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 #38
It's impossible for natural man to understand the things of the Spirit. A spiritual man is under control of the Holy Spirit (1Co 2:9-16). Many spiritual men of the past were not accepted in their time: Oswald Chambers, C.T. Studd, and Martin Luther, but importance is intimacy with God (1Co 8:2-3). Drinking analogy to spiritual life (Luk 1:5, Act 2:12-21). "All of you believers be filled by (or controlled by) the Spirit" (Eph 5:18). At Pentecost, believers were filled (different Greek word) with the content of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:4). In Col 3:14-16, a parallel passage, we are to let the Spirit's qualities rule in our hearts. Commands related to the Spirit (1) what we should do -- "be filled by" Eph 5:18; (2) how we should do it -- "grieve not" Gal 4:30; (3) "quench not" 1Th 5:19; (4) "walk by" Gal 5:16. Character of the Spirit: Love (Gal 5:22-23), Joy (Jam 5:13) , and gratitude (Pro 3:5-6).
Scripture References: Colossians 3:14-16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Acts 2:4, James 5:13, Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:22-23, Acts 2:12-21, Galatians 5:16, Luke 1:5, Galatians 4:30, Ephesians 5:18
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.