So far in this series:

  Talk 1

• The background to the letter and the circumstances in which it was written. The theme of the whole letter is:
• Suffering now, maybe. Future glory, certain.

Talk 2

• We saw that the first two verses in chapter 1 are more than a formal greeting but are actually of a special significance to the suffering Christians to whom Peter was writing at the time.
• They were exiles, rejected by men, but chosen by God.

Talk 3

• Verses 3-9 spell out some of the great privileges of being a Christian. To be chosen by God is something very special. As Peter says in verses 6-7, at present we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials but this will result in praise, honour, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed.

We looked at these verses under main headings:

Present suffering

for a little while…you have been grieved by various trials… your faith is more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire

Present blessings

We have received God’s mercy We have been born again We are being guarded by God’s power We are able to rejoice

Future blessings

Resurrection An inheritance Praise, glory and honour when Jesus returns The salvation of your souls  

Today’s passage, 1 Peter 1:10-25

continues the theme of the great privileges of being a Christian but also reminds us of:

• our responsibility to live holy lives
• things that encourage to fulfil that responsibility

The great privileges of being a Christian (10-12)

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

The prophets prophesied it but didn’t fully understand it (10-11)

Because they lived before it happened and under a different covenant Compare Ephesians 3:1-6

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

The angels long to look into it (12) but they can’t fully understand it either

Because they have never known what it means to have forgiveness of sin

But now the good news has been announced to us by the apostles 12

The same Holy Spirit who inspired the OT prophets inspired the apostles (The Spirit of Christ 11 is another name for the Holy Spirit (12) cf. 2 Pet.1:21)

Note again the reference to suffering followed by glory 11

 

Our responsibility to live holy lives (13-17)

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile…

Five commands:

 

1. 13 prepare your minds for action, and being sober-minded,

2. set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

3. 14 do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance

4. 15 be holy in all your conduct

5. 17 conduct yourselves with fear

Things that encourage to fulfil that responsibility (17-25)

 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, 21 who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Jesus is coming

13 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 God is your Father

 17 And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile,

You have been ransomed

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

You have hope because Jesus is alive

21 who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

God’s word remains true forever

23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; 24 for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

 

In our last talk we looked at the first two verses in chapter 1 which we saw are more than a formal greeting but are actually of a special significance to the suffering Christians to whom Peter was writing at the time.

They were exiles, rejected by men, but chosen by God. The verses we are looking at today spell out some of the great privileges of being a Christian. To be chosen by God is something very special. As Peter says in verses 6-7, at present we may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials but this will result in praise, honour, and glory when Jesus Christ is revealed.

As I said last time, the theme of the letter is:

suffering now, maybe –  future glory, certain.

Today we’ll be looking at vv3-9 and considering this theme in more detail.

 

1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

 

Three main headings:

Present suffering

Present blessings

Future blessings

Present suffering

 

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Present blessings

 

We have received God’s mercy

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy…

 

We have been born again

3 …he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

 

We are being guarded by God’s power

5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

 

We are able to rejoice

6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

 

Future blessings

 

Resurrection

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

 

An inheritance

4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you

 

It can never perish – rust on car

Matthew 6:19-20 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…

Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things above

It can never spoil – 2 suits

It can never fade away – Auntie Min

It’s reserved in heaven for you – luggage label

 

Praise, glory and honour when Jesus returns

7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

The salvation of your souls

9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

 

For more on our inheritance as Christians, please see below.

 

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The Christian’s Inheritance

A full audio recording of this sermon can be heard at https://davidpetts.org/025-the-christians-inheritance/ or by clicking here. (Episode 25 of this podcast)

The reading of a will

You have been asked to attend the reading of a will

What questions would be going through your mind?

• Am I a beneficiary?
• What could I inherit?
• What’s my inheritance like?
• Why have I been included?
• When will I get it?

Many of us may never inherit something of great value here on earth, but the Bible tells us that God has a wonderful inheritance for us

 

Am I a beneficiary?

Do you belong to Christ? Galatians 3:29

If you belong to Christ, then you are … heirs according to the promise

 

Do you believe in him and love him? James 2:5

Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him?

 

Are you right with God? Titus 3:7

Having been justified by his grace we … become heirs having the hope of eternal life    

 

Are you one of God’s children? Romans 8:17

Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

 

What could I inherit?

