members of one another; we are members of Christ's body; we are members of Christ's church.

Don't allow anger to cause you to sin. Don't allow anger to turn into bitterness or a grudge. Do not allow it to last beyond this very day. Man's anger does not work the righteousness of God. Do not give any place to the devil. 1 Peter 5:8 (Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stedfast in the faith, James tells us, James 4:7-10 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

If you were guilty of stealing in the past, stop stealing. Get a job and do that which is good. From the labours of your work, you will be able to help those who have need. James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this. To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Do not say anything that is impure, but things that will edify those that listen to you. Mt 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringineth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things, But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Do not say or do anything that would grieve the Holy Spirit. It is by the Spirit that we are sealed unto the day of redemption. Put away anything that does not belong in a member of the Lord's body, in member of His Church. Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, hatred, and any kind of evil speaking. Instead be kind to each other, be tenderhearted for each other, easy to be entreated. We are to forgive each other as Christ forgave us; He freely forgave us, even though we did not deserve it.

Lesson 10 Ephesians 5: 1-20 (The Church) Imitating God

After we have learned to put on the attributes of Christ and to put off the attributes of this world; we can become followers of God. But if we become followers of God we must walk in Love. Gal 5:14-15 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. 1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God,and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. Christ gave himself as a sacrifice for us because he loved us. Paul writes in 1 Cor 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy,and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. There is nothing that we can do that has any meaning, if it does not have love as its motivating force.

If we are going to be followers or imitators of God, there can not be any fornication, any kind of uncleaness -- including covetousness even named among us. Covetousness is idolatry; a greedy desire for something that will cause us to replace God on the throne of our hearts with the thing desired. James says: James 1:14:15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then, when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Don Knotts played a deputy by the name of Barney Fife on the Andy Griffeth show. Barney was fond of the expression, "Nip it in the bud, that what I say, nip it in the bud!". If we will exercise control on our desires, and keep our desires centered on God, then it will be much easier to resist sin. Paul tells us that Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. (Romans 14:22).

Paul continues to list things in which a Christian can not participate. Neither filthiness (151-obscenity), nor foolish talking (3473-foolish talking), nor jesting (2228-ribaldry). We have previously seen how we will be judged by our words. A Christian should use his tongue to give thanks or praise to God, not engage in his tongue in useless or perhaps, even, damaging conversation. James 3:2-11 discusses the power of the tongue. He says that it is an unruly member that no man can tame. Given this warning, we need to be very careful what we say.After telling us in previous chapters of this book about the greatness of our inheritance in Christ; Paul reminds us that no man who is a whoremonger (4205-one who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse) , nor an unclean person (169-unclean in thought and life), nor a covetous (4123-one eager to have more, especially what belongs to others. greedy of gain.) person has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Paul warns us to not allow anyone to deceive us about these things, because these are the very things that brings the wrath of God down upon those who disobey and practice these things. We need to evaluate the things that our society is telling us these days. It seems as though the world around us is always encouraging us to want more, to get more, to buy more. Always more, more, more! And everything is sold with a sexual message attached. Many of the television shows and magazines promote an immoral life style. Do we invite these things into our homes? We are not to be partakers of these things.

We no longer walk in darkness, We walk in the light of Jesus Christ. The fruit of the spirit is in all goodness (19-uprightness of heart and life) and righteousness (1343-the condition acceptable to God) and truth(225-the candor of mind which is free from affection, pretence, simulation, falsehood or deceit) determining what pleases the Lord. A detailed list of the fruit of the Spirit is provided in Galations 5:22-26. We are not only to abstain from the works of the flesh, but are to speak out against them. (Even though just mentioning some sins is shameful.) We are of the light, so the light that we reflect from God should make clear the sins of those that walk in the darkness. The light is capable of calling those who are in darkness, even those so far advanced that they sleep or appear dead. Christ light is capable of changing the most defiled of us. Therefore, we should walk as wise men making best use of the time that the Lord has given us because there is much evil around us. We are told to be temperate in all things, therefore drunkeness is excess and is wrong. The Spirit is our seal. We should seek to be filled with the Spirit. We should speak (2980-speak,say,to use words in order to declare one's mind and disclose one's thoughts) to each other in psalms(5568-used of the book of Psalms), hymns (5215-a song in praise, a sacred song), and spiritual (4152-one who is filled with and governed by the Spirit of God) songs, singing (103-to sing) and making melody (5567-to celebrate the praises of God in song)in your heart to the Lord. We should give Thanks to God in the name of the Lord Jesus for our every blessing.

