Discuss Ephesians 5 Page 2

  • Jesse - In Reply - 1 year ago
    (Ephesians Part 12):

    Ephesians 5:31 - For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

    The word joined is the word glue, glued to the wife. Once you become one, leave mother and father, period! And they two shall be one flesh. That's a quote from Genesis 2:24.

    Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

    The word finally means summary. The armor of God represents the whole book of Ephesians in summary form. Paul is under house arrest. He is chained to a soldier. Some people think that Paul got this description from the soldier that he is chained to. This is something that is a Jewish concept that might have been inspired by the soldier that was there, but the items as elements of the armor is not anything that is new.

    So, he says, finally, my brethren, and here's the first command: be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Be empowered. And this is the only verb in this whole section that is a Present Tense that means be continually empowered in the Lord, literally, in the grip of his strength.

    He pictures the believer as being in God's grip. And God's grip is so strong that we are to draw off of the strength of that grip. But instead, we try to wiggle and squirm. And sometimes we are struggling, where most of the time we're struggling against God. Be still and know that I'm God he says.
  • Jesse - 1 year ago
    (Ephesians Part 11):

    Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, or literally a dissipated or destructive life; but be filled with the Spirit;

    The word filled is what is called a present imperative. Be continually being filled with the Holy Spirit. And again, the word filled means to have the human faculties filled. It's influence. Seek to have the Holy Spirit influence your life.

    Ephesians 5:21 - Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

    This is very important: Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Submission to one another, that is to every believer. And just a short technical point. The word submission in Greek means to be in an orderly relationship.

    What that means is there is not a relationship between two people, but between three, you, me, and the Lord. I have to line up with the Lord for a right relationship with you!

    In the book of Acts, the disciples said to the ruling Sanhedrin when they said we will not allow you to preach any more in this man's name, and they said whether it's right to obey you rather than God, or God rather than you, you decide. We're going to obey God!

    To be in an orderly relationship means that I can submit and function with you, but when you put me in a position to sin against my Lord and violate His word, if I were to obey that, I would be out of order. It's a little confusing but it has to do with lining up with people in the Lord. So, when it says submitting yourselves to one another, it means line up with one another in the Lord.
  • Jesse - In Reply - 1 year ago
    (Ephesians Part 10):

    Ephesians 5:1 - Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

    The word be is literally become. And the word followers is the word imitate. What is special about this word is that MIMETAI in the Greek has to do a mimic, a person who performs mime. In those days, the mime would express himself through facial expressions and through actions on a stage in order to produce the story.

    Paul picked up on this phrase. He mentions it three times in his letters about imitating him. It doesn't mean follow him. It doesn't mean to copy him. It means to have the same expression in your life that Paul does, same story, same spirit, and same life. Therefore become mimes of God as dear children.

    Ephesians 5:4 - Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

    Just to share with you a summary statement of the technical expression in Verse 4, what he's saying is the evil that is lived out in the world, you should not make jokes out of it.

    There are people who are dying in their sins. And sometimes we play the role of the drunkard, or the person on drugs, and we have a good laugh about it. But we're making mockery of someone that is losing their soul because they are involved in those kinds of practices.

    So, all these things, the immorality, and all uncleanness and covetousness, not only should it not be named amongst us that we are doing it, but we should also not make jokes about it, about sexual immorality, uncleanness, or covetousness!
  • Jesse - In Reply - 1 year ago
    (Galatians Part 9):

    Galatians 5:10 - I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.

    He says, I have confidence in you through the Lord, that you will be none otherwise minded: The Greek word is PHRONESIS for mind and it means the frame of mind. He says that you're going to have the same frame of mind that you did when you first received Christ, the same attitude, the same approach to legalism as I do. There's a persuasion that has persuaded you that it is right even though you know it's wrong!

    Galatians 5:12 - I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

    He says if circumcision carries any spiritual weight, maybe they ought to be castrated. That's a very sarcastic "dig" by Paul about the mutilation of the flesh! If they want to be spiritual, let them be castrated. I wish they were cut off. This term "cut off" in the Greek text is the word APOKOPSONTAI, and that's exactly what it means, castrated.

