Category: Ephesians - Wittenberg Door Campus Ministry

Ephesians 4:7-16 - Lectionary for St. Matthew

9/15/2021

9/15/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Ephesians 4:7-16 pictures Christ's resurrection and ascension in two ways which tempt us to think contradict one another. In verse six we receive grace as a gift of God. In verse seven, Christ is pictured as the victorious general who has taken an army captive. how can we reconcile these two pictures?

First, the military picture. We easily recognize that Jesus, in his resurrection, was victorious over death, the age-old enemy of humanity. Jesus conquered death. What kind of captives would hetake?

Certainly the forces of death would not be the living, but the dead. Either they are dead in spirit or in body, or both. However, captives are not taken from amongthe dead, but the living. When Jesus (or anyone) takes prisoners, they are alive. How would Jesus do this?

Actually, we have no idea how he did it, except by our confession that he is stronger than death. But he did it, though we can't imagine how. By his resurrection, he captured the forces of death. In liberating them, he makes them alive.

This is the gift of God's grace. In place of the death we deserve, he gives us life. His victory over us, when we were dead in sin, leads to our life. This, too, is a gift of God. Jesus brings life.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 2:19-22 - Lectionary for St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

5/7/2021

5/7/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

There was a serious controversy in the middle of the first century, about the time Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesians. The heart of the question was whether it was necessary to become a Jew in order to be a Christian. The people of Ephesus, the vast majority, at least, were Gentiles. Those who believed on Christ were certainly saved from sin. Yet they were strangers. They were not immediately seen as partakers of the promise of God to Abraham.

In Ephesians 2:19-22 Paul speaks clearly of "you" rather than "we." He is addressing the Ephesians as a group, and is not including himself. They, Gentiles, are no longer strangers. They have been made citizens in the household of God. They are not illegal aliens. They are part of the family. Not only that, but their foundation includes both the apostles (New Testament) and the prophets (Old Testament). The Ephesians are on the same footing as Jews from Jerusalem who have trusted Jesus.

Like the Ephesians, all of us who trust in Jesus are truly and certainly part of God's household. There is no room for doubt or fear. We have become a dwelling for God. He has brought us into his family.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 3:1-12 - Lectionary for Epiphany

1/13/2021

1/13/21
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Ephesians 3:1-12 identifies the Gospel as a "mystery." Specifically, it says that the heart of the mystery is that even the Gentiles are made heirs of God through belief in Christ.

There are several levels to this mystery, as you can easily imagine. One of the greatest at the time of Paul's writing to the Ephesians is the realization that the Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ was for Jews and non-Jews alike. This was a precious realization to the Ephesians.

Ephesus was a place of both great commercial and religious interest in the middle of the first century. It was the home of a great temple to Artemis, as well as the home to a thriving industry, creating idols of Artemis, who was the patron goddess of Ephesus. The city was one of the largest and most urbane in the Greco-Roman world of the time.

It would have been very easy to hear about Christianity and come to a conclusion that Jesus was the Messiah who rescued the Jews from sin. He was the savior from the root of David, fulfilling the promise to Abraham, which seemed to be a promise pointed at the Jews. He would certainly do a lot of good in Jerusalem. But in Ephesus?

If we were Ephesians it would be likely that we would hope for rescue in Jesus, but deep down assume that Artemis was our best chance. And Artemis wasn't a very good prospect. All the Greek deities were capricious, self-centered, and vindictive. What if we did something wrong? And what if Artemis was jealous of the fact that we had entertained thoughts of Jesus possibly being on our side? We wouldn't want her to find that out, for fear of sudden and painful death.

The mystery of the Gospel, though, is centered in the promise of God to Abraham. Abraham would be a blessing to all nations, through his offspring. And that offspring we are looking for is none other than Jesus, God the Son, who has made salvation available, not only to the Jews, but also to the Gentiles. People like me. People like my neighbors in Ephesus.

The Gospel is for the Ephesians. It is also for everyone everywhere who believes. Jesus is the one who has done all that is necessary to rescue us from sin, death, and the devil. This great mystery can make even me an heir of God. It can make you an heir of God as well. And it accomplishes all this through faith. All it takes is believing in Christ. That's the greatest good news of all time.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 4:7, 11-16 - Lectionary for St. Thomas, Apostle (Dec. 21)

12/2/2020

12/2/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Our readings are those for the Feast of St. Thomas, celebrated on December 21. Yes, I know we're pretty far ahead of December 21, but there's a big pile of holidays at the end of December and beginning of January, so we'll be behind before you know it.

Christ is the head of the Church, to whom all the rest is connected. In Ephesians 4 the apostle Paul speaks of grown-up Christianity, which realizes Christ is the head. He says this is "mature manhood (v. 13, ESV). And yes, women, that applies to you also. All humanity becomes mature and stable when connected firmly to Christ as the head.

What's the alternative, as far as Paul is concerned? In verse 14 he speaks of being a child as the alternative to manhood. What's wrong with that? Jesus even says we need to have childlike faith in him. He says to allow the little children to come to him so he can give them blessing. Being a child in Christ is a place of special honor and care.

