Discuss Ephesians 4 Page 17

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You wrote of the anger that builds up inside you when you are lied to, maybe continually. To be angry against the sin of others is not wrong, but to harbour it, thus allowing it to slowly eat into us is wrong; Ephesians 4:26, "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath". There is an anger that isn't sin, even as Jesus showed anger when He went to the Temple & saw people treating the House of God with contempt ( John 2:13-16). So there is a righteous anger, as we call it, but there is an unrighteous anger that has its roots in self-pity & not receiving that which we deserve. We can get upset & angry, but we need to repent, fix up the matter with those concerned & go to bed without storing up that anger. It is hard to do, but the Lord will help when there is true Love.

It's not clear as to why your friend felt that your help to her was your attempt to "buy her friendship". Maybe it was something you did or said that she misconstrued, or even her own thoughts getting away with her & she came to a wrong judgement. In all such cases, if she will allow it, the matter should be aired in all seriousness & humility, so as to restore the bond of friendship you once enjoyed. You may even want to approach her with that desire: to rectify & make amends for whatever has caused this rift.

If the Lord has put it upon your heart to help people wherever you can, then this is a most worthy pursuit as your sole motivation is from the Lord & for the people in need, just as maybe you once were in need in your earlier days. So Christine, just a few thoughts to guide you. May the Lord guide you in this & bless your life. And by the way, you expressed yourself very well though not having had much education - just goes to show that there is an ability we are blessed with beyond the bounds of man deems is necessary.

Alex, may the Spirit (Holy Ghost) continue birthing His wisdom and knowledge in you.

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

John 17:21-22 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe thou has sent me.

(22) And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that we may be one, even as we are one.

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith (of the Holy Ghost), and the knowledge of the Son of God (Holy Ghost), unto a perfect (mature) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Holy Ghost)

1 Corinthians 15:34 Awake to righteousness, and sin not, for some have not the knowledge of God (Holy Ghost): I speak this to your shame.

Some believe that while Jesus' body was in the tomb, His spirit was in hell. Scripture does not support that position when it is taken in context and we look at the meaning of the word "hell." In the Old Testament, the place of the dead or the place of departed souls was called "Sheol." It was to this place that all souls of the dead went to await resurrection.

In the New Testament, we find the story of Lazarus and the rich man who both died and went to Hades ( Luke 16:19-31). The King James translates the Greek word "hades" as hell but most other translations use the Greek word. Hades had two separated parts. Those who died in faith believing in God's promise waited for the resurrection in Abraham's Bosom. Those who died spiritually separated from God wait in torment for the resurrection unto death, or eternal separation from God. The rich man was on the torment side and Lazarus was in Abraham's Bosom, which was called "paradise" by the LORD Jesus Christ when He addressed the thief who found faith the day Jesus was crucified ( Luke 23:42-43)

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" ( 2 Peter 2:4). The word translated "hell" here is not the Greek word "hades" but is the Greek word "tartarus" meaning abyss or the lowest regions. This could very well be the "gulf" that was fixed between the place of torment and Abraham's Bosom ( Luke 16:26).

Wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fulfill all things" ( Ephesians 4:8-10). Leading captivity captive refers to Jesus taking all those that waited in Paradise to heaven to be with Him. The descending into the "lower parts" then refers to Jesus mission of declaring victor

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Your question about going into the ministry. There is no timeline for this nor is it everyone's calling to be a Pastor. I'm unsure what you are thinking when you say, "If I succeed". If you're thinking of some steps, e.g. baptism, Bible College, etc. that you need to do to become a minister, then it doesn't work that way. Not everyone is gifted by the Spirit to do that work. You can read of some of the work within the Church in Ephesians 4:7-13. What you must do is to get to know God, His Son & Spirit more; & that comes from spending time in reading the Word, in prayer & study. As you do this, it may well be that the Spirit will speak to your heart or lead you in directions that make you useful for the Gospel. It could be pastoring, or evangelizing, or teaching, or even in prayer for others or serving in the Church. We can't presume on God for a calling - He will do it when He knows that you are ready. I can see how zealous you are for the things of God, which is wonderful, but don't let your "zeal eat you up", which means, one can get so zealous that you over-step the guiding Hand of God upon your life & start to do things your way & not God's Way. I know you are at University, indicating that you have the mental capacity & desire for excelling in some specific field of study or employment. God could well use your abilities or your future career to further His Kingdom by your witness & those gifts He develops for His use.

