Our Redemption “in Christ” Detailed to the Ephesians Volume 42

Paul Describes what Putting on the New Man looks like Part 1

Ephesians 4:25-27 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. KJV

Paul begins his discourse on the attributes of the “new man” or “new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17) by telling these Ephesian converts to Christ and us today who have trusted our Lord Jesus Christ solely and only for our salvation that our lives should reflect “putting away lying” (Ephesians 4:25). This English phrase “putting away lying” is translated by one Greek word  apotithemi which happens to be the exact same word Paul just used in verse 22 and it means to put away (literally or figuratively): - cast off, lay aside, or lay down. Lying is something that comes natural to our “old man” or “old nature” and it is not to now characterize our new life “in Christ” because every time we lie to our fellow brothers and sisters “in Christ” we injure them by concealing from them reality and actuality and that could stunt their spiritual growth by making them believe falsehood and more importantly we injure ourselves spiritually by weakening the effectiveness of the Holy Spirit working in our inner man or inner woman. The Apostle no doubt being very knowledgeable of the Old Testament Scripture had these words in his mind spoken by the Prophet Zechariah when exhorting these Ephesians and us today to honesty with one another and Zechariah said, “‘These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates. Also let none of you devise evil in your heart against another, and do not love perjury; for all these are what I hate,’ declares the LORD.” (Zechariah 8:16-17).

Paul declares this to be the “will of God” because “we are members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25). The little seemingly insignificant English phrase “we are” is translated by one Greek word esmen a first person plural indicative meaning to have our being. The English word members is translated by the Greek word melos meaning a limb or part of the body. In other words, just like the human body is fit together with many different members united and joined to make it up, so is the eternal spiritual Body of Jesus Christ joined by differing limbs or souls knit together as the Apostle Paul declared with these words to the Colossian believers, “Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire {and} declaring you unworthy {and} disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions {and} inflated by his unspiritual thoughts {and} fleshly conceit, And not holding fast to the Head, from Whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by means of its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.” (Colossians 2:18-19). Because we have been now “knit together” into one Spiritual Body we injure the entire Body of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ when we lie to one another because we are one in Him also as Paul declared with these words to the Roman believers, “For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:4-5).

Paul knew that these Ephesian converts were brought up in a culture that saw lying as (in many cases) a necessary practice for example, “A lie is better than a hurtful truth.” – Menander and “Good is better than truth.” – Proclus and “When telling a lie will be profitable, let it be told.” - Darius in Herodotus, and “He may lie who knows how to do it in a suitable time.” - Plato and “There is nothing decorous in truth but when it is profitable; yea, sometimes truth is hurtful, and lying is profitable to men.” - Maximus Tyrius. These attitudes and beliefs are no different than what all of us have grown up with in our local, State, and Federal politicians who lie with impunity in order to gain a political office with no intention of fulfilling the things they have promised to the people. Lawyers lie without regard to win a case and they see this as their duty and obligation. Therefore, what a disaster it would be if the eyes in our human body deceived the other members of the body and led the entire body into a burning building that would most certainly destroy the entire body, likewise, when we deceive (by willfully lying) to one of the other members of Christ Body we bring potential destruction to the entire Body of Jesus Christ. Paul declares that we must be diligent to put away our former conduct in this area of our now new life in Jesus Christ because now we are part of something eternal and much greater than just ourselves. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning truth, “Nothing is more important in a community than simple ‘truth’ - and yet, it is to be feared that nothing is more habitually disregarded. No professing Christian can do any good who has not an unimpeachable character for integrity and truth - and yet who can lay his hand on his breast and say before God that he is in all cases a man that speaks the simple and unvarnished truth?”

Paul appeals to them that they “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” (Ephesians 4:26). These words are no doubt the Apostle having in his mind what King David wrote in a song in Psalm 4:4 and the little English phrase “be ye angry” is translated by one Greek word orgizo meaning to provoke or enrage, that is, (passively) become exasperated: - be angry (wroth). Paul was wholly given over to the “will of God” in his life, yet, he was a man of extreme passion and knew the dangers (as he saw within himself first) of not allowing God the Holy Spirit to take our anger and move it from unrighteous anger (capable of emotionally and physically hurting others) as we see in this encounter with the Jews Paul had as documented for us by Dr. Luke, “Paul, looking intently at the Council, said, ‘Brethren, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before God up to this day.’ The high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, ‘God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?’ But the bystanders said, ‘Do you revile God’s high priest?’ And Paul said, ‘I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” (Acts 23:1-5).

