Wednesday Service #51 Ephesians 3-5 By Josh Monday

Christmas to you too. I don't celebrate Christmas the same way as everybody else does, but Merry Christmas to you. Angelo. Appreciate you, yeah, I just we don't do like the well I don't my kids, they don't. They don't believe in Santa Claus and all that stuff. And Angela, you probably are the same way with your kids, I would think, you know. And also I don't tell my kids that is Jesus's birthday, but we do celebrate Jesus, if that makes sense. You know, I think that Jesus' birthday is

sometime in spring or maybe in September. That's the two things that people kick around, you know, but I do. We do celebrate Jesus, you know, and my kids do get presents and stuff. So yeah, Merry Christmas to you too much. Love to you, and I appreciate you saying that. And let's see what else we have. Okay, we got last week we had five comments, thank you. We only

have two on Sunday Service. So, like I always say, if you guys get a chance to check out Sunday Service and if you guys could comment or leave an emoji, I really appreciate it. Thank you for that. MDMP twenty two, Thank you again. Every week, Whiskers White, thank you again. Brother, appreciate you. Let's see what you said. Thank you father, Yes, yes, yes, hey man j Con forty four twenty thank you so much. Appreciate you, brother, Angela Kelly once again, thank you, and

b thank you so much. I appreciate you guys leaving these comments. I guess that it definitely helps the algorithm and assist the show. So as far as my new job, I haven't heard anything yet. I guess they're going to make a decision this week. Pray for me. Also, I might be doing service, which is different than my job I do now. Right now is a little more of a mental job than physical. So if you guys could definitely pray for sorry, I think I exit out the screen.

Please pray for my back to be strong, you know, because I'll be doing some digging and all that kind of stuff. So yeah, just pray for physical strength and physical health for me to be able to handle my job. Please, and Lord, you heard what I said right now and out loud. Please assist me. Lord, make me physically strong. Assist my back, my arms, my shoulders, my legs, my calfs, everything. Word. Please thank you. I love you Jesus name. Amen. So there we go, yees. So it's been a cool week,

you know, been a good week. I hope it's been a good week for you guys as well. Hope everything is going good in your guys' life. This is Christmas week, so everybody enjoy your holidays. Hopefully have fun with your families. Enjoy your families. Make sure that you are safe. You know, there's a lot of drunk drivers out there and people that are you know, getting drunk and fights and crazy stuff that happens, you know, on the holidays, So please be careful and be safe, you know, and make God

protect all of you guys. When you guys are driving around, you know, especially when you have kids and all that stuff. Man, be safe, you know. But it's been interesting. But yeah, so this week we're gonna be going over Ephesians three, maybe to six, I'm not sure, but definitely three through five. All right, So that's gonna be what we're going over today. Let me go ahead and pull it up on the

screen for you guys to see. Perfect, and we got Ephesians three and the first the title of this is going to be the mystery revealed for the first seven verse, okay, And I just want to go over something with you guys. The term mystery Greek mystery arm. In Paul's vocabulary, a mystery is not a puzzle to solve, but a truth, once concealed and now revealed. Colossian's one twenty six, Roman

sixteen twenty five through twenty six. The secret plan God whispered through the prophets Isaiah forty nine to six, Hoaiah two to twenty three has burst into daylight. Believing Jews and believing Gentiles form one people in Christ. Just so you guys are aware. And then what's the historical setting? Paul and the prison epistle. Uh. This is written around a d. Sixty to sixty two from Roman custody. Ephesians rounds out a set of letters penned by Paul awaiting trial.

The apostle had spent nearly three years in Ephesus and knew its people well. The city boasted the Temple of Artemis, a major seaport, bursting commerce, and a sizeable Jewish population. Ideal soil for gospel that unites every ethnicity. Okay, so let me just go ahead and go over a intro for Ephesians three. Where are you at? Intro? I know

you're close, I know you're close. There we go. Ephesians three is a significant chapter that illuminates the divine mystery revealed to Paul the unification of Jews and Gentiles through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul's prayer for spiritual strength and for the Ephesians and his praise to God culminate this rich chapter. Okay, so let me just go to my teaching points here that way, I'm ready to go perfect and let me pull up my other notes. Cool,

here we go. So let's go ahead and start Aphesians three, Verse one. For this reason I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you, Gentiles, if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given to me for you, how that by revelation he made known to be the mystery as I have briefly written already, by which when you read you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. All right, we will stop there real quick. And it says the mystery revealed.

Paul speaks of the mystery made known to him by revelation, which is that Gentiles are coheres with Israel, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. So the mystery revealed. The concept of the mystery revealed is a profound theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the apostle Paul. This mystery, once hidden, is now disclosed through the revelation of Jesus Christ and

the work of the Holy Spirit. It encompasses the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity, which was kept secret for ages, but is now made known to the saints. And we talked about the term mystery in the Biblical context refers to a divine truth that was previously concealed but is now revealed by God. In the Old Testament, God's plan for salvation was hinted at through prophecies and types, but his full understanding was not accessible until the coming

of Christ. The apostle Paul frequently uses the term mystery to describe the Gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles

into God's covenant people. Key passages is going to be Ephesians three, verses three through six, all right, and then in this passage, Paul explains, and then three through six we're gonna read still, okay, So let me just go ahead and read that real quick, and then we'll go back to this verse five says which and other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it was now fully revealed by the Spirit to his holy apostles and prophets, that the Gentiles should be fellow

errors of the same body and partakers of His promise in Christ through the Gospel, which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective work of His power. All right. So in these passages, Paul explains that the mystery involves the inclusion of the Gentiles as coers with Israel, forming one unified body in Christ. This was a radical revelation that broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles,

creating a new humanity in Christ. And just let you guys know, the apostles, the disciples were having a hard time even themselves understanding that gentiles can be saved. Before you can even eat a meal with gentiles, you want to stay away from them all that stuff. Right, Gentiles are basically like pagan nations, right, so they've been taught their whole life to stay away from them, don't eat with them, and all these other laws and everything in

all these different rules. So even it was even odd to them. Now, Paul being a fair see, it must have been really odd to him. But obviously he accepts it with open arms because he is a you know, child of God, and he is a Christian, so he believes that Jesus, you know, is is the one unified

body of Christ. Right is what it says here. So yeah, Colossians one twenty six, twenty seven says the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but has now revealed to his saints to them, God has chosen to make known among the gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Here, Paul emphasizes the mystery is not only the inclusion of the gentiles, but also the in dwelling presence of Christ

and believers, which is the hope of glory. This in dwelling signifies a personal transformative relationship with God through Christ.

And then in Romans sixteen twenty five through twenty six, it says, now to him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and my proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the writings of his prophets, by the command of the eternal God, to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith.

Paul concludes this letter to the Romans by highlighting that mystery, once hidden, is now revealed to lead all nations to faith and obedience. This underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and God's desire for all people to come to salvation. What's the theological significance the revelation of the mystery signifies the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose in Christ. It demonstrates

God's wisdom and sovereignty and orchestrating salvation history. The mystery reveals the depths of God's grace and the inclusivity of his redemptive plan, breaking down ethnic and cultural burials to form one people under Christ. The mystery also highlights the role of the Church as the Body of Christ, tasked with proclaiming this revealed truth to the world. Believers are called to live out the implications of this mystery, embodying

the unity and love that it entails. What's the practical implications? Understanding the mystery revealed has profound implications for Christ's living. It calls believers to embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing the unity and equality of all members of the body. It challenges the Church to be a witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Moreover, the mystery encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, who

dwells within them. This in dwelling presence empowers them to live holy and obedient lives, reflecting the hope of glory that is to come all right, very important, Okay, that whole part right there. So, because we obviously would be considered gentiles, but now we are considered unity, you know, unified in Christ. You know, as long as we're you know,

as long as you're saved, we're unified. If you're not saved and you're Jewish, you're not unified, or you are not believing in Jesus, then obviously you need to believe in Jesus the Messiah, or you are not unified with the body, all right. So, and then in verse seven, Paul describes his role as a servant of his gospel by the gift of God's grace, emphasizing his ministry is empowered by God's work. All right, So that's everything I have for one through seven. Let's go ahead and go

over a detailed analysis of verses one through seven. Apheaesans one, Aphasans three. One through seven is about Paul, calling as the prisoner of Christ, revealing God's secret plan the mystery to include gentiles non Jews into one unified body with Jews through Christ, something previously hidden but now made known by revelation, which we talked about earlier. It emphasizes that God's grace changes everything, turning persecutors into preachers. Who was

a persecutor? Well, of course, Paul the apostle was a persecutor. Right, he was killing Christians and he was also arresting them. Right, And what did he do? He became from being a persecutor to a preacher. Right, And Paul was a great teacher, So great preacher and teacher, right, it says. It emphasizes that God's grace changes everything, turning persecutors to into preachers.

And that is the dispensation of grace. It's a stewardship to make this universal, inclusive gospel known, inviting all to share in Christ's boundless riches. What are the key themes that we have here? In verses one through seven, Writing from prison, Paul sees himselves as captured by Christ, not just suffering for him, highlighting the total dedication and God's

use of his confinement for the gospel. Then that mystery we talked about earlier, right, the great secret hidden from past ages is that gentiles are fellow errors, part of the same body and co partners in the promise in Christ. And then dispensation of grace. God gave special special so a role God gave Paul a special role, a dispensation, to administer his grace, revealing the mystery of the world.

