ephesians

Ephesians

Thanksgiving and Prayer

Made Alive in Christ

One in Christ

Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles

A Prayer for the Ephesians

Unity in the Body of Christ

Living as Children of Light

Light vs Darkness

Warnings to Christians

Walk in the Light

Submit to One Another

Submission

Thanksgiving and Prayer
(Ephesians 1)

Ever since I heard about your faith in Jesus Christ the Lord,
and about your loving care for all the saints,
I have remembered you in prayer with constant thankfulness,
that you may serve in faith with no complaints.
I ask for the Spirit of wisdom to guide you in his way,
that you may know him better, love him more,
that the eyes of your heart are enlightened in order that you know
the hope of inheritance that he has in store,
and his incomparable power for us who now believe.
That power, like the working of his might
exerted in the resurrection of Jesus from the grave
is ours when we're in the thick of fight.
As God seated Christ at his right hand in the heavenly realms,
so he promises that we, too, will have a place,
a mansion - not this fragile tent - in which to dwell forever,
when we meet our Lord and Master face to face.
Above all earthly power, rule, authority, dominion,
any title given in this present age,
and also in the world to come, Christ is our only hope.
His example is to be our perfect gauge.
God placed all things beneath his feet, appointed him as head
of the church, his body, made of living stones.
Its members build each other up with the mortar of the Word,
so that no Christian has to stand alone.
This body is the fullness of him who fills our hearts
with his Spirit that provides a helping hand.
He guides our daily walk, making wisdom grow and blossom,
so that all God's mysteries we can understand.
As we occupy the church on earth according to his will,
we are aliens looking toward a better home.
We who take the name of Christ must turn from wickedness,
and from his narrow pathway never roam.
He made himself a servant, giving his life for the church,
truth's pillar and foundation, cornerstone.
Now we should serve him gladly as his mouth and hands and feet,
to make his free salvation widely known.

§

Made Alive in Christ
(Ephesians 2)

You were dead in sins, transgressions, in which you used to dwell
when you followed the ways of this old world, the ways that lead to hell.
The spirit who is now at work in the kingdom of the air
would prefer your disobedience of all that's true and fair.
We all served Satan at one time, our nature to satisfy,
the sinful cravings, urges that lead our souls awry.
We were objects of the wrath of God, yet he loved us even then,
and gave himself as ransom to redeem us from our sin.
God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ.
When we were dead in transgressions, his body was sacrificed.
By his grace, the saving gospel that guides us in his way,
he raised us out of sin and shame to live for Christ each day.
In a figure of his gory death, and then his resurrection,
we die and are buried in water, attaining his perfection
as we rise to begin our life anew with joyous, thankful hearts,
the peace beyond analysis that God himself imparts.
We see the incomparable riches of his saving grace,
the gift no one can steal from us as we gladly run the race.
Old Testament works can't earn it, nor genealogy.
The works of faith that Christ laid down make us what we should be.
For we are God's own workmanship, created in Christ the Lord
to do good works prepared for us, though sometimes tough and hard.
The proof of love is sacrifice, a pleasing aroma to God.
We must guard our hearts with thankfulness, as day by day we plod.
Circumstances are irrelevant in producing happiness.
As our minds dwell on our blessings, we already know success.
We alone are held responsible for what we say and do.
God's word that lives within our hearts will keep us strong and true.
With prayerful study of the map that leads to realms above,
our lives here and hereafter can be transformed by love.

§

One in Christ
(Ephesians 2)

You Ephesians were born as Gentiles, excluded from Israel,
foreigners to the covenant of the Jews.
You were separate from Christ, without hope and without God,
but now salvation Christ himself imbues.
He has made the Jew and Gentile into one new man, one body,
the church he purchased with his blood and shame.
The enmity between the races has been done away.
His forgiveness also takes away the blame.
You were reconciled to God through Christ, and then to one another.
No longer are you aliens to the church,
no longer hostile to the clan who held you in contempt.
For the peace of Christ no longer must you search.
On the cross, his death abolished the wall that held you back,
the law and its commandments, regulations,
that were given for the Jews and foreign proselytes,
to make of them a civil, healthy nation.
It was all in preparation for the coming of Messiah,
the Christ who came to unify the whole.
Of living stones, both Jew and Greek, his church is builded up,
with him as head, his great eternal role.
He came and preached his blessed peace to you, so far away,
and also peace to those nearby, the Jews.
Through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit,
through his grace, the gospel, best of all good news.
Consequently, you are fellow citizens in the house of God,
with Christ himself the solid cornerstone.
The preaching of apostles and prophets he has chosen
built that foundation which is his alone.
In him is joined the building, a righteous, holy temple,
set apart from worldly purposes and aims.
God lives there by his Spirit, in the hearts of his believers,
where Satan can no longer lay his claims.
We cannot overestimate the importance of the church,
the souls bought with the blood of Jesus Christ.
Only there, inside his body, do spiritual blessings dwell,
and only there the promised paradise.