    Galatians 5:16 - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit. That's a Present Tense Imperative. Be continually walking under the influence of God's Spirit. That's the command. In Ephesians 5:18, Paul says be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, but be filled with the Spirit. The word filled means influenced. Seek to be influenced by the Spirit.

    You can tell that he focuses on the influences in our life, the persuasions and the various things that influence us and take us captive. Seek to be under the influence of God's Spirit.

    Galatians 5:18 - But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

    So, he says about the condition, if you are being led by the Spirit, listen to this literal translation, we are not under the law. You're not under the law. You are under the influence of God's Spirit.
  • Bronco wildtrak - In Reply - 1 year ago
    I will pray for you Ruben. Jesus Christ is coming and the Devil knows it. Keep up the faith and finish the race of the Grace of God.

    Without the Holy Spirit, it would be difficult to live a Christian life . The word is the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ that lives in the believer .

    Galatians 5:16

    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh

    Ephesians 1:13

    In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holySpiritof promise,

    Ephesians 2:18

    For through him we both have access by oneSpiritunto the Father.

    Ephesians 2:22

    In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through theSpirit.

    Ephesians 3:16

    That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by hisSpiritin the inner man;

    Ephesians 4:30

    And grieve not the holySpiritof God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption

    Ephesians 5:9

    (For the fruit of theSpiritis in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

    Ephesians 6:17

    And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of theSpirit, which is the word of God:

    Ephesians 6:18

    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in theSpirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

    John 16:13

    Howbeit when he, theSpiritof truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

    John 4:24

    God is aSpirit: and they that worship him must worship him inspiritand in truth.
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    Spiritual warfare

    I need to remind myself more and more often that all the events we see in the world today are just a reflection of what is going on in high places today; with the raging spiritual war in the 2nd heaven. Of course it is only through the 3rd heaven; exercising the authority through the Spirit of the power of Christ above that enables us to actually engage in any combat to resist the legions of evil that are controlling the masses today.

    The sad fact is that many professing believers aren't really in the faith at all; and the rest that are only have a small segment that are in this "vertical" aspect in the spiritual realm. In terms of what is proclaimed; therefore in the first example people are calling on endless blessings by making presumptuous proclamations and twisting certain verses to align with their own agendas. In the second case; for all those who have the potential to be in the battle many aren't protected with the proper armor or are not offensively fighting with the sword of the Spirit as Ephesians 12 tells us to do as our only offensive weapon we have.

    It is one thing to preach of God's love and forgiveness to God's enemies as Jesus did; selflessly until death. People can over or underemphasize the fact of man's depravity and enmity with God with humans; but with demons and Satan himself we dare not make the mistake of viewing them as anything but enemies; out to steal; kill and destroy both our own lives as individuals through various means such as intimidation; accusation and temptation but also controlling the whole world system (world; flesh and devil).

    Here is some practical advice.

    1 Corinthians 5:11

    James 1:26

    1 Corinthians 6:9-10

    Jude 1:23

    2 Timothy 3:13

    Ephesians 5:11-12

    2 Corinthians 6:17

    1 Peter 5:8-9

    Proverbs 4:23-27

    God is working all things according to His purposes for our good. To be tried we are tested to see what is genuine ( 1 Peter 1:7).

    May God grant us the strength to endure until the end.
  • Momsage - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Part 1

    Hi SeanPaul: These are your comments and my answers after.

    "I didn't mean to offend or confuse, I read the rapture as 144,000 total and 12,000 from each church that's a very small number when there are billions of people on earth alive and almost everyone thinks they are going in the rapture."

    The 144,000 are male, virgin Jews, 112,000 from each tribe of Israel. Revelations 7:3-4 and 14:3-5. The Church of God, which Christs established during His ministry Matthew 16:13-18, is made up of all true believers and will at some time be perfect and raptured. Some may be persecuted before He does. If you study The Church of God, The Body of Christ, The Bride of Christ I think you will understand. Here are a few verses: Revelations 119:6-9, Ephesians 5:25-27 and Revelations 21:2.