Matthew 6:14-15

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

But if ye forgive NOT men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:21-22

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until SEVENTY times SEVEN.

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and you shall be forgiven:

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians Chapter 4:26-27

Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Neither give place to the DEVIL.

Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, you also do.

Comment by Mishael: when we don't forgive others, Satan accuses us before the Throne of God, until we do forgive.

Taking Communion in unforgiveness, causes us to be unworthy to receive the blessing. We even must forgive ourselves. Every day till it takes root in our heart. How many years are you willing to live with this self-condemnation?

Wipe your heart, and in time your mind will follow.

2 Timothy Chapter 2

23 But foolish and unlearned questions AVOID, knowing that they do gender strifes.

24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

My Comment: We try patiently to show in scripture; commentaries by scholars; and our own testimonies: to answer questions that are brought to us.

We are answering the call in John 21:15-17.

Feed my Sheep. Feed my Lambs.

Ephesians 4:11

That's what we do, despite the accusations and opposition. Jesus did not say, go ye and persecute the Body of Christ.

Mishael

Hi Rob,

I'm wondering what your motive is for coming to a Bible website and accusing Christians who believe the trinity of being under a "curse"- something that most Christians believe in. Is that how you lovingly are looking to exchange information about the Bible to edify each other or are just looking to start a quarrel and do the opposite? Romans 14:19, Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 4:29.

The reason people believe that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Ghost) are one is that it literally says that in the Bible in 1 John 5:7 and elsewhere: Link

Do you think this is a salvation issue where someone may go to hell for believing the Bible verses such as 1 John 5:7 or why else are you so strong to condemn Bible believing Christians? What if someone accused you of what you're accusing others- that you yourself are spreading a "heinous doctrine" and are under a "curse," how would that make you feel and would it be true?

Barbara, the only clear reference we have on this issue, is found in Leviticus 19:28: "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD." And this was one of the many commands the Lord gave to Israel for living a proper, God-fearing life.

Some would use that verse against those today who have taken up the 'fashion' of tattooing & piercings, though it wasn't the intention of that command from God as in those days it would have been done for recognition of "the dead" & other occultic purposes (verses 26 & 31). So, whether God looks at the present day markings as sin, only God can declare that.

However, other issues come into play here for the Christian: as you said, we are no longer our own but now the purchased of God & Temples of the Holy Spirit. As well, whenever we do things, such as these, the clothes we wear, the places we visit, the people we associate with, what we fill our minds with & many more, are matters that every child of God has to seriously consider as we live on this Earth & bear witness to His Name. If the believer is walking in the Spirit, he/she would soon know in his/her spirit, how he/she should live before God & others. Personally, I find it difficult to believe that a Christian could honestly justify tattoos & piercings as of little godly consequence & consider it a thing of beauty before the Lord. It smacks of vanity & desiring to be identified with the crowd. We are to identify ourselves with our Saviour & to walk carefully & humbly before our God ( Ephesians 4:17).

Is Ephesians 4:11 what you're thinking of?

Listen to the Scriptures: Ephesians 4:4-6 ( v.5 ) one baptism. 1st Corinthians 12: 12-27. Ephesians 5:30 Trust the Holy Spirit for direction not man, man has opinion The Word ( Bible ) has facts 1st Corinthians 2:9-14. Also our Lord talks about the Holy Spirit John 14: 16-26 and John 16:7-15. You have to do your part 2nd Timothy 2:15. Hope it helps.

Ephesians 4:31-32

v31 speaks of many feelings associated with unforgiveness; when a person harbors such feelings and ways and does not forgive, he sets himself up for judgment.

v32 speaks that we must forgive all who have hurt or offended us - just as Christ has forgiven all our sins past, who've accepted Him as our Savior. Be loving and tenderhearted as Christ has been with us. God wants us to forgive others as soon as possible with His help. Do not let any root of bitterness take a stronghold on your heart.

