SDA Sabbath School Lesson 14--3rd Quarter 2023--Ephesians in the Heart

[Richard Myers]

 Lesson 14 September 23-29

Ephesians in the Heart

Commentary in Navy                  Inspiration in Maroon

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read  for This Week’s Study: Ephesians 1-Ephesians 6.

Memory Text: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

Visitors to London climb on board the London Eye, a Ferris-Wheel-like attraction. From 450 feet above the River Thames you can see it all: Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the many historic palaces and cathedrals. For New Testament scholar Nicholas Thomas “Tom” Wright, “the letter to the Ephesians stands in relation to the rest of Paul’s letters rather like the London Eye. It isn’t the longest or fullest of his writings, but it offers a breathtaking view of the entire landscape. From here, as the wheel turns, you get a bird’s-eye view of one theme after another.” — Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters (London: S.P.C.K. [Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge Publishing], 2004), p. 3.

In Ephesians, Paul is not focused on issues of local concern. The letter reads as though Paul were addressing believers everywhere and Christian churches wherever they exist. The letter’s timeless feel allows the “breathtaking view” Paul offers to invade our own world and thought. As we review each chapter, let’s keep this question in mind: What important truths embedded in Ephesians should continue to shape our lives as believers?

Ephesians 2:8 pretty well sums up the gospel message. We are saved (transformed) by grace. Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints. This message has been perverted by many in professing Christian churches. According to perverted gospels, "saved" does not mean God makes one fit for heaven by His grace. It is perverted to mean that one has eternal life when he professes to serve God. Many also teach once one is saved, he is always saved. So Satan has been at work to pervert the truth just as he did with Israel. What is grace that transforms sinners into  saints? It is the love of God for us while we were yet sinners. Love we do not deserve. It surrounds us as thick as the air we breathe, but we must behold it daily and allow it into our hearts. 2 Cor. 3:18 explains how this transformation takes place. By beholding the glory of God (His character) we are transformed into His image (character). His character is holy and He not only imputes it to all who love Him supremely, He also imparts His righteousness to those who have surrendered the whole heart to Him.

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 30.

[Richard Myers]

Sunday        September 24
We Are Blessed in Christ

Someone has described Ephesians as the Alps of the New Testament. Paul, our mountaineering guide, takes us on a rapid ascent in Ephesians 1. We are quickly breathless and amazed at the view from the summit.

Reflect on Ephesians 1. What especially inspires you? What peaks do you see?

Knowing God is everything. It is His great love for us that causes us to love Him. Thus Paul prayed for the Ephesian Church that they would received the wisdom that transforms the character.

1:17   That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 
 1:18   The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 
 1:19   And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 

Amen!! Paul encourages us to be strong in the Lord that we sin not and crucify Christ afresh.

Ephesians 1:3-14 functions like a map at a mountain’s summit that identifies the peaks on the horizon, as Paul orients us to our blessed place in the vast landscape of the plan of salvation. The scenery covers the full span of salvation history, from eternity past, through God’s grace-filled actions in Christ, to eternity future. God’s redemption of believers reflects divine initiatives taken “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4), which are now being worked out in our lives (see Eph. 1:7, 8, 13, 14). These pre-creation strategies will be fully accomplished at the end of time (Eph. 1:9, 10). Then, “all things,” both “in heaven” and “on earth” will be gathered together or united in Christ, and God’s plan for “the fullness of time” (ESV) will be fulfilled (Eph. 1:10). Then, we will experience fully God’s mysterious plan (Eph. 1:9). In the present, we may be certain that the Christ-centered salvation in which we stand is an important part of God’s wide-reaching plan for the redemption of “all things.”

Being on a mountaintop inspires thanksgiving. In Ephesians 1:15-19, Paul gives thanks to God as he prays that believers may experience the salvation God has planned for them. We find ourselves on another steep climb as he points us upward to the risen, ascended, exalted Christ, who rules over every imaginable power for all time (Eph. 1:20-23).

Through the grace of God expressed in Christ Jesus, we may live this day on the mountaintop!

Amen! His grace does us no good unless we behold it daily and allow it into the heart. God does not give us grace for tomorrow. Each day we must come to Him asking for more. For it is by His grace that we are transformed, and we must die to sin daily.