    "I am only reading the KJV 1611, and if its hard to understand I go to the KJV standard."

    I only use the KJB also. What do you mean by the KJB standard?

    "I travel for my work so I have found a church that broadcast there sermons, This is a Christian minster whom went to a seminary and also has lectured at them, and is the main preacher at this church. You do not have local tv that broadcasts church services? The way he is doing it reaches far more people and I am sure the Holy Sprit inspired the man to do what he is doing.
  • RED APPLE TREATY 4 ME ONLY on Ephesians 5:9 - 1 year ago
    ""Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;" Ephesians 5:20 KJV

    My Respond:

    06/23/2024; COGIC Sunday School book

    I worship God of heaven and earth.God that allows you to become like him. God of accomplishments that are done giving us what you need to obey him.God that gives you knowledge to treat others , be a good employee, parent, spouse. God that blesses. God of all eyes. God of morals. God of subjection." Giving God thanks for allowing me always to become like our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Chris - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Hello JBTthe3rd. The word 'Sanctification' is from the Latin, 'sanctificare' (to make holy), and 'sanctus' (holy). We also get the word, 'Saint' from this word. The very real meaning of 'Separation' is also involved in this word, as that which is unholy cannot fuse with that which is holy, but must be set apart from it.

    We can look at Sanctification in generally three aspects:

    a. a true believer in God, having been saved & redeemed through Jesus' Sacrifice, is said to be 'Positionally Sanctified'. That is, by virtue of now being a child of God, through Jesus His Son, the Christian is Separated & made Holy unto God by this position in Christ ( 1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Peter 1:2).

    b. as the believer walks this new separated life, he is also 'Experientially Sanctified'. When we grow in knowledge & experience of our Lord & Savior, we grow to be more like Jesus, hating & avoiding sin and displaying more & more of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit ( Philippians 2:13, Galatians 5:22-25).

    c. we can know that we are truly in Christ, separated from the world & its lusts; we can also desire to grow to be more Christ-like in all our ways; but since the pull of the flesh is always at war with our spirit, we long for the day for our 'Future Sanctification', when our earthly struggles will be over and we will be taken into Christ Jesus' Presence (whether in the Rapture or through the veil of death), and we will be entirely perfect (without any stain of sin) & become as He is Holy & Perfect ( 1 John 3:1-3, Ephesians 5:27, Jude 1:24,25).
  • Chris - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Bro S. Spencer, thanks for your thoughts here. It was bro Giannis who shared 1 Peter 1:23-25, though my reference to Ephesians 5:26 wasn't intended to lend support to the belief that Jesus' Words to Nicodemus meant that 'Unless a man be born by (from) the Word and of (from) the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God'. I'm not sure that by telling Nicodemus that a man must be "born of water (really, the Word)" would have given him any satisfaction that his question was answered. To him, Jesus would have still been talking in riddles. Jesus could have stated that 'a man must be born again by hearing & receiving the Word of God and also His Spirit' which seems to make more sense in answering his question. But Jesus' use of being 'born of water', when Nicodemus is given no explanation that actually water represents 'washing by the Word', doesn't seem helpful.

    But I agree, that John 3:5 has nothing to do with water baptism, since water baptism doesn't generate a new birth, rather a declaration of one's identification with Christ's Sacrifice & Resurrection after the new birth, as an act of personal & public witness. Unlike today in Western countries, such a baptism being undertaken in other countries holding to anti-Christian faiths, most likely meant rejection, or incarceration, or even death to the new believer. Blessings.
  • S Spencer - 1 year ago
    Hi Brother Chris and Giannis.

    I have heard and studied both views on John 3:5 with the water mentioned being either the word of God or the physical birth.

    Your in good company either way it goes.

    I lean over to the water mentioned in John 3:5 is the word of God because of the verses you both sited

    1 Peter 1:23-25.

    Ephesians 5:26.

    However, I don't see how it relates to water baptism.

    I don't believe water baptism represents a washing.

    I believe it testifies in one's belief in the death of Christ and the resurrection.

