Comments for April 5

20 v. 3,4 - What an ordeal it was for Moses to be the leader of this wilful people. It was the same for Christ. How can we possibly expect our lives to be easy? Num.14:1,2, Ex.16:2,3, Ex.17:2.

20 v.1 The last year of the wilderness journey 'Kadesh' means 'holy' 38 years earlier this is the place where NUM 14 the evil report of the spies was received the 'first month' is the first month of the fortieth year.

21 v.10 - 21 This area provides us with a very detailed account of the final journeys of the children of Israel, all around the border of the land of Canaan. It is as if the final trials for these 'little ones', as Num 14 calls those who were to go into the land, should be recorded to show why Yahweh dealt with the surrounding nations during the history of Israel in the land.

21:5-9 - Time after time the people in the Wilderness sin badly against God, and each time he repents of destroying them. Each time this happens we learn so much about the ways of God - not just His mercy toward us but also the wonder of the redemptive work through Jesus, which this time we see in the raising up of the serpent on the pole. John 3:14-16, 12:32

20:11 So when Moses struck the rock twice and was barred from entry into the land of Canaan it was at the end of the wilderness journey. As Moses had not been among the rebels at the beginning of the journey he might well have expected that he would enter the land with Joshua and Caleb. If this is so then being barred from the land at this point in time must have been a very bitter blow.

The issues relating to Israel pitching by Arnon are utilised by Jeremiah when speaking of the overthrow of Moab.
21:13 Arnon Jeremiah 48:20
21:28 fire out of Heshbon Jeremiah 48:45
21:29 Chemosh Jeremiah 48:7
21:30 Dibon Jeremiah 48:18,22

This is one of the many occasions in the Old Testament where the events of the wilderness Journey are used to teach lessons.

20:12 In being reminded by God that he had failed to sanctify God he was being reminded of what he had to tell Aaron 38 years earlier (Leviticus 10:3).

21:9 Do we think that the serpent that was made was a beautiful detailed model of the serpents that were biting the Israelites? I think not. As people were dying from the bites there would have been a great concern to get the serpent onto the pole. It would have looked rough and ready - though it was of God's provision. Likewise 'he hath no form nor comeliness …' (Isaiah 53:2)

20:25-29  So Both Miriam and Aaron died in the 40th year of the wilderness journey - this part of Numbers is summarised in Num 33:38

21:21-23 We should consider the logistics of this. Israel, at this time, were a small nation. The land of the Amorites was quite a small land. Doubtless by this time Sihon had heard of the exploits of Israel - The men of Jericho had. So Sihon had to decide whether to believe the reports or the words of the men of Israel.

20:2  No water There was at Kadesh a fountain, En-mishpat.(Gen 14:17) At the first encampment of the Israelites there was no want for water.(Deut 2:14)  At this time it must be either partially dried up by the heat of the season, or had been exhausted by the demands of so vast a multitude. 

The fiery serpent (21:8) was so described because of its bright copper colour.  Copper was the ingredient (along with tin) that made bronze (erroneously called brass in the KJV). The serpent was made of base metals which signify humanity.

Gazing upon the fiery serpent could overcome the deadly strikes of the serpents (21:9). 
The greater significance of the fiery serpent is that of Jesus' being lifted up in sacrifice upon the cross (pole) (John 3:14).  Notice that he is called the Son of Man, thus linking Himself to the bronze of humanity as His sacrifice crucified the flesh.

All who would come to Him can overcome sin (serpent) which leads to death.

Incidentally, the symbol of the serpent on the pole has become the universal sign of healing for the medical profession.

21:17-18 This beautiful little song was in accordance with the wants and feelings of travelling caravans in the Middle East, where water is an occasion both of prayer and thanksgiving. The discovery of it was seasonable, and owing to the will of their Heavenly Father.

Prophetically, this is a very significant chapter. The Mt Seir(Edom) area was avoided by Israel (Num 20:21) because they were refused passage. So when we look at the prophecies contained in Deut 33:1-3; Psa 68:17; Hab 3:3-6, we can start to see a future picture of what will transpire as the Holy One in glory comes in from Teman, from the south, and from the wilderness of Paran in the Sinai Peninsula. This is while on route to Jerusalem to save a remnant of Jews(1/3) that have been invaded by the Northern Host(Gog).
So what was not accomplished in the past will come to pass in the future.
So the prophets are unified in proclaiming the events that will transpire as follows:
(a) Arabia Subdued-Isa 21: 11-15; Isaiah 42, Ps 72:8-11, Hab 3:7
(b) Rivers in the Desert- Isa 35: 6,7; 43: 18-19; 51:3; Hab 3: 9-10
(c) The Highway to Zion- Isa 11:16; 19:22-25; 35:8; 62:10-12; Jer 31: 8-9;  Zech 10: 9-11
(d) The Smiting and Healing of Egypt- Isa 19: 1-15; Ezek 29:1-15; Isa 51: 9-17; Ps 68: 21-22; 66:1-7; Zech 10: 9-12

20:28    So Aaron was to die and Eleazar was to take his place. Aaron was not to simply hand the priestly garments to his son. They had to be put upon Eleazar by Moses as he had put them upon Aaron. Thus we see that even though the priesthood was by descent it still required the intervention of the one who had already acted as the intercessor on more than one occasions.

21:8     We are familiar with the way in which Jesus speaks of being ‘lifted up’ as the serpent in the wilderness – John 3:14.  Jesus very specifically picks up on the ‘every one’ in John 3:16 to show the need for faith. Those who did not look died – in like manner every one who does not recognise Jesus as the one who was represented by the serpent will die without entering the land of promise – the kingdom.

20:8,9 the rod/staff that God commanded Moses to take was probably Aaron's that had buds, blossoms & fruit (note v9 that Moses takes it "from the LORD's presence" Num 17:10), and so it was not to be used for striking anything - think of what damage was done to it by striking it on the rock.

20:12 Whilst Moses was the one who failed to sanctify God the Divine comment puts the blame on the nation – Psa 106:33

Num 20 The first month mentioned in the first verse would have been the first month of the fortieth year (Compare Num 20:22-23 with Num 33:38) In the book of Numbers we would suggest that only the incidents of the first two years and the final year of the wilderness wanderings are recorded. That being the case between 19:22 and 20:1 there is a long interval of thirty seven years.

Ch. 20 begins the last (fortieth) year of the wilderness wanderings. The first two years of the wilderness journey are recorded, and this last year. That leaves a large gap of time in which we know nothing. We can surmise, though, that the murmuring attitude of the people did not change. Early on in the journey, the people complained about conditions and wished to return to Egypt (Num 11:4,5). The same attitude pertained in the fortieth year (21:5).

20:14 The seeming casual comment of Moses to the king of Edom – ‘you have seen the travail ...’ is one of the occasions where we learn that the journeying of the children of Israel was common knowledge. Another is Rahab’s comment – Josh 2:10

20:4,5 The children of Israel had been promised a land flowing with milk and honey (Exo 3:8).

But, they lacked faith. Faith consists of hope and vision: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). However, Israel was only concerned with its present comfort (Phil 3:19).