Ephesians 1:4 tells us that Christ “chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love” (NKJV). Think about what that means. Chosen in Him before the world existed! What great hope should this offer you in regard to God’s desire for you to be saved?

In order to holy we must be fully surrendered to God and be filled with the Holy Spirit. They we are indeed holy even while living in fallen evil flesh. Grace is more than a word, it is the power transforms sinners into holy saints. It is not often we hear that we are to be holy.

[Richard Myers]

Monday       September 25
We Are Redeemed for Community

As you read Ephesians 2, seek to answer this question: What has God done for us through His Son Jesus Christ?

He points to God's grace and that grace is the power of God's  love to empower us to good works. Without the love (grace) of God in our hearts we can do no good thing. Thus the good works are the result of God working through man. Thus, where is pride? There is none because self is dead and all who experience this are to recognize that it is not I, but Christ who is in me. Thus, we reveal in our lives the character of God. This happens at conversion and it gets better as the character gets stronger and stronger to do good. It was that way with Jesus and so it is with us. "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered." Hebrews 5:8. All of the fruits of the Spirit are in the life when we surrender the whole heart to God because we love Him with the whole heart. Then as we develop the habit of obedience, the fruit becomes more abundant. We become more loving and more patient.

“But God … .” Those two words must be the most hope-filled ones known to humankind. In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul describes the grim past of his audience. Sharing the plight of all humanity, they were bent toward rebellion against God, their lives dominated by sin and Satan (Eph. 2:1-3). “But God, who is rich in mercy … . ” And what did God do for them and for us? 1. He made us alive with Christ — Christ’s resurrection is our own. 2. He raised us up with Christ — Christ’s ascension is our own. 3. In heaven, he seated us with Christ — Christ’s coronation is our own (Eph. 2:4-7). We are not just bystanders to the cosmos-shifting events of Christ’s life! God takes these remarkable actions, not because of any merit in us, but because of His grace (Eph. 2:8, 9), and He intends believers to live in solidarity with Jesus and practice “good works” (Eph. 2:10).

If Ephesians 2:1-10 teaches that we live in solidarity with Jesus, Ephesians 2:11-22 teaches that we live in solidarity with others as part of His church. Jesus’ death has both vertical benefits, establishing the believer’s relationship with God (Eph. 2:1-10), and horizontal ones, cementing our relationships with others (Eph. 2:11-22). Through His cross, Jesus demolishes all that divides Gentile believers from Jewish ones, including the misuse of the Law to widen the gulf (Eph. 2:11-18). Jesus also builds something — an amazing, new temple composed of believers. Gentiles, once excluded from worship in sacred places of the temple, now join Jewish believers in becoming one. We too become part of God’s church, a “holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:19-22).

Through the grace of God, you have the privilege of living this day in solidarity with Jesus and your fellow believers.

Ephesians 2:8-10 has played a role in the conversion of many. Martin Luther found in these verses a grace that won his heart, and he discovered as well some central affirmations of the Reformation: salvation comes by faith alone, through grace alone, by Christ alone, and to the glory of God alone. In 1738, eighteen days after experiencing conversion in London's Aldersgate Street, John Wesley preached at Oxford University, offering “a cry from the heart” and “the manifesto of a new movement.” His text? Ephesians 2:8. (See A. Skevington Wood, “Strangely Warmed: The Wesleys and the Evangelical Awakening,” Christian History [magazine], vol. 5, no. 1 [1984]).

Amen. We are evil by nature and can do no good thing unto transformed by God's grace. When transformed we have eternal life as long as we maintain our connection with Christ. When the heart is wholly surrendered to God we are partakers of His divine nature because the Holy Spirit resides in the heart. We then do no sin for His seed is in us. From the Apostle John in first John:

3:3   And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 
 3:4   Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. 
 3:5   And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. 
 3:6   Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 
 3:7   Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 
 3:8   He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 
 3:9   Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 
 3:10   In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 
 3:11   For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 

There is no excuse for sin.

There is no safety for any man, young or old, unless he feels the necessity of seeking counsel of God at every step. Those only who maintain a close communion with God will learn to place His estimate upon men, to reverence the pure, the good, the humble, the meek. The heart must be garrisoned as was that of Joseph. Then temptations to depart from integrity will be met with decision. “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” The strongest temptation is no excuse for sin. No matter how severe the pressure brought to bear upon you, sin is your own act. The seat of the difficulty is the unrenewed heart.  TSB 243.

