by Rick Marin | Oct 5, 2023 | 2023 3rd Quarter
How should we receive unfaithful messengers?
(Efesians 6:21-24; Acts 4:29; 20:27-38) Blog 24-30 Sep. 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: The church of Christ has been given every spiritual blessing in Christ and all power in the gift of his Spirit. She faces formidable enemies, but the weapons of her warfare are plainly revealed.
Communication
1. Considering the extreme importance of communication when involved in war, what has the church been given in this area for her spiritual warfare? The church has been given prayer as an instant & unblockable means of communication with her Commander, who in turn has legions of angel ready to communicate with every battlefield (Eph. 6:10; Matt. 26:53).
2. For whom does Paul say we should pray? Paul says we are to pray for all saints & for him (pastors, teachers, evangelists, prophets, & apostles) (Eph. 6:18-19).
3. For what does Paul say we should pray? Paul says we are to pray that our fellow soldiers & officers have boldness in speaking the right words for the advance of the Gospel (Eph. 6:19; Acts 4:29; Jam. 5:15).
4. What also is implied in Paul’s request for prayer? We are also to pray for our prisoners of war that they might gain victories where they are and be freed (Eph. 6:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:26; Heb. 13:3).
Faithful Messengers
5. Besides prayer, what other means of communication has the church been given? The church also has faithful human messengers who can travel between battlefronts (Eph. 6:21; 3 John 1:3-4).
6. What are some of the interchurch needs that faithful messengers can communicate? Faithful messengers can communicate the state of the troops or need of replacements on other fronts. They can report & carry ammunition, food, & supplies to other fronts & they can encourage the troops with messages from their leaders or fellow soldiers (Eph. 6:21-22; Tim. 4:11-13).
7. Because of their love for Paul, what additional information did his faithful messenger need to bring to the Ephesian believers? Tychicus needed to faithfully inform the brethren how their beloved evangelist, Paul was doing in prison (Eph. 6:21-22; Acts 20:36-38).
8. What should be our attitude when messengers come from other churches not having the qualifications that Tychicus had? We are not to be deceived by glowing reports or discouraging details brought by unfaithful messengers for only faithful communication warns of impending danger, enables the troops to increase their strength, or encourages them (Eph. 6:21; Acts 20:27-30; 2 Thes. 2:2-3).
9. What does Paul desire the Ephesian believers to have from God? Paul desires the believers to have peace, love, & faith (gossip & criticism don’t bring these) (Eph. 6:23).
10. What can we learn from Paul’s desire that grace be with “all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity”? That tells us that those who sincerely love Jesus still fall short of internal perfection so continually need God to graciously consider them better than they are (Eph. 6:24; Rom. 3:23; Jam. 3:2).
Looking Back
11. What important truth is embedded in Ephesians 1? The order of salvation (hear, believe, receive) is clearly taught in Ephesians 1 (Eph. 1:12-14).
12. Although verse 8 is the highlight of Ephesians 2 what dispensational truth is also taught there? Ephesians 2 teaches that at the cross the Law of Moses was made obsolete (Eph. 2:14-16).
13. What is the highlight of Ephesians 3? In Ephesians 3 Paul shows that the promise of the Spirit is for all believers & not Jews only (Eph. 3:6, 16).
14. What is the highlight of Ephesians 4? God’s gifts to the church not only promise believers that they will arrive at perfect unity & perfect characters but also enable them to live Christlike lives while advancing toward that day (Eph. 4:11-13, 22-24).
15. What is the highlight of Ephesians 5? Walking in love involves submission to those in leadership roles (Eph. 5:1-2, 21).
16. What is the highlight of Ephesians 6? In Ephesians 6 God reminds us of our strength before describing our enemy and the armor we must wear in order to be victorious (Eph. 6:10-20).
17. How should we summarize the book of Ephesians as a whole? The book of Ephesians sets the parameters for faith and Christian living (Eph. 2:8-10).
by Rick Marin | Sep 20, 2023 | 2023 3rd Quarter
How should we understand “the helmet of salvation”?
(Ephesians 6:14-20; Romans 3:21-22; 10:13-15; 1 Peter 3:13-16) Blog 17-23 Sep. 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Ephesians, Paul shows believers in Jesus what blessings they have in Christ and what power they have in themselves through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then he goes on to explain that God has given them gifts for the perfecting of the saints and tells them how to walk in love, submitting to one another. Having thus taught the church how to function from within, he describes their enemy and their need to be armed. Then he lists the armor they will need in the battle.