Hebrews 1:14

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 11:7

By his faith he (Noah) …became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Hebrews 6:12

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing

Matthew 19:29

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life

Matthew 25:34

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world’

Revelation 21:3,4,7

Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

7 He who overcomes will inherit all this…

Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

 

So to summarise:

• Salvation – Hebrews 1:14
• Righteousness – Hebrews 11:7
• Promises – Hebrews 6:12, 17
• Reward – Colossians 3:24
• Blessing – 1 Peter 3:9
• Everlasting Life – Matthew 19:29
• The Kingdom of God – Matthew 25:34
• Heaven – Revelation 21:7 (‘all this’)
• Earth – Matthew 5:5

 

What is my inheritance like?

Hebrews 9:15

Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance

• money inherited from Eileen’s Dad

1 Peter 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you

 

It can never perish – rust on car

Matthew 6:19-20 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy…

Colossians 3:2 – Set your minds on things above

it can never spoil – 2 suits

it can never fade away – Auntie Min

it’s reserved in heaven for you – luggage label

 

Why have I been included?

But why should we receive such a wonderful inheritance?

Because we are co-heirs with Christ

Romans 8:17

Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ

We are identified with Christ.  

Everything we have springs from this.

Crucified – dead – buried – made alive – raised – seated – suffer – reign – work – inherit

The NT reveals there are three ways of being a co-heir (Greek sun-kleronomos):

by sonship – Hebrews 11:9

Isaac and Jacob…were heirs with him (Abraham) of the same promise

by marriage – 1 Peter 3:7

Husbands …be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them … as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life

by grace – Ephesians 3:2, 6.

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you…

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

We are joint-heirs with Christ!

We inherit what he inherits! All things (Heb. 1:2)!

1 John 3:2-3 – not what I will GET but what I will BE!

 

When will I get it?

1 Peter 1:4 reserved in heaven for you

But there is a foretaste!

Ephesians 1:13-14

The Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession (arrabon – engagement ring – French ‘alliance’)

Hebrews 6:4

…those who have … tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit … have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age

 

In our last talk we:

• Considered the background to the letter and the circumstances in which it was written
• Took a rapid tour through the whole letter
• Identified the main theme of the letter –

                          present suffering perhaps, future glory certain

 

Background

 

Author Peter

Date 62 to 64 A.D.

 

Circumstances

Written to Jewish Christians who had been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor

Throughout the Roman Empire Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout the Mediterranean world

 

Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution and the Emperor Nero began and was eventually executed during this persecution

 

Today we begin to look at the text of the letter by beginning with the opening two verses:

 

NIV

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles, scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia,

2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

 

ESV

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

 

In some ways this is a typical greeting

But it’s of special significance relevant to the circumstances in which it was written

 

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ

As we saw last time, Peter was writing to Christians undergoing persecution

Note how Peter’s faith has matured since Caesarea Philippi

 

Matt. 16:22 Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you

 

John 21:18-19

Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

 

Acts 5:41

Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

 

To those who are elect (chosen)

Note that election is according to God’s foreknowledge

See my comments in an earlier podcast on Ephesians 1.

 

But what’s the special relevance of the word chosen in this context?

The next word is exiles. What a contrast! They may be exiles – rejects, but they’re elect exiles! All that is happening to them is part of God’s chosen plan for them

 

exiles of the Dispersion

The word dispersion (διασπορᾶ) was commonly used to refer to the Jews who were scattered around the world, no longer resident in Israel.

Peter now uses it to refer to Christians (who are now God’s chosen people – 2:9-10)

 

It would be easy to understand this negatively, but note the positive aspects of being scattered:

The word literally means sown throughout

God is scattering his people as seeds throughout the nations and he’s using persecution to do it.

Compare Acts 8:1-4, 11:19

 

according to the foreknowledge of God the Father

Of course, this refers primarily to what immediately follows – sanctification, obedience, sprinkling

 

But we’re reminded that God know everything in advance – even our suffering

in the sanctification of the Spirit

NIV through the sanctifying work of the Spirit

To sanctify means to make holy

The NT shows sanctification as both a completed act and an ongoing process

 

for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood

 

The Greek literally says:

For obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ

 

The purpose of our salvation is obedience

The sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ refers to our initial salvation

and to God’s provision for the ongoing forgiveness of our sins

 

May grace and peace be multiplied to you

This blessing was particularly appropriate to Christians who were suffering

It was through the gift of God’s grace and peace that they had been saved

But there’s no limit to God’s resources. There’s plenty more grace and peace available.

