Wisdom and revelation have a dual purpose they help us as we grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ and in understanding Gods power and purpose in our lives, the Holy Spirit is the source of both 1:17-18, Colossians 1:9

Revelation is never to be thought of as “mystical” this was how the Gnostics acted when they claimed special or secret revelation knowledge that only the initiated could understand. The Holy Spirit does indeed give us revelation as these verses show. But these insights should never be considered equal to the Holy Scriptures 1:17-19, 2 Peter 1:19

Jesus Christ is seated in the heavenly realms “far above” every power, ruler, authority, and every principality, this refers to the unseen defeated enemies who continue to manipulate human behaviour on this earth. Because we are in Christ we also share in Christ’s authority over these powers 1:20-21, 6:12

Jesus Christ is the head of His body the church that is the physical presence of Jesus Christ He fills His church with gifts and blessings. We must ask ourselves are we fully expressing Him who himself fills everything

Memory verse

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. I want you to realise what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to His people Ephesians 1: 18 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Paul wrote Ephesians while in prison in Rome around A.D.60. Ephesians was probably passed on to a number of the churches in the area. In this letter he unveils the “mystery” of the Church. Gods secret intention is revealed. The body of Christ expressing Christ’s fullness on the Earth by the bringing together of both Jew and Gentile in one body. Christs church is to proclaim His victory over the principalities and powers. That in the fullness of time Jesus Christ will bring all things together in heaven and earth in Himself 1:7-10

Paul says he is writing to those who are in Ephesus and “faithful” to Christ Jesus must always be the object of our “faith”. Can you see a difference in faith and faithfulness?

It comes as quite a shock when we first read that God calls us saints! but when we realise this is now true of us because of what Jesus Christ has achieved, He made us holy through His salvation. We are called saints “holy people” the moment we are born again. We are holy yet we are still being made holy, this is sanctification 1:1.

Here are some of the “spiritual blessings” you were “graced with” when you put your faith in Jesus. you were chosen, without blame 1:4, predestined and adopted 1:5 accepted 1:6 redeemed and forgiven 1:7, and sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of your inheritance 1:13-14.

Memory verse

How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ. Ephesians 1:3 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Phoebe probably was acting as courier for Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, this chapter was a sort of introduction for her to Pricilla and Aquila and the other church leaders.

We can see from this chapter that the Christian church consists of individual’s from every race and background Paul commends each one for serving the Lord in what ever way He has called and equipped them 16:25-27

Some of these Christians were slaves which meant that they were limited in what they were able to do for the Lord. but the Holy Spirit was not limited! in that they became better slaves bringing glory to Christ.

Behind all the names Paul mentioned there lies a story. what would be the story behind your name if you were to be mentioned in dispatches?

We must not be taken in by smooth talk or glowing words, As we study God’s Word trusting Him to reveal the truth we will not be easily fooled and will be able to identify and keep clear of those who bring division.16:17-20

Paul ends his letter by reminding us that the only way we can remain firm is by believing his gospel. the truth about Jesus Christ.The best way for anyone to keep the truth of the gospel is to preach it 16:25

Memory verse

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20 N.L.T.

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Pause for thought

Another Christian should be the first port of call when we need Godly counsel, especially seeking out someone who knows the scriptures and how to apply them with the help of the Holy Spirit. 15:14

Paul’s preaching was in the power of the Holy Spirit, indeed he only reported those things that Christ did in him the evidence of the source of his ministry was the mighty signs that confirmed that he was preaching the full gospel. 15:18-19

Our prayers are far more effective than we sometimes think, Paul evidently thought so he “begged” his readers to join with him in prayer warfare that his mission to Jerusalem might be safe and fruitful. 15:30 Because there is no distance in prayer, praying to God for another Christian means we not only encourage them but we can enter into the fight of faith with them. 15:31-32

memory verse

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing 1 Thessalonians 5:11 N.L.T.

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Paul is not suggesting that we become people pleasers for the sake of unity. But we are to set aside self pleasing attitudes so that we can build other Christians up and not put them down.15:2

We must remain strong in the faith (not our own opinions) and at the same time be sensitive to others, if we are honest we are all strong in some areas and weak in others. The bottom line is does my behaviour build up or pull down? 15:2

Both weak and strong Christians are to seek to build each other up by following Christ’s example, who did not please Himself but let the reproaches of others fall upon Himself.15:7

Acceptance of each other has to work both ways as Christ modelled by saving both Jew and Gentile alike. 15:8,12

The Scriptures testify to Gods faithfulness in former times as well as encouragement and Hope for the future. 15:4

A Christian can only remain full of Joy and hope through faith in Jesus Christ and power of the Holy Spirit. 15:13

Memory verse

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 N.K.J.V.

