Comments for April 7

24 v. 8 - The words which God forced Balaam to say (see yesterday's comment) here were the very last that Balak wanted to hear, not only did Balaam bless Israel when Balak asked him to curse them but he made a point, both here and in 23:22 of likening them to a mighty strong animal that never ceases to kill and devour its prey - in this case a unicorn, in 23:24 a great lion.. This is the effect of God fighting for his people. Deut.7:1 and it goes through to the kingdom Ps.2:9. We must take courage that God will surely fight our enemies for us too.

24 v.4 the use of 'eyes open' here and in verse 16 marks a contrast with how he was when the angel met him in the way.

25 v.7-12 This time in Israel's history provides Malachi with the basis for his exhortation to the priests. Phinehas is presented in Malachi 2:5 as the pattern that Israel's priests should follow. He executed the Lord's vengeance, even though he was not given a specific command. He knew that what was going on was wrong and so acted to stay the error. That what he did, of his own initiative, was right is borne out by the praise here and in Malachi that he receives.

25:1-9 - We read so often of God's wrath because of the turn which the people made away from worshipping Him. Our world is full of idolatry and we are all inclined to worship the creation rather than the creator (or even what we perceive to be the creation of the creation - man's technology in its various forms, like the one you are sat in front of now to read this). We must constantly remind ourselves that while these modern inventions can be used as great servants for good (and also for evil), the only things that matter are those concerning the Kingdom of God. If we seek this first, then we will escape the temptation that can so easily take us, like them, into idolatry. If we think we are not tempted like this, we deceive ourselves. Just because the world around us does not physically worship gods of wood and stone these days does not remove this problem.

24:25 Even though the record says that Balaam 'returned to his place' we should not assume that he left Balak for (Numbers 31:8) Balaam is slain along with the kings of Midian.

25:1 Israel were in Shittim on the East of Jordan here. The next geographical location mentioned - Gilgal (Josh 4:19) marks the fact that Israel have crossed the river Jordan. Between these events we see the fall of the final rebels in the matter of Baal-Peor. This forms the background for Micah's comment (Micah 6:5) where he exhorts Israel to think about their history when contemplating sinful behaviour.

MAGIC EYES

Recently I borrowed one of those "Magic Eye" books which contain special patterns that when focused on in a special way, transform into 3-D images. To figure some of them out takes a fair amount of concentration, but it is rewarding being able to see what is normally invisible to the naked eye.

Balaam, in two of his prophecies, spoke of himself as "one whose eyes see clearly," and "whose eyes are opened." This is a huge contrast to the day before, when Balaam was blind to seeing the angel of the LORD about to slay him. The question we must ask ourselves about this is, what was it that enabled Balaam to see so clearly?

As Balaam spoke he was looking at the people of the LORD. No doubt he saw the order of the camp, the tabernacle, the smoke coming up from the altar, and the pillar of cloud that was leading them. But in observing them I believe he saw much more than just what he could see with his eyes. Like the magic eye book, he saw beyond Israel to their God and the plan he has for his people.

The same can happen for us. As we read the Word of God and watch God's people, Israel, with a little effort our eyes also will be opened to see the beauty and majesty of our Awesome God.

24:11 Balak's arrogance - typical of 'important' men in the world - is seen here. As if it would be possible for him to promote Balaam above what God could do for him. A lesson that we need to learn. Whatever we think about status in this world it is nothing in comparison to what God will give to the faithful.

25:14 We should contrast the Simeonite with the way that his ancestor - Simeon - behaved (Genesis 34:25) when he along with his brother Levi, were concerned that there be no mixed relationships in Israel. Of course one cannot condone their behaviour but we see a sad change from Simeon to his descendant Zimri.

Balaam shows his true colours. He is a frustrated prophet. He wants to curse Israel - actually he wants the money and does not care what he has to do in order to get it. How often do we, knowing what is right, seek to fulfil our own desires?

25:3 In saying Israel 'joined' himself to Baal Peor we learn that the false worship and fornication was not just a physical acts. It marked that the people chose to fellowship the Moabites and their system of worship rather than that of Yahweh.

 24:18  "Edom shall be a possession" This prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of David. 2 Sam 8:14

Balaam was a false seer, telling his clients what they wanted to know for money.  Under the Law, such people were cursed (Deut 18:10-11).  And yet, Yahweh used such people to promote His will, turning their own folly against them and their clients (Prov 26:5).  Another similar case was the witch of Endor (1Sam 28:7-15).
 
The Israelites were so close to entering the Land and yet they engaged in idolatry with Baal-peor, a deity of Moab.  Sexual relations were often inter-mingled with pagan worship (25:1-3).

(25:4) Yahweh punished Israel for its sin by killing its leaders; and by killing others involved with this incident (25:5).  The rest were killed by plague (25:9).

Later, David would conquer Moab, killing two-thirds of its men, and subjecting the rest to servitude (2Sam 8:2).

(25:6-9) The involvement of Midian with Moab did not go unpunished either, as it was later defeated by Israel (Num 31:3-8). Balaam was also slain on that occasion.

24:13    So following yesterday’s comment – bribery or wealth could not change God’s will. Balaam was merely God’s messenger, he was not a free agent able to make policy for God.

25:9     Some have seen a contradiction between the24,000 recorded here and Paul’s comment that there were 23,000 who died 1Cor 10:8. However there is a simple resolution. Numbers gives the total that died in the plague whereas Paul speaks of the number that died in one day.

24:17 - a star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel. Perhaps we have a messianic reference to a star in Matt 2:1-2 and the sceptre in Gen 49:10; Psa 45:6-7; Heb 1:8;Psa 2:6-9;Rev 12:5;Rev 2:27-28;Rev 22:16;Rev 19:15-16.

24:9 In saying ‘blesses is he … curseth thee’ Balaam is simply repeating what God had told Abraham would happen – Gen 12:3

24:19    Of course the one ‘out of Jacob’ is Jesus. Whilst Balaam seems to be speaking of dominion over Moab clearly the prophecy speaks of greater things than that. The ‘dominion’ is to be over sin and death. Significantly it was the women of Moab who seduced Israel after this ‘parable spoken by Balaam. However the victory was truly over sin and death. A greater victory than against a mere ‘arm of flesh’.

24:7 The name Agag was a title applied to the kings of the Amalekites; just as Pharaoh was a title for the kings of Egypt; or Abimelech for the kings of the Philistines.

Agag would continue to cause trouble for Israel. Saul was supposed to kill him but did not, leaving the job for Samuel (1Sam 15:8,9,32,33).

In Esther’s time, the arch-enemy of the Jews was Haman the Agagite (Est 3:1).

However, Agag still looms to menace Israel in the end times.

The Septuagint suggests that the true translation of than Agag (24:7) should read than Gog. In the end times, it will be Gog who will invade and devastate Israel.  Jesus (now returned from heaven) will intervene and finally destroy this historical menace to Israel (Eze 38:2,3,14,16,18; Eze 39:1).

24:7 In speaking of pouring out water out of his buckets God is using similar language to which He uses in Isa 40:15 God is here, as Israel are about to enter the land of Canaan, speaking of the scattering of Israel amongst the nations as instructors when the kingdom is established – Jesus will be ‘higher than Agag’

Peor, which means the opening, is a mountain in Moab. Baal-peor was a Moabite god which was worshipped in Mount Peor. The worship consisted of obscene sexual rites.

25:3 And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor. Not all the nation participated in this pagan worship. The majority of the people were grieved and saddened by the behaviour of their brethren. Some of these were weeping at the tabernacle door (25:6).

25:9 Only twenty-three thousand died of the plague (1Cor 10:8). The other thousand were killed by the leaders of Israel (25:4,5).

25:12,13 Yahweh was pleased with the action of Phinehas and promised him an everlasting priesthood. He became the chief of the Korahites which was a branch of Levites (1Chron 9:20).

25:14,15 Both Zimri and Cozbi were from ruling families. Zimri means wild goat, while Cozbi means deceitful. Perhaps the meaning of their names underscores their behaviour and character.

25:18 The word wiles is translated from the Hebrew word nekel which means deceit. This is fitting as Cozbi (deceitful) was a key player in the licentious drama.

24:10-11  Are we, unlike Balaam, lured by the glitter of this world, or do we recognise that even when things do not go as the avaricious of the world would encourage, accept it is the good hand of God working in our lives?

A future King

Num 24:17-19 Who is this star and sceptre who would rise out of Israel and destroy Moab, Edom and Seir?

If we look at the word "sceptre" we find a reference in Psa 45:1-7 - Jesus, holding a Kingly sceptre, strapping on his sword and starting out on a campaign to subdue his enemies. In Isa 63:1-3 we see a King returning from his campaign, stained with the blood of Edom. Could these seperate prophecies be talking about the same event?

25:4   Whilst it was individuals throughout the whole nation who had sinned God taught Israel that the leaders of the nation –  the ‘heads’= ‘chiefs’  - bore responsibility for not restraining the people.

SMALL COMPROMISES

It was one of the worst disasters in Israel's history,and one of the events they remembered for years to come. But it didn't start out that way. No one goes out of their way to create disaster in their lives, or in their community. Wrong decisions in the small things can lead to disastrous results. The events at Baal Peor were not caused by a disaster that anyone in Israel had planned. The disaster of 24,000 people losing their lives in a plague from the LORD was brought about by small individual decisions.