The problem, as Paul sees it, is that the children in Christ are easily deceived. They are tossed around by doctrines. They can be taken in by human cunning and schemes. While having a basic Christian set of beliefs, the child in Christ can be led astray by false teaching. The adult in Christ can't be led astray. Where Christ the head leads, there the body will follow.

The apostolic teaching, in the hands of apostles, prophets, pastors and teachers is what builds us up into unity in Christ. It protects us from false teaching. It guards us from our foolish ideas. It shows us how to engage in the work of the ministry as we grow into the fullness of mature Christianity.

Our passage, then, urges us to seek out sound Christian teaching. Gather in the fellowship of Christians in local church services. Hold fast to the Word of God. Receive communion frequently and joyfully. Don't allow anything to separate you from the means of grace. Then we can all grow together in Christ.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 6:10-17 - Lectionary for Trinity 21

10/28/2020

10/28/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Who are we going to trust? Our Epistle for this week, from Ephesians 6:10-17, eminds us that our strength is found in God, in His power, and in the use of the aramaments He has given us.

In my native country, we are fast approaching a national election. It seems over the last several election cycles that we have seen increasingly bizarre behavior, not only on the part of the candidates, but also on the part of the electorate. Many commentators have begun to speak of politics in terms which, just a generation ago, indeed, maybe 15-20 years ago, would be reserved for religion. We have placed our hopes and dreams on particular candidates. People claim Messianic status for individuals running for our presidency. Appointments to the Supreme Court are viewed in apocalyptic terms. While some hints of this behavior can be found in the first half of the 20th century as well, it has reached a fever pitch which has taken many by surprise.

How should a Christian react to such a culture? First, we remember that it is God who is the great king and judge of all. If our hopes are in fallen humans, our hopes will be disappointed. There is no political party or candidate that will be perfect. Those haven't been made for millennia, since the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden. We try to identify what will be best for society, but we realize that in the end there will be disappointment.

Second, when we have been empowered to do so, we speak our Christian convictions in the public square, voting for candidates and policies we think will do the most good. We love and serve our neighbors through our political voice, including voting, writing letters and emails to people in office, and urging our governmental officials to do what is good and right.

Third, we pray for our nation and all its people, including those who hold elective and appointed office. They are trying to do a very difficult thing. The leaders need wisdom, courage, endurance, and conviction. So do the people they lead. Hardship will not be eliminated.

Finally, as we see our world is full of dissent and strife, we put on the armor of God. We defend ourselves and others, using truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and the helmet of salvation. In Ephesians these are all defensive weapons. They are God's means of protection for us and for those around us in times of hardship. We also speak the truth of God, His Word, which is the sword of the Spirit. It can kill evil. It can hold enemies hostage. It can cause people to lay down their arms and surrender to God's will, which is for the eternal salvation of all who will believe.

We don't put our hope in elections. We put our hope in God. He is the one who can really rescue us.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 5:15-21 - Lectionary for Trinity 20

10/21/2020

10/21/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

The apostle Paul warns the Ephesians, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV). In this command, it is clear that it is possible to act in a wise way, but also that due to evil in the world our efforts may be challenged.

It is important for Christians to recognize that God has made known the difference between wisdom and foolishness. Our own measures are not reliable. Wisdom, rather than being something we find deep within ourselves, comes from above, as a gift of God, as He opens our eyes to the Scripture. In short, if we want to understand our world, we need to learn from the God who created, redeemed, and sustains it all.

What of the evil in the world? We live in evil days, as did the Ephesians who first read Paul's letter. We are surrounded by people who, to paraphrase Orwell, say wrong is right, poverty is wealth, trash is treasure, and violent overthrow is the way of peace. The greater society mocks Christian values once they recognize the tie to Christianity. Christians have even been complicit in this, by showing indecision, treating truth as something negotiable, and too often overlooking our own sin and failure. As a result, we are in a cultural wasteland filled with toxicity and explosive ideas. The days are evil.

What is a Christain to do? We can't leave this world. We walk on in it. We pursue a fair understanding of our world and of God's wisdom. We confront sin in ourselves and in other Christians, calling for repentance which seeks God's restorative forgiveness in Christ. We do good in this world. Some will believe. Many will be influenced for good. Watch your step!

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 4:22-28 - Lectionary for Trinity 19

10/14/2020

10/14/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

They’ve asked the question quite a few times. I used to ask it too. If we are interested in Christian unity, why would we worry about a specific denomination? Isn’t “Christian” enough? Or we might put it this way. “If a church claims that it believes the Bible, isn’t it all right?”

In Ephesians 4:25 the apostle Paul speaks of putting away falsehood. That statement is dependent on the sentence which comes before it. We put away falsehood by being renewed, like God. In short, we allow God to change us from our old self to a new self, created in Christ, as his righteous child.

This is going to be a very particular kind of change. It is a particular identity. It doesn’t come from our ideas or from some community idea of morality. It comes from the Word of God working in us.

