by Rick Marin | Aug 9, 2023 | 2023 3rd Quarter
What will be the result from God’s gifts?
(Ephesians 4:1-16; Acts 2:33; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13) Blog Aug 06-12, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus receive all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. The grace that is ours in heaven overflows in gifts to believers on earth. The Holy Spirit indwells believers giving them power to comprehend and experience the love of God in their lives and making them witnesses to others and to angels and unfallen worlds.
Personal Power
1. Whom does Paul address as he begins chapter 4 of Ephesians? Paul ended his prayer to God in chapter three & now turns to believers in the church & what he desires them to do (Eph. 4:1).
2. To what does Paul make reference when he begins chapter 4 with the word “therefore”? The word “therefore” refers to what Paul has already written about believers having every spiritual blessing in Christ who has broken down the dividing wall & has given them unlimited internal power (Eph. 1:3; 2:14; 3:6, 16).
3. What internal qualities will we have to have in order to put up with other members? In order to put up with other members we will need humility & longsuffering, considering others better than ourselves for we also are faulty Christians (Eph. 4:2; Rom. 3:23; Phil. 2:3).
4. Of what thought expressed in chapter 2 are we reminded by Ephesians 4:2-3? The idea of forbearing other church members & endeavoring to keep unity reminds us that the church is still under construction & not perfect yet (Eph. 2:21; 4:2-3).
5. What should we understand from the words “walk,” “forbear,” and “endeavor”? These are action words that tell us that we will need to exercise diligent human effort to fulfill Paul’s request (Eph. 4:1-3).
6. What kind of unity is Paul writing about in Ephesians 4? Paul is writing about unity of the Spirit & not about a legislated ecclesiastical unity (Eph. 4:3).
7. What spiritual truth does Paul add that greatly helps church unity? The truth that there is only one visible, organized church with only one Holy Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, & one God over all greatly helps church unity (Eph. 4:4-6).
8. What truth about the Godhead is expressed in verses 4-6? Each member of the God is presented as “one” showing that it is made up of three equal persons each having different functions (Eph. 4:4-6; Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14).
Gifts from Heaven
9. To how many believers does God give gifts of the Spirit? Every believer has every spiritual blessing in heaven & to each is given spiritual gifts according to their faith (Eph. 4:7; Matt. 9:29; 1 Cor. 12:7).
10. How did Jesus earn the right to give gifts unto men? It was by bitter conflict on earth that Jesus earned the right to receive the Holy Spirit which he gave to men (Eph. 4:8-10; John 17:4; Acts 2:33; 5:32; Phil. 2:6-8).
11. How does Daniel portray Christ giving unmerited gifts to his disciples? Daniel says that after the Prince of the Covenant was slain, he would come up & do something unusual by giving his people “the prey, and spoil, and riches” (Dan. 11:22-24).
12. Who are the captives that Jesus took with him to heaven? Jesus took with him back to heaven the captives from the graves that were opened at his death (Eph. 4:8; Matt. 27:50-53).
13. For what purpose did Jesus give gifts to his church? The gifts given to the church by Jesus are “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12).
14. What will be the result from making the proper use of God’s gifts? The gifts God has given his church will result in bringing entire unity of faith, a full indwelling of God’s Spirit, & perfection of character to God’s people (Eph. 4:13).
Present Results
15. What effect will the gifts God gives his people have in the church today? The exercise of God’s gifts brings current doctrinal stability, emotional stability, & safeguards against deceivers (Eph. 4:14).
16. What kind of church growth do the gifts bring? Paul says that the gifts bring spiritual growth in Christ which probably also result in increased membership (Eph. 4:15-16).
17. What underlying principle makes the gifts exercised in God’s church effective? It is love that must undergird every exercise of the gifts so that the body of Christ is perfected (Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 13:1-3).
18. How can we receive benefit from other church member who rightly use their gifts? Only those who are part of God’s church receive all the benefits that come from other members. There are true believers outside of God’s church, but Jesus wants to bring them into the church where all his gifts are exercised (Eph. 4:16; John 10:16; 1 Cor. 12:6).
by Rick Marin | Aug 2, 2023 | 2023 3rd Quarter
To whom does Paul desire that we give glory?
