The theme of 2nd Peter is the great need for personal spiritual growth in a time when false teachers and teachings were infiltrating the early church (2Pe 1:5 with 2Pe 3:18). Key words/phrases relevant to spiritual growth are “grace and peace,” which can be “multiplied” as we grow in the “knowledge” of our Lord, and exercise due “diligence” in the practice of spiritual “love.” As a method of instruction, Peter emphasizes the necessity of reminder and repetition (2Pe 1:12-13, 2Pe 1:15, 2Pe 3:1-2).
Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #33
God says Israel has been unfaithful, but He would love them with an everlasting Love (Joe 2:21-27). Paul urges us to walk as Christ walked (Eph 5:2). The tabernacle and temple are a picture of Christ and His work. The Alter of Incense is a picture of prayers Rev 5:8, Rev 8:3. Christ's sacrifice was a a sweet-smelling aroma. Our prayers are a fragrant aroma to God the Father. Fornication is a picture of unfaithfulness -- a violation of a covenant relationship. Covetousness resides in all of us. We're to not let these things "be named among us as saints" (Eph 5:3). We are heirs of God, we should be imitators of Him. You may be acting the way you did as an unbeliever, but you are no longer that person (1Co 6:7-11). The loss is our opportunity to bring glory to Christ. We're each going to give an account (Rom 14:12-13); the criteria is our own (Mat 7:7). The Kingdom of God is ... righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom 12:14-17). We need to be merciful as He has been to us (Luk 6:35-38, Luk 18:10-14). The "Royal Law" is you shall love your neighbor as yourself; we'll be judged but the standard of our volition (Jam 2:8-12), but Jesus gave a higher standard of Love -- His (Joh 13:34, 1Jo 3:16). Judgment is without mercy to those who have shown none (Jam 2:13, 1Ti 1:12-16). Mercy overcomes in the face of judgment.
Scripture References: Ephesians 5:2, Romans 12:14-17, James 2:13, Joel 2:21-27, Matthew 7:7, John 3:16, Romans 14:12-13, John 13:34, Ephesians 5:3, James 2:8-12, Revelation 8:3, Luke 18:10-14, Revelation 5:8, Luke 6:35-38
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.