    I believe the washing by the word has to be taken place prior to water baptism.

    John 15:3.

    God bless.
  • Chris - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Thank you again brother for your comments. I would have much trouble equating 1 Peter 1:23-25 ('being born again by the Word of God') with John 3:5 ('one being born of water'): that as you believe, water here represents the Word of God. Maybe, Ephesians 5:26 ('sanctify & cleanse the Church with the washing of water by the Word') might bear some resemblance of the Word to water.

    Yet, in both cases, I really can't place such a meaning here, since Jesus was answering the question posed to Him by Nicodemus ('how can a man have a second physical birth?'). And so Jesus answered him, not in some mysterious, confusing way, but clearly, that one's birth onto the Earth can only come in a physical way, but to enter God's Kingdom, man needs to be re-born by God's Spirit & not by human involvement. And of course, Nicodemus did not query this (though he may not have fully understood Jesus' Words), rather went on in verse 9 to ask, "How can these things be?" So, I see that water in John 3:5 equates to the physical/the earthly, & the Spirit to the immaterial/heavenly. And Jesus again confirms this in verse 6, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh (earthly = water/physical birth); and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (heavenly = Spirit/spiritual birth)." Anyway, I will keep your understanding in mind, if I can find some support in my further readings.

    To the rest of your comment, I do find complete agreement, in respect to infant baptism and God's Foreknowledge of those who will respond to the Gospel. GBU.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Hi Tdianne,

    As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.

    All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:16 Acts 10:48 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5.

    Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18 Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:30 Acts 16:18.

    We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16 John 6:47 Acts 16:31 1 John 3:23 1 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Richard H Priday - 2 years ago
    God and meeting our needs.

    Ephesians 5:31 and 32 say: For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church.

    In an earthly marriage relationship when two people are committed to meeting the needs of another and Christ ISN'T depended on for that connection one or both parties often get bored with one another. This of course is largely because man sees the outward appearance and God sees the heart ( 1 Samuel 16:7). When we see with SPIRITUAL eyes we learn to recognize the inner beauty when the outward appearance may be unattractive. These truths should be a factor we consider before marriage. It is possible early on that we are so consumed with external beauty that the inner soul of a believer isn't seen either OR it turns out that is what was really behind the attraction in the first place which of course should work out in the long run.

    In any event; any lack of love we feel for the Lord of course is our fault. Facing our own helpless state SHOULD be an encouragement; we never enjoy it but realize how valuable salvation is to a worm such as us. This is; of course the difference between a suicidal individual and one who can finally let the Lord take our life and transform it. He does the surgery; as it were; He did it with Adam in the garden to change him; perhaps in the same way the "two edged" sword of the Spirit removes something and replaces it with something else ( Heb. 4:12). Just thought of that one BTW...

    Psalm 103 is very encouraging. Verse 9 states He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. Other parts of the Psalm show how man is dust and He understands. Isaiah 54:8 in the final prophetic meaning relates to Israel in the Tribulation but we an all find solace. It reads With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,"
  • Richard H Priday - 2 years ago
    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ( Revelation 21:8)

    These verses at the end of the Bible and representing the end of the wicked is the end result of those who won't heed to warnings such as 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; see also Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:5 and many other scriptures on the subject. We do well to heed to what was said in the last verse of 1 Corinthians 6 of this reference (v. 11) where it states that some were this but they have been sanctified and justified.

    There are several issues here that I feel need to be addressed. First is the difference between a sinful lapse; a sinful habit and a sinful lifestyle. All three of these behaviors could be attributed to nonbelievers; albeit in today's society there would be few that would care about a slip up except perhaps some atheists who hold to what they consider a moral standard superior to much of society. Clearly as a Christian we shouldn't play games with God with any type of sin. The third category; however is something that must be abandoned; otherwise there is no fruit of our salvation. Also we undestand that breaking the law in one area makes us guilty of breaking it all ( James 2:10). Often one sin leads to another; whether it is abuse or abandonment of a family due to the greed of a gambling addiction (something which is being advertised currently in local media); or murder stemming from the bad fruit of adultery or fornication that usually is also tied to greed or jealousy; etc.