The questions about specific denomination are often driven by a goal of unification. All Christians should be able to get along together. I actually agree with that statement. But what is it predicated on? It is predicated on the idea that Christianity is a very particular thing which all Christians should agree about. Why do we have disagreements about matters of theology? Because one or more party to the disagreement is wrong.

The goal of Christian debate and discussion is to bring clarity to the issues involved in doing theology, understanding the implications of Christianity. How does the Scripture require us to think? How does the Scripture require us to live? What does it mean to put away falsehood and be “created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness”?

When we decide that what you believe is a matter of little or no consequence, we say that God’s Word doesn’t matter. I once had an interaction with a Christian leader in a movement with which I was involved. I was in a position of leadership, but as I was coming to a clearer understanding of their statement of faith, I was finding myself in disagreement with it. The organization went through a multi-year process of clarifying their statement of faith. One of the areas which I thought was not a matter of essential doctrine was reaffirmed by them. I spoke with the higher up leadership, who told me that it didn’t really matter that much, they wanted me to remain involved. My response was that if the essential doctrinal statement which they were reaffirming as essential didn’t actually matter, I couldn’t remain involved in good conscience.

Biblical doctrine matters. When will we find unity? When we are able to work through those doctrinal issues and come to the same understanding of the truth. It does matter.

Friends, we have a lot of substantive discussion that really needs to happen. Let’s get cooking!

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 4:1-6 - Lectionary for Trinity 17

9/30/2020

9/30/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” So Paul admonishes the Ephesians in chapter four verse one. How do we walk? What kind of walk is worthy of our call? For that matter, what is the call that a Christian receives?

The apostle Paul is a prisoner for the Lord. He is not only bound to God’s will by his commitment to trust Jesus. He is also a prisoner, a real, physical prisoner, probably often fastened to something by means of a chain. He has laid his life down for the Gospel. He values Christ’s forgiveness more than he values his own freedom, his relationships, even his very life.

As Christians, we who look to Jesus for forgiveness give ourselves into willing submission to the Lord. We confess that we have no authority of our own, no self sufficiency, no right to tell God what to do in any way.

The Christian walk, then is a walk of humility. We gather to confess our sins and to hear God’s words of forgiveness. We gather to hear God’s Law and Gospel, so we are prepared to hear that we have failed and that Jesus’ righteousness has been applied to us. We gather to receive nourishment to eternal life in the Sacrament, because we ourselves cannot arrange even a long life by our striving. The Christian life is humble.

In our humility, Paul goes on to say we are gentle, patient, and eager for unity. However, let’s notice that the unity is centered in a Christian faith which is a very particular thing. Our unity is not built on compromise or on minimizing the importance of truth. On the contrary, it is built on the accurate teaching of God’s truth as revealed in Scripture and lived out by Jesus. Again, we are walking in humility. Our own desires and interpretations of life are placed in submission to God’s Word. This is humility. We are to walk as prisoners of God in Christ.

Here is life. Here is hope. Here is a walk worthy of God’s high calling to us.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 3:13-21 - Lectionary for Trinity 16

9/23/2020

9/23/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

We’ve all heard it. What we truly need is love. Love for one another, our world tells us, will cause us to get over all the troubles we have with each other. It will boost everyone’s income, keep the economy cooking, end violent crime, get everyone to work together to find cures for illness, and probably unlock our unlimited human potential.

Sorry, that’s a false religion. It’s the religion of man. What love is our world looking for? Where are they looking for it? Look deep within yourself to find those resources.

The apostle Paul has a very different opinion. In Ephesians 3:14-19 we bow before God asking that God the Son, Jesus Christ, will be established in our hearts, thus giving us his love. Our love isn’t going to work. It’s broken, and has been broken since Genesis chapter three. Not that we can’t do some things that look kind of like love. But, on the whole, it’s broken.

If we want to have love working in our lives, we must be rooted and grounded in Jesus. Then he will show us how His love works. It is limitless. It casts out fear. It cannot be stopped. It gives forgiveness, life, and eternal salvation. It can even motivate us to love and serve our neighbors.

I admit I’m tired of the guilt trip that many in my society try to throw at me. If only Christians would act like Christians and love people they wouldn’t be the root of all the problems that have ever existed in our world. But if they aren’t going to act like the vision of love we have for them, we’ll keep screaming at them, trying to marginalize them in society, and threatening to eliminate them entirely.

Oh, that’s love? I must have misunderstood the way love is defined.

I’m going to keep looking for the love that is rooted in Christ, that has redeemed me from sin and death even though I had no merit of my own. I’ll look for the love that set me free to love and serve my neighbor. And while some of my neighbors are thinking of ways to be hateful to me, I’ll try to do good in this world. After all, that’s what Jesus has done for me.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 2:13-22 - Lectionary for Trinity 2

6/17/2020

6/17/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

In recent weeks the idea of reconciliation has once again cropped up to the center of many Americans’ attention. The tensions have perhaps been more intense because of the pandemic which has prevented many meetings and appearances of Christian leaders, who have typically been a voice for reconciliation among different racial and cultural groups.

