Love, Purity and Cookie Jars Ephesians 5:1-7

 Last week we talked about the new life in Christ. The old passes away and we have a new mind. We have to do our part. Paul writes to the Ephesians to encourage them and challenge them. We live among people who are greedy, selfish, self indulgent and we are to live amongst them and be a witness amongst them. One way to be a witness to others is to live a life that is set apart and holy. How we live our lives can be our greatest testimony. Our lives should be a witness of God. Ephesians 4:17 tells us to not walk as the gentiles do in the futility of their minds. Ephesians 5:2 tells us to walk in love. Ephesians 5:8 encourages us to walk in light and Ephesians 5:15 tells us to walk in wisdom. 

Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

I. We are God's BELOVED children

We know intellectually that this is truth, but do we KNOW it? God has great love for his children, just as we love our earthly children. Allister Begg said "The love we have for earthly children does not even compare to the love our heavenly Father has for us." God loves me more than I love my own children. How do we know God really loves us? The New Testament points us to the cross.

Romans 5:8 (ESV) "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

John 3:16 (ESV) "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

God sent His Son Jesus. Augustine of Hippo "The cross is the pulpit from which God preaches his love to the world."

II. With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

The nature of a family is represented to the world through it's children.

Proverbs 20:11 (ESV) "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright."

People will make a judgement about Jesus by how you live. You are an ambassador of Jesus Christ. The Royal Ambassadors motto "As a Royal Ambassador I will do my best: to become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ; to have a Christ like concern for all people; to learn how the message of Christ is carried around the world; to work with others in sharing Christ's love; and to keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body." 

The next few verses tell us how we can represent Christ. How you can stand out for Christ. This is a challenge for all of us. We want to be a people that is NOT changed by the world, but a people that changes the world.

Ephesians 5:3-7 (ESV) "But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God."

These verses name 3 things we should not do/be

* Immorality- a catch all for all immoral behavior

*Impurity-impure/lewd/demonic

*Covetousness- the 10th commandment/you should not want something that someone else has.

Matthew 5:28 (ESV) "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart."

The problem is in the heart. Ephesus was a decadent, depraved and immoral society. For someone to care about purity was to stand out.

III. Pursue Purity. Stand Out

When you try to honor God with your life it opens doors for you to share Jesus with people. It is easy to condemn immoral people and activities, but don't forget to look at your own hearts. Seek to honor God in all of your relationships. It is not ok for us as Christians to say that I wish I could go back and relive our old life.

IV. God and His standards do not change.

Numbers 23:19 (ESV) "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?"

Psalm 105:25-27 (ESV) "He turned their hearts to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants. He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. They performed his signs among them and miracles in the land of Ham."

Malachi 3:6 (ESV) "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed."

Isaiah 40:8 (ESV) "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Hebrews 13:8 (ESV) "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

James 1:17 (ESV) "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change"

V. Be Grateful for What God has given.

Instead of coveting something else but be thankful for the gifts that God has given you.

Proverbs 31:10-12 (ESV) "An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life."

Proverbs 19:14 (ESV) "House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD." 

Proverbs 18:22 (ESV) "He who finds a wife finds a good thing."

Proverbs 5

Cultivate and nourish and cherish what God has given you. Don't spend time looking over the fence at what your neighbor has.

VI. Is there a hole in our holiness?

Ephesians 5:4-7 (ESV) "Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the 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 become partners with them;"

Are we tolerating things in our life that Jesus came to pay the penalty for? Filthiness? Foolish talk? Crude jokes that you are laughing at? Are you entertained by the sins Jesus was tortured for? Would God be pleased? There are things that we should stay away from. "I've got my hand in the cookie jar, just resisting temptation." We need to take stock of the cookie jars in our lives and get rid of them! 

1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (ESV) "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

2 Timothy 2:22 (ESV) "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

What does that look like in your life? Pursue holiness, flee temptation and put away the cookie jars.

The New Life. The Best Life Ephesians 4:25-32

 Ephesians 4:25 (ESV) "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."