(Ephesians 3:1-22; Proverbs 4:18; Acts 2:33) Blog Jul. 30 – Aug. 05, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: All who accept Jesus as their Substitute and Surety, receive in him all spiritual blessings. These overflow in the gift of the Holy Spirit who works with the Father and the Son to prepare the church as the bride of Christ. She is now made up of Jew and Gentile for Jesus abolished the Law of Moses that separated them. He is God’s Elect and all who enter him by faith are elect in him.
The Mystery of Christ
1. For what reason does Paul return to his chapter 2 unity theme in chapter 3? Paul returns to the concept of Gentiles being fellow citizens with the saints because he will build on that theme in chapter 3 (Eph. 2:19; 3:1).
2. Why does Paul say that he was the prisoner of Jesus Christ? Paul was the bondservant of Jesus for he was commissioned & sent out by God’s sanctifying grace to make known to the Gentiles the mystery of Christ & that proclamation resulted in his imprisonment (Acts 9:3-16; 22:12-15; 26:13-18; 1 Cor. 7:22; Eph. 3:1).
3. How did Paul receive “the mystery of Christ”? The mystery of Christ is always & only received by revelation. The natural man by logic cannot arrive at God’s truth (1 Cor. 2:7-14; Eph 3:3, 5).
4. What direct revelation did Paul receive from Jesus? Besides his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road, Paul spent three years in Arabia under Jesus’ direct teaching (Acts 22:14; Gal. 1:15-17).
5. Who does Paul say now reveals the mystery of Christ to God’s holy apostles and prophets? Without hesitation, Paul says that “the Spirit” now reveals the mystery (Eph. 3:5).
6. What other truth should we learn from Ephesians 3:5? We should learn that the revelation of truth is progressive & becomes brighter & clearer as we approach the perfect day (Prov. 4:18; Eph. 3:5).
7. What is “the mystery of Christ” about which Paul writes? The mystery of Christ is the amazing news that in Christ God provides eternal life for every human being, be they Jew or Gentile. It is the riches of Christ (Gen. 12:3; Eph. 3:6, 8).
The Gift of Grace
8. To what element briefly mentioned in chapter 1 does Paul return in verse 6 of Ephesians 3? Paul emphasizes the place of the Holy Spirit in Ephesians 3 (Eph. 1:13; 3:5-7).
9. Having established in Ephesians 2 that Jew and Gentile are one body (fellow citizens) in Christ, to what new emphasis does Paul turn in verse six of Ephesians 3? Paul now emphasizes that Jew & Gentile are also fellow heirs of the promise of the Holy Spirit (Isa. 44:3; Eze. 39:29; John 14:16-17; Acts 2:33; Eph. 3:6).
10. When after a repeated vision of a sheet full of unclean animals Peter learned that not only Jews could be saved and join God’s family, what event surprised him and his companions at the house of Cornelius? Peter & his Jewish brethren were amazed that non-Jews also received the Holy Spirit just as they had on Pentecost (Acts 10:45-46).
Strengthened with Might
11. To what kind of grace does Paul refer in Ephesians 3:7 and 8? Here Paul refers to sanctifying grace for it is the gift of the internal power of the Spirit of Wisdom that he receives (Eph. 3:7-8).
12. How does Paul say that the manifold wisdom of God will be made known to angels and the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds? It is by making people understand what they share in common with other believers in Christ (even righteousness, wisdom [the Holy Spirit], sanctification, & redemption) that they ( the church) make known to the onlooking universe the wisdom of God in his plan of salvation. Jesus didn’t come to earth just to save humans. God’s eternal purpose was to demonstrate his love to the universe (1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 3:9-11).
13. What does Paul pray that God will do for Christians? Paul prays that Christians would be strengthened with might by God’s Spirit in the inner man (2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 3:16).
14. How does Christ dwell in the hearts of Christians? Christians treasure the thought & doctrine of Christ in their hearts & Christ also dwells there by his Spirit while as a Person he remains in heaven (John 14:17; Eph. 3:17-19).