The Bible has a great deal to say about reconciliation. This week, in particular, the Epistle reading from Ephesians 2 points out that the most serious conflict in the world, the conflict between the perfectly holy God and sinful humans, has been resolved by Jesus, who broke down the separation between God and man. This is particularly important when we remember this letter was written to Christians at Ephesus. The Ephesians, in the Greek world, and the Jews, would have very little to do with one another. There was a lot of tension. Virtually nowhere in the Mediterranean world was Judaism accepted, primarily because the pagans had little patience with a people who were monotheistic and who believed in a transcendent God, rather than a group of gods who were more like long living and very powerful humans.

“Everyone” in Christianity recognized that the Jews would become Christians by God’s grace. However, there wa still some doubt about the legitimacy of a Greek becoming a Christian without first converting to Judaism. Paul says that Jesus has made the Ephesians also partakers of his divine nature, breaking down their separation from God through his own work. The Ephesians, just like the Jews from Jerusalem, were citizens in the kingdom of God. They too were built up on the foundation of Christ and were a holy dwelling for God.

It is in Christ and His reconciling work that we have hope for reconciliation with one another. It is in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and his love for all humans that we can hope to see one another as bearers of God’s image and as those who are worthy of love and respect. This is the message of Christianity, that though we are sinners, God has esteemed us highly as those created in His image, and that he has reconciled us to himself, at his own expense. Our role is to acknowledge his work. That acknowledgement automatically brings us to see other humans, no matter their background, as His precious children. So we treat one another well, with respect, with dignity. Here we can find peace.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 5:1-9 - Lectionary for Lent 3

3/11/2020

3/11/20
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the historic one-year lectionary.

Our Epistle for this week, from Ephesians 5:1-9, is a passage which promises contention in today’s Western culture. From the outset, I’ll point out that the biblical norm for morality has hardly ever matched that of the broader culture. In articulating his stance, God’s stance, against sexual immorality, crudity, foolish talking, and covetousness (greedy desires), the apostle is going against the currents of culture. He says that Christians should be clearly, identifiably counter-cultural. They keep their sexual relationships within the bounds of one an and one woman, exclusively faithful for life, as was appointed for the first parents in the Garden. They speak words and engage in activities which bring good, not evil. They are content with what God provides, thogh they may work very hard for gain so as to benefit themselves, their families, and ultimately their society.

Why do Christians live this kind of life? it is not t o earn any favor before God. It is from gratitude that He has cared for us. The faithful marital relationship is a sign of God in Christ loving and giving himself for the good of one who is different from him in a particular way. It is a way of showing consistent care for another ,even if that care ends in death, which every lifelong relationship does. It is a sign of stability in a world where everything else seems to be changing. It is the one way we have found in all of human history to reliably bring forth a stable next generation.

What of the speech issues Paul brings up? Words can hurt. They can hurt very deeply. Along with the crudity and foolish talk, children and adults alike receive a message that they are not valued, that their dignity doesn’t matter, that they can serve as a punching bag. Do we really want to confess that all humans somehow bear God’s image so they can be mistreated? No. How has God in Christ treated His people? They are loved, comforted, forgiven by the one who lays his life down for them. Christians, go ahead. Swim against the culture’s current.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 3:1-12 - Lectionary for Epiphany, Series C

1/2/2019

1/2/19
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In our New Testament reading from Ephesians 3, we find that the Lord Jesus has called together all people, regardless of their background, to be one in Him. This is a difficult concept for us, particularly because we either want to build too many walls or break the walls down inappropriately. We begin by looking at the situation on its face.

Jew and Gentile together have been made one because Jesus has called them all together, to be heirs, partakers of God’s promise. He has made them one body (v. 6). On the surface, that would seem to indicate that somehow everyone is perfectly safe. Everyone is a Christian. By this logic we should all be universalists.

Let’s go one more step down the road. These people are partakers “through the gospel.” What’s that? In verses 7-9 it’s the message of God’s grace which has been proclaimed by the apostles and others in the Church. In verse 9 it brings “to light for everyone” how God has planned for life. We still may think we should be universalists. However, verse ten makes it clear that the gospel works “through the church.”

God calls and speaks to all nations, making them heirs, and bringing them into one body. That body is His Church. It’s a very particular thing. The Gospel is a very particular message, not only that we can have eternal life and hope in God’s promises, but that it’s accomplished through Jesus’ giving of himself as the only valid and effective sacrifice for our sin. It’s by God’s grace that we can believe Jesus is in fact God the Son who has restored all people into one body.

We have just moved from a universalistic expectation to a very particular one. Yes, it’s available to all, without reserve. But it’s a very specific means of grace. It’s only through Jesus, God the Son, the Lord of all, that we are brought into this body of Christ. It’s preached to everyone, but is received only by God’s grace through faith in the promises of God. Though the Lord calls and speaks to all nations, He dies it through the particular agency of the Church.

