Bible Study Notes in Ephesians- Chapter 1

Ephesians 1

 

-Ephesians is a pervasively positive letter of Paul’s in tone explaining what we might call a spiritual biography of all those who are in Christ by faith for salvation. There are important paraenesis (series of moral exhortations) sections for the believer to act upon as instructed for a sanctified life. Paul wrote this letter from prison, more than likely during his Roman imprisonment of the early to mid 60s AD.

-After the typical introduction as Paul claims his authority as an apostle by the will of God and pronounces grace and peace upon the faithful saints in Ephesus, he blesses the Lord and Father of Christ Jesus for every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:1-3). He goes into the eternal nature of God’s knowledge in choosing His people from the foundation of the world, that those who believe in Him should be holy and blameless before Him. Paul says it was by His great love that He predestined us for adoption as sons (or daughters if female) through Jesus Christ. This is done according to His Divine will and the purposes He has designed from ages past. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:4-7).” He has lavished (bountifully, abundantly, plentifully) upon us this grace in all wisdom and insight making known the mystery of His will, which revolves around the work of Christ Jesus, the plan for the fullness of time (pleroma) to unite all things in Him on earth and in Heaven (Ephesians 1:8-10). *Application* This is a composite salvation history of what the Lord has done for His people. Those whom He foreknew, He predestined and called for justification and eventual glorification (Romans 8:29-30). This is all done by His grace, we have not earned it nor do we deserve it in any way. When we consider the great things God has done and the great lengths that He has gone through to purchase our salvation by His very own blood, we should fall down in worship and amazement for His glorious gift of eternal salvation. Give extreme praise to the Lord today! He is great and greatly to be lifted up! Paul had at one time been involved in combating a riot that broke out in Ephesus where the pagans were crying out about how great their god Artemis was (Acts 19:23-41). Now as he writes, he shares who the Great One really is.

-Paul goes on to reveal how those believers in Christ have an inheritance in the Lord according to His Divine purpose. His Holy Spirit seals us with a guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:11-14). *Application* Here is the security and the perseverance of the believer in Christ Jesus. It is by the Spirit that we endure and live in the hope of salvation. He will never leave us or forsake us; He has us by the hand and will never let go (John 10:28, 2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5, Hebrews 13:5). Thank the Lord today that He is faithful and will never let His true children by the Spirit fall away completely.

-Paul now offers thanksgiving for these saints in Ephesus who have been faithful with much love. He prays for their wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ Jesus by enlightened hearts so that they may have hope and greatness of power in the Lord. Christ has been given the power and the glory seated at the right Hand of God the Father in the heavenly places. He is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come (Ephesians 1:15-21).” He is the Head of the church, “which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:22-23).” *Application* If the church of America today wants power, authority, dominion, and rule it must give back Jesus His rightful place as the Head. Too many organizations, which call themselves churches, are doing things in their own natural wisdom with a worldly mindset and structure. There is much striving and chasing after popularity and money. The church of the Living God has a far different motive and agenda. It is not of this world and is guided by the Supreme Being. God does give oversight to His people through His Spirit, but make no mistake; He should be the Head, not an afterthought. Give the Lord Jesus Christ preeminence!

 

Verses to Memorize- Ephesians 1:7, 13, 22-23

Bible Study Notes in Colossians- Chapter 4

Colossians 4

 

-The personal instructions continue as the letter comes to its close in this chapter. We have a Master in Heaven; therefore, we are to treat those under us justly and fairly just like the Lord does (Colossians 4:1). The next teaching pertains to constant prayer. We are to be watchful in it with expectation. We are to be thankful in it. We are to pray for open doors for proclaiming the Word of God to declare the mystery of Christ and His salvation in clarity (Colossians 4:2-4). Paul gives information on walking in wisdom toward outsiders and making the most of our time. He says to always let your speech be gracious, seasoned with salt (this metaphor suggests speaking in an interesting, stimulating, and wise way that will continue to engage leaving open doors, Matthew 5:13), so that you may know how to answer in the right manner (Colossians 4:5-6). *Application* To everyone we must give an answer to the hope that is within us as believers in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 4:2). Pray for opportunities, pray that God will help you recognize those opportunities, and pray for courage to address the people that the Lord puts in your path to bring them closer to Him and His Kingdom. Advancing His Kingdom carries individual, as well as corporate, responsibility.