Are we only concerned with our present comfort? Or, do we have faith in Yahweh’s promises? Do we have the hope and vision of the Kingdom burning in our hearts? (Matt 6:21)? If we do, then any present discomfort, difficulty, or challenge will be calmly addressed.

20:6 the word glory is translated from the Hebrew word kavod which really means weight, but has the figurative meaning of splendour.  2Cor 4:17 shows the melding of the actual and figurative meanings.

Interestingly, in Modern Hebrew, the expression kol ha kavod is said to someone meaning Well done! or All power to you! Literally, it means: All the weight of power (glory) to you!

20:10 Moses calls Israel rebels. This episode is picked up in Heb Ch.3 where the brethren of Christ are urged not to depart from following Yahweh’s precepts. The ESV translates v.8 as: do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness. Israel was being tested in the wilderness to see if they were faithful to Yahweh and His Word. They failed the test because they rebelled.

Similarly, we are on a wilderness journey having our faith tested. Will we remain faithful or will we rebel? Remaining faithful will allow us to enter the Promised Land (Kingdom). Rebels will be barred from entry.

Miriam died (20:1); Aaron died (20:28); and Moses died (Deut 34:5). The First Family of Israel’s leadership died because they transgressed against Yahweh. As a result, they did not enter the Promised Land.

20:12 Moses did not enter the Promised Land because he failed to sanctify Yahweh (Deut 32:51).  He had almost completed the forty years' wandering without fault. And yet, he slipped. This is a warning to us to remain faithful to the end if we wish to be invited into the Kingdom. Past faithfulness cannot be stored up to offset future unrighteousness (Eze 33:13).

Moses displayed arrogance when he declared: must we fetch you water… (20:10). This inclusion did not honour Yahweh who was solely responsible for providing the water.

Moses was told to speak to the rock (20:8). Instead, he struck the rock - not once but twice (20:11).

This impudence offended Yahweh. The rock was symbolic of Jesus, His Son, who is the provider of living water (John 7:30; 1Cor 10:4). Jesus was not to be struck either in anger or self-righteousness. Rather, He should be treated with love (Psa 2:12).

And yet, Moses is mentioned amongst the faithful (Heb 11:23). He bore his punishment by not being allowed into the Promised Land. But, by the mercy of Yahweh, he shall be in the Kingdom.

20:2 That there was no water in Kadesh is a re-run of one of the first problems when Israel left Egypt. – Exo 15:22 – by now most of those who had experienced the problem the first time were dead. Those who were in Kadesh had experienced the rock ‘that followed them’ – 1Cor 10:4 most or all of their lives. However they still manifested the thinking of their fathers. The wilderness experience had no effect on the degree of their trust in God. What about ourselves? Have we learnt anything from our wilderness journey experience?

Num 20:8-11 - the rock was struck and gave water just as Christ did (1Cor 10:4;Isa 53:5;John 7:37-39;John 4:7-15).

20:4   The charge that Moses had brought them into the wilderness so their cattle could die was manifestly untrue. By now they had been in the wilderness 39 years – and they still had cattle. How easy it is to disregard the evidence of our own eyes when we seek to complain!

LIKE EVERYONE ELSE

It's not just everyone else. As Moses and Aaron led the children of Israel through the wilderness, time after time God's people complained, rebelled, and disobeyed God. And through it all, Moses and Aaron patiently put up with their bad behaviour, interceding for them with God and helping the people on their way to the Promised Land.

It would have been easy for Moses and Aaron to have pride in their hearts, that everyone around them were sinners, but they were righteous. It can be the same for us. If we live good lives and have brought up a good family, we can look around at those who seem to have struggled against sin more than ourselves, and stand there judging them, because we have it all worked out and they don't. It doesn't appear that Moses and Aaron ever did that. It is good that they didn't, because in one moment of not giving honour to God, and striking the rock instead of speaking to it, they joined the ranks of the rest of Israel as sinners. If there was ever anyone we might have thought could have been close to perfect, it would have been Moses through this period of his life.

We are never too good to fall. Let us stay humble and committed to honouring God. Let's not judge others, but realise that we may be only one step away from being just like everyone else.

21:24  We learn here that God destroyed the Amorites when Israel went up the East side of Jordan. This deliverance is appealed to – Amos 2:9 – later to encourage Judah who seem to have forgotten that God had taken care of them in the past.

In the mercy of God, Jesus ("the spiritual rock that followed them"-1Cor 10:4) beheld and communed with the very rock which he struck in anger on the mount of "Transfiguration" (Matt 17:3). 

21:23   Deut 2:30 shows that the way in which Sihon responded was part of God’s plan to give Israel Sihon’s territory. God hardened Sihon’s heart.

21:33-35    The way in which God delivered Og into Israel’s hands should have taught them that they need not fear the inhabitants of the land when they crossed Jordan. So God, against the background of the faithlessness – Num 13:28-29 – is providing Israel with evidence (yet again) of His ability to keep His word.

Blame me, or blame you?

To put these chapters in context, bear in mind that this is the second part of the wilderness journey. Israel have rejected the land of Canaan, rejected God, and rejected Moses as their leader (see preceding chapters Num 14-19), and are now being taken into the wilderness to live as nomads until the last of that generation have died out (Num 14:29-35). There is considerable anger and unrest because of this, as we can see from Num 20:3-5, and it is as if the people are unable to accept that it is their own actions that are to blame for this.

"And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink." Num 20:5

Moses had not brought them out of Egypt to bring them to the wilderness. He had brought them to the promised land, but their own unfaithfulness had taken it away from them. It had seemed so certain -- all they needed to do was march in and take it -- yet their own mistakes caused it to go wrong.

In our own lives too we may be about to do something that seems certain, for example a boss's promise of promotion; or we may be about to get the keys to a house; perhaps we're about to form a friendship. Sometimes through our own error, what we thought was certain doesn't happen after all. We might say the wrong thing at work and the promised promotion doesn't occur. Or we might get greedy and continue to haggle on the price of furnishings of the new house, and to our surprise the seller calls off the sale. We might show some bad character trait so that our new friendship turns sour. There are countless examples of where good things that are about to happen to us are spoiled by our own human nature. No-one lives a life without making mistakes! But, when this happens do we blame others? Do we blame God, or Moses, as the Children of Israel did? Or do we berate ourselves, learn the lesson and move on with new challenges and opportunities in life?

21:2 The vow Israel made was one they were unable to keep. The principle of Ecclesiastes 5:4. Better would it have been to say that their intention was to be faithful in destroying the cities.

20:3 So the people thought that life as slaves in Egypt was preferable to the freedom they had. Do we ever feel that our lives in Christ are restrictive and feel that we would like the lifestyle that we had before we accepted Jesus in the waters of baptism?

Num 20:1

The word KADESH, means sanctified or holy and is the root word of MIKDASH in the Hebrew and means sanctuary. I wonder if the Israelites ever saw this place as a sanctuary?

It is surprising how many times men of God were placed in a wilderness in order for them to learn of the things of God, it wasnt the first time for Moses was it?

20:9     It would appear that there was only ever one Red Heifer offered and so the ashes would need to be transported from stopping place to stopping place when the camp moved, though nothing is said of such activities in the Biblical record.

What did Moses really do wrong?

Num 20:8

Well first he was told to SPEAK to the rock but he smote it. But there is more to this.