What attitude are Christians to have? We are to be grateful, welcoming, and encouraging to all, that they may also see the grace and love of God in Christ. Do we do it well? Not always. But it’s always been the way God has ordained to gather people to eternal life. Lord, make us faithful.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 6:10-20 - Lectionary for Pentecost 15B

8/29/2018

8/29/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle reading this week is from Ephesians chapter six. The Christians at Ephesus are told to put on God’s armor. As we look at the armor of God, we notice first that the only offensive weapon is a sword, which is God’s Word. This is how God would have us engage in conflict. It is only God’s Word which can actually win His battles.

Speaking of God’s battles, who are the enemies? In verse 12 we read that we aren’t fighting a flesh and blood enemy. The enemy is a spiritual one, a cosmit power, a set of ideas that try to set themselves up against God. How could our actions fight against such enemies? We can’t attack those enemies. We can’t attack spiritual enemies, such as Satan. Only God’s Word can do so. It is a matter of the Lord working through us.

This becomes a matter of prayer. Our physical ability is meaningless. That’s why, in verse 18, Paul turns to speak of prayer. We pray about everything. We pray for evryone. And Paul asks the Ephesians to pray for him. Please notice with me how he asks for prayer. He wants God’s Gospel to be plain to him and to be what comes out when he opens his mouth. This should be our request as well. Do we need earthly things? Certainly. But for the ultimate victory we need God’s Word speaking through us. Let us pray this way for one another.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 5:22-33 - Lectionary for Pentecost 14B

8/22/2018

8/22/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle for this week is so frequently used badly I almost fear to mention it. This, however, is the great power of a lectionary, which forces us to deal with it anyway.

Here the husband and wife are an illustration of Christ and the Church. Note the main point in verse 32 is Christ and the Church. A marriage is just a picture of a greater reality.

Sadly, some of our pictures are really distorted. That’s the problem. People look here and take away two partial truths. First, wives are to submit. Second, that’s what Christianity looks like. I want to know how anyone could read the passage in context and get that idea. Then again, I really don’t want to know.

Let’s roll it back and see what Paul says. The husband is the head of the wife and is to be to her like Christ to the Church. What does that look like?

Jesus humbles himself for the good of the church. He gives up his privilege to care for her needs.

Jesus suffers abuse at the hands of his people as he steps between them and eternal harm. It results in his death.

Jesus speaks words of love and forgiveness even when that care is not deserved.

Jesus voluntarily helps his people in their need even though he was under no obligation.

Jesus helps the church so as to make her perfect, holy, and blameless.

A marriage is a picture of Christ and the church. All of our pictures are flawed. But as husbands seek to be more like Jesus, as wives find it easier to follow their husbands’ lead, the picture does clarify.

Make us reflect You well, Lord.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 5:6-21 - Lectionary for Pentecost 14B

8/15/2018

8/15/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle for this week, from Ephesians 5:6-21, continues the theme of putting off and putting on which Paul introduced earlier. Here it’s a little more oblique, but we can still find it. We are to put off listening to empty arguments which lead us astray into darkness. Instead, we live as children of light, with the light of the Lord. Putting on faith in Christ makes us bear fruit of Christ’s light - goodness, righteousness, truth. How do we do this? We do it by taking in God’s Word to know what is pleasing to him. Another put off and put on shows up in verse eleven. It’s more straightforward We avoid the “works of darkness.” They are fruitless. Or, rather, they bear fruit we don’t want to be bearing. Instead, we expose those works. How do we expose those works of darkness? It’s by the light of the Lord. In Christ, everything is exposed. The apostle says it in a different way in verse 15 and 16. We put off foolishness and put on wisdom in the Lord. In verse 18, we put off drunkenness, preferring to be filled (put on) with the Spirit of God. This fills us with positive speech, joy, and even songs which bring glory to God.

How are we going to do all this? It seems good, sure. But what do we bring to the equation? I’ve heard bad teaching and preaching many times which simply urges me and the other listeners to try harder. Sometimes it will spell out the specific things we should do. Maybe we are supposed to keep a journal and make sure we are doing enough good things, putting on enough of Christ. But how do we know?

It isn’t something which can be quantified that well. Let’s just say, for now, that by putting on Christ, we are regularly asking him to rule our lives, to change us by his grace, to make us instruments of mercy, to help us bring peace into our situations, and to turn our hearts and minds to him. How will we know if that is happening?

The fact is, in all likelihood, we won’t know if the Lord is changing us into his image. We’ll just feel like ourselves. But our friends and family will notice, bit by bit. Maybe they will start identifying us as people who carry the image of Christ into our different circumstances. Chances are, if we are aware of it happening, we will just be proud and arrogant anyway. But those aren’t characteristics of Jesus the Lord. He’s the one who is humble, who came to serve and give himself as a ransom for us. Until that final day, then, when the Lord raises the dead, we simply ask the Lord to put His Spirit into us. We live our lives, doing what good we can, and asking the Lord’s forgiveness when we see we have failed. And we trust that he will complete this good work in us.

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Ephesians 4:17-5:2 - Lectionary for Pentecost 12B

8/8/2018

8/8/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our reading from Ephesians 4:17 and following draws a sharp distinction between Christians and unbelievers. The Ephesians are not like the other Gentiles. They have been taught to know Christ. They are no longer given over to their own desires, which the apostle recognizes as sinful and ultimately self-destructive.