"While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with the Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate and bowed before these gods. So Israel joined in worshipping the Baal of Peor. And the LORD's anger burned against them."(Num 25:1-3) It started with the men looking at pretty girls, having chats with them, eating tasty food (anything would have been more appealing than manna!) and visiting the people next door. In themselves all these beginnings were relatively harmless, but they led to sexual immorality and idol worship as they added little by little to the position they were in. Small compromises ended in blatant sin.

We need to make sure our small compromises are not ones that compromise God in our lives. When we compromise once it is easy to do it again, and before we know it, we have lost everything, and face Gods anger. Let us stay true to our God.

24:14 Whilst Balaam said he was going to his people it seems, actually, that he remained with Balak for he died – Num 31:8– along with the kings of Midian

25:2    The way in which the people ate and worshipped the gods of the Moabites is so similar to the incident of the golden calf – Exo 32:6. Israel did not learn the lesson. At the beginning of the wilderness journey they turned away from God to idols. Here we are at the end of the wilderness journey, in sight of the promised land, still worshipping idols. How much have we grown in our “wilderness journey”?

25:15  The father of the Midianitish woman was killed as a significant leader amongst the Midianites – Num 31:8.

24:11  Do we ever think that we could have been more successful in this life or had better prospects if we had not committed ourselves to God?

Num.  24:25 In 1967 an archeological dig discover in a town call Deir Alla an inscription that tells the story of prophecy given by Balaam son of Beor.

  The dating on the writing goes back to about 800 BC. This now has left people believing that this is now where Balaam came from, which is much closer to the scene where the events of Numb takes place. The previously location would have taken weeks of travel being about 400 miles away.

It cannot be denied that this Balaam is probably the same. The coincidence that there would be two prophets named Balaam both with a father name Beor seems a little unlikely. If this is correct it does leave us with problems. The Bible, in Deut., Clearly states he was from Mesopotamia, while Deir Alla was in the land of the Amorites. The timing is also off by about 700 years. One of the possible remedies is that they are the same person, but this inscription was someone writing down the account of Balaam that had probably been part of an oral tradition of the Amorites for centuries. The fact it was written here is not surprising since the Bible tells us that Balaam was famous and that the king of Moab and the Midianites were all familiar with him.

Deir Alla may even have been the place where Balaam died, killed by the Israelites. This would be consistent with the Numb. 24:25 where it says that Balaam returned to his place. 

24:2    Despite the greedy nature of Balaam when he saw Israel around the tabernacle according to God’s instruction he was clearly moved by the sight. And so the spirit of inspiration moves him to speak.

25:18   We are now at the end of the wilderness journey. Because of the behaviour of the Midianites in sending women into the camp of Israel they are to be punished. Whilst God could have simply destroyed them Israel were to execute His judgment on them to help them to appreciate the horror of what had been done and their involvement in it. 

EVERYONE HAS THEIR PRICE

Everyone has their price. Balaam was offered to be rewarded handsomely, which he had earlier interpreted to be a palace filled with silver and gold. But after viewing the children of Israel camped out in the wilderness, and being moved by the Spirit of God, the price was too low. Balaam just couldn't go against the LORD and what the LORD wanted him to say.

Balak was enraged. "I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times. Now, leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded," he said. (Num 24:10-11).

Balaam's answer to Balak is one that should inspire us to be faithful to doing the will of God at all costs. "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good nor bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD." (v.13).

It's probably not the offer of a palace filled with silver and gold that will get in the way of our faithfulness to him, but it could be a relationship, the pace of life, the chance of promotion, the glory of success, or something simple like laziness. What is our price? What is it that is keeping us from remaining faithful to God?

24:25  Balaam died alongside the king of Midian – Num 31:8 -  but is spoken of going to his place here. Acts 1:25quotes words from this verse and applies them to Judas. Acts explains that the “place” that both Balaam and Judas went to was their fitting reward – the grave.

24:1    The word translated “enchantments” here is related to the word that Moses uses – Deut 18:1 –as if Moses in Deuteronomy is reminding Israel of Balaam’s behaviour.

24:3-4 The “open eyes” is a description of how a prophet is when he sees a vision. In modern terms we might think of a vision as “virtual reality”. It is not a dream, nor is it a trance

24:2 this injunction repeats what was said to Moses – Exo 27:20 – when he is being given instructions on the making of the tabernacle.

24:10 Why was Israel Balak’s "enemy”? It certainly was not because of anything that the nation of Israel. Had done. They were perceived as Balak’s enemies because he feared his lifestyle and status would be degraded by Israel. Submission was an option – but not one that he was willing to take. So he was found to be fighting against God.

24:8 Balaam’s inspired comment about the consequences of the entry of Israel into the land of Canaan – where they would “eat up” their enemies in in stark contrast to what the faithless spies said – Num 13:22

25:2  that the Moabites “called the people unto their sacrifices …” appealed to the fleshly thinking of Israel.

Whereas the nation had been fearful of battle they are now welcomed by the Moabites – but on their terms, not God’s.

The “world” will always welcome faithful followers of God, but on their own terms. This should be a warning to us about the company we keep.

25:9 those who died by the plague were 24,000

What Balak failed to do by soliciting a curse upon Israel, he achieved by sensuality "the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab" (v1). Such is the power of seduction. That is why Jesus was so harsh: "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away" (Matthew 5:29).

It has become unfashionable to rail against declining dress standards, or television, or unfettered internet surfing - it is just too hard and contentious an issue that people either avoid the issue altogether, or discuss it so obliquely that it fails to have any impact. Yet flesh is the same today as it was in Moses' day and the consequences of sin are just as tragic. 

Put positively: Encourage modesty, humility and a Godly character

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman (and man) who fears the LORD is to be praised" (Proverbs 31:30)

v. 2 - Here we have - as on so many occasions in the OT - a reference to the inclusion of the gentiles in the purpose of God. The servant was an outsider - the son was a member of Israel. Let us be sure that we are not causing shame within our membership of spiritual Israel, as they did, so causing God to look elsewhere for those to inherit the promises. ch.10:5, 11:29, 14:35,19:26, 29:15.

v.4 the word translated 'naughty' 01942 is elsewhere translated in the AV - calamity 4, wickedness 3, perverse thing 1, mischief 1, noisome 1, iniquity 1, substance 1, naughtiness 1, naughty 1, mischievous 1 Looking at the way in which the word is used in Scripture helps us to establish the meaning of the word. 'Naughtiness' is not being just a little mischievous. The other uses demonstrate that a 'naughty' person is an abomination to the Lord.

v.6 - This is a sense of family which was very strong in those days - more so than now, it seems, as people often lived in large extended family groups. Consider the words about Joseph in Gen.50:23 and Job in Job.42:16,17 and these passages too - Psa.127:2-5, 128:3-6.

:9 So often when we see a brother or sister overtaken in a fault we are quick to advertise the sin to others. Rather the restoration of the one in error if they are repentant is achieved more easily if their shortcoming is not advertised widely. It is a principle outlined in the New Testament also James 5:20

:27-28 So often we feel it is so important to make our views heard. However it is clear that wise men are not like this. Why? Surely if one has something to say that it right one ought to say it and make sure that others both hear and understand what is being said even if the point has to be repeated a number of times? Clearly not! This is because the human spirit will not listen to the wisdom of God - Jesus' experience is the ultimate proof of this. Simply state what is truth. Those with what the parable calls a 'good and honest heart' will seek the matter out.

The key phrase in this chapter is 'he that' - mark it in your Bible and then reflect on the characteristics that alienate a man from his creator. Notice how the phrase passed on into chapter 18

V.16  Though wealth can not buy wisdom, yet wisdom obtains wealth. Prov 3:16

"Wisdom is in the sight him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth."

Have you ever wondered whether you understand something or not? Sometimes we think we understand, but we really don't. How do we know? This Proverb explains the difference.

If we understand a principle, then we will be able to apply it to any given situation. This means that when someone asks us a question on that subject, we will be able to answer almost immediately after a period of contemplation. The problem is explained to us, and we "see" the answer clearly, as if it is there in front of us. This is what Solomon demonstrated in the incident with the two mothers (1Kin 3:12-28). If we are not able to do this, then we probably have knowledge on that subject, rather than understanding. The fool in the proverb looks around about him to find the answer. He needs to go and search for it. This immediacy is demonstrated by Jesus in the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. He may have been picking up on this proverb.

God desires us to be immediate in our wisdom. He wants our forgiveness of others to be a gut reaction. He wants our giving of aid to a stranger to be immediate upon appeal. He desires us to be liberal without thinking; gracious without having to be entreated twice; longsuffering by default; wise in His ways automatically. Such wisdom is only of God. In the example of Solomon, we see in v11-12 that Solomon had asked, and God had given. In James 1:5 we are invited to do the same. Alongside this request we must exercise ourselves in the practical application of God's words (Heb 5:14, 12:11). This is how our knowledge is transformed into wisdom. If all we have is knowledge, then we remain foolish. If we remain foolish in the most important matters of our faith, then bridegroom will pass us by (Matt 25:10-12).

V.17 To the second of these parallel clauses, there is an accession of meaning, that is, that a brother's love is especially seen in adversity.

Sometimes, Solomon says, you would rather have a dry piece of bread, than a whole feast accompanied with strife.  Prov 17:1 perhaps tells us Solomon’s inner feelings, where his own experience of many ungodly women led him to such an honest observation.