The Belt
1. Why does Paul say that Christians are to put on the whole armor of God? The reason we need to put on the armor is because we must hold our position against a wily enemy (Eph. 6:10-13).
2. What is the function of a military belt? The military belt serves to keep the soldier’s breastplate & other gear in place & to hold his skirt up for action (Eph. 6:4; Ex. 39:21; 1 Kings 18:46; Psa. 45:3).
3. What does the belt represent for Christians? The belt represents the true doctrine that the Christian holds. This includes the truth about the Bible, God, man, Jesus, salvation, the church, & eschatology (Eph. 6:14; Jude 1:3).
4. What is the doctrine of the Bible? The doctrine of the Bible is that it is given by God that we may know how to be saved & how to live in this world; that it is necessary, authoritative, sufficient, & clear (2 Tim. 3:15-17).
5. What is the doctrine of God? The doctrine of God is that there is one God in three eternal persons who are omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, & all loving (Isa. 40:22-28, Matt. 28:19; 1 John 5:7).
6. What is the doctrine of man? The doctrine of man is that he was made perfect by God of flesh & spirit but through sin became degenerate & depraved (Gen. 2:7; Rom. 5:16, 21).
7. What is the doctrine of Jesus? Jesus was God eternal & became man, taking our degeneracy but not our depravity, that he might live a perfect human life & die an atoning death as our Substitute (Luke 1:35; John 1:14; Heb. 2:14).
8. What is the doctrine of salvation? The doctrine of salvation is that fallen man may be counted righteous before God through faith alone & may live to God’s glory by cooperating with the Holy Spirit in sanctification (Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Cor. 7:1).
9. What is the doctrine of the church? The church is the people that God has called out of the world to be the bride of Christ. It is his visible organized body that is to share the Gospel with the world (Eph. 1:22-23; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Tim 3:15).
10. What is the doctrine of eschatology? Divine eschatology is that at the end of earth’s history God will judge the living & the dead before Christ returns bringing salvation to all whose names are retained in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 14:6-7; 1 Pet. 1:3-7).
11. How do these doctrines help the Christian stand firm when attacked? These doctrines cherished in the mind provide a ready answer to anyone who challenges our faith & they form a solid platform of truth which helps keep us stable when attacked (Psa. 119:11; Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 3:13-16).
The Breastplate
12. What does the breastplate represent for Christians? The breastplate represents the perfect righteousness of Jesus that covers every believer in him (Eph. 6:14; Isa. 61:10; Rom. 3:21-22).
13. If we receive the breastplate of righteousness when we believe why does Paul include it in our necessary armor? We need to continually put our trust in the external righteousness of Christ & not in our own internal righteousness. That’s why Paul says, “having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Eph. 6:14; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:5; Phil. 3:9).
The Shoes
14. What is meant by having our “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”? That phrase tells us that we need to know what the gospel is & how to present it to others (Eph. 6:15; Isa. 52:7; Rom. 10:13-15).
15. What is the gospel of peace”? The Gospel is the story of Jesus & how he lived a perfect life as a human being & died for our sins so that all who believe in him have peace with God & the peace of God is shed abroad in their hearts (Eph. 1:12-13; 6:15; 1 Cor. 15:1-6; 2 Thes. 3:16).
The Sheild
16. What especially is in view when speaking of “the shield of faith”? Faith in the power & wisdom of God is what protects us from the fiery darts of the wicked one. With God on our side no weapon can prevail against us (Eph. 6:16; Psa. 44:4-8; 124:1-3; Isa. 40:28, 31; 54:17).
The Helmet
17. How should we understand “the helmet of salvation”? Our helmet is the hope we have of a future salvation reserved in heaven for us (Eph. 1:18; 6:17; 1 Thes. 5:8; Heb. 3:6; 1 Pet. 1:3-5, 9).
The Sword
18. What type of weapon is the sword of the Spirit? The Word of God is both a defensive weapon for when we are attacked by the devil, and it is also an aggressive weapon with which we can attack Satan’s strongholds (Isa. 14:19; 49:2; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Acts 26:18; Eph. 6:17; 2 Cor. 10:4; Heb. 4:12).
