John’s primary PURPOSE is that believers will enter and maintain fellowship with God, with the RESULT of inner joy.“That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that our joy may be full … These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may [continue to] believe in the name of the Son of God.” 1Jo 1:3-4; 1Jo 5:13 (emphasis added)
This compilation of notes represents the truths found in the Epistle of First John.
Gene Cunningham - May 28, 2010
Ephesians #9
Three cleansings in the spiritual life of a believer (notes ). Salvation is settled. The basis for eternal life is Christ dying for our sins (2Co 5:21, 1Co 15:22, Col 1:13). Sanctification is a work in progress. Four commands regarding the Spirit (notes ). It's impossible to be filled with the Spirit and grieve or quench (1Th 5:19) Him at the same time. If we fail to do the things we ought we quench the Holy Spirit. We need to obey (1Jo 1:7). Positive command "Walk by means of the Spirit" (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:25). To walk by the Spirit is to follow His lead. "Be filled by the Spirit" (Eph 5:18) could have been better translated "let the Spirit fulfill you" (Eph 5:18, Col 3:16-17) — collective and personal. Paul expands the Spirit's "filling" by declaring its results: Mutual edification (Eph 5:19), gratitude and cheerfulness (Eph 5:20); humility and submission (Eph 5:21). If you are filled with the Spirit your marriage will change (Eph 5:22-33). Paul uses the mystery of marriage and child-parent and slave-master to explain fellowship with God.
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:22-33, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 5:21, Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 5:20, John 1:7, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 1:13, Colossians 3:16-17, Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 5:18
From Series: "Ephesians - Positions of Privilege in the Household of Faith - Colorado 2010"
Ephesians is a Prison Epistle along with Philippians Colossians and Philemon (see Eph 3:1 Eph 4:1 and Eph 6:20). Written by Paul from Rome the epistle expands on themes in Colossians much as Romans does to Galatians. Whereas Colossians develops the all-sufficiency of Christ to the Church Ephesians shows the blessings of that ?fullness? enjoyed by the members of God?s family. The idea of unity resulting from reconciliation runs strong through the book (Eph 1:9?10; Eph 2:16?18; Eph 3:4?6; Eph 4:3?6; Eph 5:30?32; Eph 6:18?20). It is possible that the epistle was actually a circular letter to the churches of Asia. Paul?s goal is to inform the saints of their privileged status and exhort them to live in a way worthy of their standing. Taught in Colorado 2010. Lesson 8 was inadvertently not recorded.