Grace changes everything Paul wants. A persecutor of the church, became its preacher, demonstrating how God's grace transforms lives and purposes universal inclusion. This pastor stresses the unity of believers, Jews and Gentiles in the Church, God's household, breaking down all barriers stewardship of the Gospel. Believers like Paul are entrusted with his truth and call to live it out, making God's manifold, making God's manifold wisdom known. Okay, so

there we go. Pretty good stuff there. Now let's go ahead and dive into verse eight. Purpose of the mystery. Let me see, Oh, you know what, I have one more little section to read. In simple terms, Paul says, because I'm in chains for Jesus. Don't get discar Instead, see it as proof of God's amazing plan to include everyone, Jews and non Jews in his family, something he kept secret until now. This new reality revealed by God means all people can access christ riches and be part of

his unified church, a powerful truth. Paul was appointed to share. There we go. Sorry, that was the ending part of that I had to read. All right, let's go ahead and read verse eight through thirteen. Now, purpose of the mystery. So now we're gonna know the purpose of the mystery here, okay. Verse eight says to me, who am who am less

than the least of all the saints. This grace was given that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to all, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ, to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be known by the Church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which he accompanied

in Christ, Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Before I ask, what you do not lose heart? That you do not lose heart, and my tribulations for you, which is your glory. I thought, there's some fascinating parts here where he says where it says right here it says fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Christ. I mean,

so Jesus obviously was there when during creation. Right, we know that some people don't believe that, some Christians don't believe that. But you see what Paul's saying here that all things are created through Jesus. Christ. Jesus couldn't have been created because all things were created through Jesus. It says here to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be known by the church. Right, so it might be known by us believers, right, the body

of Christ to the principalities and powers in heavenly places. Wow, now it's talking about principalities and powers in heavenly places. They're gonna know now. It says, according to the eternal purpose which he accompanied in Christ, Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. So what do you mean we have boldness and access access to what? Well? We have access to pray to God the Father through Jesus now, because he's

the mediator between us and God. Okay, so now we could pray to God using Jesus's name, we could pray to God the Father using Jesus's name. We didn't have that access before, right, we would try to pray, access denied because we were not holy. But now Jesus makes us holy, so no more access denied, no more at anymore. Okay, Now we pray to We pray to God the Father through Jesus. And what a beautiful thing. Right right, So all right, let's go ahead and check out what it

says here. In Ephesians three, verse eight, Paul highlights the boundless riches of Christ and his mission to make them known to the gentiles. The phrase the unsearchable riches of Christ is derived from the apostle Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, where he writes, to me, though I am very least of all the saints, this grace was given to preach

to the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. This concept encapsulates the boundless and incomprehensible blessings and treasures found in Jesus Christ, which are available to believers in context Biblical context. The apostle Paul, in his Letter to the Ephesians, emphasizes the mystery of Christ in the profound depth of spiritual wealth available through Him. The term unsearchable suggests that these riches are beyond human understanding and cannot be fully comprehended

or measured. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's infinite wisdom and grace, which surpasses human knowledge. The unsearchable riches of Christ through a multiple from multitude of spiritual blessings. These encompass. These encompass redemption, forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God. Okay, and then grace and strength.

The grace of Christ is abundant and sufficient at every need Paul experiences personally, as he recounts in Two Corinthians twelve, verse nine, all right, and then the conclusion, The inseearchable riches of Christ are vast and multifaceted. It encompassed, encompassing every spiritual blessing and resource needed for life and godliness. These riches are freely given to all who are in Christ, inviting believers to continually explore and experience the depths of

God's love and grace. Okay, So let's go ahead and go down and see if there's any more here? Okay? So, and in verse ten, here where it says to the attent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be known by the Church to the principalties and powers that have in they places. What I talked about, the manifold wisdom of God is to be made known through the Church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. Right. The Church, as the Body of Christ, holds a significant

and multifaceted role within the Christian faith. As an outline in the New Testament, this role encompasses worship, teaching, fellowship, service, and evangelism, all of but all of which are integral to fulfilling God's commission and living out the teachings of Jesus Christ. Okay, just want to let you guys know that I'm sure you guys already know what the church is supposed to do. The notes there just we're supposed

to kind of. I thought I was going to maybe talk more about the principalities there, but went more into the Church's rule and we read verse twelve. It said in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through Him, through faith in Christ, we have boldness and confident access to God is what it's saying here, And what's boldness Here it says, in the context of the Bible, boldness is often associated with the confidence encourage that believers are

encouraged to exhibit in their faith and witness. This boldness is not rooted in human strength or arrogance, but as the result of the work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. The New Testament frequently highlights the importance of boldness and the proclamation of the Gospel and in approaching in approaching God in prayer and then access in Biblical terms refers to the believer's ability rea to approach God

directly through Jesus Christ, which I talked about earlier. This access is the significant theme in the New Testament, highlighting the shift from the Old Covenant, where access to God was mediated through priest and the sacrificial system, to the New Covenant, where believers have direct access to God through faith in Christ. Right here in Ephesians two eighteen, it states for through Him we have access to the Father

by one Spirit. This verse underscores the trinityan working granting believers access to God through Jesus the Son, by the Spirit to the Father. This access is not limited to the select few, but is available to all who were in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. Right. So no longer is it through a priest or a prophet or something

like that. No, no, no, Now, everybody that believes in Jesus right, believes that Jesus died, resurrected after the Third Day, and that's saved have access to God by praying through Jesus to God. Right. And it says by the spirit. Right, So you're playing by this spirit through Jesus to God. I should probably mention that more often. I kind of like how they put that. So it says grand believers access to God through Jesus the Son, by the Spirit

to the Father. Amen. All right. So next up we have Hebrews four sixteen, which further encourages believers to approach the throne of Grace with confidence so that we may have mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. This confidence or boldness in approaching God is made possible because of Jesus' high priestly role in his atoning sacrifice, which was removed, which has removed the

barrier of sin. So it makes us look holy because we're coming in Jesus's name by praying through the spirit, let's go. The concept of access is also linked to the idea of reconciliation. Romans verses one through two explains, therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace through God with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. So

you see what it says there. First, it says, therefore, since we have been justified through faith, justified means you know, all the sins if you've committed, are going to be justified through faith. It says, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. So why do we have peace with God even though we have all these sins that we've committed and everything we've done. Jesus has forgiven

us for those sins, and He's become the mediator. So when God sees us, he sees his Son, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand here. Access is a result of justification and is characterized by peace with God and standing in His grace. Right. Very important stuff, right there, guys, So important guys and girls. In summary, boldness and access are intertwined themes in the New Testament, reflecting the believers empowered

witness and direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ. These concepts encourage believers to live out their faith with confidence and approach God with assurance, knowing that they are welcomed into His presence. Amen to all that so important. A lot of good teaching points here in Athesians. Right, wow, reminding us of some stuff that we need to remember. All right, good, We're good. There. We talked about boldness and access already, so let's go ahead and go over

a description of verses eight through thirteen. Brief description here. Ephesians eight through thirteen means that even through Paul, even though Paul felt unworthy, God gave him grace to reveal the mystery of uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body,

the Church, to display his wisdom to heavenly powers. This plan, realized in Christ, gives believers boldness to approach God, and Paul encourages them not to be discouraged by his suffering, which excuse me, which is for their glory and part of God's eternal purpose to show his unfathomable grace and

wisdom through the Church. Some key themes and meanings. In verse eight, Paul describes himself as less than the least of all Saints, emphasizing his unworthiness, yet he received grace to preach the insearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles Verses nine to ten. God's plan hidden for ages was to unite the people Jews and Gentiles into one new people in Christ. The Church, through its unity, now makes

known God's manifold wisdom to spiritual rulers and authorities. And then in verse eleven, this plan wasn't new, but God's eternal purpose fulfilled in Christ Jesus, where believers had confident access to God. Verse twelve. Because of Christ, believers have boldness and confidence to approach God through faith. And verse thirteen, Paul asked the Ephesians not to lose heart over his in price. His suffering is actually for their benefit and part of the glorious display of God's grace and purpose.

In essence, God's plan is to make his amazing wisdom visible through the unified Church, a plan so grand that even angels are watching. Believers, empowered by Christ should not let earthly struggles or Paul's imprisonment derail them, as these trials serve as God's greater eternal purpose. A men, good stuff. Now we're going to read the appreciation of the mystery.

Verse fourteen, it says, for this reason, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and Earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

may be able to comprehend with all the saints. What is the width and length, of depth and height to know the Love of Christ which passes knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Verse twenty says, Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, to all generations forever

and ever a men very good stuff. So we have a paul praise to the believers to be strengthened with power through the Spirit, to grasp the love of Christ, and to be filled with the fullness of God. Ephesians three, verses sixteen through nineteen, and it says here Paul's prayer to the Ephesians the profound expression of his pastoral care and theological insight found in the New Testament Book of Ephesians.