Paul knew that we must allow God the Holy Spirit to take our anger and turn it into righteous anger being angered and grieved over sin (in ourselves) and sin loose in the world of men and women as our Lord Jesus was when these words were documented of Him by Mark, “And He said to them, ‘Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the Sabbath, to save a life or to kill?’ But they kept silent. After looking around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.” (Mark 3:4-5). Paul exhorts them and us today to be mindful and careful to take our anger with or directed at others to the thrown of grace in order that we keep it from simmering over into a boil causing us to “give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27) in our hearts which will only cause us and others grief and injury. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say about anger, “‘Anger’ is a passion too common to need any description. It is an excitement or agitation of mind, of more or less violence, produced by the reception of a real or supposed injury, and attended commonly with a desire or purpose of revenge. The desire of revenge, however, is not essential to the existence of the passion, though it is probably always attended with a disposition to express displeasure, to chide, rebuke, or punish; compare Mark 3:5. To a great extent the sudden excitement on the reception of an injury is involuntary, and consequently innocent. Anger is excited when a horse kicks us; when a serpent hisses; when we dash our foot against a stone - and so when a man raises his hand to strike us. The ‘object or final cause’ of implanting this passion in the mind of man is, to rouse him to an immediate defense of himself when suddenly attacked, and before his reason would, have time to suggest the proper means of defense. It prompts at once to self-protection; and when that is done its proper office ceases.”

Paul wants these Ephesian believers and we true believers today to understand that our yielding to sinful anger will be injurious to others and even more injurious to ourselves because we allow the devil to gain an entrance, to have room into our hearts to setup a campground where he can lead us into all manner of sin that will lead to destruction and keep us from intimacy with our Lord Jesus Christ, therefore, we are to stop this from occurring and keep ourselves in the love of God not forming a habit of getting easily provoked but instead Paul wants us to do as he declared to the Roman believers with these words, “Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest {and} proper {and} noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for [God’s] wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay (requite), says the Lord. But if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head. Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome (master) evil with good.” (Romans 12:17-21).

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

Our Redemption “in Christ” Detailed to the Ephesians Volume 41

Paul Exhorts the Ephesians to Put Off the Old Man and Put on the New Man

Ephesians 4:20-24 But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. KJV

The Apostle Paul having concluding his exhortation and warning to these Ephesian believers about not going back to the lifestyles they lived and practiced in the days of their ignorance before hearing and believing the Gospel of Grace now reaffirms to them that that way of life is not what they have learned and are learning from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ by way of the Holy Spirit living and dwelling in them and us today. Paul declares that they and every one of us today who have received Christ have not understood Him in this manner as many of the false teachers all about are trying to espouse. The Apostle most certainly has in his mind one of the clear instances in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ when He was confronted with sinners and their sinfulness (John 8:3-12) while showing loving compassion at the same time enlisting, employing, and empowering the sinner whom He forgives to receive the change of life and behavior that only He can impart as we see at the end of this encounter with an adulterous woman recorded for us by the Apostle John, “When Jesus raised Himself up, He said to her, ‘Woman, where are your accusers? Has no man condemned you?’ She answered, ‘No one, Lord!’ And Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more.’ Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, ‘I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.’” (John 8:10-12).

Paul declares to them and to us today that “the truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). The little English phrase “the truth” Paul uses here is translated by one Greek word aletheia meaning true (as not concealing); truth or verity, that is, conformity to reality or actuality. In other words, Paul in verses 20 and 21 wants to solidify what theses Ephesian Gentile believers have received in their union with our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and that is truth because our Lord Jesus does not just teach them and us the truth (though He does that), but Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6) by nature and therefore, He can only lead those of us in union with Him into truth (John 1:17) and not error or a lie as unbelievers will not receive the truth and this is why they perish eternally. This is why Paul began by saying to these Ephesian brethren according to my translation (this is just how I read it from the Greek language) “You did not learn Christ in this way” or “You did not learn from Christ to live this way” (Ephesians 4:20). These words together “learned Christ” occur nowhere else in the entire New Testament or the Gospels or the Book of Revelation because Paul wanted an emphatic and exclamatory impact made upon their hearts and minds to make it clear to them who they are in Jesus Christ which is polar opposite of who they were before their encounter with Jesus Christ as our Lord Jesus declared Himself would be the case for all of His true followers when He said, “But He who enters by the door is a Shepherd of the sheep. To Him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear His voice, and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. When He puts forth all His own, He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.” (John 10:2-5).