Hope this helps. Keep studying His Word and be richly blessed!!!

I am a new covert and i am doing a topical study on forgiveness, could you explain Epesians 4:31-32

God bless you brother Chris

You speak devoutly but we must not throw out the baby with the bathwater. Ephesians 4:11 clearly tells us that there are still prophets in the Church age. There may be 1,000 false prophets, but there will also be 1 who truly has received the office of being a prophet from Almighty God.

Let us get the Holy Spirit and then we can not be deceived.

Peace & Love in Christ

Matthew 4:4

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

Ephesians 4:27

"Neither give place to the devil."

When you prayed the prayer of faith, to receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior: you were sealed with the Holy Spirit THEN.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

Ephesians 4:30

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Ephesians 1:13

(Jesus) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

1 Corinthians 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 1:5 - For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 12, to understand the gift of speaking in tongues. If it's a gift you desire, then ask the Holy Spirit for that gift. Always covet discerning of spirits. A very useful gift.

1 Corinthians 14: 1, 2, 4

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh Not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

GOOGLE the gifts so you'll know what each one of them is for.

The Holy Spirit is your Teacher. Always ask Him to help you understand what you are reading. You now have the Mind of Christ. He will instruct you through the Holy Spirits ministry to believers. Be still & quiet till he replies. You're going to fall deeply in love with the Spirit of Jesus.

Mishael

These scriptures define the system that Jesus set forth in Scripture. People call it the Five Fold Ministry. If you spread your fingers: the apostle is the thumb because it can touch on the other four fingers;

the Pastor is the ring finger, because they daily care for Jesus's sheep.

The prophet is the forefinger calling people to repent (points).

Teacher is the center finger.

Pastor, Keeper of the sheep.

Last but not the least: Evangelist. The Gospel with shoes on.

Jesus demonstrated the entire 5 fold ministry.

Some people call themselves Apostles today. So as to not judge, you should spiritually discern the fruit of the Tree which is Jesus. Some people say the disciples were set apart as Apostles by having seen the risen Jesus; and that the modern Church does not have the office of Apostle in it.

Ephesians 4:11

And he (Jesus) gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

1 Corinthians 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

I'm sure other comments will be added to this post. Just enter those as a new comment so my mailbox doesn't overflow.

Mishael

Hi David,

If you believe you're perfect and sinless like Jesus, that would be contrary to: Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23.

Ephesians 4:32 - says be kind and tenderhearted and forgive others like Christ has forgiven you, but if you have to be 100% perfect as a Christian why would it say that? Are you suggesting that you've been 100% perfect and sinless since becoming a Christian? For example, you have never lied or quarreled or raised your voice at anyone and have always forgiven others for their sins?

If you believe you've been 100% perfect and sinless, which even Paul wasn't able to do, then aside from Jesus you're the first and only human to be perfectly sinless after becoming a Christian? Just as a warning this could be the sin of pride Proverbs 16:5 and 2 Timothy 3:2.

Matthew 5:48 - Jesus said to strive to be perfect and obey his commands John 14:15, but that doesn't mean you must be perfect to be saved. Ephesians 2:8. That also doesn't mean you have an excuse to sin intentionally.

Matthew 12:31 - Jesus clearly said only blasphemy of the holy spirit is the only sin that won't be forgiven. So, if your point is the NO sins are forgiven after you become a Christian then why would Jesus say this to everyone (including his Christian followers) that all sins ARE forgiven but this one?

Paul admits in Romans 7:15 that he deeply struggles with the flesh and sin. Does that mean you think the man who write the most books of the Bible and was the top evangelist for Christianity went to hell?

My belief is that you don't earn heaven by being perfect. You are saved by believing Jesus, confessing and repenting of your sin and actively following Jesus. You try to avoid sin to the absolute best of your ability, but it doesn't mean you'll be perfect. It in fact says we are all imperfect, but if we're genuinely following Jesus then we're covered by grace as we progress in our life as a Christian. It doesn't mean the grace erases sin, but we will be forgiven if we're a Christian following Jesus. Jesus shares a great parable about sin and forgiveness in Matthew 18.