I. Be Honest

If we are going to live a new life we have to be honest. This is more than just lying, it includes misleading, cheating and betraying confidence. Our default setting is falsehood. We aren't taught to lie. It helps us to stay out of trouble. Satan is the father of lies, Jesus is truth.

John 8:44 (ESV) "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

Revelation 21:8 (ESV) "But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

Zechariah 8:16 (ESV) "These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace;"

Wouldn't it be cool if we just tell the truth. Wouldn't it be cool if our politicians told the truth! Honesty builds closeness/trust. Deceit destroys a church...a home.

Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV) "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

II. Don't let anger control you.

Paul quotes Psalms 4:4 (ESV) "Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent."

It is ok to be angry. Jesus was angry, but he did not sin. Sometimes the way we deal with anger leads to sin. When you were seething in anger, were you in control? Did you get a lot done? Did it help the situation?

In Numbers 20 Moses was angry and he was probably justified, but he puts himself on the same level as God. He was chastised by God.

Romans 12:14-21 (ESV) "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written. 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

This is not talking about self-defense, this is not talking about protecting the innocent, but vengeance. Pray about your anger. Satan will use anger to destroy you.

Ephesians 4:28 (ESV) "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."

III. Work Hard & Give Generously

God created work before sin entered into the world. Work is not a curse.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (ESV) "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."

Earn money and serve the Lord.

2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV) "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV) "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Proverbs 19:17 (ESV) "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed."

Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

IV. Watch your mouth

As Christians we should watch what words come out of our mouths. Words can hurt, but they can also build up and encourage.

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Use your words to build up. Do not leave things unsaid either. Sometimes we need to communicate what the Lord lays on our heart. Build up God's people with words. God will judge every idle word. We have all said awful things that have hurt people. Apologize you can admit you are wrong. It does help.

Ephesians 4:30-31 (ESV) "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice."

When we act wrongly we grieve the Holy Spirit. God cares for his children. It hurts him when we walk in our old ways. As a parent it is hard to watch your children squander and suffer. It is the same for God. These verses summarize previous verses encourage to "lay aside old self put on new self." How do we do this? Just be like Jesus and ask for help.

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

V. Be Kind and Compassionate

Matthew 9:36 (ESV) "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd."

VI. Forgive

Luke 23:34 (ESV) "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they cast lots to divide his garments."

The Parable of the unforgiving servant. The master forgives the servants large debt, but the servant does not forgive another's small debt. What does it say when you refuse to forgive?

Winning the Battle for your Mind Ephesians 4:17-24 10-25-26

 A lot of problems start in your mind.

Ephesians 4:17 (ESV) "Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds."

The church at Ephesus was made up of Gentiles and Jewish believers. Paul is not talking about the Gentiles who are saved. He is talking about lost people. 

Galatians 3:7-9 (ESV) "Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you shall all the nations be blessed.' So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."

Galatians 3:26-29 (ESV) "for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

1 Corinthians 6:11(ESV) "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

As Christians you should look different from those in the world. Your mind should be different.

I. How do Gentiles think?

Ephesians 4:18-19 (ESV) "They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity."

    A. They can't see the truth because they don't want to see the truth.

We ignore the truth because we want the opposite. The truth of God's word cuts to the heart. It is called conviction. Sometimes you would rather defend a lie so you don't want to admit that you are wrong. 

Psalm 14:1 (ESV) "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good."

    B. They love their sin.

They give into every evil impulse and it starts in the mind.

Isaiah 5:20 (ESV) "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

We need  to confess in our minds to God. When you are talking to yourself, talk to God about removing bad things from our minds. Sin can be like a box of Little Debbie's. We don't know how to stop sinning.

II. You can win the battle of the mind.

"I am just this way." NO YOU ARE NOT!

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

You can win the battle with God's help

2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV) "for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."

III. Lost Sensitivity

We can be hard hearted, but it is a dangerous place to be. Pharaoh hardened his heart and then God hardened his heart. The Israelites hardened their hearts in the wilderness. You can become so desensitized to sin that your heart will become hard. Sin does not bother us like it should. 

Hebrews 3:8 (ESV) "Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion on the day of testing in the wilderness,"

Proverbs 28: 13-14 (ESV) "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity."