 

The verses that immediately follow illustrate this wonderfully

But that’s our subject for next time 🙂

In this talk we will:

• Consider the background to the letter and the circumstances in which it was written
• Take a rapid tour through the whole letter (based largely on the notes in the NIV Life Application Bible)
• Identify the main theme of the letter

In following talks we will work systematically through the letter and consider how Peter’s teaching should impact on our lives today.

 

Background

Author Peter

Date 62 to 64 A.D.

Circumstances

Written to Jewish Christians who had been driven out of Jerusalem and scattered throughout Asia Minor

Throughout the Roman Empire Christians were being tortured and killed for their faith and the church in Jerusalem was being scattered throughout the Mediterranean world

Peter was probably in Rome when the great persecution and the Emperor Nero began and was eventually executed during this persecution

Outline

1. God’s great blessings to his people 1:1-2:10
2. The conduct of God’s people in the midst of suffering 2:11-4:19
3. The shepherding of God’s people in the midst of suffering 5:1-14

Chapter One

Peter begins by thanking God for salvation 1:2-6.

He explains to his readers that trials will refine their faith 1:7-9.

They should believe in spite of their circumstances for many in past ages believed in God’s plan of salvation –  even the prophets of old who wrote about it but did not understand it

but now salvation has been revealed in Christ 1:10-13

 

In response to such a great salvation, Peter commands his readers to:

• live holy lives 1:14-16,
• reverently fear and trust God 1:17-21
• be honest and loving in the relationships with others 2:1-3
• become like Christ 2: 3-4

 

Chapters Two to Four

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone upon whom the church is to be built 2:5-6

He is also the stone that was rejected causing those who will not listen to God to fall  2:7-8

but the church built upon the stone is to be God’s holy priesthood 2:9-10.

 

Peter then explains how believers should live during difficult times 2:11-4:11

 

Christians should be above reproach 2:12-17

imitating Christ in all their social roles, masters and slaves, husbands and wives, church members and neighbours 2:18-3:17.

Jesus Christ should be our model for obedience to God in the midst of great suffering 3:18-4:11

Peter then outlines the right attitude to have when persecution comes:

• expect it 4:12
• be thankful for the privilege of suffering for Christ 4:13-18
• trust God for deliverance 4:19

 

Chapter Five

Peter gives some special instructions:

• elders should feed God’s flock 5:1-4
• younger men should follow the leadership of the elders 5:5-6
• and everyone should trust God and resist Satan 5:7-11

 

Peter concludes by introducing Silvanus and by giving personal greetings from himself, the church in Rome, and from Mark. 5:11-14

Theme – suffering now, future glory

 

1 Peter 1:6-11

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.

8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,

9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,

11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow.

 

1 Peter 2:18-25

18 Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.

19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.

20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

22 ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.

24 ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’

25 For ‘you were like sheep going astray,’ but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

 

 1 Peter 3:13-14, 17-18

13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?

14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.’

 

17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”

 

1 Peter 4:1, 12-16, 19

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin.

 

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.

13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

 

19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

 

1 Peter 5:1, 4, 10

 1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

 

4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

 

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

 

Points to ponder

 

Peter was powerfully used in bringing healing to those who were suffering

He was also miraculously delivered from persecution on more than one occasion (Acts 5:19, 12:6-10)

How does this affect our understanding of his teaching in this letter?

Last time:

 

3 secrets of living in victory

 

Know your enemy

Know the battlefield

Know that ultimate victory is guaranteed

 

Know your Enemy

Ephesians 6:11-12, 16

 

Spiritual – not against flesh and blood (12)

numerous – plurals (12)

cunning – schemes (11)

organised – rulers and authorities (12) (cf Titus 3:1)

evil – spiritual forces of evil (12)

deadly – flaming missiles (16)

 

Know the Battlefield

The heavenlies – what they are

 

6:12 – not heaven – spiritual evil

1:3 – blessed with all

1:21 – Christ is seated at God’s right hand

2:6 – we are seated with him

3:10 – wisdom of God known

 

Know that ultimate Victory is guaranteed

 

v10  in the Lord his mighty power…….the full armour of GOD

 

Jesus’ relation to the ‘principalities and powers’ (AV)

 

Far above them Ephesians 1:21

Subject to him 1 Peter 3:22

Head of them Colossians 2:10

 

Why?