§

Paul the Preacher to the Gentiles
(Ephesians 3)

Surely you have heard about the grace that God has given me,
the mystery made known by revelation.
It has never been revealed before, even to the prophets.
Moses' law contained no secrets of salvation.
Only in the Christian dispensation, through a chosen few,
the gospel has been given to the world.
Apostles and now prophets, guided by the Holy Spirit,
the greatest news of all time have unfurled.
Through this the Gentiles now are heirs together with the Jews,
members of one body, Christ the Lord.
Only in his body unsearchable riches are found,
the joy and peace he gives as a reward.
The tangible result of grace is in the words I write,
teaching you to live upright and godly lives.
The manifold wisdom of God is made known through the church,
where, through the word, his free salvation thrives.
This wisdom is the strength and hope he offers to the world,
to authorities and rulers in heavenly realms,
according to his purpose, accomplished in Jesus Christ,
who is our Captain, always at the helm.
With confidence, a Christian can approach the most high God,
through faith in Christ and all that he has done.
We've been made perfect by his blood, freed from our life of sin,
becoming heirs - adopted - every one.
We are made holy, separate, different from the world,
set apart to do the work that he has planned,
to follow his example and share his precious word,
unselfishly to serve our fellow man.
The weight of our sins brought Christ to his knees on the road to Calvary
where he paid the awful price to free our souls.
Though it broke the Father's heart to make his promise true,
to love and save us was his only goal.
No death has been so thorough and no shame so complete
as the scourging and the crucifixion scene.
God's wrath was poured out on the Savior as he bled and died
to become for us the perfect go-between.

§

A Prayer for the Ephesians
(Ephesians 3)

Because we are all one in Spirit,
a family bonded by love,
I, Paul, a prisoner of Jesus the Christ
kneel and pray to the Father above.
From his store of glorious riches,
I pray he will strengthen your soul
with power through the Spirit
to keep faith firm and whole,
that you may understand his love,
so wide, long, high and deep,
surpassing worldly knowledge,
which is yours to share and keep.
God dwells inside the Christian,
as the Christian dwells in God.
We feast on the Bread of Life, His Word,
his righteous divining rod,
the sustenance that nourishes
the soul forever more.
Retirement is reserved for us
upon God's golden shore.
To him be glory in the church
and in Christ through generations.
Let praises ring by word and deed
in thanks for his salvation.

§

Unity in the Body of Christ
(Ephesians 4)

Paul gives us practical advice for life in the work-a-day world,
to be worthy of the calling we've received.
We are to be slaves to righteousness, being right with God through Christ,
no longer by the devil to be deceived.
Be completely humble and gentle, patient with one another,
building each other up in Christian love.
Keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,
applying the gospel message from above.
There is only one body in the Lord, one Spirit in our hearts,
one hope derived from Jesus' resurrection,
one Lord, one faith and one baptism, one great God of all,
who is over all, and grants us his perfection.
Grace has been given to each of us as Christ apportioned it,
a measure of his spirit as our guide.
He places people in the churches where they're needed most,
where, in his peace, they happily abide.
This is why the scripture says, "When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train, gave gifts to men."
He descended to the lower regions, living on the earth,
then after death to the Father did ascend
higher than the heavens, to fill the universe
and rule forever with his awesome might.
He gave some to be apostles, prophets, or evangelists
to spread the word and lead men to his light.
Some are to be pastors and teachers, the elders of his church,
to prepare his people for the works he chose,
that all become mature in faith, to build his body up,
in unity the kingdom to enclose.
We should be no longer infants, tossed back and forth like waves,
blown here and there by every wind of teaching,
and by the craftiness of men in their deceitful schemes,
that the wisdom of the Lord will be far-reaching.
Speaking his truth in love, we will grow up into him
who is the head, the church's cornerstone.
From Christ, the body grows and builds itself in hope and love.
As each part does its work, its love is shown.