All Prayer
19. When Paul gives the last weapon in Ephesians 6, what two things does he say should accompany our prayers? We should pray in the Spirit who also intercedes for us & we should pray in accord with what the Bible promises, for “watching” refers to Bible study (Matt. 26:41; Rom. 8:26; Eph. 6:18).
20. Why does Paul say that we should perseveringly pray for all saints? We are not alone in the Christian warfare & for God’s name to be glorified all the troops need to be encouraged to speak the right words boldly for Jesus & when they are wounded, we should pray for their healing (Acts 4:29; Eph. 6:20; James 5:15-16).
by Rick Marin | Sep 13, 2023 | 2023 3rd Quarter
On what two sources of strength are we to depend?
(Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9) Blog Sep. 10-16, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Believers in Jesus who have every spiritual blessing in Christ are also given power from God in the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit. With this power they build one another up and submit to one another bringing harmony and order to God’s church.
Preparation
1. When Paul uses the word “finally” in Ephesians 6:10, what is he implying? Not only is Paul coming to his last point in the letter but he is saying that what went before was in preparation for this point (Eph. 6:10).
2. Why does Paul say we should be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God? The reason we need to put on the armor & be strong is because we have a wily enemy who is trying to topple us (Eph. 6:10-13).
3. Who would be so daring as to oppose the almighty God of the universe? In Ephesians Paul has already mentioned “the prince of the power of the air” (2:2) & “the devil” (4:27) so we should understand that he is writing to believers who know that Lucifer rebelled against God in heaven & was cast out to this earth where he continues to oppose God & God’s people (Eph. 6:11; Isa. 14:12-14; Rev. 12:7-9).
4. On what two sources of strength does Paul tell believers to depend? Paul tells believers to find their strength in Christ, their righteousness in heaven & in the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Eph. 6:10; 1:3; 3:16).
5. How does this counsel prepare the believer for battle? Like a commanding officer, Paul is encouraging the troops by reminding them that the government they serve has unlimited resources & that they have been trained & prepared by the best Instructor who will also accompany them to battle (Eph. 6:10; 1:3; 3:16).
6. What repeated phrase indicates that a major portion of the Christian battle is defensive? “That you may stand” indicates that the Christian is being attacked & must defend his position (Eph. 6:11, 13, 14).
The Enemy
7. What are some of the wiles of the devil? The devil tempts, deceives, seduces, accuses, & devours (Matt. 4:1; John 8:44; Num. 25:1; Zech. 3:1; 1 Pet. 5:8).
8. What should we learn from the phrase “we wrestle not against flesh and blood”? That phrase tells us that our enemy is supernatural (Eph. 6:12; Gal. 1:16).
9. What should we learn from the phrase “against principalities, against powers”? That phrase tells us Satan’s hosts are organized (seraphim, cherubim, etc.) & powerful (Eph. 6:12; 1:21).
10. What should we learn from the phrase “the rulers of the darkness of this world”? That phrase tells us that our enemy is hidden (invisible), sinister, & all around us in this world (Eph. 6:12; Luke 12:3; 1 Cor. 4:5).
11. What should we learn from the phrase “spiritual wickedness in high places”? That phrase tells us that our enemy uses spiritual & religious pulpits to proclaim his lies (Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 11:14-15).
Our Defense
12. When Satan attacks us what are we to do? Some might suggest that since the battle is the Lord’s we are to do nothing, but Scripture says otherwise. We are to resist the devil (Eph. 6:13; 1 Pet. 5:8-9).
13. If we properly resist the devil, what are we promised? We are promised that we will not fall, but rather, the devil will flee from us (Eph. 6:13; Jam. 4:7).
14. Is falling a possibility in the Christian warfare? Yes, Paul tells us so (Eph. 6:11; Col. 3:25; 1 Cor. 9:27; 10:12).
by Rick Marin | Sep 6, 2023 | 2023 3rd Quarter
What is Paul’s authority?
(Ephesians 6:1-9; Proverbs 22:6, 15; Hebrews 12:6-7) Blog Sep. 3-9, 2023
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: In Ephesians Paul shows that believers in Jesus who have every spiritual blessing in Christ are to continually weave those virtues into their daily lives with the help of God’s Holy Spirit. In the church they will tolerate the mannerisms of other members and forgive their sins while building up the body in love. This will begin in the home where husbands and wives learn to live godly lives together.