Matthew 12:36-37 - Jesus sets the bar very, very high with every word you speak to others, your thoughts, and if you even look at a woman. Matthew 5:28. Am I supposed to believe your the first person since Jesus to ever do this perfectly and that you're 'earning' heaven? Congratulations, but I think you're in for a surprise, because that's not what the Bible says and above are just a few of the Bible verses that prove that. I'm offering this in kindness to offer a different perspective to a Christian brother. God bless.

Betty, there are a couple of Scriptures that I know of, that direct a Christian's manner of speaking:

Ephesians 4:29, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Even though 'corrupt communication' could be perceived to be too general, in Greek it actually refers to 'rotten, worthless, useless, depraved'. I would think that using swear/bad words would fall under this meaning as speech that has no value in it that rather places the person in a baser standing. You could look at Ephesians 5:4 as well, for a similar warning which includes foolish talking & jesting. I would think 'jesting' here is not just humour but with lewdness sprinkled within.

But to answer your question: "who decides which words are bad words and how do they decide, is it just somebody's opinion or is it scripture?" I think the criteria for that would be the source or history of the word used, its meaning & its manner of presentation, both in verbal expression & context. I certainly don't know the history of those words, nor do I wish to, but every now & then something comes up. For example, what some consider a 'mild bad word' such as the extended use of the word 'blood', has its origins in either the Cross or a woman's monthly cycle. But there are other words, such as used in the Bible for 'an illegitimate person' ( Hebrews 12:8), which in itself is an appropriate English word, but when used today and against a person in an angry tone, amounts to swearing. I think you get what I'm saying without the need for further examples!

But Colossians 4:6 says it well: "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." I feel that this is the criterion we need to abide by: how do our words or manner of speaking affect the one hearing us - is it gentle, encouraging, uplifting, informative or 'spiced' up & devaluing us & our message?

be ye kind hearted to one another and walk inthe Jesus light be not as the world. Seek Jesus always

Hello Adam,

I never make assumptions about anyone or the Bible.. I read and hear the words that are spoken and know by the words I hear how that person stands with God.

I would recommend you checking out 1 John 3:4 thru 10. Hopefully I spelled that right.

Then let me know if you still believe it's possible for folks that live their lives alive In Christ to be free from sin or not.

You're wording made no sense at all. When I say I am free from sin that does not give me liberty at all to sin. It simply means that sin no longer applies to me. I don't believe sin applies to anyone unless they believe it does.

Sin means one believes they have done something wrong in the eyes of God and must do something in order to regain God's favor.

I know everything I do at all times is exactly what God wants me to do and has me doing. I know everyone is doing exactly what God wants them to do and has them doing at all times. Most people have no understanding at all of how God rules all His creation.

However, Paul did clue us in when he spoke the words in Ephesians 4:6. I'll just let you look it up in case it doesn't print out for me.

As it stands now it's clear to me that your belief regarding what sin actually is, is not the truth according to how God has defined sin.

The problem I see is, when one has no understanding of what Jesus accomplished at the cross, it shows they are worshiping a false god and that false god is usually their religion.

I already followed Jesus straight to the cross and the old me died there with him. Then the new me was resurrected alive In Christ free from sin.

If you are still "following" Jesus, you haven't quite got to the finishing end of it. I agree it's a serious situation that all hangs on what one believes.

Have a great day. Lynn

"Don't add and don't subtract, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Verse 16-We must stay united and cooperate within the Christian congregation in order to function properly.

I ask for you to join with me in praying for my marriage. My wife has been in pursuit of another man for about a year and is going to pick up his daughter to get their nails done. She is trying to trick him into being with her claiming she is single. She has an online dating profile. I am praying for reconciliation, restoration, protection of our marriage, forgiveness and healing: Matthew 19:16, Hebrews 13:14, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:31-32, Psalm 147:3, 1 Peter 3:8, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 18:30, Romans 12:10

Hello Adam,

Yes, I am a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The standard I only desire to use is God's Word, and this is the only standard anyone can use regarding the truth( John 17:17).