15. How are we to understand the love of God? God’s love is beyond our comprehension. It encompasses every human being, for all time, even to the lowest wretch in order to translate all who receive it to heavenly places (Eph. 3:18-19).
16. What is the fullness of God? The fulness of God is the climax of the work of the Holy Spirit in us (glorification) (Rom. 8:17; Eph. 3:19; 4:13).
17. To whom does Paul desire that we give glory at the end of Ephesians three? We are to give glory continually & eternally to the Holy Spirit that dwells in all believers, that powerfully works in us, & that Jesus purchased for us (Eph. 3:20-21).
by Rick Marin | Aug 2, 2023 | 3Q2023S
¿A quién desea Pablo que demos gloria?
(Efesios 3:1-22; Proverbios 4:18; Hechos 2:33) Blog Jul. 30 – Aug. 05, 2023
Preparado por Ricardo Marín – Pregonero de Justicia PO Box 700, Fallbrook, CA 92088-0700 USA
REPASO: Todos los que aceptan a Jesús como su Sustituto y Garante, reciben en él todas las bendiciones espirituales. Estos rebosan en el don del Espíritu Santo que obra con el Padre y el Hijo para preparar a la iglesia como la novia de Cristo. Ahora está formada por judíos y gentiles porque Jesús abolió la Ley de Moisés que los separaba. Él es el Elegido de Dios y todos los que entran en él por fe son elegidos en él.
El misterio de Cristo
1. ¿Por qué motivo vuelve Pablo al tema de la unidad del capítulo 2 en el capítulo tres? Pablo vuelve al concepto de que los gentiles sean conciudadanos de los santos porque se construirá sobre ese tema en el capítulo 3 (Efe. 2:19; 3:1).
2. ¿Por qué dice Pablo que era prisionero de Jesucristo? Pablo era el siervo de Jesús porque fue comisionado y enviado por la gracia santificadora de Dios para dar a conocer a los gentiles el misterio de Cristo y esa proclamación resultó en su encarcelamiento (Hech. 9:3-16; 22:12-15; 26:13-18; 1 Cor. 7:22; Efe. 3:1).
3. ¿Cómo recibió Pablo “el misterio de Cristo”? El misterio de Cristo se recibe siempre y sólo por revelación. El hombre natural por lógica no puede llegar a la verdad de Dios (1 Cor. 2:7-14; Efe. 3:3, 5).
4. ¿Qué revelación directa recibió Pablo de Jesús? Además de su encuentro con Jesús en el camino a Damasco, Pablo pasó tres años en Arabia bajo la enseñanza directa de Jesús (Hech. 22:14; Gál. 1:15-17).
5. ¿Quién dice Pablo que ahora revela el misterio de Cristo a los santos apóstoles y profetas de Dios? Sin dudarlo, Pablo dice que “el Espíritu” ahora revela el misterio (Efe. 3:5).
6. ¿Qué otra verdad debemos aprender de Efesios 3:5? Debemos aprender que la revelación de la verdad es progresiva y se vuelve más brillante y clara a medida que nos acercamos al día perfecto (Prov. 4:18; Efe. 3:5).
7. ¿Qué es “el misterio de Cristo” acerca del cual escribe Pablo? El misterio de Cristo es la asombrosa noticia de que en Cristo, Dios da vida eterna a todo ser humano, sea judío o gentil. Son las riquezas de Cristo (Gén. 12:3; Efe. 3:6, 8).
El don de la gracia
8. ¿A qué elemento mencionado brevemente en el capítulo 1 vuelve Pablo en el versículo 6 de Efesios 3? Pablo enfatiza el lugar del Espíritu Santo en Efesios 3 (Efe. 1:13; 3:5-7).
9. Habiendo establecido en Efesios 2 que judíos y gentiles son un cuerpo (conciudadanos) en Cristo, ¿a qué nuevo énfasis vuelve Pablo en el versículo seis de Efesios 3? Pablo ahora enfatiza que judíos y gentiles también son coherederos de la promesa del Espíritu Santo (Isa. 44:3; Eze. 39:29; Juan 14:16-17; Hech. 2:33; Efe. 3:6).
