Books of the Bible Series

Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003

Ephesians #37

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 8:6, Ephesians 5:18, Romans 8:5, Luke 15:11-24, 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

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.

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