17:5 A fundamental principle is taught here. The way that we treat others is a measure of how we treat our God – 1John 4:20

17:1  Continuing the point made about Prov 16:16 we might reason that we need to have material possessions so that we can give things to God. However this is not so. Quietness is the spirit that the Lord seeks - 1Pet 3:4

17:3 Peter – 1Pet 1:7 - brings together fining metal and spiritual development. The purifying of meal, an aspect of God’s creation, has been designed to cause us to think about our spiritual development under the hand of God’s chastening.

We must be prepared to help one another, but never to take away an individual’s responsibility (Gal 6:2,5). In the practical sense, we are advised not to become a surety (a pledge to assume debts) for someone else (v.18 see also Prov 6:1;11:15). However, the Lord Jesus did pay a debt for us because only He was capable (1Cor 6:20; Heb 7:22).

MORE MAKES LESS

Logic would tell us that the more we know, the more we can talk and have people listen to us because we are an authority on what we say. We also would have thought that if we are people of understanding, we would have a right to highs and lows of emotion because we truly understand what is going on. But having logically thought these things, we would have thought wrong. The wise man tells us, "A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even tempered." (Prov 17:27)

The more we learn, the more we realise how much we don't know. There is a point where we have "just enough knowledge to be dangerous." This means that we think we know it all but have really only touched the surface of all there is to know. Those who delve a little deeper are both more sure of what they know so need to speak less, and more understanding of how much more there is to know and so are more humble in their attitude. This is particularly true when we deal with other people. A wise man realises how easy it is to misjudge motivation or intent in a person's character and so remains more even tempered.

So let's show ourselves to be people of knowledge and understanding, displaying the gentle and quiet spirit that God wants in our lives.

 17:10 How do we respond to the words of reproof? If we do not listen to them then we are classed among those who are ‘fools’.

V.22 Laughter has been found to have positive psychological and physiological effects on people.

There is actually a discipline called Gelotology which studies the effects of humour and laughter on the human mind and body.

The old adage: Laughter is the best medicine seems to ring true - or as Voltaire put it: The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease.

17:6 Children are a glory to the father if they continue in the way of righteousness. There is no virtue in having rebellious children.

17:7    James says that a good fountain does not bring forth bitter water -James 3:11 – a ‘prince’ who has ‘lying lips’ does not deserve his status. Likewise we as God’s servants do not deserve our calling if we are dishonest.

17:14  The word translated “meddled” <1566>  only occurs three times in Scripture – all in the book of Proverbs.  The other two are

18:1   Intermeddleth

20:3   Meddling

1. Prov 17:1 - sometimes the more possessions one gets, the more one wants, but this attitude can lead to a lack of dependence on God, selfishness, and a lack of love resulting in strife - we also have the abuse of the memorial feast (1Cor 11:16-22,27-34).

2. Prov 17:2 - the Gentiles will share in the inheritance (Exo 4:22;Lev 25:44;Gal 3:26-29).

3. Prov 17:4 - "false"<205> - (1John 4:20;Isa 30:9-11;Jer 5:30-31).

4. Prov 17:7 - "Excellent"<3499>; "fool"<5036>; perhaps the first part of this verse means much talking is not fitting for a fool.

5. Prov 17:8 (NIV) "A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds."

6. Prov 17:9 - Matt 18:15-17.

7. Prov 17:12 - better to meet an angry bear robbed of her cubs than the harm a fool can bring.

8. Prov 17:13 - "rewardeth evil for good" - we shouldnt even render evil for evil (1Pet 3:8-12).

9. Prov 17:14 (NIV) "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out."

10. Prov 17:15 - they condemned Jesus and justified Barabbas (Matt 27:16-22).

11. Prov 17:15 - today we have various philosophies of justification such as: 

Relativism -  says knowledge, truth, and morality exist in relation to culture, society, or historical context, and are not absolute. Individualism - takes the moral stance that it's all a matter of how the individual feels about something. Secularism - says man was not created in the image of God, but is an animal organism seeking to survive in its environment. Egoistic Hedonism - says the criterion for standards of behavior is no longer a matter of right or wrong, but if something is fun or not.

12. Prov 17:16 - Wisdom cannot be bought; one  must be morally receptive and spiritually committed to obtain wisdom.

13. Prov 17:17 - perhaps this means a true friend loveth at all times, but fair weather friends "love" when it is to their advantage and/or the bond of friendship is sometimes stronger than that of blood (David and Jonathan 1Sam 19:1-2).

14. Prov 17:19 - transgression and strife go together. Does "exalteth his gate" refer to proudly speaking through one's mouth (Psa 141:3;Mic 7:5)? 

15. Prov 17:20 (NIV) "A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble."

16. Prov 17:21 - "fool"<3684>, "fool"<5036> - Prov 17:25 - vs being pleased with children (3John 1:4;Matt 3:17).

17. Prov 17:23 - we have the examples of Judas who took a bribe and Paul who did not offer one (Acts 24:24-27).

18. Prov 17:24 - the Bible is available as a source of wisdom but the "fool"<3684> passes it by and looks elsewhere to the wisdom of the Greeks for wisdom and guidance.

19. Prov 17:26 - "strike"<5221>, "princes"<5081>, "equity"(<3476> can mean "uprightness") - verse 26 describes happened to Christ. 

Prov 17:3

“The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD (Yahweh) trieth the hearts.

Heat burns up base metals and impurities to leave pure silver or gold that is fit for use for a Jeweler (Prov 25:4). The LORD proves and purifies our heart by the fiery furnace of trials and afflictions. We cannot know to the fullest extent the impurities in our heart (Jer 17:9-10). Only the LORD knows and tries the heart to reveal what is there, and none of us can escape the all-seeing eyes of Him with whom we have to do (Heb 4:12-14). The Bible has numerous examples of God’s refining power (Job 23:10; Isa 1:25; Zech 13:9). Jesus is also referred to as a Refiner and those refined will be his chosen jewels (Mal 3:1-5,17; cf. Psa 12:6-7).

Our faith is tried by adversity (Isa 48:10), and measured by our obedience (Gen 22:1-2; Heb 11:17-19; 1Pet 1:7). The process is painful, but responding correctly to adversities perfects our faith and obedience (Rom 5:3-5; James 1:2-4). Gold and silver cannot be purified without heat, and only by the fiery furnace is our faith and obedience purified (cf. Rev 3:18).

We are told to buy gold tried in the fire. Shakespeare wrote, “All that glitters is not gold.” This is because sometimes things or people appear to be of real value are not, and may in fact be worthless. May we pray with David: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psa 139:23-24). May the trials of our faith be as gold tried in the furnace in the sight of God, the perfect Refiner.

17:13  Rewarding evil for good brings isolation and finally death. Peter – 1Pet 3:9 – takes up the wise man’s words here and applies them to you and I as a warning about how we should conduct our lives now. 

A CROWN OF CHILDREN

"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."(Prov 17:6). What an amazing and beautiful picture this presents. It shows generations coming together to honour one another, living in love as extended families.

When I get to the age of being a grandparent, I hope the verse above will be one that applies to me. We probably all hope it will apply to us in our individual circumstances of life. I want to be a man who is respected by my children. I want to be proud of my children and honoured by my grandchildren who are growing up in God's ways. I know it won't just happen. It all starts now with young children as we help them grow in God's ways and mature to be come godly and respected adults.

One of the keys to this growing the character we want in our children and grandchildren, is to grow it in ourselves first. Another key is to pray for them. They need our example and they need all the help that they can get - especially in the world we live in at the moment.

So let's develop godly characters ourselves, pray for our children and grandchildren, and pray that you can be the parent or grandparent that brings out the best in them.

Prov 17:12

“Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.”

Most mother bears are rarely aggressive towards humans, but when she is robbed of her cubs, she becomes very dangerous and will attack the first creature that crosses her path (cf. Hos 13:8). She is looking for her cubs and sure doesn’t want you around. There is a Latin saying, “Ira furor brevis est” – “Anger is temporary madness.”

Scripture tells us that fools are dangerous people, their wrath weighty (Prov 27:3), and even more dangerous and unpredictable than the bears! Saddam Hussein gassed an entire city because someone there attempted to assassinate him. Herod had all the boys two years and under murdered in hopes of killing the Jewish Messiah (Matt 2:16). Going back even further, King David’s son, Absalom killed his brother Amnon for raping his sister, Tamar. Under the Law, Absalom was to be stoned to death so he fled to Geshur. David’s first compromise in allowing Absalom to return may be read in 2Sam 14:24; his second compromise was listening to Joab in allowing Absalom to see him (2Sam 14:33). There was no evidence on the part of Absalom, a murderer, of any repentance or sorrow, and it is interesting to note that Absalom so hated his father for his years of isolation, that in the very next chapter he plots to dethrone and kill his father now that he is back home!

There are different types of fools: some are merely lazy, or just plain dumb and not very dangerous (Prov 17:16; Prov 21:20; Ecc 10:15). Their folly will do them more harm than good. Other fools are malicious and scornful, and these are very dangerous (Prov 21:24; 26:12; 27:3). The Bible calls these kinds of fools, “sons of Belial” (1Sam 25:17; 2Sam 23:6; 1Kin 21:10,13). In the New Testament, they are described as “natural brute beasts” (2Pet 2:12). If we are wise, we will stay far away from these kinds of wicked fools (Prov 9:6-8). Wisdom dictates avoid fools, don’t argue with them, get out of their way and keep your distance because we can’t reason with such (Prov 26:4; 22:24,25)!  