§

Living as Children of Light
(Ephesians 4)

The Ephesians had been pagans, worshiping many idols,.
and Paul insists that they must surely change,
no longer live as Gentiles do, so futile in their thinking.
Their attitudes must now be rearranged.
Darkened in their understanding, far from the life of God,
with hardened hearts of ignorance and shame,
they have lost all sensitivity, given over to their lust,
instinct and sensuality their game.
"But now," he says, "you have been taught the truth that is in Jesus,
to put away your old corrupted ways,
desires that are deceitful and only bring you down
to wallow in manure through all your days.
Your minds must be made new with a holy attitude,
a self created in God's righteousness.
Desire to be like Christ and follow his example,
consume his Bread of Life for great success.
Each of you must put off falsehood, only speak the truth.
As saints you are all members of one body.
In your anger do not sin, give no foothold to the devil
who proposes that your life be dark and shoddy.
He who has been stealing must decide to steal no longer,
but must work, providing for himself and others.
You cannot find Christ in worldly filth, with selfishness the norm.
Now you must strive to serve God and your brothers.
Unwholesome talk from a Christian's mouth is sadly detrimental.
Build up each other with the words you speak.
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit with whom you have been sealed.
Read the Bible often, God's own will to seek.
Rid yourself of bitterness, anger, rage and brawling.
Slander no one, hold no malice in your heart.
Be compassionate and kindly, forgiving one another,
as Christ's forgiveness sets his saints apart."
The Bible isn't just a book of lovely light suggestions,
but the only way to please the God of love.
Without the saving blood of Christ that flows throughout his body,
we have no portion in his home above.

§

Light vs Darkness
(Ephesians 4)

In the darkness of the world, without the light of God,
folks stumble as they wander to and fro,
their hearts becoming calloused, insensitive and hard,
distanced from the God from whom all blessings flow.
Wickedness left unchecked in continual lust for more
erodes the heart, contaminates the mind.
Even Christians are susceptible, can slowly turn away
and leave the path of righteousness behind.
Paul disciplined his body to do the will of Christ
lest he himself become a castaway.
Demons believe in God to the point of trembling terror,
but refuse his righteous teachings to obey.
We can see effects of callousness in movies and tv.
"Gone With the Wind" began the slow decline
to what we see and hear today, the filth that fills the air,
and we shrug our shoulders, thinking all is fine.
Could violent video games warp our children's attitudes
and cause the uproar in our nation's schools?
Lack of discipline at home and the dearth of self-respect
point to adults afraid to lay down rules.
The Bible gives instructions on how to change our lives,
take off the old man, putting on the new.
Repentance is a turning toward the higher way
where enlightened eyes can see a greater view.
This new man can survive only by the Bread of Life,
to give his spirit nourishment he needs
and keep the life-blood flowing for cleansing and renewal,
for strength, that he can sow more precious seeds.
Sin must be replaced by the good deeds God has planned.
An idle life invites the demons back.
Satan fathers every lie that draws us into sin,
and he is always ready for attack.
Christ provides the light that can shine within our hearts,
chase out the darkness where the devil lurks.
He offers happiness and peace to all who will believe,
enjoy a life filled with his righteous works.

§

Warnings to Christians
(Ephesians 5)