-The closing of this letter has some intriguing ins and outs of their ministry and connectedness in Christ. Paul wants them to fulfill their respective ministries that they have received and stand mature, fully assured in all the will of God (Colossians 4:7-17). He extends his grace and asks for prayer as he is in prison with his own hand (Colossians 4:18). *Application* It is important for us to recognize the intricate connections within the body of Christ that He has designed and ordained (1 Corinthians 12:18). As each plays his or her part the Kingdom advances unto His glory!

 

Verse to Memorize- Colossians 4:5

Bible Study Notes in Colossians- Chapter 3

Colossians 3

 

-Paul goes from the corporate in chapters 1 & 2 to the individual Christian life in the last two chapters 3 & 4. He begins with our resurrected life IN Christ, which allows us to focus on the things above in glory rather than be consumed with the trials, tribulations, and temptations of this natural world. His implication is that we are raised with Christ because we have died to the old man and now our new creation by the Holy Spirit is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-4). Paul lists things in our mortal beings that need to be “put off (Colossians 3:9),” “put away (Colossians 3:7),” or “put to death (Colossians 3:5).” These things include sexual immorality, impurity, passion (from pathos, which denotes extreme desires, usually associated with sexuality), evil desire, and covetousness, which all amount to idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Also mentioned are the corruptions of anger, wrath, malice (evil intent), slander, obscene talk, and lying (Colossians 3:8-9). Paul through the Holy Spirit says it is on account of these things that the wrath of God is coming and that everyone walked in this darkness of life before Christ came and saved (Colossians 3:6-7).

-That was the bad news, but the good (no make that great!) news is that Christ has come and we can “put on (Colossians 3:10, 12, 14)” His righteousness in His image. In this new life there is equality among believers as Christ is all and in all (Colossians 3:11). The list of things to “put on” include compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiveness, thanksgiving (Colossians 3:12-13). Above all of these virtues, or fruits of the Holy Spirit, is the perfect bond of unity, LOVE (1 Corinthians 13, Colossians 3:14). Peace is also included, which is to rule in our hearts along with the Word of Christ, which can dwell in us richly through teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom (Colossians 3:15-16). The base analysis is that we can be thankful in all forms of praise as we do everything in word or deed in the Name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:16-17). *Application* This is personal and very introspective when we consider how thus we should live as new creations in Christ. If these characteristics are present and growing, we are in good shape (2 Peter 1:2-8; 3:18). If not, we had better examine ourselves to see if we are in the actual faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).

-Some individual exhortations in regards to family matters and working relationships characterize Colossians 3:18-25. Submission and obedience are big components in this section all in the fear of the Lord (Colossians 3:22). The key verse here is “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).” It is the Lord that gives our inheritance as a reward as new creations, and make sure that the wrongdoer who is apart from God will be paid back for what they have done since there is no partiality with God (Colossians 3:24-25). *Application* There is no doubt individual responsibility and accountability with regards to our relationship with the Lord is a critical application to us here. No one can make you right with God other than you. It is your own personal faith that will make the difference in where you spend eternity. Personally accept Christ as your Savior and become a new creation through His Holy Spirit if you never have before. You will benefit from this decision in more ways than you can ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). We are blessed in Christ!

 

Verses to Memorize- Colossians 3:3-4, 17, 23

Bible Study Notes in Colossians- Chapter 2

Colossians 2

 

-Paul reaches out to his readers in Colossae so that they may be encouraged being unified together in love in order to reach all the riches of completed assurance of understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Jesus Christ, the Head of the church (Colossians 2:2). It appears from the text that there are some who are attempting to bring in false teaching to take these new converts away from true and unadulterated faith in the Lord (Colossians 2:1, 3-5). Paul is wanting to make sure they walk in the truth of Christ and not be wrapped up in human traditions, worldly philosophy, empty deceit, food and drink, festivals, new moon, or Sabbath traditions according to the elemental spirits of the world (Colossians 2:8-9, 16-17). He speaks out against any form of extreme asceticism (rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint, the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual state) and the worship of angels, false visions, and a puffed up mind that is sensuous (appealing to or gratifying the senses) (Colossians 2:18). What Paul is doing is making a case for the simplicity of life in Christ as the Head of His body, the church, who is in them and instructing them for righteousness and sanctification apart from “elemental spirits of the world (Colossians 2:8, 11-15, 20).” In Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form and believers have been filled with Him who is the Head of all rule and authority (Colossians 2:9-10). He sets us free from the legalism of human precepts, teachings, traditions, and regulations “such as do not handle, do not taste, do not touch (Colossians 2:20-22).” These things may have “the appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion” through self-sacrifice, “but they are of NO VALUE in stopping the indulgence of the flesh (Colossians 2:23).” *Application* The overriding admonition of Scripture is to simply follow Christ Jesus and live as He did by the Spirit of the Living God. This frees us from the bondage of human traditions and regulations that restrict us in so many ways. It is not rules that make us righteous, but accepting Christ’s righteousness, which was worked out for us and completed on the cross of Calvary through His shed blood, death, and eventual resurrection three days later. Where we were dead in our trespasses and sin, Christ prevailed by nailing our dysfunction to the cross and forgave us through His love and grace activated by our faith. He canceled the debt that stood against us with its legal demands and gave us complete victory being made alive by God (Colossians 2:13-15). This is certainly something worth giving Him thanks and sharing with everyone you know. Don’t get sidetracked from the main thing, which is trusting in Christ and living in His power. This is an inward focus rather than an external qualification.