 

created them Colossians 1:16

conquered them Colossians 2:15

 

So ultimate victory is guaranteed. But what about now?

 

Let’s read Ephesians 6:10-20 again

 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

 

We have an enemy – the devil (11)

We can expect to be attacked (13) when the day of evil comes
God has given us all that we need to stand up to him (11, 13, 14)

But it’s up to us to put on the armour God has provided (11, 13)

 

But how do we put it on?  Let’s work through the passage.

 

10 Be strong – present continuous

In the Lord – ‘be empowered through your union with him’ (Amp.)

And in his mighty power – cf Eph 1:19 his incomparably great power…

 

11     Put on – aorist

the full armour

of God

so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

 

12   For our struggle is not against flesh and blood

But against…

Rulers… authorities… powers of this dark world…

Against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms

 

13     Therefore put on the full armour of God (cf v 11)

So that when the day of evil comes

You may be able to stand your ground (cf 11)

And after you have done everything, to stand

 

 

 

14     Stand firm then

 

With the belt of truth buckled about your waist

 

TRUTH because:

• the devil is a liar
• Christ is the truth
• God’s word is truth

 

With the breastplate of righteousness in place

 

RIGHTEOUSNESS

• Right standing with God
• Integrity
• Moral rectitude

 

15     With your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace

 

THE GOSPEL OF PEACE

• The good news brings peace with God
• We must be ever ready
• We must be ever ready to GO

 

16 In addition to all this take up the shield of faith

with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one

 

THE SHIELD OF FAITH

• What are Satan’s flaming arrows? Lies, doubts, temptation, etc.
• You can extinguish them ALL
• YOU can extinguish them all

 

17     Take the helmet of salvation

 

SALVATION

• Remind yourself (and the devil) that you’re saved
• Have been saved
• Are being saved
• Will be saved

 

And the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God

 

THE WORD OF GOD

• Jesus in the temptation
• Read the Bible
• Learn the Bible
• Use the Bible
• Prophecies (1 Timothy 1:18) – by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith…

 

 

18 And pray (present continuous) in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

 

21 Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing.

22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13 Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

 

Secrets of Victory

• Know your enemy
• Know the battlefield
• Know that ultimate victory is guaranteed

 

Know your enemy

11 Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

 

Our enemy is:

1. Spiritual…    Not against flesh and blood
2. Evil…   The spiritual forces of evil…
3. Numerous…   Rulers.  Authorities.  Powers
4. Cunning…   The devil’s schemes
5. Organised…   Schemes Gk methodeias
6. Deadly (flaming missiles – v 16)

 

 

Know the battlefield

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

 

The battlefield is what Paul calls the heavenly realms     (Literally: ‘the heavenlies’)

What does this mean?

 

A  The heavenly realms are not heaven

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

 

B  We have already been blessed with every spiritual blessing

Ephesians 1:3

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

 

C  Christ is seated at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms

Ephesians 1

20 …he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

 

D  We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms

Ephesians 2

4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions–it is by grace you have been saved.

6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus

 

E  It is God’s intention to use his church to demonstrate his wisdom to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms

Ephesians 3:10

His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms

 

Know that victory is guaranteed

Our assurance of ultimate victory is rooted in Jesus’ relation to the enemy – ‘rulers and authorities’

 

A  He is already far above them Ephesians 1:21

He is…

far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come

 

B  They are already in submission to him 1 Peter 3:21-22

Jesus Christ…has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand – with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him

 

C  He is already Head over them                          

Colossians 2:10

You have been given fulness in Christ who is the Head over every power and authority

 

So Jesus is seated at God’s right hand, with the enemy under his feet

Why?

Firstly, because he created them                

Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.

 

Finally, because  he conquered them at Calvary

Colossians 2:15

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross

In using the word triumph Paul was deliberately calling to the mind of his readers the picture of a great military victory. In the Roman world a triumph was rather like a modern military decoration which someone is awarded either for bravery or for great achievements on the battlefield. To help understand this further, let us imagine that Caesar, the Roman Emperor, has learned that in a certain distant corner of the empire one of the tribes has rebelled against his authority. So he calls his most senior general and gives him instructions to take a legion of soldiers in order to suppress the rebellion. Accordingly the general goes and conquers the rebellious tribe, taking many prisoners and begins to lead them back to Rome.