We may see the similarites to the rock in Exo 17 and the rod. Except here in Num 20, it is both a different rod and a different meaning for rock

The word Rock in Ex 17 is a boulder, the word rock here is elevated or a cliff face.

The rod here I believe is the budded rod that was placed in the ark, why? To be a token for the rebels Num 17:10, see the meaning for Miriam in Num 20:1.

So we have an elevated rock, a type of Christ, but this type was not to be smitten like in Ex17, but he was tyo be spoken to. Because an elevated Christ who sits at gods right hand is now our mediator.

The rock was smitten with Aarons, NOT the rod that represents sin that smote the rock in EX 17, Aarons rod spoke of ressurection.

So what did Moses do wrong? He broke the type, an elevated Christ was not to be smitten, but to be spoken to he is now our mediator, a divine priesthood the firstfruit of the dead he speaks of ressurection.

Like Moses we must be careful how those around us can influnece our behaviour, Moses was angry and understandably so, but his actions in anger clouded his view for that he was excluded from the promised land. 

20:29  Aaron had been their high priest for the whole of the time that the nation wandered in the wilderness. They were so close to entering the land as we are now in the 40^th year of the journey to the land.

20:4-5  So near to the end of the journey – we are now in the 40^th year – and Israel were for giving up on God’s promise with the complaint “neither is there any water”. It is failing to see the value of the water of life – the scriptures – that would cause us to faint on our journey

21:2-3  Israel are now nearing the end of the wandering in the wilderness. Things start so well. They not only kill the Canaanites. They also destroyed their cities – naming the area “Hormah” meaning destruction. If only the nation had continued with this degree of faithfulness.

20:13 I suppose, when the people complained about the lack of water, that they thought that they were complaining to Moses - see :3 - but in fact it was God they were complaining about - striving with him. How often do we think of our complaints as being against what God has or has not provided?

20:3 The wilderness experience had taught many in the nation nothing. At the beginning of the journey the people complained about Moses and now, in the 40^th year of the journey it is still the same. The nation are still complaining to Moses. And their complaints are just the same as at the beginning of the journey.

When we are baptised into Christ we may have weaknesses that we need to address. Hopefully as our wilderness journey progresses we see some spiritual growth in ourselves!

21:1-3 We can e stablish from Numbers 33:40 – that these events took place in the 40^th year, the year that Israel entered the land of Canaan.

20:9 It would seem that the “rod” that was taken from “before the Lord” was, in fact, Aaron’s rod that had been placed in the tabernacle – Num 17:10.

v. 3 - Remember we are always naked before God - not just in body but in mind. He sees everything. Pro.5:21, 2Chron.16:9, Job 34:21, 22, Jer.16:17, 23:24, 32:19, Heb.4:13.

15 v.7 provides us with a contrast between the wise and foolish. The man that built his house on sand / rock. This contrast is similar to that of the two men who built houses. One on sand the other on the rock. [Luke 6:49] So we might see this proverb as a basis for Jesus parable. There are a number of places where the concept of hearing and not doing is found in Scripture. Proverbs 15:7 Malachi 2:2 Luke 6:49 Also there are a number of passages which speak of those who hear and do. Exodus 15:26 Deuteronomy 15:5 Ezekiel 33:31 Luke 8:21

v.1 - This is such a very hard lesson to learn. Retaliation in kind is our nature. What a fight we have to keep that under. It is hoped that as we each get older, we learn this wisdom. Why rise to the wrath of others, when a soft answer from ourselves can turn it away? And how true we find this to be in life as we continue to strive to please God.

There is a progression of thought about the wicked.
:8 His sacrifice is an abomination
:9 His way is an abomination
:26 His thoughts are an abomination

This is because all he does is a show. He offers the sacrifice but his heart is far from God. Hence everything he does is abominable to God. We must be careful that we don't just do things so that men can see whilst having hearts far from God.

:28 The idea of studying 'to answer' is picked up [1 Peter 3:15] in the context of speaking of our faith. The answer is given by the one who sanctifies God in his heart. It is not an academic study in which a person can show what he believes but not live the life which matches the beliefs vocalised.

15:5 In speaking of the fool who despises the instruction of the father Solomon is returning to the theme he spoke of Prov 3:11  when speaking of chastening. Instruction is more than words. The word of God has to be used to measure the experiences of life.

V.8  The most acceptable use of our tongues in God's sight is in humble prayer to Him.

V.9  Today we must show our faith, (expressed in prayer) by our works. (acts of sacrifice) Only then can it be said that we pursue righteousness.

Four times in this chapter we read the refrain: "the wise receives rebuke, but the fool despises it". We see it repeated in verses 5,10,12,31-32. Why does Solomon repeat it so many times? We are left in no doubt that wisdom is only gained through rebuke and chastening. It is gained by listening to the words of the wise, which will often not be the words we want to hear. The one who does not listen, however, is a fool (12:1).

The problem with the foolish man is this: he doesn't actually know good council when he finds it! A fool is too foolish to see wisdom. This is obvious, I guess, but it's spelled out in this chapter. In v21the fool is seen to have joy in folly. He enjoys it because he thinks it's good! This means that when he seeks out wisdom, he'll go to the wrong place (v12). He is naturally drawn to those with flattering lips. Wise council is too harsh for him, because it means that some of his own foolish thoughts will be challenged. It means he may be rebuked, and he doesn't want that!

We have a choice to make in our every day lives. Verse 10 tells us that those who hate discipline will die. Verses 24 and 31 tell us that wisdom gained by rebuke will save us. Who do we go to for advice? Those who tell us what we want to hear, or those who will tell us the truth? How do we pray to God? Do we ask Him to teach us His way, or do we avoid saying so, and go our own way? God is the only one who can teach us real wisdom. The proceeds of wisdom are not only eternal life, but joy and peace in this life. With wisdom we can live the life God has designed us to live. The rewards of wisdom are extremely great (8:10-22, 16:16 ), but there's a catch. Only those who want wisdom enough will actually submit to the trouble, chastening, rebuke, and humbling required to receive it. God has cleverly designed life so that we will not naturally choose this path, but rather foolishness because it's easier! The world around us is surely a testimony to this fact.

"there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (16:25).

Let's not listen to our natural instincts too much. We are born of the flesh. Jesus says that those who think from their own devices are children of the devil. Our natural heart is deceitful, just like the serpent which convinced Eve. God calls us to stop being of the flesh; the natural; and to be born again as sons of Him. God is wisdom. If we are His offspring then we will have it too. Jesus demonstrated very clearly how this could be achieved, by applying the wisdom in the word of God so perfectly that he was even called "the word made flesh" (John 1:14). The struggle that Jesus had was the same as ours, for he "learned obedience by the things he suffered". If we want to be sons of God too, we will have to walk the same path. (Prov 3:11-12, Heb 12:7). By our attitude to the rebuke of the word of God, and His chastening in our lives, we declare our sonship; whether we are still sons of our earthly father; or sons of our heavenly one.

I have often thought of Prov 15:1. A soft (or tender in Hebrew) reply will work wonders when fiery words are in the air.  How easy it is to reply to an angry person in the same vein as they have shouted at you!  But a tender, quiet reply turns away wrath.

