Questions For Deborah

1. What is the spiritual state of the Church at Ephesus?

The Ephesians were built up saints, who understood foundational doctrine. So, Paul writes an epistle to progress them further in eternal things to stand confident. Ephesians 1 reminds this Church of the abundance of things God has provided ‘in Christ.’

Paul’s prays in Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-19 for these dear saints, setting the framework for this epistle. They reflect areas in need of growth to live above the circumstances. Ephesians 1: 1 states there was a group of saints who were “faithful in Christ Jesus.” Verse 15 relays the general status: “Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints.” They had matured to have godly love for the Body.

2. How can Ephesians be used in a marriage with problems?

First, every marriage has challenges. To live godly, according to Pauline doctrine (Romans-Philemon), we’re to read, reread, study, and meditate upon the doctrine given to us prayerfully, with the desire to apply it in our lives. Slowing down to think on our situation, our own behavior, the needs of our spouse, and then, Scripturally what God desires is wisdom. It helps to make it a priority to live godly as we live in such a busy world with many distractions. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16) Plan to make time to think.

Choosing to function according to what we have been taught in the Word is what God desires as this manifests godliness. It is a moment-by-moment choice NOT to yield to the flesh, and instead, yield unto God. We then can let Him lead by the Spirit, providing the wisdom and power to make godly decisions, thinking with the mind of Christ. “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Rom. 8:6)

3. How can I use Ephesians 2 to teach my children how to rightly divide?

Teach them the three key phrases found in Chapter 2. These are time demarcations that reveal how God changes how He dealt with man to accomplish His purpose over time:

a) In “Time Past” God dealt with Israel in the Old Testament (time past) as His vessel to accomplish His purpose and reach the world, showing His power and wisdom.  In Genesis 12, God raised up Abram to create the Nation Israel, making promises and prophecies to them (vs. 1-3) This period is from Genesis 12 through the Old Testament, the Gospels, and Acts.

b) “But Now” (vs.13): God made a change, beginning the “but now” time. (Romans-Philemon) He raised Paul to begin the Body of Christ and to teach. Once we are raptured up to Heaven (I Thess. 4:13-18), God promises He will finish His purpose with Israel.

c) “To Come:” God resumes Israel’s program. (Hebrews-Revelation) The Nation’s last days continue, and judgement comes. God fulfills all promises and prophecies made to Israel. New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven to earth where Christ will reign as Eternal King through His Nation. (Rev. 21)

4. How is our position in Christ different than our walk?

Position: This is a confident, fixed standing we have with God in Christ once we’re justified. God had done all the work by the cross; we are to simply believe. We have a package of eternal blessings: “Therefore being 1) justified by faith, 2) we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 3)By whom also we have access by faith 4) into this grace 5) wherein we stand, 6) and rejoice 7) in hope of the glory of God.” (Rom. 5: 1-2)

Walk: Again, God does all the work in us as when we believe and yield, then walk it out in the details of life by faith. Once we are justified believers we are to functionally walk according to the doctrine in our souls and to bring forth fruit unto God; it’s a choice. Paul instructs that we are to “…yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:13b) and “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) Choose to walk as who you are!