Before reaching Rome, however, he sends a herald in advance to inform the emperor of his victory. On hearing the news, the emperor decides to award the general a triumph. He proclaims a public holiday so that all the citizens of Rome can welcome the general on his return. Then, on the appointed day, the people line the streets of the city awaiting the return of the general. As he arrives in his chariot at the head of his legion, the people cheer and applaud, they almost worship the general because of his great victory.

But behind the general and his legion come the captives. They have been stripped of their weapons. Their hands are tied, their feet are shackled. They are totally subjugated and are forced to walk with head bowed low beneath a symbolic ‘yoke’ created for this purpose. They have truly become a public spectacle. This is the picture that Paul calls to mind when he tells us that by the cross Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities and triumphed over them making a public spectacle of them. As citizens of heaven we have nothing to fear from such an enemy. Rather, we stand back in awe and marvel at the mighty victory our general has won for us, and we worship him

 

So ultimate victory is guaranteed. But what about now?

That will be the subject of our final talk.

 

 

There are three main sections to this part of Paul’s letter:

 

1. Husbands and wives (5:22–33) (which we discussed last time)
2. Children and parents (6:1-4)
3. Slaves and masters (6:5-9)

 

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2 ‘Honour your father and mother’ – which is the first commandment with a promise –

3 ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

6 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.

 

Relationships between children and parents

 

Instructions to children

 

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

2 ‘Honour your father and mother’ – which is the first commandment with a promise –

3 ‘so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.’

 

What does Paul mean by parents in the Lord?

 

Cf. Colossians 3:20

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Even a child can know what it means to love in the Lord and to obey for his sake

 

Children are to obey and honour their parents

 

The instruction to obey ends with adulthood. The instruction to honour lasts a lifetime!

 

Two reasons are given for this:

1. It’s the right thing to do (1)
2. God promises to bless you if you do (2-3)

 

It’s the right thing to do (1)

 

By OT law

By the example of Christ (Luke 2:51)

 

God promises to bless you if you do (2-3)

 

It will go well with you…    you will enjoy long life

Does this really mean that all who honour their parents will enjoy long life?

Foulkes understands it to mean that Paul is underlining the fact that family life is very important and that when respect for parents fails the community becomes decadent and will not live long.

 

Instructions to parents

Note that in all three sections Paul’s instructions are never one-sided.

 

4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

 

Cf. Colossians 3:21

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

 

Discipline is essential in the home, but not unnecessary rules and regulations and endless petty correction by which children are discouraged

 

Parents should care more for the loyalty of their children to Christ than for anything besides, more for this than for their health, their intellectual vigour and brilliance, their material prosperity, their social position, their exemption from great sorrows and great misfortunes (RW Dale, 1883).

 

Relationships between slaves and masters

As we saw when we were talking about wives and husbands, Paul’s instructions must be understood within the framework of the culture prevalent at the time. Today they may be perhaps more meaningfully applied to employers and employees.

 

We may well ask why New Testament writers like Paul and Peter (1 Peter 2) did not denounce slavery as did William Wilberforce in the 19th century. I think the most likely answer to that question is that NT writers clearly believed that the Lord’s return was imminent (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Social reform was, therefore, not at the heart of their concern. What was more important for Paul was the fact that as believers we are in Christ and that in Christ there is neither slave nor free.

 

Colossians 3:11:

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

 

Instructions to slaves

5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.

6 Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

7 Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,

8 because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

 

Slaves are told to obey their masters. Notice the word earthly.

This immediately reminds us of two things:

 

• Our earthly state is temporary. We are citizens of heaven, which is eternal
• For us as Christians there is only one true Master. All other masters are subject to him.

 

We should therefore obey those who have authority over us as we would obey the Lord.

 

V5 just as you would obey Christ.

V6 as slaves of Christ,

V7 as if you were serving the Lord

 

Why?

V8  because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

 

Instructions to masters

9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favouritism with him.

 

What does Paul mean by in the same way?

Like the slaves, they are to do what they do ‘as for the Lord’.

What Paul means by this is further clarified in the following passages:

 

Philemon 15-16

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for ever – no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

 

1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you – although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

 

Concluding thoughts on this section

 

Whatever our role in the family or in society, the important thing is that we live in right relationship with each other and God has given us guidelines to show how we can do that.