As dearly beloved children, be imitators of God
and live a life of love, just as the Christ
loved us and gave himself for us as a fragrant offering,
a humble and unselfish sacrifice.
We are part of God's own family, and our daily lives should show
a family resemblance in the world.
To follow in his footsteps, our pursuits cannot be selfish.
In acts of love his banner is unfurled.
He is the ruler of our lives, King of this special kingdom,
our lives enlightened by his word of grace.
Without the gospel's leading, we're in danger of a fall,
and Satan's wiles will soon our faith replace.
If you walk again in darkness to hide your shameful sins,
don't be surprised if you fall and break your soul!
The sin-strewn highway filled with snares can quickly trip you up,
and down the hill to hell your life will roll.
No hint of immorality, impurity or greed
should be apparent in the Christian's life,
because these are improper for God's forgiven church,
whose sins cut through his heart just like a knife.
Nor should there be obscenity or any foolish talk,
no filthy language, no discolored jokes
that bring dishonor to the name of Christ, the risen Lord
by those who claim to be his chosen folks.
Of this you can be sure: (For God has never lied!)
No immoral, impure, greedy person here
will inherit kingdom treasures bought by the blood of Christ,
salvations blessings that we all hold dear.
Be not deceived by empty words that tickle foolish ears;
God's wrath will come on those who disobey.
To shop around for men who preach what you want to hear
is to gamble on your soul toward judgment day,
like shopping for a doctor to pronounce you well and fit
while cancer in your innards takes its toll.
God is the Great Physician to cure your spirit's ills,
and only he can make you pure and whole.

§

Walk in the Light
(Ephesians 5)

You were once darkness, but now you are light
in the Lord, your illumination.
Live as children of light, to please the Lord,
in humble consecration,
for the fruit of the light is goodness
and righteousness and truth
which lead to a life of happiness
in old age and in youth.
Without food for maturing souls,
we will grow sick and die.
The word of the Lord is our Bread of Life,
a gift no money can buy.
Spurn the fruitless deeds of darkness,
but expose them to the light,
to be decontaminated
by the saving blood of Christ.
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you."
Live not as unwise but as wise;
be careful what you do,
because the days are evil.
Understand the Father's will.
Drunkenness and debauchery
can paralyze and kill.
Instead, be filled with the Spirit,
speak to one another with psalms,
with hymns of praise and spiritual songs
which help your soul be calm.
Always thank God for everything,
submit to one another
out of reverence for the Savior
who is also now your Brother.

§

Submit to One Another
(Ephesians 5)

The husband is the head of his wife as Christ is head of the church.
(Every living organism has a head!)
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord of love,
as you promised on the day that you were wed.
Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church
and gave himself to make her pure and holy,
washed in water of baptism as prescribed within his word,
a body in his likeness, meek and lowly.
She radiates the light of God, without a stain or blemish,
a body pulsing with his cleansing blood..
Husbands ought to love their wives in this same humble way,
agape love that blossoms from a bud.
He who loves his wife loves himself, because she is his body,
to feed and care for, cherish and adore.
As Christ gave himself in sacrifice to save the church he loves,
so the husband gives her all he owns and more.
For this reason he will leave his parents, cleaving to his wife,
and the two become one flesh, yes, unto death.
Submitting to each other within the will of God,
their love will grow until that final breath.
The human mind can't comprehend a mystery so profound,
the melding of two persons into one,
or the workings of the mind of God, forgetting all our sins,
that, through death, life eternal has been won.

§

Submission
(Ephesians 6)

Children, obey your parents, according to the word
that the Lord has given as your guiding light.
Honor your father and mother in everything you do,
always striving toward the thing you know is right,
which is the first commandment with a promise of reward,
"that you may enjoy long life upon the earth."
Fathers, don't provoke your children to anger as they grow,
that in their training there should be no dearth.
Slaves, obey your masters with due respect and fear,
with sincerity of heart, as for the Lord,
not only to win their favor when their eye is watching you,
but like slaves of Christ, obeying from the heart.
Whether slave or free, you serve the Lord by serving fellow men,
and Christ is judged by actions of his saints.
If you are treated well or ill, retain the attitude
of loving service, voicing no complaints.
Masters, treat your slaves as brothers in the body of the Lord,
the Master who treats everyone the same,
according to their deeds on the lowly planet earth.
Stay true and faithful -- life is not a game.
Be ever strong in the Lord and in his mighty power,
put on God's armor so that you can stand
against the devil's scheming ways of undermining truth,
in constant stalking with his evil band.
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the darkest powers,
the rulers of the evil spiritual realm.
Be alert, pay strict attention to the roaring, roaming lion
looking for a weakness he can overwhelm.
Stand firm, then, with the readiness that comes from God's own word,
the gospel that will bring you joy and peace.
Even during fiercest trials, pray to God with thankfulness,
and his protecting love will never cease.

cgtrent@att.net

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