The Apostle now concludes all of this by exhorting them and us today “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;” (Ephesians 4:22). First, Paul tells these Ephesian believers and us today that we must “put off” and this English phrase is translated by one Greek word apotithemi meaning to put away (literally or figuratively): - cast off, lay aside, or lay down. Second, Paul tells these Ephesian believers and us today it is the “former conversation” that is to be put off and the English word former is translated by the Greek word proteros meaning prior or previous (it is only used this one time in the Bible). The English word conversation is translated by the Greek word anastrophe meaning behavior or way of life or living. Thirdly, Paul declares that it is the “old man” that must be put away or put off and this is meant by Paul here as the old nature that every person is born with. Therefore, we find the Apostle exhorting and urging his fellow brethren and sisteren to cease from allowing their old nature to occupy the place of dominance in their daily lives because our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ did not teach them or us that this is His will for us, but instead as He commanded the first Apostles with these words, “And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20). Our Lord Jesus Christ is with us always and in us forever and it is absolutely with His strength that we can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13).

The Apostle Paul taught the Roman believers the reality of us putting off our “old man” like taking off old filthy smelly clothes and showering and then putting on new garments that are washed clean and fresh as he declared to them with these words, “We know that our old (un-renewed) self was nailed to the cross with Him in order that [our] body [which is the instrument] of sin might be made ineffective {and} inactive for evil, that we might no longer be the slaves of sin.” (Romans 6:6). Note: “The ‘old nature’ can never be improved, but on the contrary just progressively gets worse and worse and those who have not a ‘new nature’ will go out into outer darkness separated from God and His Love forever with that ‘old nature’ getting worse and worse eternally and never satisfying, but serving as a part of the unbelievers eternal punishment, like someone being thirsty for water, yet not dying, but never getting a drop or sip of water to quench their thirst.”  

Paul then tells them and us to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind;” (Ephesians 4:23). The English phrase “be renewed” is used this one and only time in the Bible and it is translated by the Greek word ananeoo which means to renovate, that is, reform. In other words, the “spirit of the mind” Paul refers to here is the purpose or the desire of the mind being renewed by the soul yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit as He feeds the Word of God into our redeemed minds transforming it to see as He sees, think as He thinks, and operate as He operates in the world. Paul now directs them “that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24). The English phrase “that ye put on” is translated by one Greek word enduo (where we get our English word endow) meaning (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively): - array, clothe with or endue. In other words, we are to consciously put on the “new nature” or “new man” that is in us from the moment of our “new birth” just as though we were putting on brand new clothing we just bought from one of the Department Stores in the mall just as Paul declared to the Colossian believers in Colossians 3:1-17 and as Zacharias prophesied would come to pass as recorded for us by Dr. Luke, “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: ‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant--As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old--Salvation from our enemies, And from the hand of all who hate us; To show mercy toward our fathers, And to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.” (Luke 1:67-75).

My own Personal Note: “When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden and passed on a corrupt wicked and evil nature to every human being born from him, God never had a program, procedure, or process to reform, renovate, or renew that “old nature” or “old man”, but instead through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection from the dead God has promised, prepared, and provided a “new nature” or “new man” to be given to every born again son and daughter of His still allowing the “old nature” to remain “in them” still unchanged. Paul assumes that they have learned Christ Jesus our Lord.”

“The Lord Jesus is our text-book and our teacher, the schoolhouse in which we are taught, and the object lesson in which all truth is enshrined. But all is in vain unless we definitely and forever put away the old man; that is, our old manners and customs in so far as they are contrary to the Spirit of Christ. With equal decision we are called upon to seek the daily renewal of our spirit and the outward conformity of our mode of life to the example of Jesus. But it should never be forgotten that the latter will be a dry husk unless it is energized from the true vine. There can be little of Christ without unless He dwells without a rival within. But the Holy Spirit will see to this, if only we grieve Him not.” F. B. Meyer

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Redemption “in Christ” Detailed to the Ephesians Volume 40

Paul Exhorts the Ephesians to not Walk as the Unbeliever

Ephesians 4:17-19 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. KJV

Paul continues his discourse of exhortation to these Ephesian believers and us today on how we ought to walk and live worthy of the high calling wherewith we have been called by the Gospel of Christ, but only now here he warns against living in the same manner as those who are unbelievers, unregenerate, and unsaved. Likewise, Paul in continuing his thoughts from the previous verses where he explains the purpose of the spiritual gifts given to each believer says “I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind” (Ephesians 4:17). The first very important part of this statement is the Apostle Paul declaring to them and to us that he speaks in the Name of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and most importantly with His authority. We know this because Paul’s use of the English word testify which is translated by the Greek word marturomai meaning to be adduced as a witness, that is, (figuratively) to obtest (in affirmation or exhortation): - take to record, testify.

In other words, Paul was not only an Apostle of Christ because he saw the Risen Lord Jesus, but he is one of the sent witnesses of our Lord Jesus Christ (at that time) to these Ephesian believers and all believers everywhere to testify/marturomai to them individually and collectively the will of God for them as they remained here on the earth as sojourners, pilgrims, and aliens. It was a problem in the early Church and remains one till this very day of having our lives demonstrate a difference in conduct and behavior from those who have not received our Lord Jesus Christ as Paul wrestled with the Corinthian believers in this area as he demonstrated his anguish, angst, and anxiety with them in these words, “Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 4:18-21 – 1 Corinthians 5:1-5).

