Ephesians: Introduction (6)
Pray Psalm 34.1-3.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
Sing Psalm 34.1-3.
(Alleluia [Lowe]: Mighty God, While Angels Bless You)
I will bless the LORD at all times; I shall praise Him evermore!
My soul makes its boast in Jesus—Him we gladly all adore!
Refrain v. 3
Magnify the Name of Jesus! Let us lift His Name in praise!
Read Acts 20.25-38; 1 John 1.3-6; 2.1-6; meditate on Acts 20.32.
Preparation
1. Of what did Paul warn the Ephesian elders?
2. To what did he commend them?
Meditation
Paul handed these elders over to God and His Word, that is, he set them in the Presence of God, as though charging them to feed on Him and His Word.
There is grace in the Word of God to build men and churches into Christlikeness, and to enable them to know the true inheritance of the saints, which is God Himself. Elders cannot fulfill their calling as shepherds if they will not feed on God’s Word and abide in His Presence. By so feeding on His grace, they have grace to grow in Christ and to shepherd those entrusted to their care for similar growth.
John concurs. Writing to the Ephesians somewhat later than Paul, John’s three epistles are a kind of course correction for those who were being buffeted by false teaching and in danger of losing their way. Their fellowship was being shaken (1 Jn. 1.3, 4); hate for one another was replacing love (1 Jn. 2. 9-11), some had already split away from the church (1 Jn. 2.18, 19), and false spirits and teachings were in the air (1 Jn. 4.1). Still, many of those John had led to faith were still walking in the truth (2 Jn. 1.4—6; 3 Jn. 1.3, 4), and even one old enemy of the faith seems to have come around big time (2 Jn. 1.12).
Despite Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians and John’s letters from exile, the churches in Ephesus would fall into a pattern of drifting from Christ (Rev. 2.1-4). By the early part of the second century, when Ignatius of Antioch wrote to the churches in Ephesus, division was ongoing, rebellion against their bishop was afoot, and participation in the life of the church was on the decline. But there remained a remnant there who loved “nothing but God only” (To the Ephesians IX). As Ignatius reminded them, “The beginning of life is faith, and the end is love” (To the Ephesians XIV).
The churches in Ephesus needed that reminder. So do we.
Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162.Through many years of church attendance, there is an observable point that recurs, which I find patently incorrect. Pastors, for whatever reason, seem to equate their own preaching with the flocks’ ability to hear God speak. They are the expositors; we are the recipients. If we cannot make it to church, we cannot hear God speak. If we are to grow, it will be at their feet.
Paul also disagreed with that line of thinking.
Hear what he said: “So now, brethren,
I commend you to God
and to the Word of His grace,
which is able to build you up
and give you an inheritance
among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20.32).
Yes. Paul was sending them directly to God and to His Word of grace.
That Word, he knew, was able to build them up in their faith and
confirm their salvation unto full assurance as their glorious inheritance.
And it wasn’t just for them, it was a message to all who are sanctified in Christ Jesus.
Church is meant for worship, to come together as Christ’s Body to honor and glorify Him.
Scripture attesting to His honor and glory should be shared, to bring many voices of praise together in adoration of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As Reagan, our granddaughter testifies: “I love to hear all God’s people singing praises to Him together, on earth as it is in heaven!”
There is something so spirit-lifting about corporate worship—one heart, one voice, one praise.
And how lovely it is to have a godly man at the helm of such worship!
But for sanctification purposes? We each have access to the Word of God to “work out our own salvation in fear and trembling” (Phil. 2.12). It is our work and our job to make sure that happens, through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. The onus is upon us to do so.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the Word of truth” (2 Tim. 2.15).
“The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them.
His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.
He has made His wonderful works to be remembered;
the LORD is gracious and full of compassion” (Ps. 111.2, 3).
“These things we write to you that your joy may be full” (1 Jn. 1.4).
“Whoever keeps His Word, truly the love of God is perfected in him.
By this we know that we are in Him.
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 Jn. 2.5, 6).
No one should try and usurp this work from us,
nor should we ever expect another to do this work for us.
Sanctification is our very own transaction with God.
Reflection
1. How would you explain the work of sanctification to a new believer?
2. What can keep you from being more sanctified in the Lord Jesus? How should you deal with this?
3. Do you have any goals for your growth in the Lord? Should you?
[H]e doth wish to them new help from heaven, whereto they may trust and overcome all temptations. And it is not to be doubted, though he speak unto the pastors alone, but that he doth also comprehend the whole Church. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on Acts 20.32
Pray Psalm 34.4-9.
In your time of prayer, give praise and exalt the Name of Jesus. See Him in His glory, ruling from His throne. Devote yourself and your day to Him.
Sing 34.4-9.
(Alleluia [Lowe]: Mighty God, While Angels Bless You)
When I sought the LORD, He answered and from fear delivered me.
Those who look to Him are radiant; shamed their face shall never be.
Refrain v. 3
Magnify the Name of Jesus! Let us lift His Name in praise!
When I cried to God, He heard me, and from trouble rescued me.
’Round their camp His angel lingers that they may delivered be.
Refrain
Taste and see how good is Jesus; blessed are all who in Him hide.
None shall lack for any blessing who in Christ will e’er confide.
Refrain
T. M. and Susie Moore
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Cor. 4.15).
Other columns of interest this week: Our ReVision series on “The Kingdom Economy” continues our look at the work we’ve been given to do. In our Read Moore column this week, we will finish up the book, Understanding the Times. Our Corsfigell series on Brendan of Clonfert finds him sailing westward over the Atlantic in a leather boat. Lots to learn there. Click the Articles tab on the home page to see all the selections available to you.
And please prayerfully consider supporting The Fellowship of Ailbe with your prayers and gifts. You can contribute online, via PayPal or Anedot, or by sending a gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, P. O. Box 8213, Essex, VT 05451.
Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter.