In verse 22-24 Paul reminds his readers to take off their old ways of life and to put on the new person, created in Christ. The suggestion is that our lives are very much like garments. But what’s important to realize is that the clothing someone has worn, through most of human history, is an important part of that person’s identification. Modern Western people usually have a lot of clothes, varied and with different uses, occasions for wear, etc. In my closet, for instance, I have a pile of clothing that is designated “yard clothes.” They are suitable for doing messy work outside, work where they will be torn, stained, and finally destroyed. I wouldn’t want to try donating them to the thrift store by the time I’m done with them. Other clothes are my “civilian” clothes, of various levels of dress. Then I have my “pastor” clothes, which are essentially a uniform. We don’t see that very much at all in antiquity. Today work boots are a fashion statement for some. The fact that someone is wearing some work boots doesn’t mean he or she actually engages in manual labor that would require such foot protection. Some years ago, it did mean exactly that. People were identified by the clothing they wore.

What kind of identity do the Ephesian Christians have? They are not in the self-destructive self-governing Gentile unbeliever camp any more. They don’t wear the personal identity that they had before. They have been brought into God’s kingdom through faith in Christ. So they take off the personal lifestyle trappings of their old life of bondage and death. They put on the personal lifestyle of the Christian, one who has been set free from sin and death. Their lives will be characterized by truth, honesty, kindness, forgiveness, and grace. Do they still wear the same clothes they wore before? Yes, the stonecutter, the silversmith, the lawyer, and the baker still look like people from their occupations. But they act differently. The tools of their personal life are instruments of righteousness for building others up.

Likewise, Christians in every culture put off their former lives and put on Christ. This is the timeless principle of God’s kingdom. He has given us life. We then go and live like it.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 4:1-16 - Lectionary for Pentecost 11B

8/1/2018

8/1/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our Epistle reading, from Ephesians 4, tells us to live a life worthy of the calling we have in Christ. This is a tremendous demand, easily misunderstood. What are we commanded here? After all, Christ, God the Son, is the all-powerful creator, sustainer, and redeemer of all heaven and earth. We might easily be tempted to seek some sort of royal honor, a dictatorial power, a social excellence which exceeds all our normal ambitions. Surely that would be a life worthy of Christ.

Many in our modern Western world would reject this out of hand. Those who see Christianity as an oppressor would resist, kicking and screaming. After all, who died and made you God?

That’s a legitimate concern. Maybe we need to understand what Paul meant when he said Christians should live a life worthy of our calling. He goes on to describe a Christ who ended captivity, who gave gracious gifts to people, who has made all one in him, who brings all who trust in him into unity in the fullness of the image of Christ. In short, Jesus changes his people into his image of gracious love and compassion. When we live a life worthy of that calling, we prefer others above ourselves. When we live a life worthy of that calling, we work diligently to rescue others from the sin that destroys them. When we live a life worthy of that calling, we build one another up in the truth of God.

In short, the Christian uses the power of God not for oppression, but for good, to care for those who are suffering in this fallen world. It isn’t “anything goes.” It’s “do good because Jesus has shown you good.”

What about those times when we fail? We don’t really live in a way that is worthy to be called after Christ the savior? We remember that he is also the God of all mercy and forgiveness. We throw ourselves upon his mercy and receive his grace. He has shown us his good pleasure, which is to redeem the world.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 3:14-21 - Lectionary for Pentecost 10B

7/25/2018

7/25/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In our reading this week from Ephesians 3, the apostle makes a profound observation. In verse 15 he says that the naming of every family comes from God the Father. The idea of naming in the Bible is more important than we might think. Biblically, to name someone is to speak of the character of the individual or group.

When Paul says that every family derives a name from God, he says that God knows all that can be known about you, about me, about everyone. He knows all the relationships we form, both good and bad. He knows how we influence others and how they influence us.

What is the name the Lord has given those who trust in him? He has placed his own name on them. In baptism, we are baptized “into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” We are given the character of God, because His name is applied to us.

The implications of this are enormous. All of a sudden, it is not our power at work, but God’s power. It is not our faithfulness, but God’s faithfulness which is operating. It is not our wisdom, but the wisdom of God which looks at the troubles of our world. It is not our love for others, but God’s love for them which works through us.

By this immeasurable gracious work of God naming us as his children we become instruments of grace. In verse 20, when God does more than we could ever think, he is doing it through us to care for his world. He is working through us to bring glory to himself. And that glory is primarily shown in his reconciling the world to himself.

As God has placed his name upon his people, may we have grace to be faithful servants in his kingdom.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 2:11-22 - Lectionary for Pentecost 9B

7/18/2018

7/18/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Every now and then I hear about people not being accepted into a church body for one reason or another. A recent church sign rose to prominence in this country, at a historically predominantly black congregation, saying that black people should never go to white churches. Let’s be clear. There’s no excuse for saying or thinking anything of the sort. At the same time, different congregations may well have their different cultures and flavors, and that isn’t necessarily bad. For example, I have never attended the Korean Baptist Church in the city where I live. Know why? Not because of any animus. Guess what language their services are in? Korean, right. If I understood the language I might be able to receive something good. Then again, our different understanding about the nature of conversion, the nature of the Lord’s Supper, and the efficacy of baptism would certainly cause tension or separation. It isn’t because of an ethnic difference, but of a doctrinal difference.