Paul declares to the Ephesian believers and us today that we are not to live our everyday lives by behaving in the same manner as we did before we met our Lord Jesus Christ as the non-believer does continually, constantly, and consistently due to the vanity of their minds. The English word vanity Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word mataiotes which means to be empty or profitless; having no practical use/uselessness; short-lived gratification leading to moral depravity as Paul reminded the Roman believers of their former lives before Christ with these words, “I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death.” (Romans 6:19-21). Paul wants to exhort and remind them and us today as he did with these words to the Thessalonian believers what the will of God is for those of us who belong to our Lord Jesus Christ, “Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God;” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5).

Paul declares to them and us today that the unregenerate man or woman lives “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:” (Ephesians 4:18). This Paul says to them to illuminate the contrast between darkness and light in Christ and to remind them and us from whence we likewise came from (Ephesians 2:2-3) and to warn us to not accept this as normality now that we know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior because as the Apostle John declares of our Lord Jesus Christ with these words are to also represent our lives in Him, “This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7). Paul uses three very crucial and critical words in this passage of Scripture to describe in detail the man or woman without Jesus Christ and the words understanding, darkened, and alienated are set before us. First the English word understanding is translated by the Greek word dianoia meaning deep thought, properly the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication its exercise: - imagination, mind, understanding. Second the English word darkened is translated by the Greek word skotizo meaning to obscure (literally or figuratively): shadiness or darkness. Thirdly the English word alienated is translated from the Greek word apallotrioo meaning to estrange away, that is, (passively and figuratively) to be non-participant: - alienate, be alien.

In other words, we see that Paul declares the unregenerate man or woman’s mind to be obscured and blurred from spiritual truth being that their inner man or inner woman is void, absent, not containing the life of God which is not being indwelt by God the Holy Spirit, therefore, it is Paul’s exhortation to these Ephesian believers and we who have received Christ today to exercise ourselves to do as the Apostle Peter declares with these words, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’ And if you call upon Him as [your] Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he does, [then] you should conduct yourselves with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence [on the earth, whether long or short]. You must know (recognize) that you were redeemed (ransomed) from the useless (fruitless) way of living inherited by tradition from [your] forefathers, not with corruptible things [such as] silver and gold, But [you were purchased] with the precious Blood of Christ (the Messiah), like that of a [sacrificial] lamb without blemish or spot.” (1 Peter 1:13-19).

Paul testified to the Roman believers of this condition of the unsaved when he said to them these words, “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” (Romans 1:21-25). Paul declares to them and us that the result of this blindness and darkness of heart has made the unregenerate man and women “being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:19).

The English phrase “being past feeling” Paul uses here is translated by one Greek word apalgeo meaning (to smart); to grieve out, that is, become apathetic: - be past feeling. In other words, this word has the idea of being unable any longer to feel pain and this is true medically that some human beings have a condition that dulls their physical senses to be able to detect physical pain as in those suffering from leprosy. Paul uses this word here to denote or be an indication of those without Jesus Christ having become callous or cauterized being deadened in emotional and moral senses to that which is true as Paul declared to Brother Timothy with these words, “But the Holy Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away or will turn away from the faith, paying attention to deluding {and} seducing spirits, deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared (cauterized) in their own conscience as with a branding iron,” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Paul then uses the English phrase “have given themselves over” which is translated by one Greek word paradidomi meaning to surrender, that is, yield up, intrust, transmit. In other words, a genuine non-believer in Christ (the person may not be irreligious, but may practice religion in some form) has surrendered or given themselves up to the power and control of the prince of the power of the air (the devil) “unto lasciviousness,” and this English phrase is translated by one Greek word aselgeia which means to disregard sexual restraints; lacking moral restraints; moral depravity; moral corruption or defilement; lustful; sensual; lewd; hard to control sexual behavior; licentiousness (sometimes including other vices): - filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness. Paul declares the unregenerate to “work all uncleanness with greediness.” The English word work is translated by the Greek word ergasia meaning an occupation; by implication profit, pains: - craft, diligence, gain, work. In other words, this is not occasional or not being done or happening often or much; happening from time to time or recurring or reappearing from time to time, but it is a job that which is performed with persistency and is not desired or sought to be stopped, terminated, or discontinued. Paul declares this behavior to not be that of the redeemed and must not be thought of as such as he declared with these agonizing words to the Corinthian believers when he said, “Have you been supposing [all this time] that we have been defending ourselves {and} apologizing to you? [It is] in the sight {and} the [very] presence of God [and as one] in Christ (the Messiah) that we have been speaking, dearly beloved, and all in order to build you up [spiritually]. For I am fearful that somehow or other I may come and find you not as I desire to find you, and that you may find me too not as you want to find me--that perhaps there may be factions (quarreling), jealousy, temper (wrath, intrigues, rivalry, divided loyalties), selfishness, whispering, gossip, arrogance (self-assertion), and disorder among you. [I am fearful] that when I come again, my God may humiliate {and} humble me in your regard, and that I may have to sorrow over many of those who sinned before and have not repented of the impurity, sexual vice, and sensuality which they formerly practiced.” (2 Corinthians 12:19-21).