This prayer is located in Ephesians one, verses fifteen through twenty three, and also Ephesians three, verses fourteen through twenty one, which we just read, where the apostle Paul articulates his deep desire for the spiritual growth and enlightenment of the believers in Ephesus background. What's the context and background? The city of Ess is a major center of commerce and religion in the Roman province of Asia. It was known for its temple of the goddess Artemis and was a

hub of various religious practices. Paul had a significant ministry in Ephesus, as recorded in Acts nineteen, and his letter to the Ephesians reflects his ongoing concern for the church he helped establish their written during his imprisonment, likely in Rome. The epistle to the Ephiesians addressed both doctrinal truths and

practical Christian living. In the second prayer in Ephesians three, verses fourteen through twenty one, Paul kneels before the Father from whom every family in heaven on Earth derives its name. He petitions God to strengthen the Ephesians with power through His Spirit and the Inner Being, so that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith. Paul desires that they be rooted and grounded in love, capable of comprehending the

vast dimensions of Christ's love, which surpasses knowledge. Paul's prayer reaches a crescendo as he seeks for the Ephesians to be filled with all the fullness of God. He concludes with the doxology, praising God for his ability to do immeasurable, immeasurable more than we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us. The doxology underscores the glory of God and the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout

all generations, forever and ever. What's the theological significance Paul's prayer for the Ephesians revealed key Paul's prayers for the Feesians reveal key theological themes, including the centrality of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative power of God's love. These prayers emphasize the importance of spiritual insight and maturity, encouraging believers to seek a deeper understanding

of their identity and inheritance in Christ. The prayers also highlight the communal aspect of faith, as Paul praise for the collective growth and the unity of the Church. Through these prayers, Paul models a life of intercession and dependence on God's power, urging believers to live in the reality

of their exalted position in Christ. The prayers serve as a reminder of the vast resources available in Christians throughout their relationship with God, encouraging them to live out their faith with confidence and love, which is awesome, reminding us of the power we actually do have. I love that sometimes we forget, you know, how blessed we are to be able to pray to God. And then it talks about the doxology is going to be verse twenty and

twenty one. Right, It says, now to him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the Church of Christ, Jesus, to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. That's the doxology, okay, And the term doxology is derived from the Greek word doxa, meaning glory and loggia, meaning saying or utterance. A doxology is a short hymn or praise of God, often used in

Christian worship services. It is a it's a liturgy liturgical sorry, liturgical liturgical expression of glory and honor to the Triune God, acknowledging his majesty, power, and external nature. Let's see some examples of biblical doxologies are found throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testament. They often conclude prayers, psalms, or epistles, serving as fitting response to the revelation of

God's character and works. In the Old Testament, we have Psalms forty one, verse thirteen states Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting, Amen and Amen. The structure of the psalmis, the Assalter itself, is divided into five books, each concluding with a doxology understanding the importance of praise in the life of Israel. The apostle

Paul often includes doxologies in his epistles. In Romans eleven thirty six, he writes from Him and through Him and to him, were all things to be the glory forever Amen. Another example is found as in Ephesians three, verse twenty through twenty one, which I just read for you guys. Okay, Doxologies have been incorporated into Christian liturgy. And him not himodity him naddy throughout him nah dy, I don't know.

It's like him nady throughout church history. The glora Petrie, also known as the lesser doxology, as a traditional hymn of praise used in many Christian denominations. Just so you guys know, and it says. The practical application incorporating doxology is in a personal and corporate worship encourages a posture of reverence and adornation adoration. They provide a framework for believers to express gratitude and acknowledge God's supreme authority, whether

in private devotion or communal gatherings. Doxologies help orient the heart and minds of Christian towards the ultimate purpose of glorifying God. Just wanted to go over that, and since we finished the chapter, let me just go ahead and go over a brief description of verses fourteen through twenty and Ephesians three fourteen through twenty is Paul's powerful prayer

for believers to be strengthened by God's spirit. Have Christ dwell in their hearts and be rooted and as immeasurable surpassing love so they can comprehend His vastness, breadth, length, height, and depth to be filled with the fune of God who can do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think. It's about experiencing deep spiritual reality, not just intellectual knowledge, finding strength and stability in God's power to live in his purpose. Some of the key themes and meanings, like

verse sixteen, we have strengthened by spirit. Believers receive inner strength and not from themselves, but from God's glorious spirit, enabling them to live and grow in faith. Verse seventeen, Christ dwells in hearts. Christ becomes the center and foundation of life, making believers stable and secure like a building rooted in love. And in verse seventeen, we also have rooted and grounded in love. This love is the stable base for all Christian experience, a vital foundation for withstanding

life storms. And then in verse eighteen and nineteen, we have comprehending Christ's love. Paul prays for believers to grasp the immense four dimensional breadth, length with depth love of Christ, which goes beyond human understanding and also filled the fullness of God. In verse nineteen, the goal is to be overflowing with God's presence, power, and character, experiencing him completely. That's the goal. Man. We got to all work towards that.

It says, God's limitless power. The passes concludes by affirming God's ability to do far more than we can ask or imagine, working through the power active within believers. Amen to all that we have to be reminded of that definitely. In simple terms Paul's prayer. Paul is praying that Christians would get a real, deep experience of God's incredible love, find supernatural strength through the Holy Spirit to live it out, and realize God can work in their lives for beyond,

far beyond their wildest dreams and expectations. Okay, all right, so we're done with chapter three. Let me just go over some practical applications for you guys. We have one, two, three, four, and five. First one says, embrace your identity, recognize your identity as co heir with Christ, and live in the fullness of that promise. Next, we have share the Gospel. Like Paul, he committed to be committed to sharing the unsearchable riches of Christ with others, regardless of their background.

Number three, participate in the church mission, the church's mission. Engage actively in the church's mission to reveal God's wisdom to the world. Number four Approach God with confidence. Utilize the boldness and access you have in Christ to approach God in prayer and worship. Next, we seek spiritual strength. Regularly pray for spiritual strength and a deeper understanding of Christ's love. Awesome. So that's the five. And we have

some additional scriptures that connect. We have Romans eight, verse seventeen. And if we are children, then we are heerrs errors of God and co errors with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with him. Next we have Colossians one, verse twenty seven. To them God has chosen to make known among the gentiles the glorious riches of his mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. And then we also have Hebrews four,

verse sixteen. Let us then approach the throne of Grace with confidence. So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. There we go, guys. That is chapter three in a nutshell. Thank you so much guys for that, for sticking around through that. And now we have chapter four, all right, And that was a perfect forty minutes of information for

one chapter. It's just amazing. There's so much, and you know, there's some some pastors could probably even go, you know, an hour, hour, hour and a half just on one chapter of Ephesians because there's so much to grasp here, you know. So okay, so now we are gonna be in Ephesians chapter four, all right, So let me go to chapter four here and see if I have let me just go to my excuse me, okay, so authorship in setting, Paul identifies himself as the prisoner of the Lord.

The letter style, theology and personal touches fits ministry around a D. Sixty to sixty two, likely during his Roman house arrest. Right. Unity of the spirit is echoed in verses three and six Jesus's prayer they may have been done, that they may all be done. The sevenfold one underscores a complete spirit created unity, not based in culture. Status. Okay, I'll get a little more into that later. And let me just go ahead and look at the intro where you at intro? Oh, here we go. Here's the intro

for a Feesians four. For it is a powerful chapter outlining the principles of unity, growth, and transformation in the Christian life. This chapter shifts from the doctrinal truth established in the earlier chapters to be practical implications of these truths, emphasizing the need for a worthy walk, unity, maturity, and renewed living. And let me just get to our teaching point here. Yeah, all right, So we're gonna read verses one through five, and then I got some notes to

go over for you. It says walk in unity of Peastans four, Verse one. I. Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, and all the loneliness and the loneliness and gentleness, with long suffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,

one God. And Father of all, who is above all and through all, in you all all right, So unity of the Body of Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of unity, encouraging believers to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received. Phesians four, verse one. He highlights virtues such as humility, gentleness, patience that are essential for maintaining unity, and Ephesians four two through three, All right, and we'll go over like the unity of the Body

of Christ. Here. The unity and the Body of Christ is a foundational concept in Christian theology, emphasizing the spiritual and communal harmony among believers. This unity is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Apostolic writings, which call for a cohesive and loving fellowship among Christians, transcending cultural, social,

and denominational differences. Okay, the biblical foundation for this The New Testament provides a robust framework understanding unity within the Body of Christ, and Ephesians four three through six, the Apostle Paul urges believers to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope, when you were called one Lord, one Faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all,

who is over all, through all and in all. This passage highlights the theological basis of unity, emphasizing the singularity of the Christian faith and the shared experience of believers and one Corinthians twelve versus twenty sorry one Corinthians two twelve twelve through twenty seven. Paul emphasizes the metaphor of the human body to describe the Church, stating, for just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, through many are one body,

so also is Christ. The analogy illustrates the interdependence of believers, each contributing uniquely to the health and function of the whole body. The role of love and humility. Love and humility are essential virtues of maintaining unity within the body of Christ, and Claus's three verse fourteen, Paul writes, and over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. Love acts as the glue that holds the community together, fostering an environment where differences can

be reconciled and mutual respect can flourish. In Philippians two. Verses two through four further underscores the importance of humility is Paul exhorts believers to be the same mind, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of self miss ambition, or empty pride, but in humility, consider others more important than yourselves. This call the selflessness. Consideration for others is vital for sustaining unity. What are some of the challenges to unity? Of course,

there's a lot of challenges. You know, there's especially with all the doctrines and you know, all that stuff right flatter Earth, biblical cosmology, that's something that might be causing some division. Uh, you know, there's a lot of things that cause division, which you know, sometimes when I sit back, I'm like, wow, like hopefully I'm not causing division, you know,

and I don't want to be doing that. I'm just trying to teach what the Bible says, right, it says Despite the biblical mandate for unity, the Church has historically faced challenges and achieving and maintaining it. Doctrinal disagreements, cultural differences, and personal conflicts can threaten the harmony the Christian community. The New Testament addresses these issues encouraging believers to resolve

disputes with grace and truth. And Romans fourteen one through four Paul advises the Roman Church to accept those with differing opinions on disputable matter, stating except him whose faith is week, without passing judgment on his opinions. This council promotes a spirit of tolerance and understanding, allowing for diversity within the unity of faith. And then it says the role of church leadership. Church leaders play a crucial role

in fostering unity within the Body of Christ. Aphesians four versus eleven through thirteen outlines the purpose of church leadership. Aphesians four eleven through thirteen. We haven't read yet, so I probably won't get into that. I'm just going to go over the summary and then we'll continue the In summary, unity of Body of Christ is a divine mandate, deeply rooted in scripture and essential for the Church's witness to the world through love, humility, and the guidance of the

