Gene Cunningham - June 9, 2003
Ephesians #38
It's impossible for natural man to understand the things of the Spirit. A spiritual man is under control of the Holy Spirit (1Co 2:9-16). Many spiritual men of the past were not accepted in their time: Oswald Chambers, C.T. Studd, and Martin Luther, but importance is intimacy with God (1Co 8:2-3). Drinking analogy to spiritual life (Luk 1:5, Act 2:12-21). "All of you believers be filled by (or controlled by) the Spirit" (Eph 5:18). At Pentecost, believers were filled (different Greek word) with the content of the Holy Spirit (Act 2:4). In Col 3:14-16, a parallel passage, we are to let the Spirit's qualities rule in our hearts. Commands related to the Spirit (1) what we should do -- "be filled by" Eph 5:18; (2) how we should do it -- "grieve not" Gal 4:30; (3) "quench not" 1Th 5:19; (4) "walk by" Gal 5:16. Character of the Spirit: Love (Gal 5:22-23), Joy (Jam 5:13) , and gratitude (Pro 3:5-6).
Scripture References: Acts 2:4, James 5:13, Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 5:22-23, Acts 2:12-21, Galatians 5:16, Luke 1:5, Galatians 4:30, Ephesians 5:18, Colossians 3:14-16, Proverbs 3:5-6
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.