My own Personal Note: Paul was very diligent in speaking the truth in love to fellow brethren because he most assuredly found in himself the ‘old man’ or ‘old nature’ sticking up his ugly head far too often as we found in his revelations to the Roman believers in Romans 7:14-25, but he wanted to see every believer walk in and live in the freedom that Christ purchased for us by His Blood (Galatians 5:1) and we find Paul writing these words later on in this epistle to the Romans when he said, “The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works {and} deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light. Let us live {and} conduct ourselves honorably {and} becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy. But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).” (Romans 13:12-14). This is our Lord Jesus’ desire for each one of His children.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Redemption “in Christ” Detailed to the Ephesians Volume 39

Paul Details the Purpose of the Spiritual Gifts given to Believers Part 3

Ephesians 4:15-16 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. KJV

Paul begins here to tell these Ephesian believers and every one of us true believers today what we must be about with one another and that is “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). In total contrast to them and us being deceived by the evil or twisted trickery of false teachers, Paul declares that we should be truthful with one another lovingly and this will be a wall of defense keeping us from error. The English phrase “speaking the truth” is translated by one Greek word aletheuo which means to be true as not concealing (in doctrine and profession): - to speak or tell the truth. There is but one and only truth and that is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and His Eternal Holy Word. The truth however, is not enough on its own, therefore, the Apostle Paul adds the qualifier to each of us speaking truth to one another and that is “in love” because truth spoken to someone without love being its motive and energy is cruel and brutish, but also love absent truth being its substance is fantasy, imagination, and completely void of reality as the Proverb declares, “Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:5-6).

The supreme purpose of these various spiritual gifts given to men and women in the Church is for the growth of the Body of Christ every individual member of Christ Body needs to grow into spiritual maturity so that the entire Body can grow strong spiritually in this world. The gifts of ministry are not to make men and women famous so they can acquire more temporal earthly goods traveling around the world with their names in lights or on reality TV shows, but that the gifts given to them by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself are so that we (the Body) “may grow up into Him in all things” (Ephesians 4:15) as he declared with these words to the Colossian believers, “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the entire Body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.” (Colossians 2:18-19). Paul wants these Ephesian believers and us today to reconcile, realize, and remember that every born again believer has one goal and that is to be conformed into the image of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and this is only accomplished when “the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth” (Ephesians 4:16).

The Apostle Paul uses the English phrase “fitly joined together” making a comparison of Christ Spiritual Body to that of a physical body and this phrase is translated by one Greek word sunarmologeo which means (in its original sense of laying); to render close jointed together, that is, organize compactly: - be fitly framed (joined) together. In other words, just as every joint, muscle, ligament, arteries, veins, etc. in the human body must be in the proper places in the body (void of disease) that it would grow up properly from infancy to adulthood, likewise, every believer in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ must exercise their spiritual gift or gifts in the proper place appointed by our Lord Jesus in order for His Spiritual Body to become full grown spiritually into His Stature (void of the spiritual disease of error) able to take on the enemy and his minions and win every spiritual battle as Paul has already informed them and us that our Lord Jesus has the enemy under His Feet as he wrote earlier with these words, “And He has put all things under His feet and has appointed Him the universal and supreme Head of the Church [a headship exercised throughout the Church], Which is His Body, the fullness of Him Who fills all in all [for in that Body lives the full measure of Him Who makes everything complete, and Who fills everything everywhere with Himself].” (Ephesians 1:22-23).

The English word compacted Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word sumbibazo which means (to force; causatively [by reduplication]; to drive together, that is, unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach: - compact, assuredly, gather, instruct, knit together, prove. In other words, Paul continues his theme from the beginning of his introduction of these varying spiritual gifts to these Ephesians believers and to us today of our Lord Jesus Christ goal of unity or oneness of love, doctrine, purpose, desires, affections, etc. of every individual joint supplying what they are gifted to supply to the whole Body to facilitate its spiritual growth into maturity as Paul said elsewhere in this manner, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” (Romans 12:16) or in this manner, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) or finally in this manner, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2).