It is easy to spot a bear, but can we readily spot dangerous fools as well? These sons of Belial, or natural brute beasts have no fear of God, they are earthly minded, unmerciful, without natural affection, they anger easily, are scornful, arrogant, rebellious, have violent tempers, are vicious, and very unforgiving. These may cause a lot of grief to parents, to wives/husbands, to children, to friends or neighbours. Some fools will justify their actions by claiming, “That is just the way I am,” if they do, avoid them! Separating from such be they friends or family may be sometimes very painful, but God commands us to avoid such (cf. Psa 101:4-8; Prov 14:7; Prov 22:24,25; Prov 23:9; Prov 29:9; Matt 7:6; 2Thess 3:2). Failure to do so will only bring a lot of grief.

Prov 17:12

A reader writes: "Thank you so much for the entry on Dbr. What you say is so true, but I feel there's another class of behaviour that should be added to that article: i.e. the non-angry, underhanded, quiet, wilful, determined, stubborn, pig-headed & callous types whose only objective in life is to get their own way at all costs by persistently grinding down their opposition with their devious, underhanded, callous, legalistic, manipulative, determined, pig-headed and totally
un-co-operative attitude & behaviour - all served up with a generous "topping" of emotional blackmail. Such people are wilfully arrogant and determined, but don't get the slightest bit angry or emotional, yet NEVER give way or up on any little jot or tittle until they've got 100% their own way - in EVERYTHING, and nothing will stop them including the teachings of Scripture..." 

My reply: “… Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom 8:9). The possession of the Spirit of Christ is the distinguishing mark of a believer, for to be without the Spirit is proof positive that we are out of Christ—"none of his": fearful words, indeed! And, if we are not Christ’s, whose are we?

17:10  The law of Moses required that “stripes” – Deut 25:3 – be administered in certain cases of sin. However the point made here is that advice is better. However to benefit the recipient should have a willing heart to listen!

Prov 17:17

“A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”

It is very rare to find a true friend. Scriptures compares having a friend to the loyalty of family who are bonded, especially during times of trouble. This verse parallels the two. The world has a saying, “Blood is thicker than water,” meaning family ties are stronger than friendships, but the sons of God know better (cf. Prov 18:24)!

We may have many acquaintances, but these are not friends. With friends we have a relationship, unlike contacts. A true friend sticks with us even during rough times upholding us and comforting us. They do not jump ship, but will stay on board and help us weather the storm. We all make errors in judgment, but when committed to friendship; friends will be there for us.

Today’s society has come to describe a “contact” as a friend. Having contacts is not the same thing as having a relationship with a person. It is not about those we are in contact with whether in person or via social media.

Aristotle once described a true friend as a “single soul dwelling in two bodies.” There is a bond between friends that commits to the relationship; it may even involve tough love - all of which creates that indescribable bond. A friend helps us to be accepting of ourselves, calls us out when we are wrong, and helps us not only to be accepting of ourselves, but helps us be better than we are – they are trusting, open and straightforward and will not talk about us negatively behind our back. A friend is forgiving and because they understand us makes them capable of forgiving us.

A true friend is committed to our happiness, but will not refrain from telling us what we need to hear if it is in our best interest, even if sometimes it means the risk of losing the friend. A true friend will not compromise value for friendship and we need to see it and appreciate it. Be the friend we want to have.

Real friends look at the heart and not just the packaging. They love for love’s sake and for no other motive. A friend that loves at all times is a selfless friend. A friend is steadfast sticking closer than a brother. A friend is sacrificial - is there for us no matter what, especially when we need them the most. Jesus manifested all the true characteristics of a friend, and addressed his true disciples as friends. This type of friendship is only possible if we love (agape) one another (John 15:12-17). Let us beware that we not mistake Biblical friendship for mere acquaintanceship!

17:9 The sentiments of this verse have already been shown in 11:13.

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

Prov 17:22

The word heart refers to mind or intellect, the word medicine relates to the idea of removing a bandage on a flesh wound and then seeing it is healed a happy mind is like the healing of a wound.

There is a contrast, a broken spirit drieth the bones. The word drieth relates to plants and trees Hos 9:16 this proverbs ties up nicely with Psalm 1.

A joyful mind comes from meditating on Gods word and this gives a happy healing. The worldly fad of going to the Gym in the search of healing is futile. 1Tim 4:8

17:17   How often do we find that “friends” turn out to be “fair weather friends”. When affliction or adversity strikes we really do learn who our friends are. We could say that Onesiphorus was just the sort of friend that we need – 2Tim 1:16 – as he was not deterred from spending time with Paul even though Paul was in prison.                   

Prov 17:22

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

“Every man recognizes this to be true. What does the fact point to but this, that gladness is the normal state of man. But we are face to face every day with this other fact, that sorrow and not gladness is the prevalent state of man. Hence a third fact is involved—that there must be some cause for the actual human state being so different from the normal state. This third fact the Bible and nothing else supplies; that man is out of joint with God. Adam expelled from Eden is the typical position of the world race. There can be no true merriness of heart till reconciliation is consummated in a full return to friendship with God. Mankind will then know the truth of what David says; ‘In thy favour is life.’ Broken spirit and dry bones will be the universal experience till the proclamation is made; ‘Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.’”

Robert Roberts

Are we optimists or pessimists? The optimist sees the doughnut, the pessimist sees the hole. Both are right! Irma Bombeck is quoted saying, “If life is a bowl of cherries, why am I always in the pits?” With cherries also come the pits. It is a simple illustration, but it shows that life comes with optimism and pessimism. This principle may be read in Prov 12:25; 14:10,13,30; 15:13.

President Ronald Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at age 83. He wrote a letter to the American people and in it he wrote, “There is nothing that can happen to the child of God that is outside of the 'all things' of Romans 8:28.” He was absolutely right! Still, in Rom 8:28 we learn that “all things work together for good” to those in Christ who love God and are called according to His purpose (cf. v. 29). All is utterly inclusive: the good and the bad, wealth and poverty, peace and tribulations, health and sickness, life and death.

This verse tells us there is a relationship between the condition of the heart and the condition of the body; a relationship between physical and spiritual health. A broken spirit that dries out the bones, literally means it sucks out the marrow of life from the bones. Any of us who have ever been very sick will know this to be true.

There will be times we face things we don’t understand, that we feel we can’t endure, but through it all, God is with us working out His plan for our lives, and for this we ought to be very grateful. It is a healthy approach that brings healing - physical and spiritual. 

17:15  The inspired words here draw on the requirement laid down in Exo 23:7

17:25 We all want our children to grow in the Lord and accept salvation through Christ. Often this does not happen and it grieves both parents. However those parents should not reprove themselves asking where they went wrong in their instruction of the children. Faithful instruction is no guarantee that the gospel message will be accepted.

17:16 An example of fools who had a price in the hand to get wisdom were the five foolish virgins who “went to buy” (Mt. 25:10) oil.

17:18 We might not “strike hand” over a matter. However it is just as likely that we will be hasty to commit ourselves to something that we cannot fulfil. We should not avoid committing ourselves but we should not be rash in our commitments.

17:9,17 The faithful believer has fervent charity so that he can “cover the multitude of sins” (1Pet 4:8). There may be times when we learn of the errors of another believer. The charitable thing to do is not to repeat it. Such action would be divisive.

Rather, in adversity a brother should be there to offer support in adversity. ( 17:17)

17:22  Whilst, primarily, the Proverb is speaking of the impact a “merry heart” has on the individual it is also true when thinking about the impact our “merry heart” has on others. If we are negative and despondent that will impact negatively on others. However if we have a positive attitude that will also impact on others, elevating their spirits.

5:8 This is a common theme in Ephesians. We need to heed it and stay in the light of the gospel. 2:11,12, 4:18, 6:12. See also Isa.9:2, 42:16, 60:2,3.

5 v.20-33 The beautiful image of the husband and wife being a unity is an application of the doctrine of unity outlined in chapter 4:3-6. We should strive to maintain these principles in our marriage because if we cannot show that unity there it will be difficult to manifest it in our relationships with others.

6 v.11-18 The description of the soldier is powerful. We can identify the elements of his armour clearly with element of our faith. We must not forget the intangible armour of prayer. It is like the radio communication that the modern soldier uses. It enables us to be in communication with our commander even when we are in the battle field

5:19 'speak ... in psalms' - the advice is use the Word of God in your meditations and praise.

6:1-9 Children, fathers, servants and masters are exhorted about living a Christ like life. This is even though the 'children' might not be in Christ. A transformation should take place before baptism. We cannot revel in the works of the flesh until we are baptised. Baptism is 'the answer of a good conscience' 1Pet 3:21. therefore how children live and behave now is to be measured against the standards of the gospel even if the child is not baptised.

ch 6 - SOLDIERS OF CHRIST

If anyone goes into battle they make sure that they are protected against anything the enemy might throw against them and that they are also prepared to fight. It would be stupid to go into enemy territory without camouflage gear, flack jackets and ammunition, but sometimes as Christians we do exactly that as we battle against sin. Paul tells us that we need to put on the full armour of God.
We need to wear the belt of truth around our waist. If truth makes up part of our armour and we are thoroughly familiar with the word of God we will instantly recognise all the lies and untruths that could make us fall.