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday       September 26
We Are the Church of the Living God

Why is it both important and exciting to be part of God’s church? Ephesians 3.

We are encouraged when we hear church members say positive things about the church. However, the most enthusiastic among us falls short of Paul’s exuberant testimony in Ephesians 3 about the church. Paul starts a report of his prayers for believers in Ephesus (Eph. 3:1; compare Eph. 1:15-23, NKJV) but breaks off to discuss God’s creation of the church (Eph. 3:2-13), and then completes his prayer report (Eph. 3:14-21). Along the way we come to understand important things about God’s “plan” or “mystery”:

    In eternity, God conceives of “the mystery” or “the plan” about the church (Eph. 3:3-5, 9, 11).
    Through the life and death of Jesus, that long-hidden plan is “accomplished” (Eph. 3:11, NKJV; compare Eph. 2:11-22).
    By revelation, Paul learns “the mystery” of the church and the astonishing fact that Gentiles are to be full partners in it (Eph. 3:3-6).
    Paul participates in spreading this good news as preacher to the Gentiles of “the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Eph. 3:8, 9).
    With many won to Christ, the church, composed as it is of both Jews and Gentiles, displays “the manifold wisdom of God” to “the principalities and powers in the heavenly places” (Eph. 3:10, NKJV), announcing their coming doom (compare Eph. 6:10-20). The plan to unite all things in Christ (Eph. 1:10) is underway, and their time is short.

This understanding of the church motivates Paul to pray for believers. Why not imagine him praying the heartfelt prayer of Ephesians 3:14-21 about you? Why not imagine him praying that you will be “filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph. 3:19) and participate fully in the amazing, unfolding mystery of a unified church?

What are the kinds of barriers between believers in our church that, in light of what Paul has written, should not be there? What can you do to help remove them

According to the Word of God we understand that the last church, the remnant church, will be in a Laodicean condition. It was true when a "more than a prophet"  counseled the church, and is true today. What is a Laodicean? One who believes he is "rich and increased with goods, but knows not that he is miserable, wretched, and poor, and blind, and naked."  Jesus is about to close their probation, but gives a final warning to "repent." And after such a strong rebuke, He tells the Laodicean what to do in order to be converted. From Revelation

 3:18   I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 
 3:19   As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. 
 3:20   Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 
 3:21   To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 
 3:22   He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.  o

What can we do to help remove this barrier in the church? We also understand that the destiny of the church hangs on that message to the church from Jesus. We can make prominent this message from the pulpit, our presses, and our voice whenever and where ever, including Sabbath School.

The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it will obey it and be purified.  1T 181.

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday        September 27
The Unity of Faith


In Ephesians 4, Paul asks believers to stop doing some things and to be sure to do others. What are those things?

From Act  of the Apostles pg 470.

The apostle’s desire for those to whom he addressed his letters of counsel and admonition was that they should “be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine;” but that they should all come into “the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” He entreated those who were followers of Jesus in heathen communities not to walk “as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God ... because of the blindness of their heart,” but “circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time.” Ephesians 4:14, 13, 17, 18; 5:15, 16. He encouraged the believers to look forward to the time when Christ, who “loved the church, and gave Himself for it,” would “present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing”—a church “holy and without blemish.” Ephesians 5:25, 27.   

Ephesians 4 begins and ends with calls to care for each other as church members (Eph. 4:1-3, 32). Between these invitations, Paul offers strong support for the idea that we should nourish unity in the church. He begins by listing seven “ones”: There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord (Jesus Christ), one faith, one baptism, one God and Father (Eph. 4:4-6). We are bound together by these spiritual realities. We are, in fact, united.

While unity is a theological certainty, it requires our hard work.

This is certainly true when there is revival and reformation in the church. What will bring about revival and reformation so there will be unity in His church?

I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to God’s people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their hearts. But God has given the message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut out Jesus. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented, it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel. As this message affected the heart, it led to deep humility before God. Angels were sent in every direction to prepare unbelieving hearts for the truth. The cause of God began to rise, and His people were acquainted with their position. If the counsel of the True Witness had been fully heeded, God would have wrought for His people in greater power. Yet the efforts made since the message has been given, have been blessed of God, and many souls have been brought from error and darkness to rejoice in the truth.
 