My own Personal Note: “It is the cooperating work of every individual part or member of Christ Body working properly or exercising properly their spiritual gift or gifts in their function as an engines individual parts cooperate with one another in order to drive an automobile, or train, or bus, or plane along its path to reach its final destination safely, likewise, our final destination is our upward calling ‘in Christ’ (Philippians 3:14). It is the Holy Spirit that energizes each part or member of the Body to accomplish this end goal successfully by nourishing the Body with the washing of water by the Word of God (1 John 2:27).”

“The vitality of the Church of Christ does not depend so much upon the large and visible features of its construction-upon Synods and Conferences, upon Bishops and Presbyteries and the like, influential and venerable as these authorities may be; but upon the spiritual intercourse that goes on amongst the body of its people. ‘Each several part’ of Christ’s great body, ‘according to the measure’ of its capacity, is required to receive and to transmit the common grace. However defective in other points of organization, the society in which this takes place fulfils the office of an ecclesiastical body. It will grow into the fulness of Christ; it ‘builds up itself in love.’ The primary condition of Church health and progress is that there shall be an unobstructed flow of the life of grace from point to point through the tissues and substance of the entire frame.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

Our Redemption “in Christ” Detailed to the Ephesians Volume 38

Paul Details the Purpose of the Spiritual Gifts given to Believers Part 2

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; KJV

Paul continues his definition of the purpose our Lord Jesus Christ gave varying gifts to men and women in His Body by saying “That we henceforth be no more children” (Ephesians 4:14). The idea Paul is conveying here (in the spiritual sense) is comparable to that in the natural/physical sense of parents with their children. Parents expect their infant babies to cry to get their parents attention because they are helpless from birth until they get older, but they do not expect or will they tolerate a 9 year old or 19 year old child falling out in the middle of the floor and crying in order to get their parents attention or affection. Likewise, here in the spiritual sense, Paul acknowledges that every believer is a “babe in Christ” early on after their conversion to Christ, but now (through the exercise of these variance gifts in Christ Body (the Church)), we all are expected by our Heavenly Father to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter 3:18) as we declared in the last study and become full grown mature adult sons and daughters of the Living God our Father in Heaven as Paul wrote with these words to the Corinthian believers, “Brethren, do not be children [immature] in your thinking; continue to be babes in [matters of] evil, but in your minds be mature [men].” (1 Corinthians 14:20).

Paul continues on with his discourse declaring why it is so important that we become mature believers through being taught the Word of God by those with the gifts given to them by Christ Jesus our Lord and the first concern Paul has is that these Ephesian believers and us today be not “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” (Ephesians 4:14). The English phrase “tossed to and fro” is translated by one Greek word  kludonizomai which occurs only once in the Bible and carries the meaning of a billowing wave in the ocean or sea going or raging back and forth; to fluctuate, vacillate, or be unstable. In other words, Paul wants every believer to be firmly fixed on the Gospel of Grace and on every truth that is in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ not wavering in our faith in Christ or the truths in the Word of God and this is what the gifted men and women are to be about establishing in Christ Body as the Apostle James declares in (James 1:2-8).

The English phrase carried about Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word periphero which means to convey around, that is, transport hither and thither: - bear (carry) about. In other words, the Apostle Paul has had to combat the teachings of false teachers in every region of the known world that he established local Churches for our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Galatian believers as he said with these words, “I am surprised {and} astonished that you are so quickly turning renegade {and} deserting Him Who invited {and} called you by the grace (unmerited favor) of Christ (the Messiah) [and that you are transferring your allegiance] to a different [even an opposition] Gospel. Not that there is [or could be] any other [genuine Gospel], but there are [obviously] some who are troubling {and} disturbing {and} bewildering you [with a different kind of teaching which they offer as a Gospel] and want to pervert {and} distort the Gospel of Christ (the Messiah) [into something which it absolutely is not].” (Galatians 1:6-7). Also to the Corinthian believers (2 Corinthians 11:12-15), therefore, Paul wants these Ephesian believers and us today to become full grown mature adults “in Christ” and no longer babes that we would not be fooled “by the sleight of men” at any time.

