Walking with Jesus
Скачать книги из серии Walking with JesusA Treasury of Illustrations and Quotations from Walking With Jesus
The Apostle Paul, in exercising his ineffable wisdom, draws this magnificent letter to a close in an extraordinary manner. Certainly, he could have concluded it after telling the masters and servants how to treat one another. But, no, he did not. He proceeded to challenge them to become Christ's Ambassadors and to be proficient in this high calling, despite the daily obstacles, pressures, and temptations. What does Paul boldly state after having told Christ's followers, [t]hat we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight (trickery) of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive? That they will have a life of ease, no problems or worries, and no challenges, disappointments, or hardships? No! But, he did tell them how to conduct themselves in all of life's different phases. Further, that they were to walk in love, as Christ hath also loved us, and that not everyone hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Paul, contra to the practice today of many preachers, teachers, and church officers, knew the problems that Christ's followers faced and he boldly addressed them. He unequivocally stated that there were things appointed for them to do. Knowing these things and the difficulties encountered in following Christ, he issued a battle call to each and every follower, saying, take (up) unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Paul was forthright in describing the benefits and challenges of Walking With Jesus as well as the attitude, conduct, and conversation precluding one from entering the kingdom of Christ and God. If we are to be Christ's Ambassadors, whether it be preacher, teacher, church officer, or profess- ing Christian, we are to know our duties and carry them out resolutely. What are they? They include, but are not limited to: discharging our duties honorably; being loyal subjects; following instructions; knowing the Word; and obeying Christ's commands. May we, along with Paul, pray the following with humility and sincerity: For which I am an ambassador . . . that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak as one of His ambassadors.
The Triune God Speaks to the Saints
The Triune God speaks to the saints and in so doing proclaims God's will and the spiritual blessings available from Him, His Son, and the Holy Spirit. It starts with doctrine, God's call, Christ's teachings, trusting Him, and knowing the Word. The Word is essential, it needs to be the whole Word of God revealing His being, nature, teachings, and commands. It culminates in stressing the importance of prayer, in giving thanks, receiving wisdom in the knowledge of Him, being enlightened, knowing the hope of His calling, and believing in His mighty power as we walk through life with Jesus encountering its trials, tests, and tribulations as well as experiencing its joys, blessings, and gifts with a grateful heart.
Sin and Redemption
The genius of Paul is evident in chapter 2 of his Letter to the Ephesians. However, more importantly, two truths are revealed through a closer examination of his presentation. First is the realization that Paul listens, contemplates, and abides by the words of his Savior, and ours, in presenting the truths revealed to him. This was the result of Paul relinquishing the mantle of self-centeredness and replacing it with the crown of Christ-centeredness. This became his guiding light through the tests, trials, and tribulations of walking with Jesus. Second, there is the recognition of Paul's love for, and commitment to, professing Christians, whether they be babes in the faith, adolescents, or maturing adults. He realized they had been, or would be, confronted by the desires of the flesh and of the mind during their life's journey. He wanted them to know the living Christ. This chapter is pivotal to understanding God's mercy and grace, as well as our need for His spiritual blessings. When we accept the Lord Jesus' invitation to follow Him in His commands and teachings, we will know the joy of a right relationship with the glorious Father, reconciliation through Christ, praying through the Holy Spirit, and God's Foundation built on the apostles and prophets.
Christ’s Prisoner
Paul proclaimed he was in prison because he was Christ's prisoner. Why? Because he proclaimed the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ uncompromisingly without fear of retribution. He served the living Christ and succumbed neither to the wiles of Satan nor to the demands of the secular world. He gives all the glory to God and in so doing proclaims: the grace of God; knowledge in the mystery of Christ, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, . . . and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. He became Christ's minister by God's grace and His effective power working in him. God does this to enlighten and to strengthen each individual professing faith in Christ and endeavoring to walk with Jesus along life's pathway while enjoying blessings and gifts, as well enduring trials, tests, and temptations. Paul was the ultimate pastor and teacher in expounding Christ's teachings. He was a God server, not a man server. May those who preach and teach follow in Paul's footsteps by proclaiming God's entire Word faithfully.
Walking as Mature Christians
The Apostle Paul realized that he was an infant in the faith after his encounter with the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. He experienced what was required to become a member of Christ's body and to walk as a mature Christian. Therefore, he wanted to share these truths with the Ephesians and with us. What does he do? First, he presents doctrine regarding the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ, and God the Father. Then, he focuses on the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Why? He knew we needed to acquire knowledge of God's Word and develop a personal relationship with the Triune God. He concludes this portion of Scripture with comforting words and stern warnings. The former assures us of attaining spiritual maturity, whereas the latter warns against the predators espousing false doctrine, trickery, cunning craftiness, and deceit, which are only overcome by an intimate knowledge of the Son of God.