15:1  A clear example of a soft answer turning away wrath is to be seen in David’s reaction to Abigail when she came to meet him as he was going to kill Nabal – the fool – 1Sam 25:23-31

V.29 - God not only hears the prayers of the righteous but they are powerful and effective James 5:16;Psa 145:18;Isa 1:10-17.

15:10 Whenever we are involved in contention we do well to asses whether we are being proud. – Phil 2:3

15:7 In saying that the wise ‘disperse knowledge’ we learn that those of us who understand the things of God should speak to others of the things we know. This not only include preaching to others but speaking with our fellow brethren and sisters about the delights that we have seen in His word . There is a benefit that flows from this Mal 3:16

V.11 If the LORD can view the subterranean places where death and destruction reside, then He can just as easily view the hearts (the hidden places) of humankind.

WEEDS

"The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway." (Prov 15:19)

I will always remember the picturesque lesson my father-in-law gave one Sunday morning as he encouraged the people in our church. He spoke about gardening, and in particular, weeds. He told us that weeds are like sins. As you take out the weeds from your garden, it is a comparatively easy job to remove them when they are small. But if we put the job off a few weeks or months, their roots grow deeper and deeper, the plants produce seeds and berries and the small plant that would have been so easy to pull out takes so much more time and effort to remove now that it is firmly established.  It is the same with sin. It is so much easier to weed out sin from our lives before those sins become firmly established habits and are ingrained into our nature.

Yes, in a very literal way, the way of the sluggard will become blocked with thorns because he has put off his weeding while the weeds were small. But because the path of the upright is constantly maintained, it is a highway. The spiritual lesson is even more powerful. Little sins not removed will grow to choke the fruit of the Spirit and block the road to life. But a spiritual life constantly examined and maintained will make the road to eternal life wider and easier.

Pull out the weeds today.

15:5 In this couplet we see that ‘instruction’ and ‘reproof’ are equivalent. Our Father just not just reprove His children His actions are designed to teach as well.

V.1 This verse is good to commit to memory so that it governs behaviour. I find it useful to make a list of Biblical quotes and review them until memorised. Only when scriptural advice becomes reflexive will it change attitudes and behaviours. Mere reading of the Word will not do this (James 1:22). During His temptation, Jesus refuted any suggestions by quoting Deuteronomy (Matt 4:4,7,10). He did this reflexively, from memory (Col 4:6) (salt = The Word).

There are quotes suitable for faith, encouragement, and direction.  Then there are others which give praise to Yahweh; show His creative power; and reveal His authority. All these aspects are important for increasing faith. If you would like to see my lists for ideas to get started on yours, please e-mail me.

V.13 Why should we not be joyful! We have the Kingdom in our future. If we are not excited about that, then it’s time for a spiritual reality check. It is easy to spot those who rise above the present difficulties in anticipation of the Kingdom. Their demeanour will tell you as they display the fruit of the Spirit. The second component of the fruit of the Spirit is joy (Gal 5:22,23).

15:2 Notice the contrast. The wise ‘useth’ the fool ‘poureth’. The wise is circumspect with his words. The fool just rants on and on. Who do we imitate?

15:8   This contract is seen in David’s confidence in Psa 66:18

15:6   The wise man is not speaking of material wealth such as silver or gold. It is self evident that righteous men are not necessarily wealthy. Nor does it follow that a wealthy man, materially speaking, will have trouble. Rather the wealth which is the wisdom of God is the wealth of the ‘righteous’. The man who focuses on silver and gold to the exclusion of God will not be blessed with the spiritual blessings.

1. Prov 15:1 - KJV "words" / NIV "word"<1697>, it only takes a single word to injure  - the tongue can be dangerous or used to humbly reconcile [James 3:5-6;Gen 32:18-20 (the one who has the birthright referred to as the servant); Gen 33:3-4].  

2. Prov 15:4 - how we use our tongue can be a matter of (eternal) life and death.

3. Prov 15:5,7,14,21 - v5 "fool"<191>, v7 "foolish"<3684>, v14 "fools"<3684>, v14 "foolishness"<200>, v20 "foolish"<3684>, v21 "folly"<200>.

4. Prov 15:6,16 - two kinds of treasure - v6 "treasure"<2633>, v16 "treasure"<214> - (Heb 11:26;2Cor 6:10).

5. Prov 15:7 - "The fool lacks the receptivity for knowledge which would enable him to spread knowledge" - Proverbs vol2, p370, Aleck Crawford, 1989.

6. Prov 15:8-9 (1Sam 15:22).

7. Prov 15:10 - he that hateth reproof isn't tortured in a firey hell for an eternity (Psa 145:20;146:4).

8. Prov 15:12 (Isa 30:10).

9. Prov 15:14 (Matt 12:42;Acts 17:11;Matt 5:6) - we are what we eat.

10. Prov 15:15 - do we have a positive or negative outlook (Gen 47:8-9;Ruth 1:20;Hab 3:17-18;Phil 4:11)?

11. Prov 15:17 - NIV "Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred."

12. Prov 15:18 - "strife" <4066>, "strife"<7379> - Matt 5:9.

13. Prov 15:20 - "A wise son maketh a glad father..." (Matt 3:17).

14. Prov 15:21 - "wisdom"<3820>.

15. Prov 15:22 - we need to be careful who we are influenced by and seek out those who are wise.

16. Prov 15:23 - "a word spoken in due season" (1Sam 25:32-33 provides a good example).

17. Prov 15:24 - perhaps this has application to the resurrection (Dan 12:1-3).

18. Prov 15:25  (Prov 22:28;23:10-11;1Kin 21:2,3,14,16;2Kin 9:26,36;2Kin 10:1,7,11;Luke 1:51-52).

19. Prov 15:27  (1Tim 6:10).

20. Prov 15:28  (Matt 12:34,36,37;Acts 17:10-11 when we fill our minds with good things, good things tend to come out of our mouth).

21. Prov 15:30 - emotions can effect our health and v30 "maketh the bones fat" perhaps refers to health and well being.

22. Prov 15:31 - learning from chastisement saves the wise from losing eternal life.

23. Prov 15:32 - "He that 'refuseth'<6544> 'instruction'<4148> 'despiseth'<3988> his own 'soul'<5315>" - i.e. if we dismiss God's chastening we spurn life.

24. Prov 15:33 - Christ is a perfect example of humility before honor (Matt 5:5; Phil 2:5-10  ^"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in very nature^[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, ⁷ but made himself nothing, taking the very nature^[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—  even death on a cross! ⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth".

15:1    The Bible has a number of examples where a soft answer turned wrath away.Josh 22:10-34

 Prov. 15:8.

15:13  Our demeanour affects how others feel. It is our responsibility, then, to always strive to help others by the way we react to situations. If at all possible we should not allow circumstances that surround us to depress us. 

15:9  The one who follows after righteousness contrasts with the young man who follows the strange woman – Prov 7:22

15:3  If we could always remember that what the wise man says is true it would, doubtless, help us to avoid sinning.

15:6   The Proverbs speak of things being “better than” on a number of occasions. Here is a list of them Prov 15:16,17, 16:8,16, 17:1, 19:1, 27:10, 28:6. It is worth looking at all of them to see the pattern that the writer, through the Holy Spirit presents.

