First and Second Peter are grouped in what are called the General Epistles, written to the Church at large. The theme of First Peter is the refining and growth potential in our sufferings, 1Pe 1:3, 1Pe 1:6; 1Pe 2:2. This epistle was written to believers scattered by persecution throughout Asia Minor (1 Pe 1:1). The date was circa 64-65 A.D.—the beginning of Nero’s persecutions. First Peter is the best known and loved of these epistles, called by E.J. Goodspeed, “One of the most moving pieces of persecution literature.” This epistle is written to suffering believers, and is styled by Isaac Walton as, “affectionate, loving, lowly, and humble.” This epistle conveys an intense expectation of the Lord’s return as seen in 1Pe 1:5, 1Pe 1:7, 1Pe 1:13, 1Pe 2:12, 1Pe 4:13, 1Pe 4:17, 1Pe 5:1, 1Pe 5:4.
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #41
Biblical spirituality sequence in Joh 2:1-11: (1) command of Christ (Word of God), (2) obedience of servants, (3) everyone is blessed. Seven False concepts: (1) Cain bypassed sacrifice (Gen 4:4-5, Jud 1:11, Heb 11:4); (2) Job's friend Eliphaz thought spiritual life was based on experience (4:16) ; (3) leaven of the Pharisees -- legalism (Mat 16:6, Mat 23:1-39); (4) Judaism dead works (Heb 6:1, Heb 9:14); (5) taboos -- what you don't do (Col 2:20-23); (6) Religious exhibition (Mat 6:1-16); (7) Religious Intellectualism -- Gnosticism (1Co 8:1-2). Eph 5:18 is a permissive passive command -- (corrected "let yourself be filled by the Spirit" (Col 3:15-16). Other commands regarding the Spirit: "Grieve not the Spirit" -- sins of commission (Eph 4:30); "Quench not the Spirit" -- sins of omission (1Th 5:19); "Walk in the Spirit" (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:25). Descriptive spirituality terms: "Full cup" (Psa 23:5); "Rivers of living water" (Joh 7:38); "Fullness of Joy" (Joh 15:11, Rom 15:29); "Fullness of wisdom" (Col 1:9, Col 3:16); "Fullness of God -- the love of Christ" Eph 3:19; "Personal self-offering - yield, surrender or present yourself" (Rom 6:13, Rom 12:1-2, Luk 9:23). Things biblical spirituality makes possible: (1) Walk in good works (Eph 2:10); (2) Growing up as children (Eph 3:13-16); (3) Walk worthy(Eph 4:1); (4) "Overcoming walk (Eph 4:17); (5) Walk in the love of Christ (Eph 5:2); (6) Walk in light of the Word (Eph 5:8); (7) Walk in the Wisdom of God (Eph 5:15-17). Life changes from biblical spirituality (Eph 5:19-26): ministry to others -- a self forgetfulness (Mat 9:16 Jesus prayer illustrates focus on others); foundation of inner joy (Joh 15:11, Mat 5:1-12); gratitude (1th 5:18); submissiveness (Eph 5:21); true worship.
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:1, Galatians 5:25, Genesis 4:4-5, Matthew 9:16, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 9:14, Ephesians 3:13-16, Galatians 5:16, John 2:1-11, Ephesians 5:19-26, Colossians 1:9, Hebrews 6:1, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 5:15-17, Romans 15:29, Matthew 23:1-39, Luke 9:23, Colossians 3:15-16, Ephesians 5:8, John 15:11, Ephesians 5:21, Matthew 16:6, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:18, Ephesians 5:2, John 7:38, Hebrews 11:4, Matthew 5:1-12, Romans 6:13, Matthew 6:1-16, Ephesians 4:17, Psalms 23:5, Jude 1:11, John 15:11, Ephesians 3:19, Colossians 2:20-23
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.