We have become desensitized to things that we should be sensitive to. Like David, some of us need to be broken and disciplined.

Psalm 57:10 (ESV) "For you steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds."

Psalm 51:17 (ESV) "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."

We should ask to be disciplined. It might be painful, but we need it.

Ephesians 4:20-24 (ESV) "But that is not the way you learned Christ!- assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

IV. So what must I do?

    A. Love the truth.

Jesus lived it, Jesus taught it, and sent the Holy Spirit to lead us. In him we have truth revealed in Scripture. Truth about God, about God.

    B. Put off the old self.

Matthew 5:29-30 (ESV) "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away, For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell."

This points to the seriousness of our sin. Take steps to put off your old self.

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witness, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,"

It is hard to run after God when you are dragging your sin behind you!

    C. Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

Be completely restored in darkest corners of your mind. Memorize scripture, pray and ask God for help. 

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV) "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Cut ties with your old self.

    D. Put on the new self

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Galatians 2:20 (ESV) "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV) "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

You have to fill your mind with things from above. We don't need to be comfortable...we need to grow and to change.

Equipping of the Saints

 Chapters 1-3 of Ephesians are doctrinal truth. Chapters 4-6 are practical applications. Christians need both doctrinal truth and applications of those truths. Doctrinal truth is who God is and what He has done. Practical applications are what He expects of us. Doctrinal truth is worthless without practice. Our practice/lifestyle is to be built on doctrinal truths. The recipients of this letter were mostly recent converts from paganism/heathenism and needed instructions in both doctrine and practical applications.

Ephesians 4:17-18 (ESV) "Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart."

Paul is saying if you are called to follow Christ, then act like it. Ignorance and futility are reversible, but not if you steel against God's truths. 

Ephesians 4:19-20 (ESV) "They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!"

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV) "Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

So how are Christians supposed to Act Paul gives only a short list, but it is very instructive. 

Ephesians 4:11-16 (ESV) "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

God gave us....

1. Apostles (who walked with Christ/ taught directly by Him)

2. Prophets (whom He spoke to...to give us His messages)

3. Evangelist (charged with presenting the gospel to us)

4. Pastors (shepherds) to counsel, guide and instruct

5. Teachers (who explain God's words to us)

All of these leaders are for this purpose

To equip the saints (prepare/train/enable)

1. For the work of  Ministry.

2. For the building up of the body (church).

3. For the growth into (spiritual) maturity.

There are many more things these leaders do, but we are going to look at Paul's presentation here...

I. To Equip the Saints for the work of the Ministry

The Greek word "diakovias" is where we get the word deacon which means to serve. Who do we serve? We are servants of God; called to serve Him. We (mostly) serve God by serving others.

John 21:15-17 (ESV) "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs.' He said to him a second time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Tend my sheep.' He said to him the third time, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me?' Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, 'Do you love me?' and he said to him, 'Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my sheep.'"

Ministry is sometimes pleasant and rewarding, but always work.  What is Peter called to do? Feed Christ's sheep. Are only Christians His sheep? No all men are made in His image, but we are called to particularly to serve other Christians. 

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV) "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

II. For the building up of the Body (church)

The stronger the church the greater the ministry for Christ and to the people. When tragedies hit a community we are not called to sit back and watch what happens. We are called to serve them. If every person is contributing how much greater impact we would have on our community. So those only active in attendance, please pray about your part in serving at OBC. If you are still uncertain talk to Josh.

III. For growth into (spiritual) Maturity

Ephesians 4:14-15 (ESV) "so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,"

We are never fully mature because of our sin nature, but this is what we strive for. How is it best to grow to be Spiritually Mature? By knowing and adhering to truth.

Philippians 3:12-16 (ESV) "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained."

Add service/ministry- it is part of the process of maturing.

Summary:

Ephesians 4: 15-16(ESV) "Rather speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

When each part of the physical body functions properly it is a healthy body (highly functional). In the body of Christ (the local church) if every person serves then you have a stronger and healthier church. If you are called to be a part of OBC; what are you called to do? To serve Christ and the church and community?