• The breastplate of righteousness must be in place. We are not righteous, but with our faith in the mercy of God and the sacrifice of Christ, our faith can be counted as righteousness and our trust in God will save us.
• Our feet should be filled with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. We need to be ready and willing to spread peace as far as we can - not just peace, but the peace of God, the forgiveness of sins.
• Take up the shield of faith. Have faith in God and he will defend you. Trust that he will "Deliver us from evil," as we pray in the Lord's prayer.
• Wear the helmet of salvation. We need to keep our minds protected from attack. Keep them centered on God and on his salvation. God is our salvation. He wants to give us the Kingdom and will never try us beyond what we are able to bear.
• Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This is our most powerful weapon and it has the power to change people like we would never dream possible. Jesus overcame temptation by quoting the Word of God to give him strength to overcome. Let's get the word inside us so that we can do it too.

Soldiers of Christ, Arise, and put your armour on!

5:21 Submission to the will of others (in the ecclesia) is the most difficult thing to do. We so often want to ensure that our own preferences are to the fore. We should practice in ecclesial life being willing to allow others' preferences especially when they are at variance with our own.

6:6 So often we do things because of the way that others will think of us because of what they see. This is human pride. Our actions should be 'in secret' (Matthew 6:4) - not that no one will see but that our motivation should not be so that others can see.

6:24 - It is interesting that "sincerity" here is from the Greek: apthasia, without corruption. We find this word in the passage regarding resurrection in 1 Cor 15:42,50,53,54. Thus, the sense is better brought forth in other renderings such as Young's literal "The grace with all those loving our Lord Jesus Christ -- undecayingly! Amen."

5:1 Paul is encouraging the brethren and sisters to 'imitate' him - see RV. There is a big difference between having a following and having imitators. There were brethren in Corinth who had a following - and it was divisive.  The RV is a better translation 

6:20 In speaking of himself as being 'in bonds' Paul is not looking for sympathy - rather he is re emphasising the point that he had made earlier (3:1)  that his bondage is a consequence of his desire to bring both Jew and gentile together in one in Christ here.

 5:14  We see here that Christ is the source of light. In the previous few verses we have seen characteristics of the light.(V.8-13) Light produces good fruit. Light enables us to discriminate. Light exposes that which is evil, everything which is illuminated becomes light.

It is sometimes difficult not to slide into conversation about the frivolous things of the world with our brethren (Eph 5:4,12).  But we should try to avoid it.
Rather, let us talk of the things of Yahweh (Psa 51:15, Psa 77:12, 1Pet 4:11).

IMITATION
 
I was holding my 13 month old daughter yesterday to comfort her after she had fallen and hurt herself.  While I had her in my arms, I noticed that some of the low sliding panels in a cabinet were open, so I walked over to them and slid them shut with my foot.  My intention was to remove the temptation from her before she felt better again.  About half an hour after that, when she was slightly happier, my daughter made a bee line for the cabinets.  Reaching up as high as she could and grabbing the top of the cabinets for balance, she began to kick her feet against the sliding doors in an effort to open them as I had closed them.
 
Paul said, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 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." (Eph 5:1-2)
 
Just as my daughter imitated me pushing the door with my feet, so we must imitate God and display the love that he shows to us.  We can only imitate what we see, so let's watch God through the example of Jesus, through his word, and through the answers to prayer, and then follow the example we are shown to become people like him.
 
Children imitate their parents.  Do we imitate God?

5:8 In saying ‘ye were sometimes darkness …’ Paul is reminding the Ephesians that they used to behave in the way that he has spoken of in the previous verses. However in saying darkness’ Paul is emphasising the implications of that kind of life style – it is darkness, not light – hence ‘walk as children of light’

6:5 We are all servants. We are answerable to others in different circumstances whether we be employees or involved in work in Christ. As such we should always work to our full capacity, not in a slipshod way, realising that we are not working for men but Christ. Others who see us will form an opinion about the God we worship from watching the way we do things.

6:14 "Having your loins girt about with truth" The military belt served not only to keep the soldier's clothing in place during combat, it also served to cover the place where the breastplate joined. The breastplate was a two piece coat, the upper from the neck to the stomach, and the second part from the waist to the knees. Truth is the basic clothing of the disciple. (Col 3:12-14) Without it, one stands destitute before the Almighty.

LAST CHALLENGE
 
Even Paul's last words to the Ephesians are a challenge. For the Ephesians, and for us, they take on special significance in the light of his warnings to the Ephesian elders. He had said, "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and will distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them." (Acts 20:29-30) As a result of these false teachers, the love of some would grow cold. So Paul, in his last words to the Ephesians,  continues to give them challenges, even in what may sound on the surface to be comforting concluding words. He says, "Grace be to all who who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love." (Eph 6:24)
 
It is to those whose love is undying - even in the face of false teaching - that God's grace will ultimately be poured out in it's fullest sense.
 
Our part is simple: to make sure that our love for Jesus is undying. There are a few ways we can do this.
1. Keep praying
2. Get to know him well by reading and studying the records of his life and message
3 Remember the love he has for us
4. Appreciate all that he has done for us - his obedience, his blood, his sacrifice, and the salvation he has gained

Let's make sure our love is an undying love for our Saviour, Jesus Christ

In our Authorised Version Eph 6:13-18 appears to be saying that we should pick up, and then put on, our spiritual armour. But whereas that is true for the truth, righteousness and peace, it is not true for the helmet of salvation. The word for take in Eph 6:17 is not the ordinary “take”. It’s “receive”. In other words we have to be GIVEN salvation.

5:25-33 Notice that it is the pattern of Christ and the ecclesia that is the pattern for marriage and not the other way round.

6:1 It was only recently that we gave much thought to the phrase was subject unto them This is recorded by Luke (2:51) speaking of Jesus being subject to Mary and Joseph at the age of twelve. What a different place this world would be if only society took to heart both what Paul is saying, and the example of our future king. We have two problems in the world that could be corrected by applying these verses to their lives. Parents must realize the responsibility that we have in the raising of children, and children must follow the direction provided by their parents. The greatest responsibility falls on the parents as they should have both the wisdom and understanding that children lack.

5:27   In saying that the ‘church’ is to be presented ‘without blemish’ Paul is drawing on the requirement for an animal sacrifice, for example as seen in Exo 12:5. Our development should terminate in us being ‘perfect’ – Matt 5:48

Jesus is the door whereby the faithful can be secured and receive salvation (John 10:1,2,7,9). The word door in Greek is thura. The shield (of faith) (6:16) in Greek is thureos which means door shaped. The link between Jesus, as the door, and the shield of faith becomes clear.

5:8 The exhortation to ‘walk as children of light’ has its origins in the prophets – Isa 2:5

treating fellow believers - Eph 6:22;Phil 2:3-4;John 13:34;Rom 12:10;1Thess 4:9;1Pet 1:22;1Pet 4:8;1John 3:14-19

5:4 Jesting is talking about making crude jokes. It does not mean that there is no place for humour.

5:5 The covetous man who is an idolater does not infer that this man worships gods made of wood or stone. It is the covetousness which is considered idolatry (Col 3:5).

5:9 For the components of the fruit of the Spirit see Gal 5:22,23.

5:16 Redeeming the time (KJV) is translated Making the best use of the time in the more modern ESV.

5:21 Submitting means subordinating or obeying. Thus, the brothers and sisters of Christ are servants of equal standing. There is no ruling class (or should not be); neither any ruling families; nor any one individual who sets himself above the rest.

Incidentally, the word servant (for example in 2Tim 2:24) comes from the Greek word doulos which means slave. We are all slaves of Christ. What slave is superior to another?

5:22-24 The hierarchy of Yahweh à Jesus à Man à Woman is clearly stated in scripture. Unfortunately, Women’s Liberation ideas are creeping in to ecclesias. We must do everything to oppose this as we serve Yahweh and not the world.

5:32 The mystery is now revealed that the relationship of Christ to His ecclesia is as a marriage between husband and wife. Christ is the husband and the ecclesia is His bride (Rev 21:2).  (New Jerusalem is a representation of those, from the ecclesia, who have been accepted to join Christ in the Kingdom).

6:18 The Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Unless we are armed with that sword, we will be defenceless against the enemies of Yahweh. Therefore, we must study diligently to be able to represent the Truth (Col 4:6). (Salt is hydroscopic, meaning it takes water from the air. From Jesus comes living water (John 4:10). But, Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Therefore the living water equates with the Word. And so, salt becomes a metonymy for the Word. Therefore, to be able to answer every man we must be in command of the Word).

6:14 The ‘breastplate of righteousness’ quotes Isa 59:17. The shod feed quotes Isaiah Isa 52:7. Thus we see that the way we should behave n Christ has its origins in old Testament imagery.

5:2,8,15        Notice the emphasis upon activity. Standing still is not an option.

6:23     Notice, as in many of his letters, Paul sends peace from God and Jesus. If the holy spirit is the third person of the trinity why is it not mentioned here as sending ‘peace’?

Eph 5:22-33

Paul uses the imagery of marriage to teach essential truths about the nature of Christ’s relationship with the ecclesia. Christ is the head (husband) and saviour of the ecclesia, and his bride (wife) is to submit to him. Analogously, the wife is to be submissive to her husband.

Christ sacrificially loves his ecclesia, and husbands by analogy are in self-sacrifice to love (agape) their wives. It is a love that recognizes her imperfections without any retorts as to, “How in the world did I choose to marry her?” Rather, he strives to help her achieve the purity to which we are called to in Christ.