Ephesians 2:11-22 points us to Christ, the one who broke down cultural and ethnic separation. In this instance, Paul is speaking to an audience with a common language. My problem with understanding Korean was not an issue to Ephesians who were Jews, Ephesians who were Christians, and Ephesians who were followers of Artemis. They had a common language and many cultural elements in common. However, the Gentiles were not partakers of the covenant promises of God made to Israel. They were not part of the people who would be identified as God’s people. The signs of belonging to the covenant with Israel were many and clear. The people of Israel had specific customs of washing, eating, drinking, and prayers. They even had a very different calendar from native Ephesians. How would the two groups deal with the differences?

The key to it all is found in Jesus. Verses 13-16 specifically point to Jesus as the one who destroys divisions based on a cultural history or identity. If the doctrine, the teaching of Christ, is the same, the different cultural groups are one family.

Some people enjoy bold and fallacious slogans such as “Doctrine divides, but love unites.” The fact is, love built on Christ does unite, and it primarily unites us in doctrine. We find that if our teachings are in unity, the little things like culture, history, economics, and even language are relatively minor. The fellowship and unity we can have is built on the solid foundation of Christ, who builds his people into a great and mighty building. He breaks down the hostility and fastens us all together.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 1:3-14 - Lectionary for Pentecost 8B

7/11/2018

7/11/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our reading from Ephesians 1:3-14 speaks of God as “blessed.” It then proceeds to speak of the blessings God gives to his people. We may well ask how God can be blessed. A similar question is how we could possibly bring glory to God.

When we speak of blessing God or glorifying him, we are not speaking of anything God needs to make himself complete or fulfilled. We are rather talking about recognizing what God is actually like. by his very nature He is the one who already possesses every possible blessing there is. By his grace, he passes those blessings on to us.

What are those blessings of Ephesians 1? God chose us to be holy. He predestined us to be his children. He redeemed us since we couldn’t do it ourselves. He revealed his will which is for our good. He gave an inheritance to us. He placed the Holy Spirit upon us. All this he has done through His grace and by his good pleasure.

God, the blessed and glorious one, has poured out His blessing for his people. For this reason, we return blessing and honor to Him.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians

6/21/2018

Thursdays are for the New Testament
6/21/18
Carson, D.A., and Douglas Moo An Introduction to the New Testament - Second Edition. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005. "New Testament Letters" Carson & Moo pp. 331-353
“Ephesians” Carson & Moo pp. 479-497

Carson and Moo introduce this chapter with a basic outline of Ephesians. They then discuss authorship. Traditionally Paul has been considered the author but that is disputed in recent scholarship. Support for Pauline authorship then evidence that detracts from this view is presented on pp. 480-486. In support is the claim of the letter itself s well as the personal notes. In early circulation the letter was accepted as authentic. It is full of Pauline features. The similarity of Ephesians and Colossians is used both to argue for and against authenticity. If a later author claimed Pauline authority to Ephesus, since Paul was not clearly honored in a great way in Ephesus (based on Revelation 2.1, compare 2 Peter 3.15) it would seem odd. Themes in Ephesians are very Pauline. The letter also states that Paul was a prisoner, which was a common situation in Paul’s later life. To detract from Pauline authorship, scholars claim that the theology of Ephesians is not sufficiently Pauline. It includes words not typically used by Paul. The style is different from some of Paul’s other letters, particularly in the very long sentences. Ephesians discusses ministry structure in a way which some say Paul did not see it in his other writing. Carson and Moo consider that Ephesians is genuinely Pauline and that it was written at approximately the same time as Colossians to address similar situations.

If the letter was written during Paul’s Roman imprisonment, which seems likely, it was written in the very late fifties or early sixties. The destination of the letter is more difficult, as “in Ephesus” is absent from the letter in some prominent manuscripts. It seems a little less personal than we might expect from the apostle who evangelized the Ephesians. Yet it is quite plausible that Paul would have written the letter to Ephesus with an expectation that it would circulate more broadly.

What is the purpose of the letter? It seems to have a great deal of miscellaneous instruction. We can’t identify a specific situation that would have led to its composition. Yet the predominant themes are purity and unity of hte faith.

Aside from the missing “in Ephesus” in 1.1 there are no significant variations in the manuscrpt evidence. The letter was accepted into the canon quite early.

In recent study many scholars have discussed authorship and the different themes of the text. We find the book of Ephesians very helpful in its view that salvation and life are due to divine action, beginning with Christ’s saving work, continuing with the Christian’s growth in knowledge of the grace of our Lord, and emphasizing life in conformity to God’s work in salvation. Throughout we see God as supremely gracious, bringing salvation to unworthy sinners.