 

It is interesting that whatever our role may be, it may not be the same forever.

For example, a child is not always a child and a slave may not always be a slave.

Whatever our role, it is important that we view it from a heavenly perspective rather than merely an earthly one.

 

Whatever we do, whether it be within the family or in the workplace, we should do everything as for the Lord. This is because we are in Christ. The theme of being in Christ is something we examined as we looked at chapter 1 and something we will return to in our final two talks as we look at Paul’s wonderful teaching in the last part of Chapter 6.

Podcast Notes:

Last time:

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

 

1-2 Follow God’s example – living a life of love

3 -6 Living holy lives

7-14 Living in the light

 

10 and find out what pleases the Lord

 

Today:

 

Ephesians 5:15-20 Living in the Spirit

 

15 Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise,

16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Paul continues the theme of how we should live as Christians.

In verse 15 we are to be careful how we live. In other words, we are to be careful to live lives of love, live holy lives and live in the light.

In verse 16 we are to make the most of every opportunity. What does Paul mean by this? Looking back to the section on living in the light it seems that Paul is saying that we should take every opportunity by our right living to expose the works of darkness.

In verse 17 we are told not to be foolish but to understand what the will of the Lord is. This takes us back to the theme of our last talk which we based mainly on verse 10 where Paul tells us to find out what pleases the Lord.

In fact, the remainder of his letter is devoted to this theme. It is the will of the Lord that:

We be filled with the Holy Spirit  (5:18)

We live in right relationship with each other

• Husbands and wives (5:22–33)
• Children and parents (6:1-4)
• Slaves and masters (6:5-9)

We know how to stand against the devil’s schemes (6:10-20)

So today we will begin to look at what Paul means by being filled with the Spirit.

What does he say in verses 18 to 20?

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit

 

The meaning of do not get drunk is perfectly clear.

Note that Paul does not teach total abstinence but he does clearly teach moderation.

He warns of the dangers of what drinking can lead to – debauchery

 

Drunkenness is one of the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21

By contrast, self-control is part of the fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23

 

Did the disciples act in a drunken manner when they were filled with the Spirit at Pentecost?

 

Acts 2:13 Some made fun of them and said, ‘They have had too much wine’.

Although many have interpreted the verse in this way, I personally see no need to do so. Would the Holy Spirit really cause people to appear to be manifesting the works of the flesh?

There is a far more satisfactory alternative explanation. Luke does not tell us that the disciples looked drunk. But imagine 120 people all speaking different languages at the same time! That in itself would be enough for the disciples’ critics to say they were drunk – something which, of course, Peter quickly denies.

 

But does Paul’s contrast with drunkenness mean that to be filled with the Spirit is the same as sanctification?

 

By no means. The role of the Holy Spirit in sanctification is a very important one.

But the book of Acts makes clear that being filled with the Spirit is being clothed with power which leads to charismatic manifestations.

Beware of the suggestion that Paul’s understanding was different from Luke’s.

If the Bible is God’s word, then systematic theology must be possible

We must be able to harmonise the different emphases of different writers because the same Holy Spirit inspired them all.

Luke was one of Paul’s travelling companions and it’s hardly likely that they would have had different views on such an important subject.

Consider the value of narrative passages of the NT (e.g the Gospels and Acts) to help us understand the terminology used in the epistles.

Paul tells us to be filled with the Spirit. Luke tells us what it looks like!

Paul is telling us to maintain the experience we received when we were first filled with the Spirit. And keeping filled with the Spirit will certainly help us to overcome temptation.

 

So, what more can we learn from verses 18-20?

18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

First, notice that ‘be filled with the Spirit’ is a present imperative in the passive voice!

This means that:

 

It’s a command

It’s a continuous command. We are to keep on being filled.

And it’s a command in the Passive Voice

Consider the implications of this:

It’s our responsibility to do it. Compare 2 Timothy 1:6-7 fan into flame.

With the command comes the enabling. Compare the command be healed

 

Second, note that Paul tells us how we can do this

 

Verse 19 says literally:

 

speaking to yourselves with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs singing and making music from your heart to the Lord, giving thanks…

 

Note:

 

The connection between being filled with the Spirit and speaking (cf. Acts 2:4)

 

The Greek is literally to yourselves

ἑαυτοῖς not ἀλλήλοις

 

(cf. 1 Corinthians 14:28 where Paul refers to speaking in tongues as speaking to oneself and to God)

 

In the phrase ‘spiritual songs’ the word used is pneumatikos which is used in 1 Corinthians 12 to describe the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.