    The word "fearful" in Revelation 21:8 is in many translations "cowardly". It results when men fear man over God which we are to have a healthy fear of and ignores ( Proverbs 29:25). Wanting the praise of men is at least equally if not worse because it compromises our bold witness against sin ( John 12:43).
  • Richard H Priday - 2 years ago
    Love is patient; love is kind. ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-8). This section of scripture gets into all of the attributes of true love which characterizes "agape" which is the deepest kind of love which we can experience coming from heaven itself. Every other type of human affection is stereotyped by a particular relationship; but cannot stand the test of time truly without the Lord's love being in the mix. "Storge" for instance is defined as a type of familiar bond; which I would think describes a kinship with family members.

    This is often flipped as to the responsibility and frustrations of a parent for a child then later on for a caretaker as myself the burden of assisting family members losing their physical stamina; mental acuity; as well as the emotional volatility that can result from such deterioration. fThere is another term for "self love" which up until now I am unfamiliar with called "philautia" which I suspect is retlated to "philia" which is a sort of plutonic affection (without eros) for others. As a Christian; of course we are instructed to die to self and live out the new life of Christ; nonetheless the law itself says to love your neighbor as yourself ( Leviticus 19:18 as well as quoted in the Gospels. There are other passages that state we should care for our wives as our own body ( Ephesians 5:29).

    What is necessary; of course is to honor what God has given us stewardship over; whether it is our own bodies; our finances; marriages; or anything else the Lord has given us. Trusting God to provide; as well as guide us through self deprivation; fasting; and suffering even leading to death needs to be done trusting that God has the best ultimately even if it means martyrdom in terms of our eternity. This allows us to have the proper commitment to others entrusted to our care as well as having a love for the brothers and sisters both in our midst and abroad preaching the Good News. We need to trust God in maintaining what He has provided for us
  • Richard H Priday - 2 years ago
    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

    Ephesians 5:27 is often thought of erroneously; as if the Lord can't come back until His church gets their act together. Let's be honest for a second; there never will be a time the true saints of God will all be in this state before the Rapture; as is clear from verses such as 1 Corinthians 3:15 and other verses clearly indicate. This leaves us with only two possibilities; that not all believers will be raptured and some will be left behind to get their garments cleaned; or everyone will be raptured who is now a believer but there will be differing rewards or lack thereof. I don't wish to be dogmatic either way here as the scriptures seem to point towards the first option with close examination. In any event those who already have passed away are now in the presence of the Lamb as seen from Hebrews 9:27.

    It shouldn't need to be stated that some who claim to be Christians are wolves in sheep's clothing. There is hope for some who reject Christ at present to repent in the Tribulation. There may be some now who will wake up the other side of the Rapture and realize what they thought about their state was different than reality. Some no doubt will be susceptible and fall eway to Antichrist; others will accept martyrdom rather than denounce Christ. In my opinion such a smackdown is necessary to jump start these individuals; again going against the logic that Christ is waiting for the church to be purified in their own timing. The Lord is patient and longsuffering but let's face it if we can't see how dark things are already then we are pretty well emasculated and unable to have any effective witness today. Satan isn't hiding anymore; nor his minions. Their agenda is in your face everywhere; it seems. His Bride truly is here today; but in a remnant largely hidden from "churchianity" at large.
  • Richard H Priday - 2 years ago
    Isaiah 30:10 warns about people wanting to hear "smooth things" being prophesied. Such may be the case for those who wish to invoke blessings on themselves for any other reasons than scripturally backed statements. Galations 5:19-21 is one of about ONE HUNDRED verses warning us about those who do NOT inherit the Kingdom of God. This is something also found in Ephesians 5:5; the book of 1 Corinthians; Hebrews; Romans; Revelation AND the Gospels.

    To remind God of blessings promised in the Scriptures; if done in the correct way is honoring to God. Without discernment; however we may not be aware of what this means; and also if we are living in a sinful lifestyle we are trying to deliberately ask for something we cannot have as long as we refuse to submit to the Lord and we are producing bad fruit.