God will prove His people. Jesus bears patiently with them, and does not spew them out of His mouth in a moment. Said the angel: “God is weighing His people.” If the message had been of as short duration as many of us supposed, there would have been no time for them to develop character. Many moved from feeling, not from principle and faith, and this solemn, fearful message stirred them. It wrought upon their feelings, and excited their fears, but did not accomplish the work which God designed that it should. God reads the heart. Lest His people should be deceived in regard to themselves, He gives them time for the excitement to wear off, and then proves them to see if they will obey the counsel of the True Witness. Vol 1, Testimonies for the Church, pg 186,87.


So we should always be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3, NKJV).

Amen! But, unless we be agreed, it will be impossible to walk together in unity of the Spirit. How does God feel about the disunity in the church? Reade  what God said to Israel when there was no unity of Spirit. From Amos:

3:2   You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. 
 3:3   Can two walk together, except they be agreed? 
 3:4   Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing? 
 3:5   Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin [is] for him? shall [one] take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all? 
 3:6   Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done [it]? 

 5:1   Hear ye this word which I take up against you, [even] a lamentation, O house of Israel. 
 5:2   The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; [there is] none to raise her up. 
 5:3   For thus saith the Lord GOD;The city that went out [by] a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth [by] an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel. 
 5:4   For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live: 

One way each of us may do so is by being an active “part” of the body of Christ (Eph. 4:7-16). Every member is a gifted part of the body and should contribute to the health of it (Eph. 4:7, 16). And all should benefit by the work of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Eph. 4:11, 12). These, like ligaments and tendons, have a unifying function, helping us grow up together into Christ who is the Head of the body (Eph. 4:13, 15).

At the time, Paul also told them “that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Eph. 4:14, NKJV), words that clearly suggest that the early church faced some internal struggles from “the trickery of men.”

As Paul moves toward his final appeal, to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Eph. 4:32, NKJV), he asks believers to avoid their former hard-heartedness (Eph. 4:17-24) and to avoid anger and harsh speech, substituting instead language that builds up and imparts grace (Eph. 4:25-31).

This chapter on unity is easy enough to read when things are peaceful. It is more challenging — and important — to read it when we become embroiled in some conflict. Are you remembering today to experience the unity of the body of Christ, the unity for which He died?

What are ways that we can contribute to the unity of our church, both at the local and worldwide level? Why is it important that we do what we can?

We need to first make sure we are walking in the Spirit, and the beam has been removed from our eye. Then we will hear the still small voice speaking to us as to what we are to do and when we are to do it. Why is this important? Because you may be the only one in your church that hears the Spirit and follows Him.

[Richard Myers]

Thursday      September 28
We Are Recipients and Givers of Grace

As you read Ephesians 5, reflect on how Paul asks us to live out the gospel in our relationships with others. Which of his exhortations is especially meaningful to you?

If you start reading Ephesians 5 at its beginning, you may miss the full power of an important theme. So start instead with Ephesians 4:32, in which Paul tells the Ephesians to “be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (NKJV).

Amen, and when reading that verse, do so by keeping in mind all that is in Ephesians 5.  There is great need to understand all of chapter five. Rebellion in the church is alive and doing great damage. Many refuse to reprove sin in the church and oppose those who do even in a loving and king way.

 5:11   And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them]. 

What says today's lesson on this?

As believers, we are called to model our behavior toward others on God’s forgiveness and grace toward us. We are to imitate God! (Compare Matt. 5:43-48.)

Paul contrasts this imitating-the-love-of-God lifestyle with the usual, pagan approach. Instead of treasuring others as brothers or sisters in the family of God, humans all too often use others for their own sexual pleasure and then brag about it (Eph. 5:3, 4). He warns that such an approach has no future in the new world God is planning (Eph. 5:5-7).

Instead, believers are to turn from the darkness of their past and “walk as children of light” (Eph. 5:8-10), mimicking the Father’s love. Again, Paul warns us away from “works of darkness” done “in secret” (Eph. 5:11, 12). By contrast, we are to live in the light of Christ (Eph. 5:13, 14). Rather than wasting our lives in drunkenness, we will be “redeeming the time” by offering thanks to God for His love (see Eph. 5:15-21).