HOW WE FEED OUR MINDS

Prov.15:14 speaks about the mouth of the fools that feed on foolishness. It's once been said "garbage in - garbage out", and so it is with our minds. What we let into our minds is just as important as how we feed out bodies - we are what we eat.

The kinds of entertainment we watch, the music we listen to, the kinds of friends we surround ourselves with, the things we watch in private on our ipads or mobile devices all are part of our mental diet. What we feed our mind will influence our total being. Thus the words of this Proverb are so important - "The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge of the Lord". (Prov 15:14)

Prov 15:22 Without Counsel Purposes Are Disappointed 

Let us not mistake mere planning for true Purpose, nor mere organisation for vital Efficiency. 

15:27  The way in which greed can impact on families is seen on a number of occasions in Scripture. One such example is Achan – Josh 7:21-25. Whilst his family were spared destruction they suffered the loss and ignominy of being associated with Achan. Probably we can think of other examples which serve as warnings to us.

15:1 the “soft answer” is not the natural response when we are “wronged”. Human nature will always seek to defend itself whether justified or not. Better is it to be gentle in our response. Someone criticises us so we might respond “What would you like me to do?”

15:1 we see similar instructions and comment inEcc 10:4.

15:32 We should think carefully when we are being spoken to about something we need to change in our behaviour or thinking. Disregarding the comments is the same as not having any concern for our own wellbeing.

Prov 15:2

“The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.”

This is such an important lesson for all of us! It helps us not only to identify those who speak wisely and those who speak foolishly, but teaches us to be so careful to act wisely in all aspects of life (Eph 5:15-17).

The foolish will say the wrong thing, the wrong way, at the wrong time, to the wrong person, and to which we may add social media. Fools destroy relationships and aggravate a situation that calls for damage control. They fail to use truthful Scriptural knowledge. Wisdom exposes them, much to their chagrin, and get very irate and condemnatory when corrected.

We are admonished to avoid fools after rebuking them, and avoid scorners altogether (Prov 9:7,8; Prov 26:4,5; cf. Matt 7:6). We are to warn the unruly, rebuke sinners, while comforting the feebleminded (Lev 19:17,18; 1Thess 5:14). This is not vengeance or revenge, as such would claim, but a Scriptural mandate! “Vengeance,” # <5358> in Lev 19:18 has to do with executing some form of punishment, which is only God’s prerogative (Deut 32:35,41-43). When the apostle Paul rebuked Peter aright publicly, he was not being vengeful. He knew the difference (cf. Rom 12:19; 1Tim 5:1,20). “Avenge” is  # <1556>, “retaliate, punish.” To rebuke is vastly different from vengefulness. It is # <1969>, “chastise with words.” Rebuke in 2Tim 4:2 is # <2008>, “admonish.” Those who do not use knowledge aright create a lot of contention in pouring out foolishness. They babble words insensibly, because their heart is not right, and their mouth proclaims it.

The heart of the wise, on the other hand, is filled with knowledge: morally, spiritually, civilly, and is compassionate. The wise speak at proper times, in proper ways, in proper places, to proper persons. Thus every good man out of the good treasure of knowledge in his heart brings forth good things to edifying being profitable to those who will listen and give a word in season to the weary (Matt 12:35; Luke 6:45 Isa 50:4). What a contrast, indeed!

15:1-9  We have all seen it – maybe even been involved in it. What started out as a reasoned discussion ends in bitterness and unhappiness – and yet no one in the discussion wanted  it to end that way. We look back over the discussion and wonder how we got to this unhappy position.

The Proverbs here highlight two characteristics of discussions – a “soft answer” and “grievous words”.  There is a “time to keep silence” (Ecc 3:7). The wise recognise when that is. An offended brother his hard to recover (Prov 18:19)

15:9 The ancient proverbs of Solomon are timeless in their application. So, under the power of inspiration Paul quotes – 1Tim 6:11 – this advice to Timothy as he, like us, strives to walk faithfully in God’s teaching.

15:4 this is the las time a “tree of life” is mentioned in the Old Testament – though there are similar ideas that can be found. The first is in the Garden of Eden – Gen 2:9. It was not something to be taken uninvited. However the qualities of the “tree of life” have to be developed in the mind of the believer. If they are not then the right to eat of that tree – Rev 2:7– will not be granted.

1 v. 4,5 - Whatever problems we have with the concept of predestination, the language of these verses associates us directly with the promises. Deut.7:6,7, Ps.135:4, Isa.41:8,9, 65:8,9.

Introductory Note to Ephesians
We have information about the ecclesia at Ephesus over a very long time.
We learn of it's formation [Acts 18:9]
A visit to the elders of the ecclesia Acts 20:17
The letter to the Ephesians
The two letters to Timothy
Jesus final message Rev 2:1-7
Information covering such a long time provides a valuable insight into the rise and fall of a first century ecclesia.

1v.6 'grace is a repeating idea in Ephesians 1:2,6,7 2:5.7.8 4:7,29 6:24 The Greek translated 'made us accepted' 5487 only occurs one other time in the New Testament Luke 1:28 where it is translated 'highly favoured' Our position is exalted, just as was Mary's.

2 v.1 Being 'quickened' - made alive - means that we have risen to a new life in Christ. The obligation is to give ourselves in service to our Father.

We should expect to see links between the Acts of the Apostles where it speaks of the work at Ephesus and this letter. Here are some of the links.

Parallels with Acts 19 & 20
1:7 his blood Acts 20:28
1:11 inheritance Acts 20:32
1:11 counsel Acts 20:27
1:14 purchased Acts 20:28
1:18 inheritance Acts 20:32
4:2 with all lowliness Acts 20:19
6:21 Tychicus Acts 20:4

2:1-7 contrast between being in Adam and in Christ is presented so that the Ephesians might appreciate the great change that has taken place in their lives.

OPEN THE EYES OF OUR HEARTS

"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (Ephesians 1 v 18 - 19)

This is a prayer that we should all pray for each other. Paul prayed it for the Ephesians, so we should pray it for our friends. More than that, we may also find we need to pray it for ourselves. Every now and then we need that uplifting revelation from God that opens the eyes of our hearts, strengthens our hope in the reward God has promised, and displays God's awesome power to us again. It may come as we read his word, pray or admire his creation, from a song, a passing word or a deep and thoughtful discussion - whatever way God chooses to open the eyes of our hearts.

Without being re-awakened, having the hope of the kingdom fresh in our minds, and the strength we gain from the knowledge of God's power, our lives have every little purpose. Our peace, faith, hope and strength will all be stripped from us and we will feel like there is no point to the life we live. But now we can have the eyes of our hearts opened by God and live victoriously in Christ, knowing that if we are with God, he will be with us.

God has given us an awesome hope, and along with it the grace and strength to receive what he has offered. May the eyes of our hearts be opened today.

1:10 In saying that God has gathered together in one Paul is quoting the words of the gospel (John 11:52) - Paul is saying that the work that Jesus would accomplish have been fulfilled in the call of the gentiles.

2:5 We do well to realise that Christ died for us 'when we were dead in sins' not when we were His children. The same point is made (Romans 5:10-12).

