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 - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #37
Sanctification (1Th 4:3) and filling of the Spirit (Eph 5:18) have the same means. Spiritual things of God demand the Spirit for understanding (1Co 2:9-16). Spiritual life is based on what God has done, not what we need to do. Spiritual life is a free gift (1Co 2:12), we receive as a blessing by supernatural power (1Co 2:14); it cannot be separated from the Word of God (1Co 2:13, 1Co 2:16). The Spirit is "like fire" - fire helps and is dangerous. Rom 8:1 "spirituality" sets us free. To be spiritual is to "set your mind on spiritual things" (Rom 8:5). Carnal mined is "living death" -- no abundant life (Rom 8:6). Spiritual life is submission to God (Rom 8:7). Being led by the Holy Spirit is an element of a spiritual life (Rom 8:14). Spirituality lessons in Jesus' changing water to wine: confession of need; submission to the Lord's authority; cleansing in view; obedience to His Word; radical transformation (Joh 2:1-10). John 13:1-17 is also a pattern of the spiritual life: Peter recognized his need, submits to Christ, gets cleansed. Prodigal son is also a pattern (Luk 15:11-24). When God restores the believer it is never partial: the robe signifies righteousness; the ring is the bank account; the sandals signify service; the feast signifies fellowship. Eph 5:18 is a comment on Paul's discussion on walking worthy. "And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit". Drunkenness occurs after reception, gradual surrender to the power of the drink, control is turned over, then there is a change of personality. Results are three-fold (Col 3:16); inner joy, love, peace (Gal 5:22, Eph 5:19-21). (1) daily confession, (2) conscious surrender, (3) hunger for Word of God, (4) rest in faith (5) walk in the Spirit.
Scripture References: Romans 8:1, John 13:1-17, Ephesians 5:18, John 2:1-10, Ephesians 5:19-21, Romans 8:14, Galatians 5:22, Romans 8:7, Colossians 3:16, Romans 8:6, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 8:5, Luke 15:11-24
From Series: "Ephesians"
More than any book Ephesians reveals the blessings from God based on our relationship with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. Eph 1:3 is the a key verse. Other key verses by chapter include Eph 2:8 Eph 3:19 Eph 4:1 Eph 5:18 and Eph 6:10-11.