    The church much like Israel has certain CONDITIONAL as well as unconditional promises. The POSSESSING church (that is those who have the Holy Spirit and are truly saved) is and always will be a subset in this age of the confessing or professing body of believers (i.e. the church). The difference is there are some who believe in the true God and others in a God of their own imaginations; fitting the parameters that a person finds reasonable; or comfortable living with by mentally cherry picking what appeals from the Word and filing the unpleasant verses somewhere in the cobwebs in the back of their mind.

    God is no respecter of persons ( Acts 10:34 also Romans 2). He does whatever He chooses and we know for certain that He desires glory for Himself and no other. (See Isaiah 42:8). John 16:10 shows how God seeks glory for the Son; therefore His desire for worship is never selfish as He always does the Father's will. This is selfless love and shows an example of how we are to live. If we thank God for things in our lives that bring us into sin such as excess money for greedy gain ( Titus 1:11); we are only heaping greater condemnation on ourselves.
  • Chris - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Hi Mary Jay. As you know, we don't align in our understanding of the Scriptures, but thought to address this one post from you as an example.

    In answer to your question, I exist as a physical person, now saved & revived by the Blood of Christ & His Spirit, joined to the Body of Christ. Am I "the BODY of Christ?" NO. My understanding of the Scriptures is that the Body of Christ is the Church ( Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18,24). So, I'm not the Body, Christ is; I am a part of that Body, the parts of which comprise the Church ( Romans 12:4,5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14). There can only be one Body, or else, if each member is the Body of Christ, then Christ is no longer the Head of His Church but the Head of each person. And though 1 Corinthians 11:3 states, "...that the head of every man is Christ...", this verse speaks about the position, in the spiritual realm & of the Church presenting before God, of woman to the man, of man to Christ & of Christ to God.

    So with Galatians 2:20, my understanding of "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me...", is that my life that I now live is not my own (my ownership), but belongs to Christ (His ownership) with Christ (by His Spirit) Who now lives in me. This is a personal relationship with the risen Christ, with Whom all others who completely identify with Him, also enjoy. Thus together we form His Church, which is His Body; so the individual can never be Christ's Body - only His Church can be, which is the collection of believers.
  • S Spencer - 2 years ago
    1 Corinthians 4:5

    Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

    THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST THE DARKNESS OF ERROR IS THE LIGHT OF TRUTH."

    should the words "do not pronounce judgment before the time" keep us from identifying false teachers or from naming them?

    I don't think so. "Don't pronounce judgment before the time" means "Don't do what only Christ can do at that last day - on the day of judgment." Don't presume to know the heart like Jesus will know the heart on that day. Only Christ "will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart."

    But for now, our job is indeed to do mouth judgment, writing judgment, behavior judgment - not a heart judgment, but mouth and writing and behavior judgment. When a mouth speaks unbiblical, destructive teaching, when a blog or an article or a book publishes unbiblical and destructive teaching, when a body - a human body, a physical body - behaves with unbiblical and destructive behavior, in all these cases, we are to be discerning.

    And according to Ephesians 5:11 we are to expose the error. "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." "Censure them; show them to be wrong" is what the word elegch means.

    God bless
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Amen Carleton.

    God uses marriage to communicate Christ commitment and relationships to us as seen in

    Ephesians 5:23-32.

    See verse 32.

    "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

    Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

    Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

    That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

    So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.

    For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:

    For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

    For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, AND SHALL BE JOINED UNTO HIS WIFE, AND THEY TWO SHALL BE ONE FLESH.

    (Verse 32)

    THIS IS A GREAT MYSTERY: "BUT I SPEAK CONCERNING CHRIST AND THE CHURCH.

    Praise the Lord that we have a God that is faithful and keeps his promises.

    There is one God of all and he is the God of Israel "The fish fruit " also in who he made Promises to also!

    Here's one of many.

    Jeremiah 31:35-36.

    "Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name:

    If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.

    I am doing well, I hope you are doing well also.

    God bless.
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Friend;

    Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Jeremiah 3:22 Hosea 6:1,2

    Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40 Acts 28:27

    Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children

    He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,

    Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.