1:5 - (cp Rom 8:29,30)   Predestinated= "marked out in advance".
This does not speak of divine interference of human freewill, but of Yahweh's foreknowledge. Man has freewill to do as he pleases, but because Yahweh knows the end from the beginning - because He knows the entire course which a man will choose to take in life - He already knows who will respond to His will. He has "marked out before", that is, before the foundation of the world, those individuals, because He knows the degree of faithfulness they will show.

6:7-8 Sowing what we reap has passed into colloquial use. However it has it's origins in Scripture. Paul highlights a principle first seen in Proverbs Prov 6:14,19, 11:18, 22:8

1:20  In quoting  Psa 110:1 'set him at his own right hand' and in 1:22  Psa 8:6'hath put all things under his feet' Paul, by the Holy Spirit is showing that these two Psalms are related. So Psa 8 is not just talking about man having dominion over all creation - rather it is speaking of the dominion of Jesus as God's son as High priest.

2:14  The 'middle wall of partition' was the barrier on Herod's temple mount which segregated Jews and gentiles. The gentile was unable to pass the 'middle wall of partition' to get near to the temple. The Jew was. But this segregation is done away in Christ. Both gentile and Jew have the same access to God now.

1:3  "heavenly places" The phrase "Heavenly places" is used five times in the letter. 1:3, 1:20, 2:6, 3:10, 6:12. The last quote it is translated "high places" in the A.V. Greek word is EPOURANIOS. (3772)  The phrase is found nowhere else in scripture.

1:20 The term: heavenly places is found only in Ephesians.  It occurs five times, but is translated, in the KJV, high places in 6:12

God raised Jesus to sit at His right hand in the heavenly places (heaven) (1:20).
As a result, some believe that the faithful in Christ will also sit with Him in heaven (2:6). But, both these verses are in the present tense. 

It is true that Jesus was/is sitting at the right hand of His Father (Heb 10:12).  The same could not be said of the Ephesians to whom Paul wrote. 

What Paul is talking about in (2:6) is that Yahweh has reserved a reward in heaven to be administered on earth at a later time (Kingdom) (2:7, 1Pet 1:4-5).

1:4 In Ephesus, like many other ecclesias in the first century, had a problem with those who would have taken gentiles back to observing the law of Moses. Paul, here, highlights that it is one or the other. It is not possible to mix observing the law with accepting the grace of God in Christ.

2:3 We do well to remember that ‘by nature’ we are sinners. Being Adam’s children we are bound to sin. This is why Jesus died for us – because we cannot save ourselves. Appreciating our tendency to sin should not cause us to be despondent, rather it should cause us to rejoice in the fact that God wants to save us even though we are Adam’s children.

1:1 "By the will of God" Paul has not attained this office of apostle by aspiration, not by man's appointment, but by Divine preparation, having been set apart by the will of his Heavenly Father.

What a pity that “churches” think of saints as dead people commemorated by statues and plaques. We are saints.  Called out ones, separated ones, holy people. So in Eph 2:19 we are fellow citizens with our brothers and sisters around the world, those who are also called “The household of God”. Our members in far off lands, who have such different lifestyles to us, who speak a different language, and whom we will probably not meet until Jesus comes, they are our fellow saints.  May the good Lord bless them all.

1:17  Notice the ‘spirit of wisdom; that is in the believers through faith contrasts markedly with the spirit in Eve and Adam – Gen 3:6 – where they thought they knew better than God.

1:5-6 Notice that whilst we have been ‘predestined’ it is not for our honour. Rather it is for God to be glorified. It is “To the praise of the glory of his grace”

2:2 Disobedience (towards God) is not the result of any influence by a supernatural entity (the Devil of popular theology). It is brought about by the wilfulness of a person to follow his/her own desires (figuratively the prince of the power of the air) rather than doing what God commands (1John 2:16).

1:7 It flows so easily off the lips – ‘in whom we have redemption ...’ but notice the end of the verse ‘the richness of his grace’. Whilst we can see the forgiveness available to us we should never forget that we stand justified by God’s grace. And the wonderful thing is because our Father is so gracious we can have confidence – Luke 12:32

1:5,11The predestination refers to Yahweh’s intention to allow Gentiles to become citizens of Israel (2:12).

True believers in Christ become adopted sons and daughters. They are often termed Spiritual Israel since they are not Jews in the flesh; neither do they keep the Law of Moses except for its moral tenets.

2:8,9 To be saved, faith must be shown. Works cannot save. And yet, works are a demonstration of one’s faith (James 2:18,20,26).

2:14 The term middle wall (KJV) is misleading. Logically, if there is a middle wall there must also be inner and outer walls. The Greek word mesotoichon, in its literal sense, means partition. The ESV translates this as dividing wall which simplifies the understanding.

2:20 Jesus is often referred to as the cornerstone. A cornerstone is a foundation stone which is found at the junction of two walls. As one wall ends, the other wall extends outwards at ninety degrees. Jesus is at the junction of the Old and New Covenants. He is pivotally placed (and is the reason) for the finish of the Old and the commencement of the New.

The power that works in us

In 1:19 we are told about the "exceeding greatness of His power towards us who believe". What is that power?

The answer can be found by unravelling the context a little. Notice how 1:20-22 (speaking of Jesus) is virtually the same as 2:5-7 (speaking of the saints). So the context is about how the saints ("in the ages to come") obtain a position of authority and power like Jesus, and alongside him, because of faith (2:8). 1:19-20 tells us that the extent of this power is demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus to life and authority.

So to answer the question, the power of God in us is the same as that power which worked in Jesus by raising him from the dead (i.e. he is our pattern). The passage in 1:17-19 teaches us each to pray for the wisdom and understanding to know the extent of that power for us individually, so that it will give us the confidence to go forth and do good works (2:10).

Eph 1:3 - God is over Jesus. Eph 1:17 - God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1:14 Again twice Paul reminds the Ephesians of things that he had told them when he was with them

Inheritance          Acts 20:32

Purchased Acts  Acts 20:28

2:12-13           A passage we probably know so well. It speaks of the way in which gentiles can be associated with the promises to Abraham. However it  does highlight the stark reality of the alienation of those who have not ‘put on’ Christ. God intentions and a willingness to read the Word and spend time with believers is not sufficient. A change in relationship with God is required. This can only come through the waters of baptism.

1:13    Notice that Paul comments that the believers in Ephesus ‘trusted’ (God) after they had ‘heard’  - faith cometh by hearing the word of God Rom 10:17 – One cannot have faith – trust – a God whose will one has not learnt from Scripture.

Eph 2:19-20

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

A corner stone is the hardest stone, which lines up the foundation and unites the whole building. The stone is laid beneath two walls, which diverge at right angles from each other binding the walls together giving strength, symmetry, and cohesion to the whole. In ancient times it was the visible corner of the foundation of a building, and the starting point of the building. Jesus Christ is the foundation on which both the Old and New Testaments are built upon (Isa 28:16), the ecclesia being the fulfillment of Bible prophecy!

The “corner stone” differs from the “head stone” (see Psa 118:22; Matt 21:42), in that a head stone is situated on the top, and can fall on us (Luke 20:18), while the corner stone, situated at the bottom, cannot fall on us, but rather stays in place. Jesus Christ is the “chief corner stone” foundation in whom both Jews and Gentiles are united that they may build up one holy house. Jesus Christ is the chief “head stone of the corner” being the author and finisher of our faith in whom the building is completed (Heb 12:2).