Likewise, Paul in addressing the wives does not say wives are to submit to their husbands when they feel like it, or if he is right about an issue she happens to agree with, but says wives are to be in subjection to their “husbands in every thing.” In this way, the wife perfects her husband by making him her head and so he knows she loves and respects him. The wife shows her submission to Christ by her submission to her husband. Wives, like it or not, this is a kind of gauge as to whether you have submitted, or not submitted to Christ! The wife is then to the husband as the ecclesia is to Christ, and as Christ is to God.

The husband and wife marital imagery emphasizes love and faithfulness. The husband initiates love and sacrifice; the wife responds in trust, respect, and submission. At the same time, these two aspects overlap to reveal the unique union of marriage itself. This kind of marriage, therefore, testifies to the truth and power of the Gospel, in imitating the relationship between Christ and the ecclesia.

Eph 5:22-25

"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord…Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the ecclesia, and gave himself for it.”

The marriage covenant is a conditional agreement between two parties to do or not do something, and wherein both trust in each other that they will keep their commitments to each other to make the marriage work. It is a personal relationship rooted in love, obedience, truth, and morality, and based on the vows of marriage made during the marriage ceremony. When one spouse deals treacherously with the other, the offending party breaks the covenant long before a divorce should take place. Separating or divorcing is an outward visible sign that happens after one or both parties have already broken their covenanted vows!

The marriage covenant we made at baptism espoused us to one husband, Christ (2Cor 11:2). It is a personal relationship conditional on our obedience to him. It is a bilateral conditional agreement wherein if we, the ecclesial bride, are obedient, then he, the bridegroom, will fulfill his promise by not cutting us off (cf. Matt 7:22-23).

Some of us may have been taught that the marriage covenant is “unconditional,” and as such the marital covenant cannot be broken. What this really means is that marriage does not have moral boundaries. It is a contradiction of verses 22-25! Unconditional marriage vows did not start with God, but with man! To be loved by others logically implies that those who claim to love us are treating us kindly and morally, and do not abuse or mistreat us. But, even if we were mistreated, we are still to manifest love in a moral sense without retaliation, and without respect of persons. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “love (agape) your enemies” (Matt 5:44). This, however, does not teach that a marriage covenant is “unconditional.” To teach this is to destroy the truth that our personal relationship in Christ depends on our keeping Christ’s commandments we covenanted with him to keep! “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).”Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you” (John 15:14).

Love without boundaries, love without morals, is to live under abuse and tyranny! Divorce was and is a merciful act given by God against such (see my note on Deut 24)! It is not evil, but the sins that lead to it are. We have this misconception that as long as there is no divorce, the marriage covenant is not broken! A lasting marriage is based on kept conditions, and this is why we are told how husbands and wives are to treat one another. This kind of committed love differs vastly from unconditional love! If both follow Christ’s directives, the marriage will last.

Marriage is supposed to be a lifetime commitment, but it is not a lifetime commitment without conditions. A marriage without conditions is not a marriage. Both must work to forgive and try to make a bad situation right, but if only one tries, or neither tries, it obviously will not work (cf. Deut 28:58-68; Hos 6:7).

The Biblical definition of the meaning of love is found in the understanding of who God is and knowing God. Is God’s love unconditional or conditional? It is both. Scripture shows that non-relationship love is unconditional, while relationship love is always conditional! Without keeping the commandments, or covenants, there is no show of love back to God or Christ. It is a gauge whether we love them, if others love us, and whether we love others. It is love based on our personal relationship with them, and is conditional.

Josh 9 is cited that God requires covenants to be kept, thus, making marriages indissoluble! There are always consequences when covenants are broken, but this was a Suzerain covenant, wherein one party, a Suzerain, a feudal overload, ruler, or king imposed his covenant on a lesser power making it a one-sided treaty imposed by him on the inferior party, or servants (Josh 9; 10:6). This kind of conditional covenant differs from a marriage, or parity covenant normally entered in willing by either party, who are of near, or equal status forming their personal relationship on love and not on politics! The suzerain covenant does not prove that marriage is unconditional.

God’s covenant with Adam was conditional on his obedience. Adam failed, and the covenant penalty was death (Gen 3). God’s covenant with the children of Israel required their keeping His laws (Exo 19:5 - Exo 24; Lev 25 - Lev 27; Deut 29 - Deut 31). They transgressed the laws, and broke their covenant with God (Isa 24:5; Hos 6:7). God was longsuffering toward them, but eventually divorced them in the manner He prescribed in Deut 24! God was married to Israel (Jer 3:14; Jer 31:32). He says in Jer 3:8, “And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery, I (God) had put her away (shalach) and given her a bill of divorce (keriythuwth).” This marital covenant relationship was dependent upon agreements being kept between the two parties, Israel and God. This covenant was broken, but God in His mercy promised to make a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah. This new covenant differs in that God’s laws will be written inwardly, not on tables, or hearts of stone, and it will be universal, (Jer 31:31-36; Eze 36:25-28; Heb 8). This will be fulfilled during the Millennium. The people of Israel and Judah divorced by God at that time did not void the fact that the nation itself would last because of the unconditional covenant God made to Abraham, not them (Deut 4:31)!

Unconditional covenants in Scripture are unilateral and always initiated by God. It is a promissory covenant of Grace. It is distinguished from “if thou will” to “I will.” For example: God’s covenant with Noah never to destroy the earth with a flood (Gen 6:18), to Abram in making a land covenant with him (Gen 12:1-2; Gen 17:18-21), then to his son, Isaac, and grandson, Jacob (Gen 17:19; Gen 28:13). Note that there are no “ifs” and “buts” in these verses, just “I will”!

We have God’s unconditional covenant with David that Messiah will come through his line (fulfilled), and his kingdom will be established forever (will be fulfilled under Messiah, 1Chron 17:12-19). Again, no “ifs” and “buts,” but “I will.” This kind of covenant is an everlasting covenant. No uncertainty, or mutability can belong to God’s unconditional promise. He alone can and will bring about these promises. This kind of covenant is solely dependent upon God to fulfill it. There are no conditions, no contracts or agreements, only a dispensation of grace.

In many ways we enter into marriage blindly because we do not really know our partner until we have lived with them for a while. Marriage is a journey of mutual discovery just as walking with Christ is a journey of divine discovery. We marry in faith not knowing a whole lot about each other, and while we enter in “green,” hopefully, we will come out “vintage.”

USE IT ALL

Imagine you are going to war as a soldier in the army. You are given camouflage gear to wear, good shoes, a two way radio, weaponry, a helmet, bullet proof vest and a pack of supplies that could be essential to your success and survival. You didn't have to earn any of your gear, it is supplied by the army to equip you to be successful. Would you, after looking through the gear you have been supplied with, decide not to take the shoes? Or the camouflage gear? Or the radio? Not likely! You need all you gear. Without it you will probably come off second best.

It is the same when we go into battle for Christ. We battle against our own sinful tendencies, we combat unbelievers, we need to make right decisions and be sure we and be sure we are fighting the right enemy. To do that we need the right gear. Paul describes it as spiritual armour.

"Put on the full armour of God so that you may take your stand against the devil's schemes."(Eph 6:11) There is no point just taking the sword of the spirit, but leaving the belt of truth behind, or refusing to wear the shoes of the gospel of peace while struggling with the shield of faith. We need it all. It has been provided for us, so let's take it and use it. Take it all, and learn to use it all. With the right gear we can be successful soldiers of Christ.

OPPORTUNITIES

"Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."(Eph 5:15-16)

Paul is saying that we cannot afford to live life by accident. We need a plan. We need a purpose. We need technique to reacting to the circumstances life throws at us. That plan is to make the most of every opportunity. We have to be prepared beforehand so that we can do it. We may not necessarily have all the right tools with us, but we can bring the right attitude, which is much more important.

By choosing to do our best whatever the circumstances, by choosing to have a go, to help out where we see a need, to say positive words instead of negative, and to leave people better than we found them, we will be well prepared to make the most of every opportunity that makes itself available to us today. The days are evil. We need to be lights in the dark for our God. One of the opportunities we get today may be the only opportunity we ever get to help someone find their way to God.

So let us, as Paul encourages us to do, make the most of every opportunity. Be prepared. Opportunities will come. Will we be ready for them?

Eph 5:31-32

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church (ecclesia).”

Paul tells us that husbands and wives are to treat each other with utmost respect, care, and love (verses 21-30) because in doing so they will manifest in their lives the great mystery of Christ (husband) married to the ecclesia (wife).

Malachi alludes to the fact that the husband and wife become one flesh to produce godly children (Mal 2:14-16).

Jesus quotes Gen 2:24 to show that married couples who are one flesh are not to get divorced for just any reason (Matt 19:3-9; Mark 10:6-12; cf. Mal 2:15), which the Pharisees were guilty of.

Paul uses Gen 2:24 to show that sexual relations makes them one body or flesh, and since they are not married, it is sin (1Cor 6:16).

A man and woman become husband and wife through a special set of vows they exchange. In a physical sense this means they may now have sexual relations and not be sinning (Heb 13:4). This is not a great mystery! Obviously, far more is being hinted at here than just sex, a physical oneness. The idea of one flesh the apostle Paul speaks of means united in purpose and goals (cf. John 17:20-23). It is no longer about what each individual wants. It is the idea that no matter who you talk to, the wife or the husband, you will basically get the same answer! Prov 31:10-31 gives the application of this oneness to the role of the husband and to the wife.