10. Cuando después de una visión repetida de una sábana llena de animales inmundos, Pedro supo que no solo los judíos podían salvarse y unirse a la familia de Dios, ¿qué evento los sorprendió a él y a sus compañeros en la casa de Cornelio? Pedro y sus hermanos judíos estaban asombrados de que los no judíos también recibieran el Espíritu Santo tal como lo habían recibido en Pentecostés (Hech. 10:45-46).
11. ¿A qué clase de gracia se refiere Pablo en Efesios 3:7 y 8? Aquí Pablo se refiere a la gracia santificadora porque es el don del poder interno del Espíritu de Sabiduría que él recibe (Efe. 3:7-8).
12. ¿Cómo dice Pablo que la multiforme sabiduría de Dios se dará a conocer a los ángeles y a los habitantes de los mundos no caídos? Es al hacer que las personas entiendan lo que comparten con otros creyentes en Cristo (incluso la justicia, la sabiduría [el Espíritu Santo], la santificación y la redención) que ellos (la iglesia) dan a conocer al universo que observa la sabiduría de Dios en su plan de salvación. Jesús no vino a la tierra solo para salvar a los humanos. El propósito eterno de Dios era demostrar su amor al universo (1 Cor. 1:30; Efe. 3:9-11).
Fortalecido con Poder
13. ¿Qué pide Pablo que Dios haga por los cristianos? Pablo ora para que los cristianos sean fortalecidos con poder por el Espíritu de Dios en el hombre interior (2 Cor. 4:16; Efe. 3:16).
14. ¿Cómo habita Cristo en el corazón de los cristianos? Los cristianos atesoran el pensamiento y la doctrina de Cristo en sus corazones y Cristo también mora allí por su Espíritu mientras permanece en el cielo como Persona (Juan 14:17; Efe. 3:17-19).
15. ¿Cómo debemos entender el amor de Dios? El amor de Dios está más allá de nuestra comprensión. Abarca a todo ser humano, de todos los tiempos, hasta el más bajo de los miserables para trasladar a todos los que la reciben a los lugares celestiales (Efe. 3:18-19).
16. ¿Qué es la plenitud de Dios? La plenitud de Dios es el clímax de la obra del Espíritu Santo en nosotros (la glorificación) (Rom. 8:17; Efe. 3:19; 4:13).
17. ¿A quién desea Pablo que demos gloria al final de Efesios tres? Debemos dar gloria continua y eternamente al Espíritu Santo que mora en todos los creyentes, que obra poderosamente en nosotros, y que Jesús compró para nosotros (Efe. 3:20-21).
by Rick Marin | Jul 26, 2023 | 2023 3rd Quarter
What is the middle wall of partition_
(Ephesians 2:11-22; Deuteronomy 31:24-26; Colossians 12:14-17) Blog July 23-29, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Before the foundation of the world God chose Jesus to be surety for humanity. All those found “in him” would become the church, Christ’s body, his bride. They are to grasp the magnitude of this calling and God’s power to accomplish all that he planned for humanity. It is by God’s attitude of grace that hell-bound sinners who believe can be saved.
Aliens
1. With what broad subject does Paul introduce the second half of Ephesians 2? Paul begins this section of Ephesians with the broad distinction between Jew & Gentile made by Mosaic circumcision in the flesh (Eph. 2:11).
2. What five distinctions between Jew and Gentile does Paul record in verse 12? Gentiles had no Messiah, they were not part of God’s elect people, they had no covenant promise, they were without hope, & without God (Eph. 2:12).
3. How might we express these five distinctions in another way? Gentiles were like dead fish floating downstream, with no Saviour, no family, no protecting boundaries, no future, & no present. This world was all they had (Eph. 2:12).
4. According to verse 13 what made the great change for Gentiles? The great change took place when they entered Christ by faith (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:29; Eph. 2:13).