1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

We have talked about spiritual gifts a lot lately. Scripture is clear...you are spiritually gifted for...

    1. the work of Ministry

    2. Building up the Body

    3. Growing into Spiritual Maturity

If you are not sure how you are gifted or where you are to serve? Get with Josh and discuss with him or other workers at OBC. If you do then it will benefit you, the church and our community.

Closing Scripture: Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV) "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen"

A Strong Church Ephesians 4:7-10

 Ephesians 4:3-7 (ESV) "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift."

God has unified us and brought us together to serve him, honor him and build the kingdom and be strong in the Lord. The way that we are strong is together. The gift is not salvation, you have been gifted to serve the church. This is talked about in Romans 12 and 1Corinthians 12.

The bible does not go into details about each gift given. It just tells us that we are to use our gifts to serve and grow the kingdom of God. The parable of the talents gives an example of this. 1 servant is given 5 talents and he doubled what he received for his master. Another servant was given 2 talents and he too doubled his talents. The servant who received 1talent buried it and he was called a wicked servant for not using his talents. The same is for us if we do not use the gifts that we have been given. Every single person has been given a unique set of gifts by God for his service and when you do not use them for his glory, you rob the God and the church.

I. Use your Gift

No two Christians are the same. You cannot be someone else, but you have to be who God called you to be to the best of your ability. When God is working through you, you can go further than you thought you can. All of us are gifted uniquely to be used for building up the kingdom of God.

Questions to ask yourself...

    1. What am I passionate about?

    2. What am I good at?

    3. What do others see in me?

    4. Where is there an opportunity for me to serve?

Find something and start doing something for the Lord. Where do these gifts come from?

Ephesians 4:8 (ESV) "Therefore it says, 'When he ascended on high he led a host a captives, and he gave gifts to men.'"

Paul is referencing back to Psalm 68. Psalm 68 was probably written after David brought the ark back to Jerusalem. David was celebrating and dancing in the streets. Psalm 68 describes God as a God of war. It says he dominates the kings of the earth. It paints the picture of a military parade, a joyous homecoming parade. The king (God) is receiving gifts, but also giving gifts and leading the captives home. He is ascending to his throne in Jerusalem. Paul quotes Psalm 68:18 and applies it to Jesus. 

Ephesians 4:9-10 (ESV) "(In saying, 'He ascended,' what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)"

Jesus stepped out of heaven and came to earth as a man and lived a perfect life. He was tempted and tried in every way that we are and was crucified on our behalf, he was buried and resurrected and ascended into heaven and defeated death and now we have victory in Jesus. But it is getting more specific than this. What happened to Jesus during the 3 days while he was in the grave?

1 Peter 3:18-20 & 22 (ESV) "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water." "who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him."

When Jesus was in the tomb, his spirit descended into Sheol, the place of the dead. In the Old Testament Sheol was not described as the place where the unrighteous went when they died. The righteous also went to Sheol.

Genesis 37:35, Job 17:16, Ezekiel 3:17, Isaiah 13:15 and Psalm 55:15

Both righteous and unrighteous expected to go to Sheol when they died. Jesus also gives this example in Luke 16 when he describes the rich man and Lazarus. One side was "Abraham's bosom where the righteous went. There was a great divide between the righteous and the unrighteous. The unrighteous could see what was happening with the righteous on the other side, but could not cross over. Everything changed at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:20 (ESV) "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."

Colossians 1:18 (ESV) "And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."

Remember that during his ministry Jesus actually raised people from the dead. But something was unique about Jesus. Jesus was different from the others that had been risen from the dead....they eventually died again. When Jesus rose from the dead he was unlike anything else...He didn't die again! His body was glorified.

Matthew 27:51-53 (ESV) "And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many."

Something happened when Jesus was resurrected! It shook the heavens and the earth. Now the expectation is that the righteous would not go down but up when they died!

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV) "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Philippians 1:21-23 (ESV) "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better."

The expectation is to be with the Lord when we die. Jesus won the victory. 