Paul described believers as members “of the household of God” because they built their faith on the right foundation of the apostles, prophets, and Christ, himself. The apostle Peter echoed similar sentiments as he graphically described the great spiritual house that God is building, Christ being the Living Stone, the head of God’s spiritual building of living stones (1Pet 2:4-7; 1Tim 3:15).

Jesus is both, the “Alpha” and the “Omega” (Rev 1:8). We cannot lay for ourselves a new foundation (1Cor 3:10-11)! May we, as living stones built upon the chief corner stone, so labour that our efforts not be brought to naught (Matt 7:22-23).

Eph 1:22-23

“...and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the ecclesia, which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.”

In Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, E.W. Bullinger writes: “The church (ecclesia), which is His body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.” Here, we must supply: --‘that filleth all (the members of His body) with all (spiritual gifts and graces).’ Compare chap. iv. 10-13.” (i.e. Eph 4:10-13. The non-italicized words in parenthesis added by me).

Eph 2:15

A reader writes: “Romans 7:1-7. Analogy is first natural vs. 2,3, then spiritual vs. 4 ‘Ye ALSO’ Against this analogy & background, Paul says that Jesus has abolished the ‘law of commandments’ by His death Eph. 2:15 & has indeed ‘taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross’ Col. 2:11-14. This is not the ritual law of feasts & sacrifices, which the Lord dispensed with by His death, but the original 10 commandments ‘tables written & engraven in stones’, which is the ministration of death done away with in the new covenant. 2 Col.3: 3,6,7,11.”

My reply: The analogy of first natural then spiritual that you cite is taken out of context. Paul in 1Cor 15 confronts paganism within the ecclesia. Some taught there was no resurrection, while others fed into the immortality of the soul. Paul confronted these teachings by showing first the natural (Adam) and then the spiritual (Christ). This is the argument from analogy, by which he draws from the obvious propriety of the doctrine that man should be raised up in the manner somewhat similar to the mode in which he had been involved in his ruin. There are numerous analogies given throughout Scripture, but all must be interpreted in the context in which it is given. For example: we have the analogy of the seed and our growth in Christ.

You say Rom 7:1-7 is the background for Eph 2:15. This is incorrect. Under the Law, the Israelites were married to God; He was their Husband (Isa 54:5), but now Paul is telling them to be married to Christ! To be married to Christ meant they were no longer married to God. The Jews who knew the Law had a hard time with this - you cannot be married to both at the same time. Therefore, the one had to “die.” They were no longer under the Old Covenant, but under the New Covenant in Christ. Christ is now the husband, they his bride. If Rom 7:2  were taken literally, it would be incorrect because under the Law, the wife could be loosed from her husband if he divorced her (Deut 24:1-4). Paul was leading to something else, for the holy-spirit filled apostle would not have made such an oversight, and this is evidenced by the verses that follow.

The context in Eph 2 clearly reveals that by Christ’s death he ended the whole system of the Jewish law that excluded the Gentiles. Christ’s purpose was to make peace between the Jews and Gentiles (Eph 2:14). The Jews and Gentiles had been estranged from one another. The Gentiles were shut out from worshipping in the temple; they had no covenants, and no promises. There was a wall on the inside of the Temple by the Court of the Gentiles with the inscription that Gentiles were not permitted to go beyond the wall on pain of death! God had formed His own nation, Israel through which Messiah would come. Through Christ, the animosity between the Jews and Gentiles no longer existed when they came to Christ, the barriers were removed, and thus both groups became one.

The Law was divided into the moral law and the ceremonial law. Christ did not abolish the moral law, but the ceremonial law. What Christ rendered ineffective by the “law of commandments contained in ordinances” is revealed in its context: that is the Jew could no longer boast in their superiority, that they could do this and that because they were now all one in Christ (Col 3:11).

When Paul speaks of “… blotting out the handwriting of ordinances… nailing it to the cross,”(Col 2:11-14), he is not saying that Christ brought an end to the Law of Moses, and that it was no longer in effect!  When a man paid off his debt, his receipt was nailed to the post of his door, providing public evidence that his debt was paid in full. Paul says that Christ carried the debt of our sin to the cross, nailing it there, and showing publicly its cancellation in his death! (Please read more on this in my notes on John 19:30). It refers to the ceremonial laws, not moral laws. All our obligations of ceremonial laws were abolished along with its curses (cf. Num 5:23).

1:8     The word translated “prudence” <5248>only occurs twice in Scripture. The other  occasion is Luke 1:17 where it is translated “wisdom”. This is the second link we have seen to Luke 1 as Eph 1:6 “accepted” picks on Luke 1:28 “highly favoured”.

Eph 2:10

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

A Russian writer, Fyodor Dostoyevsky who became a member of a revolutionary group and arrested, wrote about his time in Katorga prison camp in Omsk, Siberia in his book, The House of the Dead. In it he wrote how some of the meanest and crudest prisoners would at times do some of the gentlest and kindest deeds. It shows that some of the meanest people can do good and that some who consider themselves really good can do some pretty mean things.

The Greek word for good is “agathos” Strong’s # <18>, and Eph 4 and Eph 5 give us specific examples how good works are to be expressed in our lives. Biblical goodness as defined in Eph 5:9 (# <19>, from # <18>, agathosune) is not just about doing good works, but about “all goodness and righteousness and truth.”  The apostle Paul clearly parallels righteousness and truth with goodness.  We read further in Gal 5:16,22-25 that we are to walk in the Spirit and bear good fruit.

Goodness follows gentleness. Gentleness is the Greek word, chrestotes, # <5544>, translated also as “kindness” (Gal 5:22). They are closely associated. We see the connection also in Rom 11:22 wherein "kindness," chrestotes, is translated “goodness.” “Behold therefore the goodness (# <5544>) and severity of God…” The fruit of the Spirit is all interrelated and overlapping. To understand what good works are all about, we must understand all the fruit of the Spirit!

We must keep seeking God, meditate on His qualities, and let His qualities be developed in us. It is only then that we will be able to continually express good works in our lives. When we do, we will automatically benefit others; we will go beyond our own selfish needs and be self-giving and kind. Human good works whether in the Truth or not is never a substitute for the new birth, or re-birth (cf. John 3:7); we must also be converted - conversion being the process of salvation that involves a change in us - a change of mind, a change of life, or repentance, to which Jesus called us. We can be convinced of the Truth, be in the Truth without being converted (Mark 1:15; Luke 22:32; Rom 13:14).  Biblical goodness is faith working in love in step with the fruit of the Spirit.

I know there are times when the darkness seems to deepen around us, when help seems so far away, when our joy flees away and gloom surrounds us, when facing some bitter foes and the tears just flow, but if we abide in our Heavenly Father, He will abide with us through it all unto all good works.

1:6     Here and elsewhere – 1Thess 1:3, Philem 1:4 – Paul tells his fellow believers that he has been praying for them. However Jesus warned against making one’s prayers public. The resolution is that Jesus is warning against self gratification whilst Paul is encouraging others by telling them of his concern for them.