 

Verses to Memorize- Colossians 2:9-10

Bible Study Notes in Colossians- Chapter 1

Colossians 1

-Paul’s primary concern in the first chapter is to let them know of his love for them and to share the preeminence of Christ Jesus in full detail. “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14).” He is the firstborn of all creation, before all things, the beginning, the Creator of all visible and invisible, holding all things together as head of the church (Colossians 1:15-18). In Him all the fullness of God dwells and He is reconciling all things to Himself for His glory making peace by the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:19-22). He is the One who can present us holy and blameless and above reproach before the Father if we continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:22b-23). Paul had shared this message faithfully as a good steward with much suffering in toil and struggle according to the energy that powerfully worked through him by the Spirit. He had shared the mystery hidden from ages past that is now revealed. That mystery is Christ IN us, the hope of glory unto a mature man with all wisdom (Colossians 1:24-29). *Application* The supremacy of Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior must be at the heart of everything we do. It is truly all about Him. He is the way, the truth, and the life and no man comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6). Exalt the Lord in your life in every way and give Him glory because of who He is and what He has done to give us an opportunity to live IN Him now and for all eternity. Praise be unto Jesus Christ our King! He is the Name above all names and the fullness of God incarnated on our behalf!

 

Verses to Memorize- Colossians 1:13-14, 27

Bible Study Notes in Ezra- Chapter 10

Ezra 10

 

-While Ezra was weeping and praying and making confession of intercession for the people of Israel before the House of God, a very large assembly of all sorts people, men, women and children, gathered to him and also wept bitterly (Ezra 10:1). They, led by Shecaniah, declared their unfaithfulness before the LORD in marrying foreign wives from the pagan lands, yet he claimed that in spite of this there is hope (Ezra 10:2). They made a covenant with their God to put away all the wives and children (much like Abraham had done, Genesis 21:9-21). The vast majority was with Ezra in this matter to be courageous and act unto sanctification in pure devotion to their LORD. They arose and took an oath as they assembled in Jerusalem in a heavy rain making confession and riding themselves of the guilt of Israel in the matter. They proclaimed as one voice, “That’s right! As you have said, so it is our duty to do (Ezra 10:12). Only a few people opposed this according to Scripture (Ezra 10:15). A proper investigation was made and the names were collected of men who needed to put away their foreign wives and children before the LORD (Ezra 10:16-44).

-*Application* Riding ourselves of godless things can be a pain-staking process unless we are truly and completely devoted in love to the God we are turning to. We must be unadulterated in our coming to the LORD by faith and obedience. As we see in this passage, there is no other way to cleanse our guilt caused by sin and corruption. Whatever is holding you back in your life from coming completely to Christ needs to be totally put away and eradicated. This is the only way to be truly set free. The first step is repentance, the next step is saving faith in the Savior and what He for you on the cross, and then follow Him in trusting obedience to His commands for love and well-being.

 

Verse to Memorize: Ezra 10:12

Bible Study Notes in Ezra- Chapter 9

Ezra 9

 

-This chapter demonstrates the importance of separating the clean from the unclean in the sight of God. Ezra is appalled by what he saw in the Promised Land when he heard about the intermarriages between the Jewish covenant people and idolatrous people of the land including the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites (Ezra 9:2). Ezra’s rage is apparent and palpable as he tears his garment and robe, and pulled some of the hair from his head and beard and just sat there until evening (Ezra 9:3-4). He gathered the God fearing people and gave a strong discourse on how upset God has been and will be with their disobedience and rebellion against Him (Ezra 9:5-15). -*Application* Ezra realized the importance of sanctification for the eternal blessings of God. How much do we intermingle with the world and the uncleanness it offers? Determine to live a separated and sanctified life before the LORD and remove the guilt by faith in His Son, Jesus!

 

Verse to Memorize: Ezra 9:9