5. What did Jesus do to break down the “middle wall of partition” between Jew and Gentile? By his perfect life (flesh) & atoning death (blood) Jesus broke down the “middle wall of partition” (Eph. 2:13-15; 2 Tim. 1:10).
The Middle Wall of Partition
6. What was the “middle wall of partition” that Jesus broke down? The “middle wall of partition” that Jesus broke down was “the law of commandments contained in ordinances” (Eph. 2:14-15).
7. What is “the law of commandments contained in ordinances”? The “law of commandments contained in ordinances” is the Law of Moses that was nailed to Christ’s cross (Deut. 31:24-26; Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14-17; Heb. 7:12).
8. Why do some people prefer to seek out a different interpretation of the “middle wall of partition” rather than the Law of Moses? Some people do not want to retain the Ten Commandments as a standard of Christian living so they choose not to distinguish between it & the Law of Moses so they can teach that both are no longer obligatory for Christians. Others believe Christians are still under the Law of Moses, so they look for a different interpretation of this passage (Eph. 2:14-15).
9. What words in Ephesians 2:15 and Colossians 2:14 make clear that Paul is speaking of the Law of Moses? The words “handwriting,” “enmity,” “law,” & “ordinances” make clear that Paul is referring to the Law of Moses for Moses uses those very ideas to refer to it (Num. 9:14; Deut. 31:24-26).
See our YouTube study on “The Two Laws” for further detail: https://youtu.be/kY_tztT3mq4
The Family of God
10. Where are Jew and Gentile brought together? In our world Jew & Gentile have not been brought together. Only in Christ have they been brought together. In Christ they are one body (Gal. 3:26-28; Eph. 2:15-16).
11. What is another name for that body where Jew and Gentile are brought together? Christ’s body is also called the church or the family of God (Eph. 1:22-23; 2:18-19).
12. What is the church built on? The church is built on Jesus as revealed in the writings of the prophets & apostles (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20).
13. Is the construction of the church finished? No, the building of the church is not finished until the last soul to be saved is sealed, for it is made up of people (Eph. 2:21-22; 1 Pet. 2:5-6; Rev. 7:3).
14. What member of the Godhead places us in and dwells in God’s church? The Holy Spirit places us into God’s family and indwells God’s church (1 Cor. 3:16; 12:13; Eph. 2:18, 22).
15. If Jews and Gentiles are all one in Christ, why does Paul say that “all Israel shall be saved”? In Romans Paul uses the term “Israel” to refer to God’s church who in Christ (God’s Elect) has become “the Israel of God” (Isa. 42:1; Rom. 2:28-29; 11:26; Gal. 6:14; Eph. 2:19).
by Rick Marin | Jul 26, 2023 | 3Q2023S
¿Qué fue la pared de separación?
(Efesios 2:11-22; Deuteronomio 31:24-26; Colosenses 12:14-17) Blog Jul. 23-29, 2023
Preparado por Ricardo Marín – Pregonero de Justicia PO Box 700, Fallbrook, CA 92088-0700 USA
REPASO: Antes de la fundación del mundo, Dios escogió a Jesús para que fuera fiador de la humanidad. Todos los que se encontraran “en él” se convertirían en la iglesia, el cuerpo de Cristo, su novia. Deben comprender la magnitud de este llamado y el poder de Dios para lograr todo lo que planeó para la humanidad. Es por la actitud de gracia de Dios que los pecadores destinados al infierno que creen pueden ser salvos.
Alejados
1. ¿Con qué tema amplio introduce Pablo la segunda mitad de Efesios dos? Pablo comienza esta sección de Efesios con la amplia distinción entre judíos y gentiles hecha por la circuncisión en la carne según la Ley de Moisés (Efe. 2:11).
2. ¿Qué cinco distinciones entre judíos y gentiles registra Pablo en el versículo 12? Los gentiles no tenían el Mesías, no eran parte del pueblo elegido de Dios, no tenían la promesa del pacto, estaban sin esperanza y sin Dios (Efe. 2:12).