Children & Parents
1. Why does Paul turn to children in Ephesians 6? Children are part of the family & the church is made up of families so the children’s behavior & submission are a significant influence in the church (Eph. 6:1).
2. If you are not a parent why should you care about a child’s behavior? If children are out of control in the home their parents will be hindered in exercising their gifts in the church & their children will hinder all church activities where they are present, thus, also hindering their own progress in the things of God (Eph. 5:21; 1 Pet. 5:5-6).
3. How can church members help children in the church? By their example & by their love of children in the church, members can help the children in the church grow up into Christ their living head. Taking a special interest in a particular child encourages them to remain faithful (Eph. 5:21; Col. 3:17-18).
4. When writing to children where does Paul turn for his authority? Paul turns to the Ten Commandments when writing to children, for they depict love (Eph. 6:1-2; Rom. 13:10).
5. What is the natural direction of children? All children are born sinful by nature & go astray, speaking lies as soon as they are born, so they must be given limits (boundaries) (Psa. 51:5; 58:3; Prov. 22:15).
6. What two commands does Paul give to children? Paul tells children to obey & to honor their parents. The first requires action, the second attitude (Eph. 6:1-2).
7. What two blessings come with honoring and obeying one’s parents? Children receive both quality & quantity of life by honoring & obeying their parents (Eph. 6:3; Prov. 1:8-9; 3:1-2; 4:10).
8. When are children not to obey their parents? When parents command what is contrary to God’s Word, children must submit to God rather than to their parents (Eph. 6:1; Ex. 20:3; Acts 5:29).
9. What two aspects of parenting does Paul list? Paul lists nurturing & admonishing as how parents are to raise their children (Eph. 6:4).
10. What is included in the nurture of the Lord? The nurturing Paul desires is that of lovingly providing spiritual guidance that will bring children to faith, repentance, & holy living. This requires both teaching, training, & example (Deut. 6:4-9; Psa. 78:4; Prov. 22:6; Luke 2:52).
11. What is included in the admonition of the Lord? Admonition involves corrective discipline: training by rules enforced by consequences. This Eli did not do (1 Sam. 3:13; Prov. 22:15; 23:13-14).
12. How can parents provoke their children to anger? Overprotection (not allowing them to think), favoritism (comparing one with another), lack of compassion, pushing achievement, discouragement (not approving them), failing to sacrifice for them, neglect (even in discipline), bitter words, physical cruelty (Eph. 6:4; Gen. 28:25; Psa. 64:2-3; Prov. 29:15; Col. 3:21).
Employees & Employers
13. How are slaves, servants, and employees to serve their masters? They are to serve their masters as if they were serving Jesus: wholeheartedly, respectfully, & consistently (Eph. 6:5-8).
14. Of what truth does Paul remind employees that should encourage good behavior in everyone? Paul reminds us all that God will reward every good deed done on earth (Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24).
15. How does Paul tell masters to behave toward their employees? Paul tells masters to treat their employees the same way they want their employees to treat them: with honesty, respect, & good will (Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1).
16. What are masters warned not to do to their employees? Paul tells masters not to threaten their employees (wages, work, termination) (Eph. 6:9).
17. Of what additional divine reality that they are to imitate does Paul remind employers? Paul reminds employers not to show favoritism to certain employees for God shows no favoritism: his standards & treatment are equal for all (Eph. 6:9; Acts 10:34-35).
Serving the Lord
18. If God is our Father, then how does Paul’s advice to children apply to us? We are to obey & honor God & to expect him to have rules, consequences, & discipline (Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:5-6; Job 36:10; Heb. 12:6-7).
19. If Jesus is our Lord and Master, then how are we to serve him? We are to obey him with reverent respect, cheerfully doing his will, even forgiving one another & guarding our words, knowing that he never threatens us nor plays favorites (Eph. 6:5-9; Eccl. 5:2; John 13:13-15)
20. How does all this counsel relate to what Paul wrote in the previous chapter? In Ephesians 6 Paul continues with the idea of submitting one to another, showing how to apply this principle in all areas of life thus, bringing harmony among church members & loving growth to Christ’s church. Submission & order of authority is essential training before an army meets the enemy (Eph. 5:1-2, 15, 21; 6:10-11).
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).