Whether we, still imperfect in our sinful flesh, can "know" if we are saved or not is a good question. God tells us to examine ourselves, to see if we are in the faith( 2 Cor. 13:5). We examine if we are walking in agreement with God.

The whole of God's Word shows us that once we are born again, we become a new creature( 2 Corinthians 5:17). We are to be dead to our old ways. Dead to the ways of the world, because the world is wicked( 1 John 5:19). We are not to continue practicing sin( Titus 2:12, James 1:27).

We will still sin because we are still imperfect. ( Romans 7:23-24, Philippians 3:12, Ephesians 4:13). The difference is we do not continue PRACTICING sin, or WILLFULLY sinning. God does not judge by appearance, but by the TRUE state of our HEARTS( Luke 16:15, John 7:24).

If we continue our old practice - our dead in our sins way of living AFTER we become saved, we were never saved/born again to begin with( Hebrews 10:26, Hebrews 10:38-39, 1 John 2:15, 2 Peter 2:20-22).

We are still in the world but we are not of the world( John 17:16, Romans 12:2). On the contrary, we are tasked by the Lord to be examples & witnesses to the world( Philippians 2:15, Matthew 5:14, Romans 10:9-11, 13-15, 2 Corinthians 4:13).

This, I believe, is the "key" to knowing whether or not we are truly saved. If we truly believe.

a vocation is your work

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur comes 10 days after and is the Day of Atonement. Synagogues blast the shofar every day for a month leading up to the holiday, culminating with a sequence of 100 blasts during the Rosh Hashanah services, which take place this year on SEPTEMBER 20.

What is the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe:

A 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday, also known as the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two "High Holy Days" in the Jewish religion.

>I was delivered from the occult; born again; and filled with the Holy Spirit; Yom Kippur 1985. I saw Jesus. Mishael

Reading the Bible under the direction of the Holy spirit will give us God's truth. Remember what Jesus said at the cross it is done. Play for wisdom and knowledge from Jesus God bless

Hello brothers and sisters.

I just feel to post about how much discord I see among people on things between the OT and NT. Not really here. It seems many people are taking to follow old Jewish laws more seriously than what Christ came to teach. Some believe that to be following the Lord rather than that of producing good fruits of the Holy Spirit within us. Galatians 5:22-23. Some denounce the writings of Saul/Paul. Where there are many wonderful things in his books that surround the Lord.

It just saddens me to see some people focus on things before Jesus Christ came to us. Sticking to those things rather than what Christ and His apostles teach. I know there is much wisdom and the Word of God in the OT. We must all be careful. As, I have no interest in looking it up again, where I have read it is ok to kill a servant under certain circumstances. Would people really believe this was the Will of God? Or as when the people were going to stone the adulterous, under the law, and Jesus kept them from doing such a thing. Of coarse the pharisees and sadducees put Christ to death because they did not believe/agree with Him. As some of the hundreds of Jewish laws are good to abide by in my eyes. It is only a small percentage of the whole list. I do not condemn, or hate, anyone. It always makes me sad to see people argue, especially over things like this.

I believe what "Brother Dan" posted about Gods law being the Ten Commandments. And what Chris stated as in reply on Psalms 72. I truly pray for all to come to the Lord to see with His eyes, and hear with His ears, and to live for Gods Will and to glorify Him always. God Bless everyone!

Not in my memory. He met Jesus on the Damascus Road. He was blinded by the experience for 3 days. His ears were ok.

He heard Jesus's Voice perfectly.

He turned from walking dead person to alive in Jesus Christ, in a heartbeat. He wrote much of the New Testament (not the Gospels).

Paul first met the resurrected Lord Jesus in Acts chapter 9. At that time, Paul was known as Saul. He was on his way to Damascus to persecute the believers when a blinding light shone from heaven and the Lord spoke unto him.

1st Corinthians 15 also gives Paul's recounting of Jesus' several appearances to witnesses after his resurrection.