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PAUSE FOR THOUGHT

Our honest convictions must not become rules for the Church. As has been said “In essentials unity, In nonessentials, liberty; in everything love 14:1

One day each of us will stand personally before the judgement seat of Christ, we must not judge each other in what we each allow or disallow we must not put any obstacles in the path of another but do all within our power not to trip up another Christian even if it means abstaining from what I am free to do while in their presence 14-16

We should avoid any action that is forbidden by Scripture, but sometimes Scripture is silent. Then we should follow our own conscience. “ if you do what is not right you are sinning” 14:23

Whatever we do we do to honour the Lord we are accountable to Christ, not to others. However I must not let my freedom ruin someone for whom Christ died 14:15

What we see as so important in this life does not compare with the true treasures we share already and what awaits us! Everything will look so different 14:17

MEMORY VERSE

So let us aim for harmony in the church and building each other up. Romans 15:19 N.L.T.

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All government authority is delegated, and not absolute authority. So if the states demands are in conflict with the Law of God we as Christians should resist them.

No system of government is or will ever be perfect but we are to be subject to and honour government officials as they carry out their duties as God purposes 13:3-4.

Every Christian is permanently in debt, we can never repay the debt of love we owe to our fellow man because of the way Christ loves each of us. In this way the requirements of the whole law are fulfilled in us 13:8-9

How late is it? Paul told his readers to wake up! Jesus return is nearer than many think. I tend to think that much of what is happening is like a dress rehearsal of what is around the corner or as Jesus said the beginning of sorrows. Mathew 24:8

Jesus wants us to live in this world respecting government authority, Showing genuine love to everyone, to believers and to the unbelieving, and “putting on Christ” this means submitting to His Lordship in everything. 13:14

Memory verse

And do this, knowing the time, that now is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed Romans 13:11 N.K.J.

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How to behave like a Christian

As we have seen previously true worship towards God involves using the gifts God has given us to be a blessing to our local church family, This is not always a “walk in the park” though, you will be tested! 12:10

Our love for fellow believers must be genuine or as in the N.K.J without hypocrisy anything else is evil! 12:9 Anyone of who has no long term Christian friendships needs to examine their heart.

Love is the guiding principle in all Christian service, not only with fellow believers but also with those who persecute us because we belong to Christ. 12:14

God wants us to express love that is real and sincere, real love goes beyond politeness it involves helping others it can often take our personal involvement in time, money and more 12:9

When we go through times of trouble we can make these into opportunities to remind ourselves of the great hope that lies ahead. In this way we can learn what it means to “let patience have its perfect reward”. James 1:2-4

In this day of lawsuits and everyone wanting their rights, the command of 12:19 not to avenge oneself can seems out of place. We are to do our part to live in peace with all men! Even when we don’t to see eye to eye we must continue to show God’s love for maybe they will turn and repent. 12:19:20

Memory Verse

Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good. Romans12:21 N.L.T.

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Of myself I don’t have the ability to be or do whatever I wish, but I do know That I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength 12:3 Philippians 4:13

I worship God when I step out in faith using the gifting He has given me to serve the body of Christ. 12:5

By His grace God has given each of us to do “certain” things well, this is according to His wisdom, God will give the spiritual power necessary and appropriate to carry out each responsibility. 12:6

The Fathers gifts are different for each one of us, even those who share in the same gift don’t necessarily function in the same way this is another reason to estimate ourselves honestly, none of us can do the work of the Church alone. Praise God for those whose gifts are different from yours, let their strength balance our deficiencies. 12:6-8

memory verse

Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you. Romans 12:3 N.L.T

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Pause for thought

No one can fully understand the mind of the Lord. No one has been His counsellor. God alone is sovereign, all of us are dependant on Him. He alone is the source of everything, including our own selves. He is full of grace towards us He governs all things in perfect wisdom, justice, and love. 11:33-36

”Therefore” How must we respond? The Holy Spirit is pleading to each of us through Paul, to give ourselves entirely to God as living holy sacrifices this is the kind He will accept. A living sacrifice lays aside its own desires to follow Jesus and trusts Him to be their Guide. 12:1 and Luke 9:23

God has a very good purpose and plan for our lives, it is always according to His perfect will for us, but not necessarily what we would choose for ourselves! The choice is ours conformation to the world and it’s ways or transformation of our minds as we yield ourselves to God? 12:2

It is God’s will that every Christian should have a renewed mind, we need to ask ourselves why am I thinking the way I do what is it that influences me mostly? A renewed mind will not only help us to understand more of the will and ways of God but will help us to evaluate honestly our own usefulness in Gods Kingdom. 12:3

A verse to remember

Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is. Romans 12:2 N.L.T.

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