Holy Spirit. Believers are called to live out this unity, reflecting the oneness of their faith in Jesus Christ. All right, amen to that. And next is going to be the diversity of gifts. But before we go there, let me just go ahead, and before we get to the spiritual gifts, let me just go over to a brief description of

Ephesians four one through six. Phasians four one through six means that because of God's great grace and calling believers to salvation, they must live out their faith practically by walking humbly, gently and patiently, actively preserving the spiritual unity given by the Spirit through love and peace, grounding in the shared foundation of one body, Spirit, Hope, Lord, Faith, and God. It's a call to align our daily lives, our walk with our divine identity in Christ, showing the

world the reconciling power of the Gospel. In verse one, walk worthy of your Your actions should match your divine position as a redeemed child of God, living a life consistent with the glory of salvation you've received. In verse two, humility, gentleness, and patience. The worthy walk involves putting selfish ambition and embracing virtues like loneliness, gentleness, and long suffering and patience.

Bear with one another in love. Verse two also describes forgive and tolerate other's faults, as this is essential for the church to function as one body and then when you get into verse three, keep the unity of the Spirit. This unity isn't something believers create. It's a gift from the Spirit that you must actively strive to maintain through the bond of Peace. And then the sevenfold Unity and verses four and six. The foundation of this unity rest

on these shared realities. One body, the Church, one spirit, the Holy Spirit, one or one hope, future glory, one Lord Jesus Christ, one faith, the Gospel message, one baptism, spirit baptism, one God and Father of all believers. Okay. And some practical applications for this shift from self to others. Instead of asserting your rights, serve others with humility and love.

Fucus focus on core beliefs, core truths prior to the shared foundational truths of Christianity, over minor differences and interpretation of preferences. So put that those seven unities together, okay, live out the gospel. Your unity demonstrates to the world that Christ's grace can break down all barriers racial, social, financial, and reconcile people to God and each other. Okay. Perfect. So now we're going to get into spiritual gifts. In

Verses seventeen through sixteen, are sorry. Verses seven through sixteen, it says, but to each one of us, grace has been given according to the measures of Christ's gift. Therefore, he says, when he ascended on high, he led captive and gave gifts to men. Now this he ascended, How does it mean he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth. He who descended also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, and he might

fill all things. Let's go ahead and pause the real quick. Okay, So this is very interesting that it says this, right, it says, now this he ascended. What does it mean that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth. Now, when it comes to biblical cosmology, something that I always go over, I also go into you know, or a shield or hell located and according to the Bible, it's located in the Earth. It's not located in another

dimension in the black hole. It's not located in space, it's not located in it's located down right, if you go through the whole entire Bible. I've already done this on could Conspiracies podcast, So you guys can go ahead and reference the episode that I did where talks about Hell's location. And if you you know, if you go through the Bible, you know a lot of verses and stuff that that describe or Shield or Hell's location. Is it always talks about the underworld being down. David always

talks about it going down. Are you actually going down? Or talks about Hell being down? And right here, it also describes that he ascends before he ascended, which means to go up. He first descended, which means to go down into the lower parts of the Earth. Why would he go into the lower parts of the earth of magma, lava and the core of the earth, magnetic core. Why would Jesus do that? No, he's going into the He's descending into the earth where the people that were in

Shield were located. Abraham's bosom, right, That's what it was. It was called Abraham's bosom. One side was Paradise where you know, you have Luke seventeen talking about it. It's talking about the rich man and Lazarus, right, and it's talking about how Lazareth was actually in Abraham's bosom with Abraham on Paradise and there was a big chasm between the rich man and Lazareth. You know, he's talking about,

please put a drop of water on my tongue. He's able to hear, he's able to speak, he's able to taste, he's able to he wants, he's thirsty, he's got fire on his feet. Okay, that's Shield. That's that's not Paradise where he's at, but where Abraham is. Where he's saying, Father, Abraham, please go tell my brothers. And then then Abraham says, even if someone did come back from the dead, they still I wouldn't belove him. They have Moses up there to speak for, you know, to prophesy to them. So

it's very interesting. The whole point that I'm talking about here is it's really interesting that the Bible describes Shield being in the earth. Right. There's a lot of things that the world wants hidden. They don't want us to

think that. Also, here's a really interesting thing too that we talked about in Samuel, right where the witch from Orndoff or whatever it is order when Saul goes and speaks to that witch and she brings Samuel up from where Shield and she's even surprised, whoa, He's not in Shield like Hell. He's actually in Paradise. Abraham's bosom, and she brings up his body or in his body, but his spirit. Okay, he comes from where down. That's interesting. So I just want to let you guys know that

I don't want to get off on a tangent. I want to continue teaching on the subject at hand, but just understand that it's very interesting. If you believe in the globe, or you believe in Biblical cosmology, whatever way you believe, just know that Sheil is in the earth. If it is a globe and it says Sheel is in the earth, and I believe that's where it's located, right, if it is flat, like I believe in Biblical cosmology,

Sheil is located in the earth. They always have thought that. Okay, that's what the Bible teaches, right, But anyways, let's go Inua and continue. Here we read nine through nine to ten. Now we're going to go to eleven through Actually, hold on real quick, let me see if I have any notes here before we diversity of Gifts. We oh, no, that's not going to be till eleven through twelve. Okay,

let's go in and continue. We're going to read eleven through sixteen here, and he himself gave some to be apostles,

some prophets. He himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the statue stature of the fullness of Christ, that we should no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine by

the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. But speaking the truth in love may grow up in all things into whom who is the Head Christ, for whom the whole body and knit and joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth

of the body for the edifying of its love. All right, so important, so the diversity of gifts is spoken about in verses eleven and twelve, and the chapter discusses the diversity of spiritual gifts given by Christ to equip the saints for the work of the ministry and to build up the Body of Christ. Each believer has a unique role to play in the church. Diversity of gifts. The concept of diversity of gift is rooted in the New Testament,

particularly in the writings of Apostle Paul. It refers to the variety of spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers by the Holy Spirit, intended for the edification and functioning of the Church, the Body of Christ. This diversity underscores the unity and interdependence of believers, each contributing uniquely to the mission and the health of the Church. The primary scriptural basis for diversity of gifts is found in One Corinthians twelve, Romans twelve,

and Ephesians four. In one Corinthians twelve four through six, Paul write, there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. This passage highlights the trinitarian involvement and the distribution and operation of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that while the gifts are diverse, they originate from the same

divine source. Types of gifts. Paul enumerates various gifts in his epistles, which include, but are not limited to, wisdom and knowledge, gifts that involve the ability to understand and apply God's truth and practical ways. On Corinthians twelve, verse eight. Faith a special endowment of trust in God's beyond the ordinary measure of faith. One Corinthians twelve, verse nine. Healing and miracles. Gifts that manifest God's power and physical and

supernatural ways. One Corinthians twelve, verses nine through ten. Prophecy the ability to spe seek forth God's message, often with an element of foretelling Verse Corinthians twelve, verse ten and Romans twelve verse six. Discernment the capacity to distinguish between spirits and to recognize truth from air on Corinthians twelve, verse ten. Tongues and interpretation the ability to speak in and interpret languages unknown to the speaker Verse Corinthians twelve,

verse ten. Service and teaching gifts that involve practical help and the instructions of others in the faith. Romans twelve verse seven. Exhortation giving leadership and mercy. Gifts that support and build up the community through encouragement, generosity, and guidance, generosity, guidance and compassion Romans twelve, verse eight. So the purpose and function function the diversity of gifts serves several purposes

within the church. Ephesians four eleven through thirteen states And it is he who gave some of the apostles, some of the prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors, teachers, to equip the saints for works in ministry and the bid of the Body of Christ, until we all reach unity in faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of

the stature of Christ. Here the gifts are seen as tools for equipping believers, fostering unity and promoting spiritual maturity. Unity in diversity. While the gifts are diverse, they are intended to work in harmony. One Corinthias twelve, verses twelve through fourteen illustrates this with the metaphor of the body, which we talked about earlier. The body is a unit. Though it is compromised of many parts, and through its

parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ, for in one spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks labor free. We are all given one spirit to drink. This passage emphasizes that each believer, regardless of their specific gift, is an integral part of the whole, contributing to the church's overall mission and health. Stewardship and accountability, Believers are called

to be faithful stewards of their gifts. One Peter four verse ten instructs as God's stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. This stewardship involves recognizing one's gift, developing them, and using them in service to others, always with the aim of glorifying God and advancing His kingdom. Conclusion, the diversity of gifts is a testament to the creativity and generosity of the Holy Spirit, who equips the church

with everything necessary for its mission. Each believer is encouraged to discover and utilize their unique gifts, contributing to the unity and growth of the Body of Christ. Outright very important, and then in verse fourteen that we should no longer be children tossed to and fro and carried about in every wind of doction by trickery of men and the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting. So Paul calls the church to grow in maturity, attaining the whole measure of the

fullness of Christ a Pheesian four, verse thirteen. This maturity helps believers avoid being tossed by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching. And let's go a little deeper into that. Maturity in faith is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the believer's journey towards spiritual growth and deeper understanding of God's will. It involves developing a christ like character, increasing in wisdom, and living a

life that reflects the teaching and scripture. Definitely, a christ Like character is needed throughout the whole entire world. The concept of maturity and faith is rooted in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to grow beyond the elementary teachings

of Christianity and to strive for spiritual completeness. In Hebrew six, verse one, the author exhorts, therefore, let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and or faith in God. The passagihlits the need for believers to progress on their spiritual journey, moving beyond the basics to a more profound understanding and application of their faith.