3. ¿Cómo podríamos expresar estas cinco distinciones de otra manera? Los gentiles eran como peces muertos flotando río abajo, sin Salvador, sin familia, sin límites protectores, sin futuro y sin presente. Este mundo era todo lo que tenían (Efe. 2:12).
4. Según el versículo 13, ¿qué hizo el gran cambio para los gentiles? El gran cambio tuvo lugar cuando entraron en Cristo por fe (2 Cor. 5:17; Gál. 3:29; Efe. 2:13).
5. ¿Qué hizo Jesús para derribar la “pared intermedia de separación” entre judíos y gentiles? Por su vida perfecta (carne) y muerte expiatoria (sangre) Jesús derribó la “pared intermedia de separación” (Efe. 2:13-15; 2 Tim. 1:10).
La pared media de separación
6. ¿Cuál fue la “pared intermedia de separación” que Jesús derribó? La “pared intermedia de separación” que Jesús derribó fue “la ley de los mandamientos expresados en ordenanzas” (Efe. 2:14-15).
7. ¿Qué es “la ley de los mandamientos expresados en ordenanzas”? La “ley de los mandamientos expresados en ordenanzas” es la Ley de Moisés que fue clavada en la cruz de Cristo (Deut. 31:24-26; Efe. 2:15; Col. 2:14-17; Heb. 7:12).
8. ¿Por qué algunas personas prefieren buscar una interpretación diferente de la “pared intermedia de separación” en lugar de la Ley de Moisés? Algunas personas no quieren conservar los Diez Mandamientos como norma de la vida cristiana, por lo que eligen no distinguir entre ellos y la Ley de Moisés para poder enseñar que ambos ya no son obligatorios para los cristianos. Otros creen que los cristianos todavía están bajo la Ley de Moisés, por lo que buscan una interpretación diferente de este pasaje (Efe. 2:14-15).
9. ¿Qué palabras en Efesios 2:15 y Colosenses 2:14 aclaran que Pablo está hablando de la Ley de Moisés? Las palabras “decretos”, “enemistades”, “ley” y “ordenanzas” dejan en claro que Pablo se refiere a la Ley de Moisés porque Moisés usa esas mismas ideas para referirse a ella (Núm. 9:14; Deut. 31:24-26).
Consulte nuestro estudio de YouTube sobre “CONCIUDADANOS DE LOS SANTOS” para obtener más detalles: https://youtu.be/1vetsYwvFaU
La familia de Dios
10. ¿Dónde hay harmonía y paz entre judíos y gentiles? En nuestro mundo, judíos y gentiles no tienen harmonía y paz. Sólo en Cristo han sido reunidos para tener harmonía y paz. En Cristo son un solo cuerpo (Gál. 3:26-28; Efe. 2:15-16).
11. ¿Qué otro nombre tiene ese cuerpo donde se reúnen judíos y gentiles? El cuerpo de Cristo también se llama la iglesia o la familia de Dios (Efe. 1:22-23; 2:18-19).
12. ¿Sobre qué está edificada la iglesia? La iglesia está edificada sobre Jesús como se revela en los escritos de los profetas y apóstoles (Mat. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11; Efe. 2:20).
13. ¿Está terminada la construcción de la iglesia? No, la edificación de la iglesia no se termina hasta que se sella la última alma que se salvará, porque está compuesta de personas (Efe. 2:21-22; 1 Ped. 2:5-6; Apoc. 7:3).
14. ¿Qué miembro de la Deidad nos coloca en y mora en la iglesia de Dios? El Espíritu Santo nos coloca en la familia de Dios y mora en la iglesia de Dios (1 Cor. 3:16; 12:13; Efe. 2:18, 22).
15. Si sólo en Cristo los judíos y gentiles son uno, ¿por qué dice Pablo que “todo Israel será salvo”? En Romanos, Pablo usa el término “Israel” para referirse a la iglesia de Dios que en Cristo (el Elegido de Dios) se ha convertido en “el Israel de Dios” (Isa. 42:1; Rom. 2:28-29; 11:26; Gál. 6:14; Efe. 2:19).