Lesson 11 Ephesians 5:21-33 Submission (of the Church) Ephesians 6: 1- 9

Paul tells us to submit to one another in the fear of God. What does this mean? It means that no one will put their desires, or opinions in a position of right -- at the expense of what other believers may want or believe. Most of the members believe that the midweek service should be held at 7:30. I believe that 7:00 is a better time. The others will want to understand why I believe that 7:00 is better. But if my arguments do not change their mind, I will submit -- without grumbling to the wishes of the others. Submission (5293) is a voluntary attitude of giving in, of cooperating. It does not imply rank. It does not imply that one person is "better" than another. It, like love, is a gift that one person can give another. It does not have to be deserved.

In Phil 2:6 Paul states that Christ (KJV) Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men: This verse appears to offer some problem with translation, as the NIV gives a different rendering. I particularly like the rendering of the Living Bible Paraphrased in this case. From the study that I have done, I believe that it gives the sense of the verse. Who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. Heb 3:1 tells us that Christ was in the express image of God. From these verses it is shown that Christ did not grasp for power, for proper credit, for position, for his rights; but made himself as a slave in the form of men. We have Christ's example as to how we should conduct ourselves in the church and in our marriage.

As we continue this study in Ephesians, let us remember that Paul is describing the ideal marriage. In verse 32 Paul emphasizes the allegorical comparison. As woman is to man, so the church is to Christ. In the ideal marriage, in the marriage as God intended it to be, these statements are true. Other passages in the scriptures speak of the non ideal marriage. This is why the statement, be not unequally yoked, although not limited to marriage, has a very special application to the institution of marriage. Since Ephesians is speaking of marriage in the ideal, it will be assumed from this point on, that it is speaking of a marriage that was formed by and is maintained by two Christians. The principals given for the ideal marriage, will work in any marriage -- if both parties would agree to these terms and truly abide by them.

Having just told us to submit to one another, Paul specifically now gives additional instructions to both husbands and wives that is summarized on the table contained in the next page. The intent of this lesson is to examine what Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, had to say about that most fundamental of all human relationships -- marriage. We want to see marriage as God sees it and as Paul wrote about it. Although families are a part of God's plan, it is not a part of his plan that everyone should marry. The apostle Paul, the writer of this letter to the Ephesians, was not married. In 1 Cor 7:32-35 Paul explains some of the advantages of the single life.

Proverbs provides several insights into marriage.

Paul has just spent a great deal of his letter explaining the "oneness" of the church. He is now comparing the marriage relationship to the relationship that the Church has with Christ. This analogy shows the importance in which God views the marriage relationship, and it illustrates the love as well as the security and the integrity that should be in the home. Home should be where you go to feel safe - and loved.If a man and a woman live in the marriage relationship as God intended for them to live, the marriage bonds become continually stronger. The man finds new and better ways to demonstrate his love for his wife, by the things that he does and says. By the way he acts, by the way he treats her she can sense his great love for her. Sensing this love, it is not difficult for the Christian wife to submit to her husband, for can easily see that his desire is for HER good. When the Christian husband sees this voluntary submission, it will increase his love and his desire to express that love. In a truly "Christian marriage" the wife's burden to submit will not be difficult. Husbands, if your wife is finding it difficult to submit, it implies that there may be something wrong with the relationship. Look first to your own attitudes and the way you treat your wife. God did not mean for it to be difficult to live in a marriage relationship. It was intended to comfort, strengthen and support the individual. We need to ask the Lord to help us find a Christian partner, and then we need to thank him for that partner.

Lesson 12 Ephesians 6:10-20 Spiritual Warfare (of the Church) Ephesians 6:21-24 Looking Back

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