What are some of the characteristics of maturity so we know? Discernment and wisdom. Mature believers are characterized by their ability to discern good from evil and make wise decisions. Hebrews five, verse fourteen states, but solid food is for the mature, who, by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil. This discernment is cultivated through consistent engagement with the scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Number two

steadfast in trials. Rtual maturity is often evidenced by a believer's ability to remain steadfast during trials and tribulations. James one two through four. Encourage of believers to consider it pure joy by brothers when you encounter trials in many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete and not lacking anything. Number three Unity and love. A mature faith is marked by unity

within the body of Christ and love for others. Ephesians four thirteen through fifteen emphasizes the goal of reaching unity and faith and the knowledge of the Son of God as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. This maturity is expressed through speaking the truth and love and growing in every way into Christ. Number four Fruit of the Spirit. The evidence a maturity has been seen in the manifestation of the Fruit of the Spirit.

Galatians five twenty two through twenty three lists these attributes of joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. And make sure believer constantly exhibits these qualities in their daily life. You should probably write those down. They're very important. Just write down Galatians. Just write down Galatians five twenty two through twenty three, and it'll list all those attributes for you. Okay, next up, path to maturity. The journey

to maturity and faith involves intentional practices and disciplines. Regular study of the Bible, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and active participation in the life of church are essential components. So this Bible study that we have right now, good prayer, also good fellowship with other believers, like if you have a church that you go to, then that's fellowship with other believers, okay. Or if you have a Bible study you go to that's actually in person, that's fellowship with

other believers. And then active participation in the life of the church are central components. Colossians one, twenty eight through twenty nine. Underscore is a role of teaching and adamination, and this admonition. In this process we proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may be present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end, I labor striving with His energy working powerful within me. And

then challenges to maturity. Despite the call to maturity, believers often face challenges that can hinder their growth. Worldly distractions, spiritual complacency, and false teachings are common obstacles. The apostle Paul warns in one Corinthians three, verses one through three about remaining infants in Christ due to jealousy and strife,

urging believers to move beyond such immaturity. In summary, maturity and faith is a dynamic and ongoing promise, ongoing process that requires dedication, community support, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It is the pursuit of becoming more like Christ, reflecting his character and living out his teachings and every aspect of life. All right, perfect, So that's everything I have for that. Let me just go over. A brief description

of verses seven through sixteen. Ephesians four seven through sixteen explains that Christ gives believers spiritual gifts like apostles, prophets teachers to equip them for ministry, building up the church to spiritual maturity, unity, and faith, and becoming more like Christ, growing in love and not being easily swayed by false teachings.

This passage contrasts worldly growth methods with God's plan. Christ the Head empowers each joint believer to work, allowing the whole body to grow and build itself up in love, functioning properly with him. Christ ascending gifts, and Verses seven through ten, Jesus after ascending, gives gifts to people. This is likened to conquering king to a conquering king king distributing spoils, showing Christ's triumph and generosity, and empowering his church.

Purpose of gifts Verses eleven through twelve specific leaders, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, are given to equip the saints all believers for service, not to be served, for the church can be built goal maturity and unity. In Verses thirteen through fifteen, the aim is for believers to reach a unified faith, full knowledge of Christ and spiritual maturity, mature manhood, preventing immunity and maturity and being tossed by false doctrines, speaking truth

and love. Believers are to grow by speaking truth and love, becoming more like Christ in every way. Who is the head that's in verse fifteen and in verse sixteen. Body growth through love. The entire body, joined and held together by every joint, grows as each part works properly, building yourself up in love with Christ as the source of this growth. And then God gives different spiritual abilities gifts to everyone in the church. Leaders use their gifts to

train all members to use their gifts. This makes the whole church strong, unified, mature and loving, so they can stand firm and grow like a healthy body where every part functions under Christ's headship. All right, very interesting stuff, and let's go ahead and go with the new man,

is what the title says. This I say, therefore testify in the Lord that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Giles walk, and the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness in their heart, who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness to work all uncleanliness

and greediness verse twenty. But you have not learned, You have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus, that you put off concerning your former conduct, the old man, which grows corrupt according to the deceitful LUs, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man, which is created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness, so living

a new life. The chapter contrasts the old self with the new self, urging levers to put off your former way of life and be renewed in the spirit of your minds a. Phesians four, verse twenty two through twenty three. The transformation is marked by righteousness and holiness. Living a new life is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the transformation that occurs when an individual. When an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. This transformation

is not merely sorry. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior, but a profound spiritual rebirth that affects every aspect of a believer's life. The Bible provides extensive life. The Bible provides extensive guidance on what it means to live this new life, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit, the importance of sanctification, and the call to live in

a accordance to God's will. And while the journey of living a new life in Christ is ongoing and requires daily commitment, the assurance of God's presence and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit provide believers with the strength to preserve through faith and obedience. Christians are called to reflect the image of Christ living as new creations in the world that desperately needs the hope and redemption found in Him.

And you can find the biblical foundation for this is in Two Corinthians five, verse seventeen, where Paul declares, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold the New has come.

This verse encapsulates the essence of the new life, indicating a complete renewal of the individual through Christ and then regeneration of the Holy Spirit can be found in John three to three, where Jesus tells Nicodemus, truly, Truly, I tell you, no one can see the King them of

God unless he is born again. This spiritual rebirth is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who in dwells believers and empowers them to live according to God's purposes, and the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding and sustaining the believer's new life. In Galatians five, verse sixteen, Paul instructs, so I say walk by this spirit, and you will

not gratify the desires of the flesh. The spirit enables believers to overcome sinful desires and to cultivate the fruit of the Spirit, which includes joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control Galatians five, verses twenty two through twenty three, and then sanctification and holiness. Living a new life involves a process of sanctification where believers are progressively made holy

through the work of the Holy Spirit. As Romans six to fourth states, and believers are called to be holy as God is holy First Peter one, fifteen through sixteen. This call to holiness is not really an external inherence to rules, but an internal transformation that reflects God's character. All right, So I just want you guys to know that, and that's perfect for my teaching points for that. So let me just go over a description of seventeen through

twenty four. Ephesians seventeen through twenty four is a pivotal passage where Paul contrasts the futile, sin driven life of unbelievers the old self, with the new righteous life. Believers

are called to live in Christ the new self. It urges Christians to stop living like the world characterized by darkened minds, deceitful desires, and spiritual apathy, and instead to put off their old sinful ways and put on the new self, which is renewed in understanding, to live in true righteousness and holiness, reflecting God's likeness by renewing their

minds in Christ's truth. In Verses seventeen through nineteen, futility of mind believers, unbelievers walk in the worthlessness of their thinking,

leading to confusion and darkness. Dark and understanding. Their minds are darkened, making them alienated from God's life, hardness of heart, ignorance, and a stubborn heartly to spiritual callernists call uness since since sensuality and greed, sensuality and greed they live themselves, they give themselves over to impurity, greed, and self gratification,

seeking satisfaction and temporary, deceptive things. The call to change not how you learn to Christ, So in Verses twenty through twenty four, a call to change this sinful way is not the path of true believers who have learned Christ, but off the old self. You must discard your former lifestyle, which is corrupted by deceitful desires, renew your mind, be continually transformed in the spirit of your mind Romans twelve two.

And then put on the new self. Clothe yourself and the new way of life, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. So the core meaning of this seventeen through twenty four. Paul commands believers to consciously separate from the world, separate from the corrupt ways of the world by renewing their minds with Christ's truth, enabling them to actively live out the new holy identity they have in him. It's a call the spiritual transformation from

a life of futility to one of purpose and godliness. Okay, perfect, Now we have Verses twenty five through thirty two. It says, do not grieve the spirit. Do not grieve the spirit. Verse twenty five says, therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor working with

his hands. What is good that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by

whom you are sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you just a bunch of information that that's so vastly important right in twenty five through thirty two.

So twenty five through thirty two is a New Testament call for Christians to live out their new identity in Christ by replacing old self sinful behaviors with actions reflecting God's character, emphasizing honesty, managing anger, wholesome speech, and capassionate forgiveness, all to build up the church as members of one body,

imitating God's own kindness and forgiveness in Christ. And contrast the old self lying, bitterness, malice with the new self truth, kindness, forgiveness, urging believers to be transformed by God's grace to reflect him. So some of the key things we need to pay attention to is put away falsehood and verse twenty five. Since believers are connected as one body, they must speak truthfully with each other, rejecting lies that damage unity. Manage

anger Verses twenty six through twenty seven. Be angry, but do not sin. Don't let anger fester as it gives the devil an opportunity honest work and generosity. In verse twenty eight, thieves should stop stealing and start working, using their earnings to help those in need, demonstrating generosity, build up with words verse twenty nine. Speech should be edifying, grace filled, and appropriate, not corrupting or foul. Don't grieve the spirit verse thirty These negative behaviors, grieve the Holy

Spirit who steals believers. Verse thirty one is remote, Remove bitterness and malice. Give rid of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander and malice, and then be kind and forgiving. In Verse thirty two, the core of the New life is to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to others, just as God has forgiven you. So the context, the meaning and context the passage contrast the darkness and futility of the unbelieving world with the bright, transformative life life in Christ.