II. We have victory in Jesus

It is a big deal! Jesus conquered death and the grave and now he has victory and dominion over all of it! Before Jesus sent the disciples out he tells them that he says "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given un to me." I have it! I own it! You are mine! The point being we see a great picture of a military parade. Paul applies it to Jesus who sets the captives free and gives gifts to men. After Jesus ascends to heaven he sends us the Holy Spirit. Along with that we have been gifted to serve him. Have confidence that God is going to bless your work that you are doing for him. The American church has an Eeyore problem. He is pessimistic about everything. "End of the road. Nothing to do and no hope of things getting better." We need to have more HOPE! 

Use your gift! Jesus has already won the battle! Use your gift to glorify the Lord. 

It's Good to Get Along 8-4-26

 Church unity is very important. The church's job is to refresh the saints and reach the lost.

Transition- We were dead now we have an inheritance. A prayer of gratitude for the people.

Ephesians 4:1 (ESV) "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,"

Paul is reminding them that he is on house arrest in Rome. He was a "Prisoner for the Lord" He was winning guards for the Lord, even some from Caesar's house came to know the Lord. Paul was setting an example for the Lord. Paul was leading from the front. We are supposed to walk in a manner of your calling. There is a standard that we should live up to. (The teacher already gave you an A, so act like it!). God called you and saved you by grace. He has set you apart to do the work.

Ephesians 4:2-6 (ESV) "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

I. Why unity matters.

    1. It pleases God.

Psalm 133:1 (ESV) "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!"

What touches a parent the most is when their children get along and love one another. God is no different.

    2. It is essential for effective work.

Philippians 1:27 (ESV) "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,"

We should be encouraged by one another's success.

    3. It's a testimony to who we serve.

John 13:34-35 (ESV) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Ephesians 5:2 (ESV) "And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

One way we demonstrate we love God is to love one another.

II. Where does unity come from?

Ephesians 4:3 (ESV) "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

III. It's all from God.

The Spirit gives and we are to preserve. Three persons in one God. They are part of the one but all different. The Spirit gives life, the Son is the foundation, the cornerstone, the Father over all/through all and in all. 3 persons, 1 God...total unity.

John 17:20-21 (ESV) "I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me."

IV. Common Faith

The Old Roman Creed is found in a Greek letter written in 341 and is the forerunner of the Apostles Creed. This creed was used orally as a second-century baptismal confession and "Rules of Faith"

"I believe in God the Father almighty; and in Christ Jesus His only Son, our Lord, Who was born from the Holy Spirit and the One Virgin Mary, Who under Pontius Pilate was crucified and buried, on the third day rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, whence he will come to judge the living and the dead; and in the Holy Spirit, the holy Church, the remission of sins, the resurrection of the flesh, [life everlasting]."

All Christians should agree with this creed. We should have unity with other churches. There are times for separations, but we should all agree about the character of God. We should agree with the authority of the Scriptures. We should agree with the seriousness of sin. We at OBC should get along.

    1. One Body

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV) "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and all were made to drink of one Spirit."

This is a universal truth.

    2. One Hope

Titus 2:11-13 (ESV) "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, "

When the Lord returns all of God's people will rejoice.

    3. One Faith

Jude 3 (ESV) "Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints."

    4. One Baptism

By spirit at salvation or by water. Brought in to the body of Christ.

V. How do we preserve unity?

    1. Humility

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV) "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

    2. Gentleness

One of the fruits of the spirit. Show kindness

    3. Patience

Another fruit of the spirit. Do not write people off.

    4. Bearing with one another in love.

Tolerate others. Live in harmony with others.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV) "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

The "Love" verses is not only important for marriage, but for all Christian living. Continue to try to love one another. Demonstrate love and humility.

Romans 15:5-7 (ESV) "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

9-27-26 Prayer: The Greatest Ministry!

 Ephesians 3:14-21 (ESV) "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith- that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Paul started chapter 3 with "For this reason..." then he went off topic and in verse 14 he gets back to "For this reason..."

I. Bow your knees.

There are different postures used when people pray. Christians typically have their hands folded in prayer and bowed heads. Mormons cross their arms and place their hands under their arms. Old Testament Jews set Biblical president to get down on their knees in prayer. Daniel prayed on his knees.