    There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.

    The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.

    God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out

    & why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.

    thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.

    Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1

    Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11

    Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"

    one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.

    your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God

    Ephesians 5:13, therefore, Ephesians 5:14

    In Love & Truth
  • Jim Miller - 2 years ago
    If we took Romans 2:6-11 by themselves, it would be easy to conclude that they teach salvation by works. They seem to say that those who do good works will thereby earn eternal life. But it should be clear that the passage cannot mean that because then it would flatly contradict the consistent testimony of the rest of Scripture to the effect that salvation is by faith apart from works. There are about 150 passages in the NT condition salvation solely on faith or believing. ( Rom 2:6) No ONE passage, when rightly understood, can contradict such overwhelming testimony. Yet this is exactly what is usually attempted with Galatians 3:28 which flatly contradicts the consistent testimony of the rest of Scripture such as 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Col 3:18, Ephesians 5:22-24.
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 2 years ago
    The interpretation of theological and spiritual matters can vary among individuals and religious denominations. The passage you mentioned from 1 Timothy 6:16 is indeed a biblical verse, and different people may interpret it differently based on their religious beliefs and theological understanding.

    In the context of the verse, it is stated that God alone possesses eternal or immortal life. This can be seen as a reminder of God's unique and divine nature. The idea that believers are spiritually saved and receive eternal life through their faith in Christ is a common Christian belief.

    The concept of being "physically saved" or "spiritually saved" can be a matter of theological interpretation. Some Christians may emphasize the spiritual aspect of salvation, emphasizing the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, while others may also consider the physical well-being and safety of believers.

    The notion of believers being spiritually "married" or united with Christ is also a theological concept found in Christian traditions. It signifies a close and personal relationship between believers and Jesus, often described metaphorically as a marriage. This spiritual union is believed to bring about transformation and a new way of living for the believer, yet the explanation doesn't absolve you from your original blasphemous post. There you attempted to use the metaphoric marriage union with Christ in an attempt to undermine Ephesians 5:22-25 which addresses the ROLES and RESPONSIBIlITIES of husbands and wives within marriage union, using the metaphor of Christ and the Church to illustrate these roles, but this metaphor doesn't change the SPECIFIC COMMANDS for the husband and wife within the marital relationships. It would render Ehesisans 5:22-25 to no effect.

    Jordyn wrote:

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Jorydn wrote:

    >The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    >How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her

    >HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.

    Your original meaning and intent were clear. You obviously meant that by presenting Christian women with the need to submit, then the "husband" is in the corporate body hence he is metaphorically described as the bride and the wife now places him in the position to submit as does the wife in the marriage relationship. That is against the divine order found in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and contrary to what Ephesians 5 is even stating. What you were attempting to do was blasphemous!

    Even though the corporate body of believers, is metaphorically described as the "bride" or "wife" of Christ to symbolize our deep spiritual union and devotion to Him, this metaphor DOES NOT extend or CONTRADICT the commands regarding marital roles. The submission of wives to husbands and the love of husbands for their wives, as described in Ephesians 5, are SPECIFIC instructions for how husbands and wives should relate to each other within the marriage covenant.

    Our spiritual relationship with Christ is indeed a profound and personal one, characterized by faith, love, and devotion, but it doesn't prescribe the same roles and dynamics as those within a marital relationship. Therefore, while we are spiritually connected to Christ as His followers, the commands related to marital roles are distinct and apply within the context of marriage, as outlined in Ephesians 5:22-25.

    It's essential to interpret and apply biblical principles in their intended context. Ephesians 5:22-25 addresses the ROLES and RESPONSIBIlITIES of husbands and wives within marriage, using the metaphor of Christ and the Church to illustrate these roles, but this metaphor doesn't change the specific commands for marital relationships.
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Brother Jordyn,

    >The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    >How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.