Urge your believers to actively put off the old ways and put on the new self, making their conduct a clear showcase of God's saving power. Amen. All right, cool, now we have We're done with chapter four. We have some practical applications to go through. We have pursue unity as the first one. Actively seek to maintain unity in your church community by practicing humility, gentleness, and patience and your interactions with others. Number two, identify and use your gifts.

Excuse me, reflect on your spiritual gifts God has given you and find ways to use them to serve and build up their church. Definitely, that's very important. You know, just kind of go through and pray to God and just you know, ask for the Holy Spirit to show you these gifts you know, and pray about it and see which gifts that you have and use them. Once you know you have it, use it to build up the church, build up the Body of Christ. Commit to

spiritual growth. Engage in regular Bible study, prayer and fellowship to grow in your understanding and application of God's word. Seems like we're doing that now if you guys are involved in this Bible study. Perfect, You're under way, prayer, fellowship to grow your understanding and the application of God's Word. We're doing that right now. So this is perfect. Embrace a new lifestyle, evaluate areas of your life that need transformation, and commit to living in a way that reflects your

new identity in Christ. Perfect all right. So additional scriptures that connect we have unity Psalms one thirty three, Verse one, How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony. Spiritual gifts in one Corinthians twelve verses four through seven. There are different gifts, but the same spirit. If you want to read through those Hebrews mature Hebrews five,

verse fourteen. But solid food is for the mature, who are who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil and new life tewo Corinthians five, verse seventeen. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come perfect. That's the last one. Now we're in Ephesians verse five. All right, so we're moving right along here, making great timing. See how long we have?

I'm gonna have some notes for one, and then also Pheasans two. Right, So here we go. So walk in love is the title. It says, Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children, and walk in love as Christ also loved us and given himself for us an offering

and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanliness, all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you as is fitting for saints, neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather given of thanks. For this you know that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covets this man who is an idolatry, has any inheritance in the kingdom

of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things, the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not be partakers with them. Strong words here, right, very strong words. So let's check the first part out Ephesians five, verse one. It says, be imitators of God. Therefore, as beloved children, we are called to reflect God's character in our actions

and relationships. All right, all relationships with other people, with your wife, everything okay, with your children, and everything it says. Imitating God refers to the act of emulating the character, actions, and attributes of God as revealed in the Scriptures. The concept is central to Christian ethics and spiritual growth, as believers are called to reflect God's holiness, love, and righteousness

in their daily lives. Biblical foundation, The call to imitate God is explicitly stated in the Phesians five verses one through two. Be imitators of God therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us, gave himself for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God. This passage underscores the importance of love as the primary attribute to emulate, modeling perfectly by Jesus. Christ attributes to

imitate holiness. One Peter one fifteen through sixteen exhorts believers, but just as he who called you to be holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written, be holy because I am holy. Holiness involves being said apart for God's purposes and living a life that is morally pure and dedicated to His service. Number two is love as seen in the Pheesians five verses one through two.

Love is central to imitating God. First John four seven through eight further emphasizes beloved, Let us love one another because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God. Because God is love, Mercy and forgiveness. Luke six is number three is mercy and forgiveness. Luke six thirty six instructs be merciful, just as your Father

is merciful. Similarly, of Pheesians four thirty two encourages believers to be kind and tender hearted to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ forgave you. Number four righteousness and justice. Psalms eleven, verse seven declares for the Lord is righteous, he loves justice. The upright will see his face. Believers are called to pursue justice and righteousness, and their interactions with others reflecting God's own commitment to these principles.

Practical application imitating God involved imitate God. Imitating God involves both internal transformation and external actions. Romans twelve, verses two, verse two advisors do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. This transformation is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God's will. We have prayer and scripture, regular prayer and study. We have community and fellowship. Engaging

with a community of believers provide support and accountability. Then we have service and sacrifice. Following Christ's example of service and sacrifice is a tangible way to imitate God. Philippians two five through seven reminds believers, let us mind. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ. Jesus, who existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself taking the form of a servant, being made in human

likeness challenges and encouragement. Imitating God is a lifelong journey so that we all know this right that involves overcoming personal weakness, says, and temptations of the world. However, believers are encouraged by the promise of God's presence and assistance. Philippians four, verse thirteen. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. It says here I can do

all things to Christ who gives me strength. Additionally, two Corinthians three, verse eighteen offers hope, stating and we who are unveiled faces, all un unveiled faces, all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into his image with intensifying glory which comes from the Lord, who is in, who is the Spirit. Okay, so that's all about imitating God. Next is walking in love. In verse two, it says

walk in love. Right, So for we were once walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God Ephesians five to two. Our love should be sacrificial and selfless, mirroring Christ's love for us. So walking in love is a central theme central Tenet and the Christian living, emphasizing the practice of love as a continuous, active, intentional way of life. It involves embodying the love of Christ and

daily interactions, decisions, and relationships. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, who highlighted love is the fulfillment of the law and the hallmark of true discipleship and Ephesians five, verse two. The command of walk in love is explicitly stated the verse underscores the sacrificial nature of love, modeled by Christ's own life and death. Walking and love involves selflessness, humility, and a commitment to

well being of others. What is the Old Testament back on for walking and love. It's not directly found in the Old Testament, but the concept is deeply embedded in the law of the and the prophets. Leviticus nineteen eighteen commands do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. This commandment is foundational to the Jewish understanding of ethical behavior and is reiterated by Jesus

in the New Testament. The New Testament expands on the Old Testament called to love, with Jesus identifying love as the greatest commandment. Matthew twent thirty seven through thirty nine states, love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment, and the second is like it, Love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments and CAP's the essence of walking and love. Paul also talks about walking

and love in Romans thirteen, verse eight through ten. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another. For whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments are summed up in one command. Love your neighbor, is yourself loved, is not harmed to a neighbor. So what's the conclusion? Walking and love is a dynamic and

transformative journey that reflects the character of Christ. Is a call to live out the Gospel through acts of love, thereby bearing witness to the world of God's love and grace. Perfect all right, So let's go ahead and go over a brief description of Ephesians one through seven. Seasans one through seven means Christians should imitate God as a dearly loved children by walking in sacrificial, selfless love, just as Christ loved us, and give himself up for us as

a pleasing offering. This involves living like children of light, avoiding darkness and purity and foolish talk, and instead being filled with the spirit for thankfulness and wise living, demonstrating God's character and all relationships. And Verse one says imitate God as God beloved children. Believers are called to mimic his loving character just as a child mimics their parent

walk in love verse two. This isn't just feeling love, It's a deliberate sacrificial action, mirroring Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross, and then fragrant love in verse two. Christ's self giving love was a pleasing sacrifice to God, and our imitation of that love is also pleasing to him. Children of Light verses eight through nine. Christians were once darkness, but are now light, and the Lord must live according to shining God's light in the world. Eight and nine.

I don't think we read yet, so I don't know why I say that, but I'm sorry. This means abstaining from sexual morality, impurity, greed, corrupt foolish talk, and coarse jesting, okay. And then in verse six it says, no part with wickedness. No one practicing these sins belongs to God or inherit

this kingdom. Christians must not align with such behavior. And summary, Paul tells followers to actively live out their new identity in Christ by loving like God, speaking wisely, and separating from the world's darkness as empowered by the Holy Spirit, rather than just talking about faith. All right, there we go now let's go ahead and get into walk in the light. Walk in light. Sorry, it says, for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.

Walk as children of light. For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness and truth. Finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. I'm trying to crack my neck, not working. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. But it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light. For whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore, he says, awake, you who sleep,

arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. Wow. So this is a verse that I used to use for my podcast. It says, and have no fellowship with

unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. And what I was doing with a lot of my shows on the conspiracy aspect of the show was I was felt like I was exposing darkness, right, So you know, when you're exposing the Freemasons and nine to eleven and all this other stuff, you know what I mean, That's kind of what I was really trying to do and I think cult the conspiracy is also trying to do that as well. But I think they put me here through God.