The English word sleight Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word kubeia which is used this one time in the entire Bible and means (a cube, that is, die for playing); gambling, that is, (figuratively) artifice or fraud: - sleight; A deceptive maneuver (especially to avoid capture). Here is what Adam Clarke says of this word Paul uses here to describe these false teachers, “The word refers to the arts used by gamesters, who employ false dice that will always throw up one kind of number, which is that by which those who play with them cannot win.” The English phrase “cunning craftiness” Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word panourgia which means skillful or shrewd performance or ability without difficulty, that is, (in a bad sense) trickery or sophistry (a deliberately invalid argument displaying ingenuity in reasoning in the hope of deceiving someone). This was the actions of the men that came behind Paul in all of the regions where he had proclaimed the true Gospel of Christ and taught the truth of God in every place, so Paul here warns these Ephesian believers and declares to them the purpose that Christ gave him and others (prophets, pastors, teachers, etc.) to them in order to keep them from these men who “lie in wait to deceive” them and take or carry them away from the simplicity that is found in Christ Jesus our Lord as Paul declared to the Corinthian believers with these words, “But [now] I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted {and} seduced from wholehearted {and} sincere {and} pure devotion to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

My own Personal Note: “The writer of Proverbs tells us that, “the dross must be taken away from the silver before it is ready to go to the Silversmith.” The Lord Jesus Christ is the Silversmith of all who place their faith and trust in Him. They then become refined as His sons and daughters. This is how He is preparing His people today and always: He places us in His refining fire to burn off all those impurities in our hearts. He controls the fire and thus guarantees the end result of the purification process—the removal of the dross. No man or woman who ever came to our Lord and Savior in true heartfelt repentance and faith and thereafter remained the same as before the life-changing encounter with the Lord of Glory.” Excerpt from my Book entitled, “Silent Assassins of the Soul: Finding Freedom from Sexual Impurity through the Lord Jesus Christ, A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs

“We should carefully examine what is truth, and having found it, should adhere to it, and not yield on the coming of every new teacher. We should not, indeed, close our minds against conviction. We should be open to argument, and be willing to follow ‘the truth’ wherever it will lead us. But this state of mind is not inconsistent with having settled opinions, and with being firm in holding them until we are convinced that we are wrong. No man can be useful who has no settled principles. No one who has not such principles can inspire confidence or be happy, and the first aim of every young convert should be to acquire settled views of the truth, and to become firmly grounded in the Doctrines of the Gospel.” Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Redemption “in Christ” Detailed to the Ephesians Volume 37

Paul Details the Purpose of the Spiritual Gifts given to Believers Part 1

Ephesians 4:12-13 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: KJV

Paul begins his declaration of why our Lord Jesus Christ gave these varying gifts to men and women in His Body the Church by giving reason number one to be “perfecting of the saints” (Ephesians 4:12). This English word perfecting Paul uses here is the one and only time it is used by any writer in the entire Bible and it is translated by the Greek word katartismos which means to complete thoroughly, that is, repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust: - fit, frame, mend, (make) perfect, join together, prepare, restore. In other words, the gifts given to men and women by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ is to minister to His Body of Believers while we are still down in this world of woe still stained by sin and getting sullied by our sins to bring every disjointed member of the Body of Christ back into complete alignment just as Paul declared to the Galatian believers in Galatians 6:1-6. The purpose of these different gifts are to make the Body (the Church) strong and fit spiritually to represent our Lord Jesus properly, powerfully, and passionately in this world as we are away from our true home in Heaven with Christ.

The “work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:12) is primarily the ministry of the Word of God to the saints individually as members of the Body (the Church) disjointed or dislocated and collectively as One Body together because it is only the Word of God that has the power to mend and restore the saints making them thoroughly complete for every good work as Paul wrote with these words to the Thessalonian believers, “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions {and} instructions which you were taught by us, whether by our word of mouth or by letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation {and} encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), Comfort {and} encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15-17).

Paul declares that none of the gifts are for the individual or given to the individual because he or she was someone special or deserved the gift or gifts, but that our Lord Jesus has distributed them in just the manner He has determined “for the edifying of the Body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12). The English word edifying Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word oikodome has the idea of building a great architectural structure; it means to build up something. In this case, the great architectural structure is the Church (Christ Body) and it is to be built up by the ministration of the Word of God to the members as Paul spoke to these same Ephesian believers when he departed from them for the last time here on earth, “And now [brethren], I commit you to God [I deposit you in His charge, entrusting you to His protection and care]. And I commend you to the Word of His Grace [to the commands and counsels and promises of His unmerited favor]. It is able to build you up and to give you [your rightful] inheritance among all God’s set-apart ones (those consecrated, purified, and transformed of soul).” (Acts 20:32) as well as what he already wrote to them earlier in this same letter when he said, “Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:20-22).

Again Paul expresses our Lord Jesus’ design of the differing gifts to build up His Body “Till we all come in the unity of the faith” (Ephesians 4:13). Though the gifts are different in some members of Christ Body, yet the purpose is one in the same and that is unity/henotes which means “oneness” as we discovered in our last study. In a human body each member although it has different functions still works together to make that body live and move in complete harmony and purpose, so it is with the ministry of the Word of God to the different members of Christ Body designed to make many into One Mystical Body (the Church), not one denomination or sect or ecumenical organization, but to nurture and feed, and grow an organism the Body of Jesus Christ as our Lord Jesus commanded/instructed the Apostle Peter to do with these words to him, “He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?’ Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend].’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed My sheep.’” (John 21:17).