 

The speaking will include tongues, but not exclusively so. Cf. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15.

 

Finally, in verse 21 Paul tells us to submit to one another ἀλλήλοις in fear of God.

Note both the personal and collective aspects of being filled – privately and in church.

 

Next time:

 

Living in right relationship with each other

• Husbands and wives (5:22–33)
• Children and parents (6:1-4)
• Slaves and masters (6:5-9)

Podcast Notes:

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

5 For of this you can be sure: no immoral, impure or greedy person – such a person is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no-one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

10 and find out what pleases the Lord

11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible

14 and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

 

3 sections:

1-2 Follow God’s example – living a life of love

3-6 Living holy lives

7-14 Living in the light

 

1-2 Follow God’s example – living a life of love

 

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

Before considering these verses, let’s remind ourselves of what Paul was saying at the end of Chapter 4.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:29-32

Chapter 5 continues the theme of how we should live as Christians in the light of:

• what God has done for us
• who we are in Christ

He says:

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children

2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

What God has done for us

In these verses Paul uses Christ’s sacrificial death as an example for us to follow

But in the NT Christ’s death is never just an example.

Compare Peter’s encouragement to Christian slaves in 1 Peter 2.

2 Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

 

Who we are in Christ

• 1 dearly loved children
• 3 God’s holy people
• 8 children of light

So because of what Christ has done for us and because of who we are in Christ we are to live lives of love following the example of Jesus himself.

The theme of living lives of love continues in verses 3 to 6 which I have titled living holy lives. But living holy lives and living lives of love are effectively synonymous terms.

3-6 Living holy lives

3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.

4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.

5 For of this you can be sure: no immoral, impure or greedy person – such a person is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

6 Let no-one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

 

Here Paul lists several things which are totally incompatible with Christian behaviour

These include:

Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, course joking

 

There must not be even a hint of these things (3).

Cf. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness

 

Why? Because:

 

These are improper for God’s holy people 3 cf. v8 you are now light in the Lord

Those who do these things have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ 5

God’s wrath comes on those who do them 6

 

The key to avoiding these things is seen in v6. Let no one deceive you with empty words

We mustn’t let our thinking be influenced by the worldly ideas of those around us. If we do, there is a danger that we become partners with them. 7

7-14 Living in the light

7 Therefore do not be partners with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)

10 and find out what pleases the Lord

11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.

13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible

14 and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: ‘Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’

 

In ch 4 Paul tells us to put off the old self and put on the new

You’ve been made new, so act accordingly

He says something similar here in v 8.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

So, 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them

By living lives that please the Lord we become living examples of what is right and expose what is wrong in the lives of others

 

Compare John 3:19-21

This is the verdict: light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

 

Things that please the Lord

 

General

Total dedication (Romans 12:1-2)

…present your bodies… acceptable to God

 

Faith (Hebrews 11:5-6)

By faith Enoch was taken up … for he obtained the witness before he

was taken up that he was pleasing to God … and without faith it is

impossible to please him

 

Spirituality (Romans 8:8)

Those who are in the flesh cannot please God

 

Sanctification (1 Thes. 4:1-3)

1 Thes. 4:1 You received instruction from us, how you ought to walk

and to please God … for (v3) this is the will of God, your sanctification

 

Specific

 

Speech (1 Thes. 2:4)

We speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who examines our hearts

 

Doing good and sharing (Hebrews 13:16)

Do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased

 

Support for the ministry (Phil.4:18)

I am amply supplied, having received what you sent, an acceptable sacrifice, well–pleasing to God

 

Obedience (to parents) (Col.3:20)

Children, be obedient to your parents … for this is well–pleasing to the Lord

 

Putting our neighbour first (Romans 14:18-15:2)

14:18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God

15:1-2 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just to please ourselvesLet each of us please his neighbour for his good, to his edification

  

Incentives to help us

 

The promise of answered prayer (1 John 3:22)

 

Whatever we ask, we receive from him because we keep his commandments and do

those things that are pleasing in his sight

 

The promise of God’s work within us (Hebrews 13:20-21)

 

Now the God of peace who brought up from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep

through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight,

through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen.

 

The challenge of the cross (Romans 15:3)

 

… even Christ did not please himself