Paul extends his theme of imitating God’s love as he advises Christian husbands and wives. Christ’s self-sacrificing love for the church becomes the model for Christian husbands (Eph. 5:25-33), while the loyalty of the church toward Christ becomes the model for Christian wives (Eph. 5:22-24). Rather than using the gift of human sexuality in a debauched and selfish way, a Christian husband and wife focus on valuing and treasuring each other, becoming “one flesh” (Eph. 5:28-33).

“Be imitators of God as dear children” (Eph. 5:1, NKJV). By God’s grace, you are called today to live out that exhortation in your relationships with others.

How does Ephesians 5:2, which tells us to “walk in love,” help us understand what Paul means in Ephesians 5:1 about being “imitators of God”?

I believe the author of the lesson missed much of what is in chapter 5. And the editor of the quarterly must have missed it also.

When we studied Ephesians 5 in this quarter's lesson's I commented on what was left out:

Friday        September 1



And what is being left out of this week's lessons? Paul understands and tells us in 1 Tim.:


 2:12   But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 
 2:13   For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 
 2:14   And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 
 2:15   Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 

Where did Paul get these ideas? From Genesis 3:16.    Thus the rebel conferences are not only in rebellion against the world church, but against God and His Word. And Adventist home tells more of what has been left  out...also from page 115:

Eve was told of the sorrow and pain that must henceforth be her portion. And the Lord said, “Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.” In the creation, God had made her the equal of Adam. Had they remained obedient to God—in harmony with His great law of love—they would ever have been in harmony with each other; but sin had brought discord, and now their union could be maintained and harmony preserved only by submission on the part of the one or the other. Eve had been the first in transgression; and she had fallen into temptation by separating from her companion, contrary to the divine direction. It was by her solicitation that Adam sinned, and she was now placed in subjection to her husband. Had the principles enjoined in the law of God been cherished by the fallen race, this sentence, though growing out of the results of sin, would have proved a blessing to them; but man’s abuse of the supremacy thus given him has too often rendered the lot of woman very bitter, and made her life a burden. { AH 115.1}
Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband’s side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God’s plan.4 { AH 115.2}

[Richard Myers]

Friday        September 29

Further Thought: We conclude by reflecting on Ephesians 6, where we discover that we, the church, are the peace-waging army of God.

Yes, peace we want ever so much. But, it is not possible in the world, and we are not yet there in the church. The world has come into the church. There are many in the church that do not want the truth above all else. They do not love the Lord our God with all of the heart. Ever so many were buried alive when brought into the church. Shall we compromise the truth in order to have peace in the church? No, we will not compromise the truth, but we will by God's grace follow His Spirit in dealing with the erring in the church.

To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war.

Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God’s professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance. This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with favor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ.

The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner’s peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evildoers wherever their character and doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel, did those who sought to throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God’s people. It was for the same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour—because the purity and holiness of His character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. From the days of Christ until now His faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin. Great Controversy pg 46.


In Ephesians, Paul has portrayed the church as the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22, 23; Eph. 4:11-16), as God’s temple (Eph. 2:19-22), and as the bride/wife of Christ (Eph. 5:21-33). In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul describes the church as God’s army and offers a vigorous call to arms. It is a passage that offers much benefit and risks misunderstanding.

We could misunderstand Paul’s words as a call to take up military weapons or to be combative in our relationships with others. Paul, though, has been emphasizing unity, edifying speech, and tenderheartedness (see especially Eph. 4:25-5:2). He describes God’s good news as “the gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15). Through this vivid military metaphor, the church is not exhorted to wage war in the traditional sense. Rather, we are to wage peace in the spiritual battle against evil. Paul steps onto the battlefield of the great controversy and calls us to enlist in God’s army.

