Gene Cunningham - May 28, 2010
Ephesians #7
The bond of unity basis (Eph 4:3-6) is positional (we are in Christ), functional/operational (to achieve a goal), doctrinal unity. Unity comes through the exercise of spiritual gifts (Eph 4:7). Incarnation is the prerequisite for resurrection (Eph 4:9-10, Rom 10:6-8). The one that ascended had to descend first (humbled Himself). Syntax is the same (Act 13:1, Eph 4:11). Communication gifts: Apostles and prophets no longer exist; missionaries and pastor-teacher took the place. There are only two categories of gifts: teaching and serving (Eph 4:12, 1Pe 4:10-11). All gifts play a part in the unity of the church (Eph 4:12-13). "Fullness" has to do with spiritual maturity (Eph 4:13). "Speaking the truth in love" is teaching the word in the power of the Spirit (Eph 4:14-15). The body grows as every member plays its part (Eph 4:16). Reversionism notes are (Eph 4:16-19). Recovery is (Jam 4:5-10). When we allow a sin to take root, it will degenerate us. "Put off" means confession (Eph 4:22); "Put on" means being renewed in the word (Eph 4:24), and start living life (Eph 4:20-25). Righteous indignation keeps us from sin (Eph 4:26). Any sin is a base of operations for Satan (Eph 4:27). The solution for sin is not just stopping the sin, but filling the void with something right (Eph 4:28). We need to think about what we say (Eph 4:29). The Holy Spirit is grieved by sin (Eph 4:30). Putting off sins and being gracious to others and is a goal to be like Christ (Eph 4:31-32).
Conference notes for this series can be found [HERE]
Scripture References: Ephesians 4:26, Romans 10:6-8, Ephesians 4:14-15, Ephesians 4:20-25, Ephesians 4:9-10, Ephesians 4:31-32, Ephesians 4:13, Ephesians 4:24, Ephesians 4:7, Ephesians 4:30, Ephesians 4:12-13, Ephesians 4:22, Ephesians 4:3-6, Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 4:12, James 4:5-10, Ephesians 4:28, Ephesians 4:11, Ephesians 4:16-19, Ephesians 4:27, Acts 13:1, Ephesians 4:16
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.