Eph 5:31 is also taken from Gen 2:24. Paul reveals the great mystery of the one flesh with the marital union of Christ with the ecclesia. According to Paul, there is no possibility of a married woman’s surrender to Christ, which is not made visible and actual by submission to her husband! This submission is typified in Christ’s submission to the Father. Eve was created under the headship of Adam because she originated from Adam, and was to honour him and be in subjection to him as the ecclesia spiritually begotten of God through Christ must honour Christ and be in subjection to Christ.

Neither the patriarchs nor those who followed understood this great mystery, which was still to unfold in the fullness of time in Christ. Paul’s assertion is that when God designed marriage in the first place, He had in mind Christ and the ecclesia. An ecclesia is one with Christ, IF it submits to Christ; a wife is one with her husband, IF she submits to her husband. Many take Eph 5:31 literally, and while physically this is true, the implication here is a profoundly spiritual one as Paul tells us in verse 32. A wife who is contrary, nags, asserts her authority, “wears the pants,” or “runs the show,” in other words, does not submit to her husband, is not one with her husband. The fact is that without God, and without our submission and obedience to His will, a true and full oneness is not possible no matter how married we are! The marriage union is either a sinful relationship or a righteous relationship in one; it cannot be both, and the likelihood of raising godly children in such an environment is extremely remote.

6:15     having feet shod with the gospel of peace expounds Isa 52:7 making the point that the gospel brings “peace”  which has been a recurring word in Ephesians –  1:2, 2:14,15,17, 4:3

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

I don't know how many opportunities I have lost because I thought a better one might come up. One missed opportunity in particular comes to mind: I used to cycle home from work with a co-worker. As we would cycle together for about fifteen minutes each day, I would look for a "good" moment to share the gospel with him. As we went our various ways home, I would think, "I'll do it tomorrow." But opportunities don't hang around for ever. One day he decided to quit work. He left early that day and I never saw him again, let alone got to share Jesus with him. I can only pray that someone else has in the meantime.

Paul said, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Eph 5:15-16)

Opportunities are so easily lost. I need to learn to grab them when they come, and to trust in God even when I feel unprepared or when the environment seems not quite right. God's timing is always perfect. So let's take Paul's advice and make the most of every opportunity to do God's will. By taking the opportunities God gives us when he gives them to us, you never know what good may come of it.

Eph 6:4.

6:9      The responsibility of a servant is to a large extent easy. It is just a matter of obedience. However the “master” is in a far more difficult position. Whilst he has responsibilities to ensure that the “servant” behave appropriately the master must not think of himself more highly than the servant.  Likewise in his treatment of the servant he must always show Christ like behaviour. We maybe aspire in our work environment to be masters however with the position comes great responsibilities to those we supervise. 

Love your wife

In three places in quick succession husbands are told to Love their wives (5v25,28,33). This seems like an odd request. But "love" means much more in the Bible than the usual meaning of the word in our current society.

Workshop: Find examples of what "Love" means

Along with the three statements that one ought to love, there are lots of examples of what that love entails in Eph 5:25-33. List them out on a sheet of paper, and then try to give an example of how that example might apply in your own relationship.

5:23-24          Because Christ is the head of the body of Christ the husband has to behave in a particular way towards his wife. If we really believe that Christ is the head of the Christian body then we should seek to help our wife to be more like Christ.

Eph 5:11

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

The apostle Paul addressed the Ephesian brethren who were the Godly living among the ungodly. Ephesus was described as Lumen Asiae, the Light of Asia, being the gateway of Asia at the western coast of Asia Minor or modern day Turkey. In the New Testament era it was the fourth greatest city in the world, after Rome, Alexandria in Egypt and Antioch of Syria. With a population of about 300,000, it was the chief commercial city and the center of worship of the goddess Diana with its temple prostitutes, and immorality was rampant. In fact, there were 33 temples in the Greco-Roman world where Diana was worshipped.

This is the background from which the Ephesian believers came, and Paul did not want them to justify, tolerate, make excuses, or accept the works of darkness. They were now the children of light and as such they were to be about doing the works of light (vv. 13,14). As such, they were commanded to reprove ungodly actions not only amongst the ungodly, but also among the believers (Eph 5:15). Reprove is the Greek word, elegeho, # <1651>, and means, “confute, admonish, convict, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove” (cf. 2Thess 3:15; 2Tim 4:2).

When ungodly actions are manifested among the believers, the watch words we may hear are, tolerance, acceptance, understanding, it is not acting in love. It actually is acting in love when we reprove because we are looking after the sheep, trying to get God’s people out of actions that could destroy them spiritually. Secular culture also advocates tolerance, but the Bible clearly says to expose any ungodly actions. It is our duty and responsibility to expose sin as prescribed Biblically, not cover it up.

There is a phrase in Latin, Coram Deo, which means, “in the presence of God.” It conveys the idea of the Disciples of Christ living in the presence of and authority of God. It captures the thought of doing something in the actual presence of God and living one’s entire life in His presence.  How different our lives would be if we acted Coram Deo!

Compromise in the name of peace and love is not Biblical; we are to act in love and in wisdom. There are some who are too quick to condemn everything, and then there are those who never deal with anything.

The light of God that shines through us both illumines and transforms, exposes and cleanses. Those whom the light redeems become visible, and that which is visible is light (vv. 13,14). In other words, formerly dark individuals are cleansed and become lights through whom our Saviour shines brightly. We must continue to become ever brighter lights practically and doctrinally as we, through confession and repentance, expose our sin to God and flee from it.

Eph 5:25,28,33

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the ecclesia, and gave himself for it… and the wife see that she reverence her husband...”

These verses explicitly tell us how to have a marriage God’s way, not the world’s way that redefines and undermines marriage as it was originally intended by God. In vv. 1,2, the apostle Paul lays the groundwork of what’s ahead by first admonishing us to be imitators of God and Christ.

Husbands: The Biblical counsel is that you are to agape love your wives and lead them (cf. 1Cor 11:3). What does this mean? 1Cor 13 shows us what agape love is and if husbands strived to so love their wives, there would be no separations, there would be no divorces. Are you willing to apply yourself to agape love, as husbands are commanded? The problem is, most don’t really want their marriage to work. Agape love is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22).  The Biblical design of leadership may be read in Matt 20:20-28. Biblically speaking, the husband must be the family’s biggest servant. He is to lead by example – a servant leader. He is not a cruel dictator, but a loving leader with the best interests of his wife in his heart (cf. Col 3:19).

If husbands genuinely desire to agape love their wives, and put them ahead of all other relationships, if they live in the Spirit, they are also to walk in the Spirit (Gal 5:25). 1Cor 13 is a portrait of Christ, and is the standard of what husbands ought to aspire to. It is not abstract or passive, but active and functioning. Agape love is only agape love when it acts (1John 3:18). If husbands think they have tried everything to make their marriage work, they haven’t tried this!

Christ’s agape loves despite our faults, his love is volitional, intense, unending, unselfish, purposeful, and sacrificial. Husbands have the greatest responsibility to see that the marriage work.

Wives: The Biblical counsel is that wives reverence their husbands. What does this mean? Wives who receive agape love cannot but respect their husbands. A man’s deepest need is for respect; a woman’s deepest need is for love. Wives must show their respects to their husbands; it begins by talking respectfully and acting respectfully to them even when wives sometimes think they don’t deserve it (cf. 1Pet 3:1,2). Giving respect is very powerful, and when wives meet this need, husbands respond. Though a husband’s response tends to be less sentimental than a wife’s, the depth of the husband’s response is similar.

Both husbands and wives need to understand this very important psychological difference between the sexes in dwelling together according to knowledge (1Pet 3:7) – what makes them tick and what makes them ticked. God designed it to be this way. Love and respect go hand-in-hand as heirs together. This is the Biblical completeness, oneness and unity (cf. Gen 2:24). For this oneness, husbands and wives must know and fulfill their Biblical roles – obedience is not an option (cf. John 17:22,23). The closer we come to the ideal, the closer marriages will come to the ideal. Divorce is not likely if couples would just align with the Divine plan. We have God’s blueprint on how to stick-to-it assuring the wedlock is padlocked. The issue is never can the marriage work, but how badly the couple want it to work.

Eph 5:25,28,33

A reader writes: "In my mind I questioned what you said about "a man's deepest need being respect".  I didn't think that was his DEEPEST need, but when I checked the meaning of respect . . .   I guess it could encompass my own tho'ts  --  ahem!

My book of synonyms gives the following partial definitions of respect:

Loyalty  = includes steadfast faithfulness in the face of any temptation

Fidelity  = suggests continuing faithfulness

Fealty    = connotes position of a vassal to his lord

I can see that any wife who presents herself to her husband in this way would satisfy him no end, and if he likewise did his part, they would have a good marriage.

I would add, FEWER MARRIAGES WOULD SKID, IF THOSE WHO SAID 'I  DO'  ---  DID."

My reply: Most women do not realize this, and even men often miss this point, but there is a reason why the Holy Spirit inspired apostle wrote women need love first and foremost, and men need respect first and foremost. This does not mean that nothing else is implied because if they agape love and respect, all the other characteristics of a good marriage will fall into place.

5:11     In encouraging the Ephesians to reprove the works of darkness Paul is encouraging them to oppose those who would teach error. In speaking thus Paul is echoing the way that Israel were to deal with teachers of error – Lev 18:17

Eph 6:1

Something I had not realised until I read pg 65-66 of Elpis Israel is that it was never the fathers intention for man to have dominion over other men, Animals yes Gen 1:28

But not fellow men.

The priesthood despite its splendour was to be only an example of how a man should live and manifest God it was not to rule, it was mans choice to have kings and rulers of course Yahweh really rules in the kingdoms of men Dan 4:17, Dan 2:21

In fact he appoints the basest of men, and when we look at politicans and presidents today we see they are no better than the animals that we are supossed to have dominion over!

Only one place must man have dominion over his fellow men and that is over his children in the home. Children are to obey their father and parents until they leave home then a fathers dominion ceases his love and advice must remain but not his dominion.

How many ecclesias today are letting children rule ecclesial life in fear of their children not coming to the truth?

Eph 6:4 tells us fathers and husbands that dominion does not come about by acting the bigot but comes about by loving affection and discipline given with love. Man is not even to have dominion over his wife, she should submit to him out of love and respect in the example he sets.

So where do children see the example set? In the Lord Jesus christ Phil 2:8 for he was obedient to his father in that he gave up his life to him. In fact he sought not to have dominion over men but to be a servant, Matt 20:28, Phil 2:7, 1Cor 9:19

He did have dominion over the animals though in that he never displayed a carnal mind like them.

So what did it acheive foir him and for us in obeying our father? Psa 149:8

To have dominion over men!

6:9     The instruction o “masters” requires that they be like God. In reminding his hearers what was said – Deut 10:17 – we see the challenge of being like God in the difficult environment of being an employer.

Eph 6:1,2

“CHILDREN, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother…”

Verse 1 begins with the command to children to obey their parents. In their obedience they show honour to their father and mother (v. 2).

The basis for a family was established by God in Gen 2:18,23,24 and within the family given responsibilities and roles (Eph 5:22-31). The father’s role: (cf. Eph 5:25-28; 6:4; Col 3:21). Fathers are not to badger and be so dictatorial with their children (biological or adopted) to the point where they hate him. The mother’s role: (cf. Titus 2:3,4). Mothers are to love and teach their children. The children’s role: (cf. Exo 20:12; Eph 6:1-3; 1Tim 5:1-4). Children are to obey and honour their parents and show respect to their elders. We get a grasp of how God wants the family to interact with one another under His authority. Obeying His authority in this matter is the cement that keeps the family together. A harmonious and eternal relationship is possible when couples remain true to the Lord and each other. Any divergence is sin.

Without a man and woman, there simply is no family. Natural reproduction always requires a coupling of male and female. Today, we have activists who are pushing for a radical redefinition of marriage and gender through the courts, state legislatures, and educational systems. The institution of marriage is already in serious trouble due to high divorce rates and the significant number of out-of-wedlock births and such will only further weaken the institute of marriage. Furthermore, it has the potential now to open the door to polygamous marriages and other non-traditional relationships like giving pedophiles the right to marry children! Embracing a false definition of marriage is like flooding the economy with counterfeit or fiat money. It becomes devalued.

5:6      This is the second time Paul has written about children of disobedience. The first is in Eph 2:2.  We are the children of our parents. Spiritually we can be children of Abraham or children of disobedience. By implication those who do not serve the God of Abraham are children of disobedience.

Eph 5:22

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.”

Women often struggle with this concept of being submissive with being inferior, or subordinate, but this is not the case. Furthermore, it has been shown that there is a relationship between domestic violence and the teaching of submission, wives having no choices or control over their lives! This is very tragic, yet not surprising once sin entered the world. In a male-dominated gender discriminating world, abused women began to fight back and assume headship in what we see now in the Feminist Movement, often a hostile and rebellious movement, incompatible with Scripture teaching brought about in most part by verbally, emotionally, and abusive men.

Regardless of the gender, God made both man and woman in His image (Gen 1:27; cf. Gal 3:28). Before the fall, both were assigned dominion over God’s creation (Gen 1:26-28), there was mutuality, there was peace and harmony, the wife was a helper. After the fall, the blame game began, mutuality, peace and harmony were lost. Eve’s desire would be to reverse the order from helper, for which she was originally created, to leader, and the sentence of the husband ruling over the wife was pronounced to maintain this headship, since Adam was created first (Gen 3:16, cf. 1Tim 2:13,14).

The wife was intended to be the helper and the husband to be the leader, and as a leader, the husband is responsible for his wife, hence, Eve is not mentioned as introducing sin into the world, but Adam, though she sinned first. Both were equal in God’s eyes, but in marriage, they had different roles.

Scripture shows us what true oneness is, as evidenced before the fall, but this became badly marred after sin entered the world, but if the leader be Godly, submit to Christ, as Christ submitted to the Father, then as long as couples strive towards this kind of Godly submissiveness (1Cor 11:3; Col 3:18,19), the marriage will do well, though not without its problems.

Eph 5:33

“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself…”

MEDITATIONS—NO 31, Christadelphian Family Journal, January 1927, p. 260, by A.T. Jannaway

“According to the Scriptures a wife has to come first (after God) in a man’s affections. Her needs, physical and spiritual, claim the primary place in all His arrangements. He is enjoined to love her ‘even as Christ also loved the ecclesia’ (Eph 5:25). How did Christ love the ecclesia? His love was shown in his tender regard, his eagerness to comfort and enlighten, in his ever-readiness to make sacrifices for the advancement of its well-being. These are the qualities that should be exhibited by husbands in their treatment of their wives. There is to be no bitterness (Col 3:19); there is to be the giving of ‘honour as unto the weaker vessel’ – a precept which is preceded by an intimation that the husband should make himself acquainted with the ‘knowledge’ of his divinely apportioned duties (1Pet 3:7). It is not weak for a man thus to love his wife. Where a husband is faithful to God’s will, the wife is not treated as a servant. She is not unnecessarily stinted in money or food. Her authority is not lowered in the presence of her children, nor her position in the eyes of strangers. A husband can be very wicked and very cruel in these matters, and yet pass as good in the eyes of onlookers! Man has no right to rob his wife of free will. He must show judgment in ruling, but his ruling must not trespass on territory which both Scripture and reason delegate to the wife. When God deputed the ruling of the house to man, it was for other reasons than his superior ability in the eating of the dinner, or in lifting a load, or in making a noise.” (Emphasis added).

6:6 Simply put “eyeservice” is doing things to be seen by others. This was the problem with the scribes and Pharisees – Matt 23:5

6:8 First century life was very different from anything that we in the developed western world have ever experienced. The mention of “bond” and “free” is one such difference. Whilst in our community we might have a wide range of social classes normally those classes mix freely. It was not so in the first century. The “bond” were bought slaves who had not rights of their own. They were owned by the “free”. But “in Christ” there was to be no difference – Gal 2:8. That must have been a great challenge for both the bond and free.

5:19 The greatest of all “spiritual songs” is “The song of songs, which is Solomon’s” (Song 1:1). Paul goes on in this chapter to develop the theme of the Song of Solomon in speaking about husbands and wives, that is, speaking, as Solomon had in his Song, “concerning Christ and the ecclesia” (Eph. 5:32). In Ephesians 5:27, “not having spot” quotes from Song 4:7: “no spot in thee”.

FATHERS

This message is for fathers and for me. It only took one verse for Paul to say it, but even in these few words, there is a lot to take in. Listen carefully: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." (Eph 5:4).

As fathers, we can be a bit arrogant, heavy handed, insensitive or just oblivious to what is going on. But that side of things needs to change. Lets get to know our children. Talk to them. Find out about their friends, the things they are struggling with, their likes, their dislikes and the things that are going on in their world. In doing so we may get to understand their motivations for doing the things that have annoyed us in the past.

The other side of being a father is to bring up our children in the training and instruction of the Lord. It doesn't happen by chance. It only happens when we take the lead in prayer, Bible reading, discussion, and teachable moments every day. Help your children stand against sin and grow toward God.

After all, we fathers should be reflecting the father we see in God who loves us, draws us close to him, and gives us a hope and a future.
 

5:8 In saying that the believers in Ephesus are “children of light” Paul is quoting Luke 16:8 where Jesus speaks of the disciples and warns them about wrong teachers.

6:14-17 The way the believer is to be clothed draws onIsa 29:17 and , Isa 52:7. However there is one element of clothing seen in Isaiah 59 which is not seen here. It is the “garments of vengeance”. Such apparel is not fitting for the believer. It belongs to Jesus when he returns to re-establish God’s kingdom.

Eph 6:11-12 - "For we wrestle...". We are involved in an ideological not physical fight; V12 reference to human rulers, administrators and others in high places who are spiritually hostile to the true gospel.

Later in Eph 6:13-17 - it refers to spiritual armor not literal armor.

6:5  Jesus taught that it is not possible to serve two masters Matt 6:24– this is the “singleness” that Paul is writing of here. We all too often try to serve God whilst following our own preferences as well.

6:8 Doubtless there was a “social structure” in Ephesus as there is today. Menial workers tend to be seen as of less importance than those with “important” jobs. Paul is inspired here to bind both bond and free together as receiving the same treatment by God whatever their status in society.

Ephesians 6:13-18 Paul lists the armour with which Roman soldiers wore and gives spiritual significance to each part.