Following Christ
The latter half of Chapter 4 of Paul's letter to the Ephesians is the watershed of this magnificent document that is often referred to as the «holy of holies.» Paul was never hesitant to declare God's truth as he proclaimed it to those professing faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, after praising The Triune God for the love, wisdom, and blessings bestowed upon us during the first three and one-half chapters Paul does an about face and enjoins the believers with these strong words saying, «This I . . . testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity (futility) of their mind.» He is telling the hearers that once they are Christ's they are to walk to a different drummer, the Master Himself. Paul completes the watershed transition by reminding professing Christians, «But ye have not so learned Christ.» It is with these simple, single syllable words that he opens new horizons for the members of Christ's body and paves the way for enunciating the duties and responsibilities they are to learn and to do when Following Christ. This learning and practicing is not easy, but it us joyful, rewarding, and worthwhile. That is why Paul, before embarking on Christ's learning pathway, tells the followers in the way to, «put off . . . the old man; be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And . . . put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.» May we heed God's truth as revealed to Paul by the Holy Spirit. These blessings are comforting, strengthening, and manifold when committing ourselves to Walking With Jesus.
Walking Wisely
The Apostle Paul leaves no stone, teaching, or truth untouched as he continues developing a pathway for each of us built upon the foundation of the Triune God. He has carefully and prayer-fully utilized the words in this magnificent letter to clearly, concisely, and forcefully relate the truths revealed to him by the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Paul, in this illuminating sixth chapter of Ephesians, weaves together enlightening commands and counsel that will enhance the lives of people Walking With Jesus. He tells the believers what to do and what not to do in simple, straightforward language. He succinctly describes Christlike conduct, before expounding upon the lifestyles of those who will have no inheritance in the Kingdom of God and Christ. These tough words make one stop and think. At least, they should. The Apostle continues Walking With Jesus by urging Christ's followers to walk wisely and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. After building this part of God's pathway, Paul focuses our attention on the two most important relationships in one's life: (i) marriage; and (ii) Christ and His church. The truths presented by the Apostle provide Christ's companions, as the walk together, with an increasing faith plus joy, knowledge, love, strength, and wisdom. May we ask for nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else.
Satan and God's Armor
The Apostle Paul leaves no stone unturned as he encourages, enlightens, and informs the Ephesian believers (and us) regarding their duties and responsibilities as Christ's followers. Yes, there are duties and responsibilities for professing Christians, just as there are duties and responsibilities in every phase of life whether it be as children/parents; employee/employer; student/teacher; or whatever field of endeavor one may pursue.
The apostle is addressing those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and seek to follow Him, which as Paul knows is not easy. Therefore, in this portion of Scripture he stresses certain truths that will strengthen each and every Christian as they journey through life. The elements may sound simple to learn, but they are difficult to practice day in and day out. What are they? Obedience, discipline, priorities, knowing your heavenly Father (not just knowing about Him), being strong disciples in the faith, and separating ourselves. Developing these traits requires a commitment to adhere to Christ's teachings and commands.
Paul then switches our attention from what we are to do as Christ's followers and states emphatically that we are to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. «Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles [schemes] of the devil» (Eph 6:1-11). Paul states unequivocally that we are to prepare to wrestle this implacable foe, since we belong to Christ and are His followers. He describes Satan, his evil characteristics and malevolent intentions. Christ recognized him for what he is. Should we do less? Unfortunately, in today's world we ignore him and fail to realize the harm he inflicts on ourselves and others. Paul concludes this portion of Scripture on a high note. He urges us to be properly prepared; to recognize heresies; to watch and pray; to know the difference between false and true teachings; and to know the Lord Jesus Christ and what He experienced during His earthly ministry.
Christ's Ambassadors
The Apostle Paul, in exercising his ineffable wisdom, draws this magnificent letter to a close in an extraordinary manner. Certainly, he could have concluded it after telling the masters and servants how to treat one another. But, no, he did not. He proceeded to challenge them to become Christ's Ambassadors and to be proficient in this high calling, despite the daily obstacles, pressures, and temptations. What does Paul boldly state after having told Christ's followers, [t]hat we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight (trickery) of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive? That they will have a life of ease, no problems or worries, and no challenges, disappointments, or hardships? No! But, he did tell them how to conduct themselves in all of life's different phases. Further, that they were to walk in love, as Christ hath also loved us, and that not everyone hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Paul, contra to the practice today of many preachers, teachers, and church officers, knew the problems that Christ's followers faced and he boldly addressed them. He unequivocally stated that there were things appointed for them to do. Knowing these things and the difficulties encountered in following Christ, he issued a battle call to each and every follower, saying, take (up) unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Paul was forthright in describing the benefits and challenges of Walking With Jesus as well as the attitude, conduct, and conversation precluding one from entering the kingdom of Christ and God. If we are to be Christ's Ambassadors, whether it be preacher, teacher, church officer, or professing Christian, we are to know our duties and carry them out resolutely. What are they? They include, but are not limited to: discharging their duties honorably; being loyal subjects; following instructions; knowing the Word; and obeying Christ's commands. May we, along with Paul, pray the following with humility and sincerity: For which I am an ambassador . . . that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak as one of His ambassadors