Ephesians 2:1-10 - Lectionary for Lent 4B

3/7/2018

3/7/18
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

Our New Testament passage from Ephesians 2 draws a very subtle distinction for us between the way we should consider sin and the way we should consider righteousness. Let’s take a look at just a few of the implications of the passage.

The apostle Paul says that we were dead in our sin and disobedience. The displeasure of God is fully earned by us. The God who has commanded that all his world remain very good, the way He made it, will not look with favor on any disobedience, great or small. When we fail to live in perfect obedience, love, and trust to God, and at peace with any of our fellow humans, we have justly condemned ourselves. It’s our fault, period.

How are we rescued? In verse 4, it is by God’s grace and mercy. This is nothing we deserve. It is not that God recognizes anything good in us. It isn’t that our good deeds outweigh our bad deeds. None of that! It’s God’s mercy that creates salvation. There’s nothing we could do, and even if we could, we wouldn’t do it.

Condemnation, then, comes from us. It’s our fault. Mercy is all God’s fault, if we can use that terminology. The only way I can be rescued from sin and death is that God chose to redirect his righteous anger against my sin. He chose not to condemn me. All the glory then goes to God.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Ephesians 5:8-14 - Lectionary for Lent 4A

3/22/2017

3/22/17
Many churches throughout the world use a Bible reading schedule called a "lectionary." It's just a fancy word meaning "selected readings." Posts like this reflect on the readings for an upcoming Sunday or other Church holiday, as found in the three-year lectionary.

In Ephesians 5:8-14 the apostle Paul describes Christians as “light.” He draws a distinction between light and darkness. This is a very common distinction in the Bible. Light normally symbolizes goodness, purity, truth, and regeneration. Darkness, the opposite.

In verse 11 he speaks about exposing the works of darkness. Yet he follows it up immediately by saying that we wouldn’t want to talk about the things “they do in secret,” i.e., the things of the darkness. So what is the purpose of this exposure to light? It seems that as we shine the light of God on the works of darkness they actually change. They don’t merely become visible (v. 13) but they are converted in some way (v. 14).

When the light of God’s truth shines on our bad situations, our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds, God can redeem them for his good. He can change our thoughts. He can guard our words. He can redirect us into activities which are good, not bad. This is no kind of works righteousness. It is redemption by grace.

May the light of Christ shine on us today.

If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.

Get Ready to Stand

8/20/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament - 8/20/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 13, “The Wiles of the Devil and the Armor of God: Ephesians 6:10-17” Loc. 2877-3121.

Peterson observes that Ephesians does not end with a rushing call to radicality (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2881) but to a disciplined readiness. The Ephesians stand firm as Christ has called them (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2891). This will bring maturity as we find our identity in Christ and among his people. We do have an enemy to withstand Peterson 2010, Loc. 2926). Peterson observes that there are many evil forces in the world but that here our biggest challenge may be identifying these unseen enemies (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2943). The tools we receive for this conflict are armaments from God (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2983). The six armaments are a representative sample of Christian character (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2994). Peterson observes that as time goes by we have a temptation to leave our post or remove some armor, a tendency we must resist (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3037). As the Ephesians stand firm they pray (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3053). This has been a recurring theme in the book. Prayer becomes the natural language of the Ephesians. This prayer is specific and focused on praying for others (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3072). Peterson observes that in the end, Tychicus is the only person named in Ephesus (Peterson 2010, Loc. 3102). He also appears in relation to Ephesus in Acts 20:4. This person had been with Paul and with the Ephesian church. They had a history and understanding of one another .This, Peterson says, should be the pattern as we practice resurrection. We do it together.

An Interdependent Community

8/13/2015

Thursdays are for the New Testament - 8/13/15
Peterson, Eugene H., and Peter Santucci. Practice Resurrection: A Conversation on Growing up in Christ. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans Pub., 2010. Kindle Electronic Edition.
Chapter 12, “Household and Workplace: Ephesians 5:21-6:9” Loc. 2579-2876.

At Ephesians 5:21 Paul brings the discussion to the home, “where we practice resurrection” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2580). Peterson affirms that we devalue what is unglamorous, much of which is at home (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2594). At the same time, it is that common life which is abused by “important” people (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2597). This is not as it should be, as Peterson illustrates with a scene of philanthropy afar and neglect at home (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2613). Contrary to this example, Paul draws us to a state of spiritual expectancy in Ephesians 5:1-20, then has husbands and wives love and care for one another (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2649). This is a highly complex situation but one which is fundamental to many other relationships (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2670). Rather than give extended situational guidelines Paul directs the relationships to their master, Jesus. The person and work of Jesus can put all our interactions into their rightful place (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2678). Our maturity itself is relational (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2691). It is these relational elements which hold our world together (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2731). Peterson sees the fellowship of the local church as a training ground where we practice this being together in Christ (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2756). He then ties this idea to the writings of Martin Buber, who “developed a hyphenated vocabulary of three pairs of words: I-It, Them-Us, and I-You” (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2792). These pairs are basic to human relations as well as to grasping the Trinity. The interdependence implicit in relationships keeps us from depersonalizing others. In the family we find out how to work in community with others (Peterson 2010, Loc. 2826).