Daniel 6:10 (ESV) "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."

Solomon prayed prayed on his knees when the temple was dedicated.

2 Chronicles 6:13 (ESV) "Solomon had made a bronze platform five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high, and had set it in the court, and he stood on it. Then he knelt on his knees in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven,"

Jesus was on his knees in the Garden of Gethsemane in prayer.

Mark 14:35-36 (ESV) "And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well."

Bowing on ones knees is a sign of submission, shows seriousness and reverence. There is something about bowing before God that clears our minds become focused on God. James, the brother of Jesus, was a Christian leader in Jerusalem, he was known for his extensive prayer life. His knees were so swollen from the amount of time he spent on his knees in prayer that he was called "Camel knees". Edward Payson of Portland (1827) spent so much time on his knees in prayer that he wore grooves in the floorboards next to his bed. John Knox a preacher in the 1500's was taken captive and placed on a French ship and worked as a slave. It is said that he spent so much time on his knees in prayer would pray "Lord, give me Scotland or I die". Mary Queen of Scots said "I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe."

II. Prayer is the greatest ministry.

Prayer doesn't require a budget or approval or a meeting to discuss. It is something we can just do on our own.

James 5:16b (ESV) " The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

James 4:2 (ESV) "You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask."

We can all have this ministry God can use our prayers. Prayer really works!

A woman by the name of Monica who lived in the 300's had a husband who was a pagan and very violent. She also had a wild rebellious son. She wept and prayed for 17 years for her son. It was said "It is impossible that the son of so many tears should perish." In 387 her son was baptized...her son was Augustine of Hippo, a Christian theologian and philosopher.

Another woman who prayed was Susanna (1669-1742). Susanna had 19 children only 10 survived to adulthood. Their small home burnt down and her husband was sent to debtors prison. She and her children lived in a small home where she homeschooled them, teaching them Latin, Greek and Bible. It is said that she would sit with her apron over her head to get some "privacy" and pray for her children. Two of her sons were John and Charles Wesley.

Ephesians 3:15 (ESV) "from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,"

It all began with Abraham, one family, one clan that became 12 tribes, 1 Israel. YHWH over all. All are one in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 4:4-7 (ESV) "There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to you call- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift."

III. Use scripture as a guide.

You can use the Lord's Prayer as a guide. You can copy it down and pray it to help you learn to pray. Jesus and Paul would pray scripture. 

Ephesians 3:16 (ESV) "that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,"

IV. Pray for the spiritual wellbeing.

Paul cares about the peoples spiritual wellbeing more than their physical wellbeing

V. Pray that God will strengthen them to the core.

Acts 1:8 (ESV) "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth."

Romans 1:16 (ESV) "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

    A. To be a witness

    B. Stand strong in temptation and adversity. Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV) "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

    C. Use their gifts for God's glory. 1Peter 4:10-11 (ESV) "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies- in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 3:17 (ESV) "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith- that you, being rooted and grounded in love,"

VI. Pray that they might be walking closely to Jesus.

John 15:4-5 (ESV) "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

VII. Pray that they be rooted and grounded in love the foundation of it all. 

In agriculture plants have strong roots that feed the plants. The deeper and wider the roots go the healthier the plants are.

In architecture the taller the building the deeper the foundation must be. The Empire State building's foundation is about 55 feet (17 meters) deep. It is anchored directly into the hard Manhattan bedrock. The Petronas Towers in Malaysia has a foundation that is 400 feet (122 meters) deep because of the unstable local limestone and soil conditions.

Sometimes we can have all the head knowledge (about the Bible), but they miss the love part.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV) "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."

Ephesians 3:18-19 (ESV) "may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

VIII. Pray that God would give understanding.

God has to strengthen us for us to even comprehend His love. God can communicate to Dempsey in ways we cannot.

IX. Pray that God would fill them.

1 Peter 1:15-16 (ESV) "but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Pray for your children, pray for your family and friends. As people come to your mind, pray for them. Do not forget to pray for yourself. Pray for the church

Closing Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV) "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen."