Ephesians 1:1-14 - Predestination

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee[d] of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:1-14

I should jump to something new; however, it's probably best to remain where my thoughts have been lately.  I have recently heard someone tell me that when Ephesians 1 refers to predestination, it means a kind of predestination that is for all people.  Though, I may have misinterpreted what they meant, this has still been stuck in my mind.  This post is not meant to be exhaustive, but simply a few thoughts I have been mulling over with regards to this...

So, what is Ephesians 1 referring to with regards to this?

The word "predestination" occurs twice here in Ephesians 1, in verse 5 and verse 11.

he predestined us[b] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Ephesians 1:5

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:11

I thought it might also be helpful to quickly look at a few definitions I found online for "predestination".

(as a doctrine in Christian theology) the divine foreordaining of all that will happen, especially with regard to the salvation of some and not others. It has been particularly associated with the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo and of Calvin.

the doctrine that God in consequence of his foreknowledge of all events infallibly guides those who are destined for salvation

1.
First of all, the definitions are closely tied with salvation, and I think that is rightly so.  So, if predestination is referring to all people, then either it doesn't refer to salvation, or God "fails" in what he predestines.

It certainly refers to salvation.  Looking back at verse 5, it says "he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ".  When talking about adoption here, it is referring to salvation.  In case you weren't sure, you can take a quick look over at Galatians 4

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Galatians 4:1-7

Here in Galatians, redemption (through Christ) is done "so that" you could be adopted.  I think it's clearly showing a close relation between adoption and salvation.  Though it is a different book, it is still a letter by Paul, so I don't think it's straying too far away.

2.
The second option is that God "fails".  Another way of looking at this is that people can lose their salvation.  If predestination refers to salvation and if predestination refers to all people here in Ephesians 1, then how can it be true if not all are saved?  In case you weren't convinced that not all are saved, the first that comes to my mind is how the gate is wide.  I'm sure that there are better passages, but this one works I think.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:13-14

Moving on, we have to deal with whether or not people can lose their salvation.  I don't think that this is the case.  First of all, if that were true, then wouldn't God's word not come to pass?  As in, something God has foreordained didn't come true in the end.  This does not represent the character of God since none can stay his hand.  But even putting that aside, a verse comes to mind with regards to people not losing their salvation.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

1 John 2:19

Some may argue that they have friends or family who used to be on fire for God, but they walked away.  They point to this as a clear example of how one can lose their salvation.  However, looking to the book of 1 John, we see that this example is a case of someone who never truly was saved.

Turning our attention back to Ephesians 1, I think it is plain to see that it is simply directed towards believers.  It is addressed "to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus" (v1).  His intended audience are also those who have been "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (v13).  Paul sometimes writes using the "us" or "we", of whom he says "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses," (v7).  It is fairly clear that he is talking to believers and thus I think his intention for talking about predestination is referring to believers, not everyone.

Now, one last thing has to do with another objection.  The person with the initial objection brought up how God desires that all men be saved.  This is true and is found in 2 Peter.  However, even though God desires that all men be saved, it doesn't mean that all men are actually saved.  Actually, if you read through 2 Peter 3, you will realize that it talks about judgment day.  In particular, there are references to "destruction of the ungodly" (v7).  Even in 2 Peter, it is still assumed that there will be the destruction of the ungodly.  This means that there will be some who are not saved and thus predestination and salvation is not applied to all people.

Ephesians 6:21-24

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Ephesians 6:21-24

I guess what Paul is saying here at the end of this letter tells his readers who Tychicus and why he's being sent.  He is a "beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord" and his purpose is to "tell you everything".  This fellow brother is to update the recipients of the letter about how things have been going for Paul.  Paul lays it out "that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts".  Not only is this for an information update, but his other purpose is to encourage their hearts.  I'm assuming that the encouragement comes from the update of how Paul and his group are doing, though that may or may not be entirely true.  In any case, we finally have reached the end of this book that I really do like.  In an odd set of circumstances, I find myself brought back to this book again.  In any case, praise God for him and his word.

Ephesians 6:18-20

praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Ephesians 6:18-20

Though, it can be seen that the sword of the spirit is the only offensive part of the armor of God described here in Ephesians 6, some have argued that it is only one of two offensive parts of the armor of God.  They say that prayer, described here in verse 18, is the second offensive part of the armor of God.  Whether or not you agree, we still recognize what Paul is saying to his readers.  The instruction is to pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  The instruction is to pray, and the amount (or consistency) is described as "all times".  I certainly don't do this, but it's a goal to strive for.  Paul says elsewhere "pray without ceasing".  Does this mean that we, as believers, are to be in constant prayer?  If so, how do we do this?  What's interesting is that Paul doesn't really explain how.  We are only told what to do.  So, let's do it.

Paul continues to encourage his readers, "keep alert with all perseverance".  Keep going, keep it up, and don't give up.  He's still referring to prayer, and he encourages to make prayers for all the saints.  Pray always, and don't forget to pray for all the believers.  Not just for yourself, but for other believers.

Lastly, pray for Paul himself.  Specifically, he asks for God given words for him to speak.  He wants to boldly proclaim the gospel and he wants to say it right as he should.

So, let us pray.

Ephesians 6:17

and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

Ephesians 6:17

The helmet of salvation is pretty important.  It protects your head.  Hope in the God of our salvation helps protect us.  There are times when we are discouraged and drawn into deep dark thoughts that we aren't worthy.  We aren't worthy, but it doesn't necessarily mean we're not saved.  We're saved in spite of our shortcomings.

I like the sword of the spirit.  It is with a sword that one attacks his enemies.  When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, he replied with "it is written...".  The word of God is living and active, and sharper than any sword (Heb 4:12).  It is important.  I'm not sure if this is true, but I think soldiers are taught not to be without their weapons.  So, they even take it with them to the bathroom.  Also, I remember seeing a lot of people in Israel casually wearing their weapon out in public.  Whether or not this is true, I am reminded about the instruction to the Israelites to keep their sword strapped on while they were working on the wall.  As a soldier of God, I want to be read and not be caught without my weapon.  I want to know my weapon and know how to use it.  In any case, the word of God is described like a sword here, and that's pretty cool.

Ephesians 6:14-16

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one

Ephesians 6:14-16

The Breastplate of Righteousness refers to the imputed righteousness of Jesus.  Jesus takes upon himself our sins and we get his righteousness.  He takes our place so that we can be righteous before God.  It is by knowing and living by this that allows us to stand.  When our character and failings are attacked, we can rest in the fact that it is not our righteousness, but his imputed righteousness that God sees.

Next, we need to have our feet fitted with the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  We need to be ready in all circumstances to tell others the good news.  If we're not ready and we miss an opportunity, it may bring shame and regret.  Instead, we are holding onto the best news in the world and we should be glad and ready to share it.  Since it's associated with one's feet, it brings attention to movement.  We carry this message with us where we go and bring it to those who need it.

The shield of faith is that which extinguishes all the flaming darts of the evil one.  Not only are there attacks from close, but there are attacks from a distance.  Our faith shields us from these attacks.  They may be temptations or discouragements.  Fortunately, faith distinguishes them all.

So, let us remember what Christ has done and our right standing before God because of him.  Let us be ready to tell others the good news.  Finally, let us have faith in God, which helps us against the evil one's attacks.

Ephesians 6:10-14

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Ephesians 6:10-14

We get to the last point or points in this letter to the Ephesians.  Paul's readers are told to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might".  AMP describes this as "draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him".  So, how are we to draw our strength from God?  Part of it is to put on his armor.  It is by putting on the armor of God "that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil".   The point of the armor is to help you stand against the devil's schemes.  Without the armor, you would not be able to stand.  Here, we get an insight into our true enemy.  We may face different enemies or difficulties with other people in this world, "flesh ans blood".  However, our true battle is "against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places".  Now, don't get confused by "rulers" and "authorities".  NLT specifies them as "evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world".  All in all, Paul is talking about spiritual warfare that goes on unseen by our physical eyes.

So, we are to be strong in the Lord.  We are told to put on the armor of God.  The armor helps us face our enemy, since there is a real battle going on in the spiritual realm.  The point is that we may stand and stand firm.  So, what is the armor of God?  Well, there's the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the readiness of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.

The belt of truth is the first one.  The belt is what holds the armor or the whole thing together.  It is not the word of God, because that's the sword of the spirit.  Instead, the belt of truth is truthfulness.  Another way to put it is integrity.  It is this that holds the whole armor together.  Without the belt of truth, the armor falls apart.  How can you hold up the shield of faith or wear the breastplate of righteousness if it's not being held together by the belt of truth?  Without walking in integrity reveals chips in the armor from which it'll easily crumble.  That isn't to say that the armor itself is weak.  Perhaps it's better to just say that it won't stay on very well.

It is important to walk in integrity.  This applies to all things seen and unseen.  Yes, it's true that many of us can look the part when everyone's looking.  More importantly, how do we live and act when nobody is watching?  It is when we are alone before God that we show who we really are.  "A man is what he is on his knees before God, and nothing more."  Let us walk with integrity in our lives, living For God.

Ephesians 6:9

Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.

Ephesians 6:9

Now, what was applied to slaves is being applied to masters.  It's actually the same thing.  Yes, slaves are in different positions compared to masters.  However, as slaves are treat their masters well, working hard for them, masters are to deal kindly with their slaves.  Because slaves are in subjection to masters, the temptation for masters to deal harshly with their slaves.  However, they are to stop threatening and abusive words towards their slaves.  An important thing to keep in mind is that God is master of both slaves and masters.  If you, a master, deal harshly with your own slaves, how would God deal with you?  God will not treat you differently just because you're a master and not a slave.  For God, there is no partiality.

Ephesians 6:5-8

Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.

Ephesians 6:5-8

Now, Paul is addressing slaves.  Nowadays, we don't have slaves here in North America, so the question is: how do we apply this to us?  I am tempted to apply this to our bosses or people we work for, but I'm not sure if that is correct.  In any case, Paul is telling slaves to obey their earthly masters.  This obedience is compared to the obedience one should have towards Christ.  We obey Christ and in the same way we obey him, we are to obey our earthly masters.  What's interesting is that there is no mention about whether or not their masters are moral or kind masters.  It seems as if Paul is instructing this to slaves regardless of what their master is like.  Perhaps this is the same as his instruction for wives to submit to their husbands.  Whether or not they are good husbands, the instruction still stands.  How one is to obey to their masters or how one is to submit to their husbands may change according to their circumstances; however, Paul does not specify an exception or qualify what he has said to give someone an out.  Instead, he tells slaves to obey "with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart".  These are the ways in which one follows Christ and should now be applied to obeying masters.  Moreover, one is not to just obey when someone is watching.  Even when nobody is watching, a slave is to work hard as a slave of Christ.  How does a slave of Christ work?  A slave of Christ obeys from the heart.

Similar to what what said in Colossians, the mindset is that you are to work as if you were working for God.  It is not merely a man you are working for, but you are working as if working for God.  Doing so is to be done while knowing an important truth: good one does is received back from the Lord.  This is apparently a universal truth and applies to everyone, not just slaves.  This; however, is separate from salvation.  I don't think we are to use this to apply it towards the way in which we are redeemed.  I say this because we know that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works.  Perhaps I'm looking at this wrong.  Good one receives back may not necessarily mean rewards in heaven, but perhaps the idea that good work produces fruit.  In the same way that Joseph and his work was blessed, perhaps this is referring to the good work a slave does will be blessed and not go unnoticed.  In any case, slaves are to work hard as if working for Christ.

Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4

The flip side to the way children are supposed to relate to their parents is the way fathers are to relate to their children.  Fathers are not to provoke their children to anger.  There are many ways in which a father can abuse his children and take advantage of them.  The way a father relates to his children should not ultimately lead them to anger.  Instead, the goal is for fathers to raise their children in the discipline and instruction of the lord.  It is possible that discipline can lead a child to being upset and angry with their father.  Though that may be the result, the goal and main thrust should be discipline and instruction that is from God.  This is meant to raise them well instead of merely bother or frustrate them.

I have wondered in the past why such parents could be so mean to their kids.  I know it happens, but it didn't really make sense to me.  I thought, only stupid, uncaring fathers who are the dirt bags of society are the ones who would treat their kids so harshly.  I thought, most parents are not like that and really do care for their kids and want what's best for them and do not provoke their kids to anger.  First, I obviously know that nobody is righteous and we are all sinner and we all fail in many ways.  However, I can now better see and understand how kids can make you want to provoke them to anger.  Raising kids is tough and one can be easily brought to a tipping point with them.  Stresses of life and the family can wear one's patience thin.  It's not a good thing, but the reality is that being quick to anger is a far easier thing than being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.  It's easy to not care for a child's well being by trying to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the lord.  One can easily be selfish and think only of him or herself.  This instruction is not just for the marginal lowlife dads of society.  This is for all fathers because everyone needs to hear this.

Ephesians 6:1-3

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Ephesians 6:1-3

Y'know, I have difficulty with these verses.  Now, I know that this is God's word and I need to heed to what he says.  For me to take and twist it to my liking is wrong.  So, I must try my best to seek to know God's word and obey it.  That being said, it's difficult for me.  I don't like listening to my parents and perhaps many people feel the same way.  However, there it is, plain and simple, "obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right".  NLT puts it this way, "Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord".  It is because you belong to the Lord that you obey your parents.  That is very interesting.  In any case, we are called to obey our parents.

Now, many may bring up objections to this command.  Perhaps you parents command things that are difficult or wrong to follow.  I don't really want to go into all kinds of exceptions, but one main thing would be to obey God first.  God tells us to obey our parents, but he also tells us not to sin.  So, if parents are instructing you to sin, don't do it.  Obey God first, but don't try to use that as an excuse not to obey your parents.  That's exactly what the Pharisees were doing, trying to use a "loophole" in order to avoid honoring their parents.

Thinking about this, I am reminded about the earlier verse to wives.  Wives are called to submit to their husbands.  This is a touchy subject and there are many interesting cases where to submit is a little complicated.  The command to submit still stands, but to obey God in submitting to ones husband may not always be what you'd suspect.  Instead, in all cases, we pray that God gives wisdom and guidance to know how wives are to obey God in each and every circumstance, especially when it's difficult.  In the same way, I ask and pray that God continually show me how I am to obey my parents.  A hard thing it may be, but it is ultimately God who I obey.

Ephesians 5:32-33

This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Ephesians 5:32-33

Marriage is a mysterious thing.  The way in which two people become on in marriage is a mystery, as Paul tells us.  This mystery doesn't just end with marriage and two becoming one.  Instead, this mystery further illustrates another picture, which is Christ and the Church.  As two join in marriage, so Christ and the church are also joined.  I guess it's quite interesting to be a part of something that further illustrates something greater.  It is a mystery, but it is also great.  To sum up, Husbands are to love their wives as he loves himself and wives are to respect their husbands.

Ephesians 5:28-31

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”

Ephesians 5:28-31

Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  His purpose was to sanctify the church, cleaning it by washing the church with the word.  The cleansing was so that the church would be presented to himself clean and spotless.  This is how Christ loved the church.  So, in light of how Christ loved the church, husbands are to love their wives "in the same way".  Jesus is our model of love.  "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13

When Paul talks about husbands loving their wives here in verse 28, not only does he say that they are to love in the same way (as Christ loved the church), but also that husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies.  Now I wonder, is "in the same way" also referring to "as their own bodies"?  I mean, is the way that Christ loved the church (the way husbands are given an example as to how they are to love their wives) also saying that Christ loved the church as he loved his own body (or how one loves his own body)?  This is likely, but it's also simply that Christ provides an example of love and a similar direction given to husbands is that they are to love their wives as they love their own body.  We are given yet another way to think about or help us in our direction in loving our wives and another dimension of how Christ loved the church.

So, we are to love as Christ loved the church.  One way to describe how Christ loved the church is how one loves his own body.  It simply makes sense that one would love his or her own body.  "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it".  Now, I can understand that there may be some objections.  I can picture a person who is unhappy with the way that they look (too fat, too skinny, to tan, to pale, etc); however, this is not what Paul is talking about here.  One may not be happy with the way that they look, but that doesn't mean that they won't try to care for their bodies.  This is seen by when Paul says "but nourishes and cherishes it (one's own body)".  Okay, another objection may arise pointing to people who self mutilate.  Perhaps we could go on conjuring up different exceptions, but I don't think it takes away from Paul's point.  In general, we all understand that a person is for himself and naturally cares for himself.  This natural inclination is the kind that a husband should have for his wife.  It is natural.  This idea is brought back to Jesus.  We are reminded that Christ does the same thing to the church.  We are reminded that the "we (the church) are members of his body".  We are members of his body, so it only makes sense that he would care for us as one would care for his or her own body.  Lastly, we are pointed towards Genesis.  Way back then, God had already described marriage as two becoming one flesh.  If they are one flesh they are of the same body, so it's natural that the husband (being of the same body as his wife) would care for his wife in that way.

Ephesians 5:27

so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 5:27

So Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  The purpose of this was for the cleaning by the washing of the water with the word.  This cleaning was for the purpose of presenting the church to himself without any blemish.  His desire was that his own bride, the church, would be his and would be his in all perfection.  Perhaps this is the significance of a bride wearing white during the wedding ceremony.  In she enters to be presented before her groom, dressed in white, signifying purity.  Would it make sense for her to be wearing a red or black dress?  Would she enter all muddied and dirty?  She is prepared and set apart (holy).  In the illustration of Christ and the church, she his set apart for God.  Marriages have the idea that the bride is set apart to belong only to her husband.  Nowadays, this idea has become muddied, but this is the biblical picture we see.

Now, would it make sense if the groom was dirty?  Jesus isn't dirty.  Well, "he became sin", but he lead a sinless life.  I think that like Christ, husbands need to lead their wives in righteousness.  If one object is pure and another object is not, when they come together, the pure object becomes impure.  A dirty pig who has been rolling around in the mud will immediately dirty a clean little girl in a pretty white dress.  I'm not sure if this quite makes sense, but it makes sense to me that the groom needs to be pure and spotless in order for it to make sense that he presents the bride to himself pure and spotless.  We need to lead in love, lead in the word, lead in selflessness, but also lead in righteousness.  Yes, we're sinful imperfect people who continue to fail.  However, that doesn't negate the calling.

Ephesians 5:25-26

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

Ephesians 5:25-26

Wives are called to submit to their husbands.  Now we take a look at husbands and what they are called to do with respect to their wives.  Husbands are to love their wives.  That sounds easy enough, doesn't it?  What's interesting is the specification given in AMP, "[seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love]".  Love calls husbands to seek the highest good of their wives.

More importantly than what AMP specifies is what is plainly stated in this verse.  Paul goes on to specify how a husband is to love his wife, "as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her".  Loving your wife sounds easy at first, but not when you're told to love just as Christ loved the church.  How did Christ love the church?  Christ died for the church, in order to redeem his bride, the church.  This is the kind of love a husband is to love his wife with.  A husband is to love his wife sacrificially.

What is the purpose of this act of love that a husband is to love his wife with?  The purpose of loving his wife as Christ loved the churchis to sanctify her.  "to make her holy and clean" NLT.  Loving your wife as Christ loved the church is for the purpose of sanctifying her.  This cleansing is done "by the washing of water with the word".  God's word provides a cleansing effect on a wife, and this is the duty of a husband.  A husband is called not only to love his wife as Christ loved the church, but also to lead her in God's word.

These are very difficult things that I fail at all the time.  Fortunately, we have a savior who has done this for us as the church.  We are the bride of Christ and as husbands, we get to be Jesus in that part of the picture of this thing called marriage.  As difficult as it is, I ask and pray that God grants us husbands the strength and wisdom to love our wives and lead them in the word.

Ephesians 5:22-24

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Ephesians 5:22-24

Now we come to the part where Paul addresses husbands and wives.  How are they to live immitating God and walking in love when it comes to their relationship with one another?  Well, first Paul talks about wives.  Wives are to submit to their husbands.  That's actually pretty simple and does not need much expaination, and yet it does.  Women and wives can be taken advantage of.  Women can be abused by their husbands and it happens far too often.  It doesn't help that men are typically phsically stronger than woman.  So, before we move on with what the bible says here about wives submitting, we need to acknowledge the sinfulness of men and recognize that there are situations where following Paul's words here are very difficult.  In all things, we pray for wisdom and guidance, especially in difficult situations when it is hard to follow God or to know exactly one is to submit to their husbands.

With regards to this whole submission thing, it doesn't help that submission to one's husband is "as to the Lord".  AMP puts it "as [a service] to the lord".  One who submits to their husband is one who does it ultimately for God.  God tells wives to submit to their husbands, so they do that ultimately for the sake of God and to honor God.  Yes, it is also of benefit and for their husband, but that isn't the ultimate reason.  God is the one we follow and the one we esteem higher than all others (including our spouse), so it is God's will and purpose that we place above even those we love.  Yes, their wills can line up, but when it doesn't, one is often faced with the difficult choice of choosing between two people that he or she loves.  In this case, there may be times when it is difficult to love your spouse, but to submit to them ultimately out of love for our heavenly father.

Why are wives to submit to their husbands?  The reason is because the husband is the head of the wife.  The husband may not be smarter than the wife.  The husband may not be more respectable than the wife.  The husband may not be a better leader than the wife.  However, God has already declared that the husband is the head of the wife.  If you dont like that, you can take it up with God.  Now, there is an interesting things that Paul describes here.  The picture of husband and wife is the same as the picture of Christ and the church.  Christ died to save his bride, the church.  Christ is the head of the church, who is his body.  In the same way that Christ is the head of the church, the husband is the head of the wife.  The church submits to Christ, and in the same way, wives are to submit to their husbands.  And, in case you weren't sure what he's talking about, Paul makes it clear: "so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands".  Once again, I can't imagine how increadibly difficult this may be in certain situations.  I only ask and pray that God gives wisdom and guidance to those in difficult situations.  I don't think that this means wives are allowed to not submit to their husbands when it is difficult.  In fact, it is precisely when it is difficult that we need to follow what God is calling us to.  Instead, we should seek God to grant us wisdom to know what to do in difficult situations.  I heard a preacher speak on this topic saying that in cases of abuse, you don't submit, you go to the cops.  I guess that would be the same for other forms of abuse.  You may appeal to the authority of the church in different circumstances.  In any case, I pray for wisdom.

It is difficult for me to relate to this since I am not a wife.  However, it encourages me to be a better husband.  Wives have an immensely difficult task in submitting to their husbands.  Yes, they chose him, but it is still difficult to submit to a man, since we are fallible, sinful and stupid.

Ephesians 5:15-21

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-21

I guess there's quite a few things here.  The earlier instruction is for his readers to walk in love.  Paul has also just finished telling them about the idea that things are exposed by the light and that we are children of light.  In "light" of this, we are to be careful about how we live.  We are instructed to be wise, to make the best use of our time, to understand the lord's will, to not be drunk but instead filled with the Holy Spirit, singing to the Lord, giving thinks always, and submitting to one another.  These are all good and important things that also tie in to walking as children of light.  As one walks in these things, it probably gets more and more difficult to walk in darkness.  Living with thankfulness to God or with a worshipful heart toward God is probably hard to do while living in darkness.  As Paul is encouraging his readers, let us carefully watch the way that we live.

Ephesians 5:8-14

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

-Ephesians 5:8-14

"for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord".  For those following Jesus, they were once darkness but now are light in the Lord.  This is the way followers are to live, walking as children of light.  AMP adds, "[live as those who are native-born to the light]".  Live as if you are that way and always have been that way, even though you once were darkness.  Paul tells his readers more about this light.  As AMP puts it, "(for the fruit [the effect, the result] of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth),".  That is what the light consists of and that is what children of light are to walk in.  Moreover, the goal is to do what is pleasing to the Lord, which is why Paul instructs his readers towards that goal.

Children of light are to expose the works are darkness and not participate in them.  How?  I suspected that they were to be addressed or confronted; however, the next verse tells us "For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret".  So, why would Paul ask his readers to expose the darkness then tell them that it is shameful to speak about them?  The answer is that Paul is thinking of a different approach of exposing the works of darkness.  Again, looking to AMP, "Do not participate in the worthless and unproductive deeds of darkness, but instead expose them [by exemplifying personal integrity, moral courage, and godly character];".  Paul goes on to say that things become visible when exposed by the light.  So, Paul is instructing that by living a life of integrity and godly character, one will expose the works of darkness.  This kind of living is light and the light exposes that which is darkness.  Let us be encouraged to live with integrity, moral courage and godly character.

As a final reminder, I ask myself again, "who or what is the light?".  We are told "Christ will shine on you".  Christ is light and he is the one who enables us to walk as children of light.

Ephesians 5:6-8

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

-Ephesians 5:6-8

We must beware of one who deceives with empty words.  NLT gives context to the deception, "Don't be fooled by those who try to excuse sins" and so does AMP, "Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin]".  This makes sense, since Paul is warning his readers against these sin.  It would stand to reason that talking about deceivers in this context would mean those deceiving people away from what Paul is encouraging.

With regards to these deceivers, there is a clear warning.  Paul makes it clear that those following the deceivers are those who the wrath of God falls upon.  It is those who try to excuse these sins (in their own lives and in the lives of others) that are owing to God's wrath (which is a scary thing!).  This is actually the reason why Paul's readers are warned against following these deceivers.  It is precisely because it leads to being the objects of God's wrath that one is warned against being an encourager of sin.

Paul goes on to speak a little more to this deception.  Specifically, he warns his readers to "not become partners with them".  We are not to do what they do or be associated with their sinful behavior.  This is fairly similar to what Paul just said about not being deceived by them.  So, why are we not to partner with them in their sin?  The reason is because you are light in the Lord.  Followers of Jesus are those who used to be darkness, but now are light.  He has saved you and redeemed you from your deadness.  If this is the case, we are to "walk as children of light".  This probably goes hand in hand with imitating God and walking in love.

Ephesians 5:1-6

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

-Ephesians 5:1-6

In light of Paul's instruction to be imitators of God and to walk in love, his readers are warned about "sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness".  They are also warned about filthiness, foolish talk or crude joking.  All these things are not to be found in the life of an imitator of God.  Instead of having these things in your life or doing such things, one is to instead be a doer of thanksgiving.  Thankfulness is to replace sexual immorality and crude joking.  Paul makes his point very clear by stating that those who are sexually immoral or impure or covetous are also those who have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.  These people should not expect to "go to heaven", though many hold this belief.  People may live avoiding sexual immorality, but be covetous and believe he or she is still going to heaven.  Someone may even say at their funeral, "she was a good person and she's in heaven now".  The truth is that no one is righteous.  If that's the case, who can be saved?  You should already know that it is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  Then, what's the point of Paul warning his readers about these sins.  I think that Paul is warning people not to continue in sin.  Being an imitator of God and walking in love means to do away with foolish talk.  In fact, it seems as if there were some leading people astray with this false belief.  Paul, telling us about imitating God and walking in love, warns his readers against these sins, then warns against deceivers.  These deceivers are probably those promoting the idea that you can be an imitator of God and still walk in sin.  This is very dangerous and something Christians needs to beware.

Now, this is something you and I need to take very seriously.  I think it's easy for me personally to just think I'm above this and know this already.  Perhaps it's at that very moment that I am ensnared by such a dangerous trap.  Pride could take over or perhaps I could get lazy and think I'm impervious to these sins.  No, I need to flee from them and keep my eyes fixed on Christ.  He is best and is the one who fills all in all.

Ephesians 5:2

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Ephesians 5:2

Back at the end of chapter 4, Paul instructs his readers to forgive one another, as God in Christ forgave you.  Similar to that, we are given another instruction here in chapter 5 verse 2.  We are told to "walk in love" on the basis of Christ's example of love for us.  He loved us and gave himself up for us, so that is how we are to walk in love.  AMP specifies a lot in this verse, "and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance".  Love is relational, so it has to do with our interactions or relationships with others.  It is how we value and treat others, seeking their best.  In any case, the best way to get a clear picture of this is looking at Christ, who loved us and gave himself up for us.  He died for us.  Specifically, he became an offering and sacrifice to God (for us).  I guess this is what it means to value one another and seek their best.  In any case, he is our example and we need to look to him.