    What you wrote in your original post "you are the WIFE of Christ" was bordering on blasphemy. In NO WAY shape or form is the Christian HUSBAND the WIFE of CHRIST in any regard. While this passage Ephesians 5:22-24 draws parallels between the relationship of Christ and the Church and the relationship between a husband and wife, it at no time places the husband on equal footing with the wife. As if the husband being in the "church" makes him the wife of Christ because the Church is the wife of Christ. That mishandling of scripture could be used to justify same-sex marriages and homosexual relations. It is one of the grossest mishandling of scripture I've encountered.

    Several scriptures 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Col 3:18, Eph 5:22-24 and the common thread running through the entire bible support Christian women to submit to their Christian husbands.

    I usually get an enormous amount of pushback on this subject by both Christian men and women. If they can not even do this how will they do the weightier things of scripture? It is the sad state we find Christendom in today.

    1 Peter 4:17 (KJV) 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

    Judgement starts in the house of God and so many of our churches are out of order that it is no wonder why!
  • Jordyn - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Brother Jim:

    The whole word of God is about Christ and his bride, the church.

    The whole chapter of Ephesians 5 is speaking of Christ the husband and the woman his wife.

    Ephesians 5:32 This is a MYSTERY, but I SPEAK CONCERNING Christ and HIS CHURCH.

    John 9:41 Jesus said unto them, If you were blind you would have NO SIN, but because you say I SEE, you sin remaineth

    God Bless YOU!
  • Jim Miller - In Reply - 2 years ago
    I want to respond in extreme love. First and foremost please try to understand that Christian men and women have been influenced by our POST FEMINIST society more than they might even realize. Many men now have female supervisors at work so it is hard for them to grapple with the wife being commanded to submit to her husband.

    > Ephesians 5:25 The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    You're mishandling scripture here. God would never oppose or contradict himself a house divided could not stand.

    >Those of us who live in glass houses shouldn't cast stones.

    No one is casting stones here.

    >The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to >any earthly wife.

    You are mishandling scripture, here again, see my below response.

    Ephesians 5:22-24:

    The passage goes on to discuss the husband's role in the marriage relationship, emphasizing love, sacrifice, and mutual respect. It's often interpreted as a call for wives to submit to their husbands, but it's crucial to recognize that the emphasis is on mutual respect and sacrificial love within the context of a Christian marriage.

    While some Christians may use this passage to draw parallels between the relationship of Christ and the Church and the relationship between a husband and wife, it's important to remember that these passages primarily address the roles and responsibilities within a Christian marriage. They are NOT explicitly stating that an individual is the "wife of Christ" in the same sense as a human marriage.
  • Jordyn - In Reply - 2 years ago
    Brother Jim:

    Ephesians 5:25

    The word of God cuts both ways, a two edged sword.

    How many husbands love their wives as CHRIST loves the church ..... probably NONE.

    The word says you are the WIFE of Christ, so these scripture of a wife submitting to her HUSBAND apply as much to you as to any earthly wife.

    Those of us who live in glass houses shouldn't cast stones.

    God Bless YOU!
  • Jim Miller - 2 years ago
    I wonder if the majority of Western women who claim to be Christian do not actually submit to their Christian husbands. This is no small thing to Christ!

    1 Peter 3:1 (KJV) 1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

    1 Peter 3:5-6 (KJV) 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

    Colossians 3:18 (KJV) 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

    Ephesians 5:22-24 (KJV) 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

    Ep 5:23 The reason for the wife's submission is that her husband is her head. He occupies the same relation to her that Christ occupies to the church. Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. (The word Savior here can have the meaning of Preserver, as it has in 1Ti 4:10, JND). So the husband is head of the wife, and he is her preserver as well. As head he loves, leads, and guides; as preserver he provides, protects, and cares for her.

    We all know there is great revulsion against this teaching in our day. People accuse Paul of being a bigoted bachelor, a male chauvinist, a woman-hater. Or they say his views reflect the social customs of his day but are no longer applicable today. Such statements are, of course, a frontal attack on the inspiration of the Scriptures. These are not merely Paul's words; they are the words of God. To refuse them is to refuse Him and invite difficulty and disaster.


Viewing page: 2 of 19

< Previous Discussion Page    Next Discussion Page >

1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11  

 

Do you have a Bible comment or question?


Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!