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: Luke 6:35-38, 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
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.