Then God used me as a vessel here to lead the people to Christ that are on this show, because you can have no fruitful works and fruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Right, you could do that all day long. But if you never lead them to Christ, what happens is you're exposing the evil, and everybody starts feeling all confused, and they start feeling scared, and they start going down different rabbit holes, but they don't know

spiritually what to do. You know, once you know that God wins in the end, and that God has your back, and that God is sovereign and he's involved in your life, and you could pray and you know you know that we wrestle not against flesh and blood or principalities of evil, which is in Apheesians six, which we're going to go over next chapter. Then you know that what's going on, and you start putting on the former of God and

you're able to fight against this evil. But if you don't have the full armer of God, you don't have Jesus. You don't have God on your side, you don't not the Holy Spirit. What happens is, you know, then you start, uh, then you start having fruitful works with darkness, right Uh, you know, you start having I'm sorry, you start having unfruitful works with darkness. And that's that's what happens. Is

you you have nowhere to go. You start getting in a new age and all these different teachings, and then you don't have discernment about anything, and and it's hard. I see it going on in the conspiracy community like crazy right now, you know. I mean there's a lot of people that are going through that. And there's people I've had on my show that I can literally tell, uh they don't have Jesus, you know, so they're they're

just stuck in Uh. I don't want to talk bad about people, but they're you know, you know how it is. It's just they're they're they're gonna, they're gonna find Jesus. That's you know, Hopefully they find Jesus at some point, but I just feel like a lot of them will. But it's just they're so paranoid about conspiracies sometimes that they feel like the Bible is not true and all this other stuff. So I'm just glad that you guys are here right now listening, and you guys are following along,

because that's what's important. We're here and that's amazing. So yeah, so let me just go over something real quick about the rejecting darkness. In verse eight, it says, for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the world. See what I was talking about right now. We were all once darkness, and that's what some of the people are. They're just slowly coming to the Bible and slowly coming to Christ. And I hope they come to Christ before they pass. You know, that's all we could do. We

could just pray for them. But it says we must turn away from sinful behaviors and live in the light of God's truth, rejecting darkness. It's a biblical narrative. The concept of rejecting darkness is deeply intertwined with the theme of spiritual warfare, moral integrity, and the pursuit of divine truth. Darkness, often symbolizing sin, ignorance, and evil, stands in stark contrast to the light, which represents righteousness, knowledge, and the presence

of God. The call to reject darkness as a re reoccurring exhortation throughout scripture, urging believers to turn away from sin and embrace the light of Christ. Right. The Old Testament frequently uses imagery of light and darkness to delineate between good and evil. God's first active creation is to command let there be light, separating light from darkness. As separation sets a preticin of the moral and spiritual dichotomy

that unfolds throughout the biblical text. Psalms one nineteen one O five declares your word as a lamp to my feet and light to my path, suggesting that adherence to God's commandments is a means of rejecting darkness. Proverbs eighteen through nineteen contrasts the path of righteousness, which is light, is like the first gleam of dawn, and the way of the wicked, which is like dark the deep darkness

and prophetic literature. Isaiah five twenty warns woe to those who call evil good and good evil, whose substitute darkness for light and the light for darkness. This underscores the moral confusion that arises when people abandon divine truth. Isaiah nine, verse two. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light on those living in the land of the shadow of death. A light has dawned. This messianic prophecy points to the coming of Christ, who would embody the

ultimate rejection of darkness. And then in the New Testament we have John one four through five. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Jesus declares in On eight twelve. I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life. Paul further elaborates on this in Ephesians five, verses eight to eleven,

which we just read right. Spiritual warfare is going to be talked about in Apheesian six. I don't want to give any spoiler alerts practical application the call to reject darkness. Darkness is not merely theological, but demands practical application in the life of the believer. Romans thirteen twelve through fourteen exhorts the night is nearly over, the day has nearly the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

Let us behave decently as in the daytime, not carousing and drunkentness, drunkenness, not in sexual morality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead your self and the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. Conclusion, the biblical mandate to reject darkness is a call to live in the transformative light of Christ, to pursue holiness, and to engage in the spiritual battle

against evil. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are empowered to overcome darkness and reflect the light of God's truth in a world often shrouded in spiritual obscurity. All right, perfect, there we go, So let me go over a brief description of eighteen or eight through fourteen.

Here Ephesians eight through fourteen is they call for Christians to live as children of light, contrast contrasting their new identity in Christ with their former darkness, urging them to produce the fruit of light, goodness, righteousness, and truth, discern God's will, and actively expose the shame of evil deeds by bringing them into the light rather than participating in them.

It emphasizes a transformed transformed to life, moving from spiritual deadness darkness to spiritual life light, where Christ's presence awakens and illuminates individuals from darkness to light. Believers were once darkness. Believers were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. A start transformation, demanding a different way of living, walking as children of light, live out the goodness, righteousness and truth that define you, discerning what pleases God, fruit of

the light. This isn't just about avoiding evil, but actively producing positive qualities like goodness, righteousness, and truth, which are the natural result of living in God's light and exposing the works of darkness. Instead of joining in sinful act sexual morality, impurity, coarse joking, believers should confront and reveal them because when exposed to the light, these deeds lose their power and are shown for who they are. Awake,

o Sleeper. The passage ends with a powerful call to spiritual awakening, urging this spiritually dormant to arise from the dead, allowing Christ to shine on them, a call often delivered through the preaching of the Gospel simple terms. Paul tells Christians, you were spiritually dark, but now your light through Jesus. So like live like it by doing good, being truthful, and finding out what God likes. Don't join in shameful

secret sins. Instead, shine your light on them so they are seen and defeated, and call others to wake up in this light too, because darkness can't stand against it. Great stuff, Great stuff, all right. Next up we have walk and wisdom. Verse fifteen says, see then that your walk circumspectively, circumspectully, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand that the will of the Lord is.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dispation, but be filled with the spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing, making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving always, giving thanks always for the things of God and Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God. All right. So this is basically talking about wisdom and understanding, okay, in verses fifteen

through sixteen. So be careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. Because the days are evil, we are encouraged to live wisely and purposely. Right. So, in the Biblical context, wisdom and understanding are closely related, yet distant concept distinct concepts. Wisdom is often described as the ability to apply knowledge and insight to make sound decisions and live a life

that aligns with God's will. Understanding, on the other hand, involves comprehending and discerning the deeper meaning of knowledge and situations. Both are highly valued in scripture and seen as gifts from God. Right, So if you have wisdom, that's a gift from God. Understanding is also a gift from God. It's not always easy to read through the scriptures and understand them, believe me. Like sometimes I'm trying to do that on the fly and it doesn't work that well.

That's why I have all these notes, because I'm not the greatest that understanding. When I like my reading, comprehension is good sometimes, and sometimes God gives me the ability to understand things like for some reason I grasp like the understanding of like cosmology or stir like Genesis, like really well, but sometimes when I get into Leviticus, there's some other things I don't comprehend it as well. So understanding is a gift from God, and wisdom is also

a gift God. It's often described as the ability to apply knowledge and insight. Right, So, I don't feel like I have wisdom, but I feel like that God did bless me. I'm not trying to boast, brag or anything of the sort, but I do believe that God blessed me with the ability to teach and preach, not as much preach, but more teach, you know, but preach still, you know. But God blessed me with that, you know.

And I think you guys all have this these different these different gifts that we've been talking about here, right, So, but yeah, I'm I'm good at like when I have notes, like I don't know if you guys noticed, when I first came on Cult Conspiracy, I had a whole bunch of notes that I went through right verse by verse study. I like to do that. And then when I came on the second time, I had all these different verses I like to go through. And then I don't know if I came on on third time or for what

I was only on twice. I think I did Nefhinitely, we're Hell located. And I think I did biblical cosmology. I think I was on twice. But anyways, yeah, I always like to have notes. That's why I try to do this with the study, you know. But just what the conclusion for the wisdom and understanding. While wisdom and understanding our gifts from God, they require active pursuit and application through prayer, study of scripture, and alliance on the

Holy Spirit. Believers are Believers can grow in wisdom and understanding, leading lives that honor God and reflect His truth. Okay, all right, and can I read verse eighteen? Yet, yes, I did so? And not do not be drunk with wine? Okay, that's what it says. So spirit filled living. It says, do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the spirit. If he's in five to eight, our lives should be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading

to righteousness and godly living. What does a spirit filled life look like? A spirit filled living refers to the Christian life that is empowered, guided, and characterized by the Holy Spirit and involves a continuous and dynamic relationship with the Holy Spirit, who dwells believers, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will and to manifest the fruit

of the Spirit in their daily lives. The concept of spirit filled living is rooted in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit plays a central role in the life of believers. Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit to his disciples, as recorded in John fourteen, Verse sixteen through seven, and seventeen through seven. Sixteen and seventeen, It says, and I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to be with you forever, the Spirit

of Truth. The world cannot receive him because it never sees him nor knows him. But you do know him, for he abides with you and will be in you. Wow. The day of Pentecost marks the fulfilled moment of the promise, has described in Acts two four and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as a spirit enable them. This event signifies the beginning of the spirit filled life of the Early Church

and sets a precedent for all believers. Some of the characteristics of a characteristics of a spirit filled living would be empower empowerment for witnessing. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be effective witnesses for Christ and Acts one. Verse eight. It states, but you will receive power with the Holy Spirit. Come when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witness in Jerusalem and in all Judaea and Samaria to the ends of the earth. Number two

is guidance and wisdom, which we talked about earlier. The Holy Spirit provides guidance and wisdom to believers, helping them discern God's will. Romans eighth, verse fourteen says for all who are led by the Spirit of God or sons of God. Number three manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit. Spiritfuel living is evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians five twenty two through twenty three,

which it talks about. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law. And then number four victory over sin. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and live a holy life. Romans eight thirteen states for if you live according to the flesh, you will die. But if you live by this spirit, you put to death the deeds of the body,

and you will live. Number five is spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit is still spiritual gifts upon believers for the edification of the Church. One Corinthians twelve, verse seven notes now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. All right. In conclusion. Spiritfel living is a dynamic and transformative aspect of the Christian life, marked by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.