Eph 2:8,9

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Grace is getting something for nothing for sinners who do not deserve anything. It is a saving grace, a free gift to man (cf. Titus 2:11). It is a sufficient grace (2Cor 12:9); it is a standing grace (1Pet 5:12; Rom 5:2). We learn by examining the various Scriptural passages that our standing in grace is applied to how we live our lives.

In Gal 5:1, we are admonished to “Stand fast,” and the apostle Paul shows the kind of standing acceptable before God. Salvation is contingent upon a “standing grace,” and if we do not stand in grace, we have fallen from grace (Gal 5:4). While verse 4 has its primary interpretation of justification by law, it also has a secondary, spiritual application, as shown from the other passages of Scripture.

We can lapse into legalism and run into danger of becoming legalistic. Being a legalist, we brand others as, “worldly.” Worldliness to us is what another does, but we would never do (e.g. dancing, going to the movies, watching TV). We disassociate ourselves from them, thinking we are better than they; we are holier than they, and go so far as to judge their worthiness of eternal life! In judging others by our own works, we have become legalistic and fallen from grace!

We are justified by our standing in Christ. We are to stand fast in the freedom in which Christ has set us free. To add anything to our faith in Christ is to be legalistic. This is what the Galatians were guilty of. They embraced Christ and added to their faith the legalistic Judaist forms of ceremonies!

We are saved by grace through faith. Grace is a positional truth – we are to stand in grace, stand fast in the Lord that we may be of the same mind in the Lord (Phil 4:1,2). We cannot separate the one from the other if we are to be saved. From start to finish, it is a free gift of God, but our carnal nature must be subdued through the power of the Word. We must stand firm in the doctrine and hold on to its teaching as taught by Christ and the apostles (cf. 2Thess 2:15). We cannot afford to be at loggerheads, quarrelling and denigrating, speaking evil of one to another. Those who do, do not stand by grace, and it is for these very reasons there are so many splits in fellowships, in families, and often brought about by the very people who think they are in good standing with God! The fact is they do not know the grace of God experientially.

We learn experientially of the wonderful grace of God wherein we can stand fast through faith in Christ.  Is it easy? No. Our personalities are not always congenial or affable, and some are easier to love than others. Still, we are not to act unfavourably to such, but need to pray for grace to love them and get along with them. We must stand fast in fellowship; stand fast in the family of God. This is to stand in grace; this is what God and Christ would have us do. We may think we are standing in grace, but by acting contrary to Scriptural teaching on what it takes to be in grace, we will not be commended to God at the judgment seat of Christ. (cf. Acts 20:32).

Faith is in the whole truth as found in the confines of the whole Counsel of God, and from which some shall depart (1Tim 4:1). It takes grace to stand fast in the faith. We are to walk in the whole counsel of God and stand for the whole Truth that we may stand in time of need, and obtain mercy (cf. 1Cor 16:13; 2Thess 2:15-17; Heb 4:14-16).

1:17  When we see Paul writing about desiring the spirit of wisdom we see an echo of what Solomon desired – 2Chron 1:10

Eph 1:18

We have seen mention of wisdom in Prov 15.

Here we see where wisdom must be placed.

Rotherham translates "so the heart has eyes". Many times in scripture the heart represents thinking or the mind, CP Luke 2:19 the world tells us we should think with our hearts, but we should really be making decisions from our minds which have the word impregnated in them, we should not be making decisions based upon human emotions.

2Cor 4:4-6, 1Chron 29:17, Jer 17:10, 1Sam 16:7

The high priest was to wear a golden plate upon his forehead to reflect what was to be found in his forehead (mind).

Do we display Holiness to Yahweh upon our foreheads seen in our decisions in life? Or do we make decisions in life based upon human emotion?

1:15-16       The way in which Paul regularly prayed for the Ephesian brethren is an example of what he encourages the Thessalonians to do – 1Thess 5:17

2:6-7  Paul is telling us that the benefits of our relationship with God now are the basis for the future glory in the kingdom.

2:14    In Acts 21:29 Paul had been accused of taking an Ephesian onto temple mount beyond the middle wall of partition which was the barrier beyond which gentiles were not allowed to pass. So Paul’s inspired comment here draws on an historical event which doubtless was known by the Ephesians.

2:14,15,16      The threefold “peace” here echoes what we see inPsa 122:6,7,8.

Eph 2:20

“And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”

“The names inscribed on the twelve precious gems of the foundation are those of ‘the twelve apostles of the Lamb.’ Showing that those who constitute the community of the holy city ‘are built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone,’ even the first foundation, represented by the Jasper. The last of the gems in the breastplate, but first in the arrangement of the holy city because Christ is styled the ‘Beginning of the creation of the Deity;’ that is, the New Creation developed out of the ruins of the old.”

Eureka by Brother John Thomas and PATTERNS OF THINGS IN THE HEAVENS by Sister E.J. Lasius, Brother Thomas’ daughter.

1:17 The Spirit-gift of “the spirit of wisdom”, was also given to Joshua: “And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him” (Deut. 34:9). A key role of Joshua was to cause the people, albeit under the Old Covenant, to inherit the land: “for he shall cause Israel to inherit it” (Deut. 1:38); “he shall cause them to inherit the land” (Deut. 3:28); “and thou shalt cause them to inherit it” (Deut. 31:7). In Ephesians 1 the inheritance is mentioned several times: “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance” (Eph. 1:11); “Which is the earnest of our inheritance”; (Eph. 1:14); “the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18). The Spirit-gift of “the spirit of wisdom” harked back to Joshua and pointed forward to when the greater Joshua, the Lord Jesus Christ, will return with the spirit of wisdom to cause his people to inherit the Kingdom. 

GOD HAS HIS EYE ON YOU

There are a few phrases in Paul's first words to the believers in Ephesus that give me a sense that God loves me and that everything will be OK. Here they are:

"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be blameless in his sight." (Eph 1:4). No matter how much you feel like you are shackled to sin now, God has a plan for you to be holy and blameless. It will happen!

"In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with his pleasure and will." (v.4-5). God loves you and intends you to be part of his family. This is not a grudging invitation, but to have us as his sons and daughters will give God great pleasure. How awesome is that?

"In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." (v.7). You can be forgiven. No sin is too hard for God to forgive. I know we don't deserve it, but the riches of the grace of God is that it is given to those who don't deserve it. Forgiven and free from the power of sin and death!

Yes, God has his eye on you - not to keep track of the bad things you do, but because he wants you as part of his family, because he has great plans for you, because he sees you as his child, forgiven by his grace, living a perfect and holy life in the joy of the Lord.
 

2:6  In saying we are sitting in heavenly places we see our exalted position rather like that of David when he “sat before the Lord” at the time the promises were made to him – 2Sam 7:18

1:9 Notice that the mystery which is the message that God was in Christ for our salvation was something that gave God “pleasure”. Salvation was not an afterthought. It was part of God’s plan from the beginning.

1:9 Notice that our awareness of these things and the very offer itself is a consequence of God’s “good pleasure”. Jesus said something similar – Luke 12:32

1:4When Paul writes of us being “chosen” we see another link (see comment on verse 2) with 1Chron 29:1 where Solomon was chosen.