This is the only purpose for each and every one of these gifts listed for us in Ephesians 4:11 by Paul and that is the feeding of the Word of God to the flock of God as our Lord Jesus declared with these words to the enemy in the wilderness, “And the tempter came and said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.’ But He answered and said, ‘It is written, Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:3-4). All of this building up is that we all may come to “the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:13). The English word knowledge Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word epignosis which means to become fully acquainted with; recognition, that is, (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement. In other words, our Lord Jesus Christ gave gifts to men and women in order that these Ephesian believers and all of us today that belong to Him will know Him intimately, experientially, and completely as it is humanly possible while we are still in this corrupted body with our corrupted nature still in us as the Apostle Peter exhorted us to do with these words, “Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless {and} wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind]. But grow in grace (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition {and} knowledge {and} understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!” (2 Peter 3:17-18).

This is in complete contrast to the way the Apostle Paul warned the Corinthian believers with these words, “I WISH you would bear with me while I indulge in a little [so-called] foolishness. Do bear with me! For I am zealous for you with a godly eagerness {and} a divine jealousy, for I have betrothed you to one Husband, to present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But [now] I am fearful, lest that even as the serpent beguiled Eve by his cunning, so your minds may be corrupted {and} seduced from wholehearted {and} sincere {and} pure devotion to Christ. For [you seem readily to endure it] if a man comes and preaches another Jesus than the One we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the [Spirit] you [once] received or a different gospel from the one you [then] received {and} welcomed; you tolerate [all that] well enough!” (2 Corinthians 11:1-4). Paul was exercising his gifts exactly as our Lord Jesus Christ intended when he penned these words to the Corinthian believers warning them of potential doom and disaster to them spiritually.

The English word Paul uses “perfect” is translated by the Greek word teleios meaning complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.). It does not mean sinless perfection as some misguided souls have supposed they had attained in past generations and even till this very day, but instead Paul expresses here an ascension or a climb up to our Lord Jesus Christ (He is the Goal) taking up one rung at a time stretching, striving, and straining our spiritual muscles as hard as possible seeking after Christ Jesus our Lord being no longer “babes in Christ” but growing up to spiritual adulthood putting aside childish things such as Paul declared to the Hebrew believers with these words, “THEREFORE LET us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings {and} doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness {and} perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance {and} abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God, With teachings about purifying, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment {and} punishment. [These are all matters of which you should have been fully aware long, long ago.]” (Hebrews 6:1-2). Paul’s desire with this portion of his letter to these Ephesians and to all of us true believers today is that we find our cause, care, and completeness in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ alone in this temporal life down here on the earth.

“The meaning is, until we all hold the same truths, and have the same confidence in the Son of God; Unto a complete man. This figure is obvious. The Apostle compares their condition then to a state of childhood. The perfect man here refers to the man ‘grown up,’ the man of mature life. He says that Christ had appointed pastors and teachers that the infant Church might be conducted to ‘maturity;’ or become strong - like a man. He does not refer to the doctrine of  ‘sinless perfection’ - but to the state of manhood as compared with that of childhood - a state of strength, vigor, wisdom, when the full growth should be attained; see 1 Corinthians 14:20.” Albert Barnes

“The chosen ones, whom God has sanctified or set apart for Himself in eternal election: the ministry of the word is designed for the completing the number of these in the effectual calling; and for the perfecting of the whole Body of the Church, by gathering in all that belong to it, and of every particular saint, who is regenerated and sanctified by the Spirit of God: for the best of saints are imperfect; for though there is a perfection in them, as that designs sincerity, in opposition to hypocrisy, and as it may be taken comparatively with respect to what others are, or they themselves were; and though there is a perfection of parts of the new man in them, yet not of degrees; and though there is a complete perfection in Christ, yet not in themselves, their sanctification is imperfect, as their faith, knowledge, love, etc. sin is in them, and committed by them, and they continually want supplies of grace; and the best of them are sensible of their imperfection, and own it: now the ministration of the Word is a means of carrying on the work of grace in them unto perfection, or ‘for the restoring or joining in of the saints’; the elect of God were disjointed in Adam’s fall, and scattered abroad, who were representatively gathered together in One Head, even in Christ, in redemption; and the Word is the means of the visible and open jointing of them into Christ, and into His Churches, and also of restoring them after backslidings.” Dr. John Gill

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...


Sincerely in Christ,


Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…