Yes, we want peace, but like the multitude that followed Christ in their attempt to condemn Him, even in His own church, we will find we need to fight for the truth entrusted to us as a people. When the beam is removed from our own eye, then it may be that we have to call sin, sin. How many times have we heard that those who preach a false gospel, which are many, are accursed? As we think upon the teaching of Paul and His desire for peace, is it possible he would teach that those who teach a false gospel are accursed? Paul writing to the Galatians:

1:8   But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 
 1:9   As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 

We should do so with a realistic assessment of the enemy in view since it will never do to underestimate the forces arrayed against us. We don’t confront just human enemies but “spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12, NKJV), led by a wily general, the devil (Eph. 6:11). However, we need not be daunted by our enemies. God is present with us in the battle (Eph. 6:10) and has supplied us with the finest of weaponry, His own armor, the “armor of God” (Eph. 6:11; compare Isa. 59:15-17). He has placed at our disposal truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Spirit (Eph. 6:13-17). With God going before us and our being equipped from head to toe in the armor He has supplied, we cannot fail. Victory is assured.

Amen!  Sadly, Satan works through "decoys" in the church.

Public opinion favors a profession of Christianity. Little self-denial or self-sacrifice is required in order to put on a form of godliness, and to have one’s name enrolled upon the church book. Hence many join the church without first becoming united to Christ. In this Satan triumphs. Such converts are his most efficient agents. They serve as decoys to other souls. They are false lights, luring the unwary to perdition. It is in vain that men seek to make the Christian’s path broad and pleasant for worldlings. God has not smoothed or widened the rugged, narrow way. If we would enter into life, we must follow the same path which Jesus and His disciples trod,—the path of humility, self-denial, and sacrifice.—Testimonies For The Church Vol 5, pg 172.

When dealing with the unconverted in the church, we hope that they can be converted.  Life's records declare what every human being will one day understand—that sin can bring only shame and loss; that unbelief means failure; but that God’s mercy reaches to the deepest depths; that faith lifts up the repenting soul to share the adoption of the sons of God.

Even some who are possessed  may repent and be converted. And even though rebellion in the church is seldom cured, it may be that some can be saved.


Discussion Questions:

    Though we are not saved by our works, what does Paul mean when he writes that we were “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10, NKJV)? What, then, is the purpose of our good works?

    Paul writes: “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20, NKJV). What power works in us, and how should this power be made manifest in our lives?

We ought to walk in the path of Jesus. He gave us an example and we ought to learn from His Words and His life. God's government has both mercy and justice. Satan seeks to divide the two. He does not care which side we take as long as we only take half of His ways. Both met at the cross, neither were given up. When we look at the church today, we seldom see the unity of both. His justice always involves mercy. But, mercy has an end for those who can no longer hear that still small voice.

Many think we ought not be concerned with the error being taught even though multitudes are being deceived and will lose their opportunity of living in a world without sin. Jesus' ministry changed very much as He neared the end of His time on this Earth.  Yes, He did speak Words of rebuke and condemnation.


   Christ spoke as a judge to those before Him. His voice, that had so often been heard in gentleness and entreaty, was now heard in rebuke and condemnation. The listeners shuddered. Never was the impression made by His words and His look to be effaced.
     Christ's indignation was directed against the hypocrisy, the gross sins, by which men were destroying their own souls, deceiving the people and dishonoring God. In the specious deceptive reasoning of the priests and rulers He discerned the working of satanic agencies. Keen and searching had been His denunciation of sin; but He spoke no words of retaliation. He had a holy wrath against the prince of darkness; but He manifested no irritated temper. So the Christian who lives in harmony with God, possessing the sweet attributes of love and mercy, will feel a righteous indignation against sin; but he will not be roused by passion to revile those who revile him. Even in meeting those who are moved by a power from beneath to maintain falsehood, in Christ he will still preserve calmness and self-possession. Desire of Ages, pg 619.

[Richard Myers]

As we close this quarter's study on Ephesians, what do we better understand about our wonderful God?

Do we rightly understand we are saved only by God's grace? His grace is the highest form of love there is, it is undeserved love. Christ suffered and died for us while we were yet sinners. It is by beholding this grace each day that we die to self each day. It is the heart God wants, all of it. When we love Him with all of the heart, then we have eternal life. We maintain that experience in the same we obtained it, we continue to feed upon Jesus. Yes, there is much more in the Book of Ephesians, but a knowledge of God is everything to us. It is remembering how much He loves us that keeps our hearts and minds focused on Him.

It would be well if we would spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating His love. By beholding His glory, His character, we will be transformed into His image (character). Read 2 Cor. 3:18. Have a blessed Sabbath dear friends.