It involves a daily surrender to the spirit's leading, resulting in a life that reflects the character of Christ and advances his kingdom on earth. Okay, so let's go ahead and go back perfect and I'll go over a quick

summary of verses fifteen through twenty one. Okay, So Ephesians five fifteen through twenty one means Christians should live wisely and deliberately, not foolishly, making the most of their time in a difficult world, being filled with the Holy Spirit instead of drunkenness, which leads to joyful spirit led singing, thankfulness, and mutual submission within God's family. It's a call to be alert, understanding God's will and apply his word practically,

showing wisdom through actions that honor him. In verse fifteen, walk wisely play, pay close attention to how you live, acting with care and purpose, not thoughtlessly like a fool, and verse sixteen, redeem the time. Seize opportunity. As the present days are evil, make wise choices that honor God with the time he gives you verse seventeen. To understand God's will, don't be foolish our spirits the unaware. Instead, strive to comprehend and live out what the Lord wants

and verse eighteen be filled with the spirit. This is the core instruction, contrasting with being drunk on wine. It's a continuous state of being controlled by the Holy Spirit, leading to a vibrant, spilled, spirit filled life. In Verse nineteen, sing and give thanks. The spirit filled life expresses itself in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs filled with constant thanksgiving

to God. And then in verse twenty on one submit submit to one another in the context of being filled that the spirit, believers should show mutual respect and submission, putting others' needs therefore before their own as an act of worship, which then leads then flows into specific instruction for families and latter verses all right, and next up we have marriage, Christ and the Church. We have about ten minutes to go over this. And this is this

is some important infos so verse twenty two. This is a Pheesians five, Verse twenty two. Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as also Christ as the head of the church, and he is the savior of

the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, let the wives be their to their own husbands and everything right, So, husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of the water of the word sud. It says, cleanse her with the washing of the water of the word. That right there means that the husband needs to be the spiritual leader. It says, wife, submit to their own husbands

as to the Lord. Okay, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. Right like, submit to that to their own husbands, as you submit to the Lord. For the husbands is the head of the wife, as also Christ as the head of the church. He is the savior of the body. Therefore, just as the Church is subject to Christ. So let the wives be to their

own husbands, and everything right. So you are to submit to your husbands as long as he's loving you like Christ love the Church, and he will give himself for you, like he will risk his life for you. You know, He gave himself for her, is what it says, right the Church, and gave himself for her that he he might sanctify cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.

So it says, husbands, love your wife, says Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of the water of the word right, so that he might present her to himself a glorious church, not having spot a wrinkle to any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blimis. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his

wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the Church. For we are members of his body, of his flesh and his bones. For the reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined with his wife, and two shall become one flesh. This is a great mystery. But I speak concerning Christ and the Church. Nevertheless, each one of you in particular, So love his own wife as himself. And let the wife see the respect

she respects her husband. See that she respects her husband. This is like kind of talking about It's like an allegory right for marriage in Christ and the Church. Right, So it is definitely speaking about marriage. You could see it. It's giving you gems of how you should how the godly marriage should function, you know. And that's also giving

you gems of how Christ loves the church. Right. That's why it says he might he not being the man sanctifying, but also the man needs to also sanctify and cleanse the woman with the washing of the word too, like the water by the word. Because the thing is that the man is supposed to be the spiritual leader of the home. And it says, husbands love your wife, says Christ love the Church. So Christ is our spiritual leader

and he is the head of your marriage. But also he's also that says that he is a you know. So let me just go over some notes. I wish I had way more notes on this because it's very important,

but I got some all right stuff here. So it explains that marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church, instructing wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, while husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially as Christ loved the Church, nourishing and cherishing them as their own bodies, reflecting the one flesh unity from Genesis and

symbolizing this profound unit between Christ and his bride. It's about roles within a God ordained partnership, not infiority, emphasizing mutual ordained partnership, not infurity, emphasizing mutual Christ like sacrifice. In Unity, verse twenty one, before the specific rules mutual submission, Paul calls for mutual submission in the church, setting the tone for the marriage discuss both partners putting Christ first. Verse twenty two through twenty four talks about the wife's submission.

Wives are to submit to their husbands as to the Lord, meaning their submission to their spouse is an active submission to Christ, recognizing Christ as the Church's head. Husband's love. Husband must love their wife sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for it, aiming to cleanse and sactify her like Christ does the Church. Versus love as self love Verse twenty eight through twenty nine. A husband loving his wife is like loving his own body.

No one hates their own flesh, but nurses and cherishes that, mirroring Christ's care for the Church, his body the one fleshed mystery. This section connects the genus account genesis account. Man leaves parents, becomes one flesh to Christ and the Church, revealing marriage as a profound symbolic mystery as a divine union. What it's not not inferiority. Submission isn't about a wife being less valuable Jesus. Submission to the Father shows order

doesn't mean infuriity, not conditional obedience to evil. Submission to a husband doesn't require complying with abuse or sin. It's God's frame. It's within God's framework right, not just a headship analogy. It's a call for Christ like servant leadership and sacrificial love from husband, reflecting Christ's role, not dictator

rule right dictatortorial rule. In essence, this passes calls for husbands to be sacrificial Christ like love and wife's to a respectful submission all within the context of unified partnership that mirrors the glorious relationship between Christ and his Church. Yes, that's why it's saying that, you know, it's saying that. It's not saying unconditional obedience like to evil. No, no, no, that's why it's saying that. That's why it's saying, husbands

love your wife's Christ loves also love the Church. Christ is not going to have the wife doing anything evil or be evil to the wife, right. Or Christ is not can be evil to the church, So you can now not be evil to your wife. Right. So it's it's all so important, and we need to be as men the spiritual leaders of the home. That's very important, you know, to be the spiritual leader of the home and very very important. Let me take a drink of water before we all right, that's all good stuff. Wow,

a lot of good stuff. We went over a lot of good stuff. So but that is two hours, all right, So let me just do some practical applications real quick. One, two, three, four, five. First one, reflect on your walk regularly. Assess whether your actions and attitudes aligned with being an imitator of God. Number two, practice sacrificial love. Look for opportunities to serve others selflessly, putting their needs above your own. Number three,

avoid sinful influences. Identify areas of darkness in your life and seek God God's help to overcome them. Yes, there is triggers. There's things that cause darkness. Right, causes you to want to sin get at, don't do it, you know, run, flee, whatever you need to do, but make sure you know that you you identify the areas in your life, right, the darkness in your life, and seek God's help to overcome them. It says number one, two, three, four. Seek

God's wisdom daily. Make a habit of seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture reading. Number five. Cultivate a spirit filled life. Engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, and fellowship to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Perfect. Now let's go over some additional scriptures that connect First, John four seven through eight. Beloved, let us love one another because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has

been born of God and knows God. Matthew five fourteen through sixteen. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Then we have Proverbs five, Proverbs three, five and six. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, and all your ways. Acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight. Next one is Galatians five

twenty two through twenty three. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. That is chapter five and a nutshell. And we just did a perfect two hours. What a blessing, you know, two hours flies by so fast now, So thank you so much for joining me. If you guys could, like I said, please comment below on Spotify. Please comment

and leave an emoji, whatever you want to do. It really assists the show and it makes me feel like, all right, I'm doing my job. And Cold Conspiracy also sees those comments and lets them know that I'm doing my job. Okay, So I noticed that some of the other podcasters that are features on here featured on Culting Conspiracy don't get as many comments. So comment if you like their show too, comment on their show. If you like cult Conspiracy, comment on their show. If you like

this show, comment on mine as well. Okay, So I really appreciate you guys and I appreciate you listening. Thank you, and have a great holiday. Be safe. You know, I know it's going to be Christmas in a few days here. Right now, it's Monday with the twenty second I believe. Yeah, so in three days here. So however, you guys celebrate that. It's up to you, guys, you know, and whatever you do. Dang, I see my shoulder just head lightning right next to it. I don't know. I can't get back over there for

some reason. This thing is tripping. But anyways, thank you guys so much. And also if you want to check out my show, Josh Monday Christian and Conspiracy Podcast, that's on all audio platforms and then if you go to YouTube it's Josh Monday Music and Podcast, or if you go to Patreon it's Josh Monday Christian Conspiracy Podcast. You can look it up. Thank you so much for joining me. Like I always do, I'm gonna end this in prayer.

So Father God, in the name of Jesus, we always always appreciate the fact that we're able to speak to You Lord through Jesus and through the Spirit, Lord, through the Holy Spirit, be able to connect with you Lord and talk to you and pray to you directly. Wow, what a blessing. Thank you for this time. Lord, thank you for this study, so many gems and amazing things for us to assist us with our spiritual walk. Please allow us to walk in the spirit and not in

the flesh. Lord, this week, or this year, this whatever our lifetime. Lord, if you could please allow that for all of us, everybody that's listening. And Lord, if anybody has any issues spiritual battles are going through, please assist them. And also in my own life, Lord, anything else I'm going through right now, Lord, assists me with spiritual battles. And if there's any spiritual host of wickedness attacking my life or anybody that's listening his life, Lord, I just

ask that you please assist anybody. Lord, we rebuke them in Jesus' name, Lord, and we just rebuke any evil, demonic influences on anybody that's listening. Lord, I just want to rebuke that and anybody that's any demons that are trying to affect this show or anybody that's listening. Lord, flick them off like little bugs that they are. Any spiritual host of wickedness that are evil, Lords, flick them off like little bugs that they are, because there's nothing

compared to you, Lord. We know that you are all powerful, all knowing, and the greatest of all Lord, So thank you for everything you do for us. We love you and appreciate you in Jesus name. Amen. Thank you guys. Next week we're going to be in a feast in six so you know we're gonna be talking about principalities of evil. So I was praying ahead of time because already know what's going to be going on next week's

next Wednesday service is gonna be on that. So I'll probably do like a whole show on spiritual warfare, and it'll be like you know, you know, not a whole show. I'll do like a little portion on spiritual warfare and then we'll we'll try to have a great show. We'll have a good time. So please enjoy that and then join us also for Sunday service. If you guys can, like I said, please comment below. Thank you guys so much, God bless you.