In continuing his exhortation to the Ephesians to put off the old self and instead put on the new, the Apostle Paul addresses two issues that have the potential to destroy the bond of peace within the body of Christ if not completely put away from us: corrupting speech and unforgiveness. By allowing literally “rotten” talk to come […]
The people of God, reconciled to him through the death of his Son, to whom we are united by faith, are to live in a manner fitting of God’s workmanship. In view of God’s mercy, having been called out from the world to belong instead to the family and kingdom of God, we are to no longer […]
Continuing to emphasize the importance of the Church in God’s plan of redemption and the life of the believer, Paul explains the diverse gifts of grace given to the body of Christ for its continued spiritual growth and sanctification. Each member of the household of God has a unique role to play in the edification of the body […]
“Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness” (Ps. 51:14). As we conclude this beautiful psalm of confession and repentance, we come finally to see the result of forgiveness: worship. David humbly acknowledges his sinfulness and rebellion against God; he understands the cost of his forgiveness as […]
In proclaiming to the known world the inexhaustible and unsearchable riches of Christ Jesus in the wondrous mystery of the gospel, the Apostle Paul served an extraordinary purpose. His calling, to be a minister of the good news, was “so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known . . […]
Paul, called to be an apostle to the Gentiles and compelled by the love of Christ, gave his life to the stewardship of God’s grace that had been given to him (Eph. 3:1-2). Amidst persecution, suffering, and imprisonment for the sake of Christ, he continued to proclaim the mystery of the gospel to the known world. But why […]
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19). Thus Paul concludes this magnificent chapter with a stunning picture of sinful humanity, both Jew and Gentile, being built together into the temple of God. This holy dwelling place is built upon […]
The good news, which we marveled at in Ephesians 2:1-10, profoundly alters the way we understand who the people of God truly are. The Ephesians were uncircumcised Gentiles, not circumcised Jews. They were not the physical descendants of Abraham. In fact, they were “alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, […]
Martin Luther, in commenting on the beautiful truths of this Psalm, wrote: “We sing this psalm to the praise of God, because He is with us and powerfully and miraculously preserves and defends His church and His word against all fanatical spirits, against the gates of hell, against the implacable hatred of the devil, and against […]
Paul’s opening prayer for the Ephesian church – that God would give them “the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him,” that they might know the profound reality of their hope, their inheritance, and the power of God (Eph 1:17-19) – is grounded in the great and immeasurable might of God. We are able to rest assured […]
It is often the case that the gospel which people want to hear preached is not the gospel that we preach from Scripture. The unregenerate desires a gospel that will promise physical health, wealth, prosperity, comfort, emotional/mystical experiences, and a better life now. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers forgiveness from sins, a right standing before God, growth […]
Paul’s doxological outburst at the beginning of his epistle to the Ephesians is arguably one of the most rich, profound, wonderful, and breathaking passages in all of Scripture. Here in these twelve verses we find a comprehensive theology of the Triune God and a stunning description of His work in the redemption of fallen humanity. These verses reveal to us the eternal love and […]
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Eph 1:2). The epistle to the Ephesians is a gospel masterpiece, brimming with rich doctrine and radical application for the believer. It’s first half is almost entirely dedicated to “theology stated,” while the second half is devoted to “theology applied.” As we walk […]
Psalm 1 is one of the most well-known and cherished in the psalter. The idea of being blessed by God, being “like a tree planted by streams of water” (Ps 1:2), and prospering in all we do is surely wonderful. However, we often misinterpret this Psalm and understand it to be a list of legalistic requirements, instructing the reader to […]
In Paul’s final warning to the Galatians, he reminds them again of the law-relying Judaizers – those who were clinging to a works-based righteousness in order to gain favor before God. Though they were rigorous and zealous law keepers, Paul points out that in reality they were seeking to avoid persecution for the cross of Christ, looking for more […]
