Christ's Instructions

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163) Eph 4:1 . . As a prisoner for The Lord, then, I urge you to live a life
worthy of the calling you have received.

Some time long ago, a pastor in Arizona utilized a highway billboard to poll
people's opinion not of Christianity, rather; what people think of Christians.
Here's the gist of his message:

DESCRIBE CHRISTIANS WITH ONE WORD
Text Me @ xxxxxx-1152 (full number withheld for privacy considerations)

The results of the poll were open to view at iamlandonmacdonald on
Instagram.

Some responses:

Hateful
Gullible
Ignorant
Satanist
Judgmental
Hypocritical

Not everybody despises Christians, but for sure everybody despises a phony.
i.e. Christians don't have to live the life of a saint to become a saint, but
they do have to life the life of a saint in order to merit the respect their
association with Christ deserves.
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164) Eph 4:2 . . Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, putting up
with another in love.

The Greek word translated "love" in that passage is agápee which is
fortunate in some ways because it doesn't necessarily speak of affection like
the Greek word phileo. It mostly pertains to personal conduct, e.g. civility,
courtesy, sympathy, thoughtfulness, tolerance, charity, kindness, lenience,
understanding, diplomacy, tact, etc. which are common social skills that
even the most insensitive clod on earth can practice if they put their mind to
it.

Humility is relative to humbleness of mind, viz: modesty; defined by
Webster's as free from conceit and/or vanity. Humility is one of those virtues
that people love to talk about; but rarely ever seem to exemplify.

Conceit is defined as excessive appreciation of one's own worth or virtue,
viz: arrogance, i.e. a superiority complex and/or a master-race mentality. (A
conceited supervisor was a very key factor in the Chernobyl disaster. Had he
been more reasonable, and less arrogant, the disaster might've been easily
averted.)

Vanity is defined as inflated pride in oneself, viz: narcissism and/or self
adoration. Cosmetics and figure-shaping undergarments don't really qualify
as the kind of vanity that Paul is talking about; which goes way beyond just
trying to look your best.

Vanity is an ugly creature. It's self aggrandizing and it isn't gentle either, on
the contrary; vanity can be quite cruel and competitive, caring only what's
best for itself. Vanity abhors associating with people whose station in life is
decidedly below its own; and God forbid someone below themselves should
have the nerve to correct either their conduct or their knowledge.

Patience"is defined as the power, or capacity, to endure without complaint
something and/or someone difficult or disagreeable; especially when it
comes to certain folk who seem to have a natural aptitude for getting on
people's nerves.
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165) Eph 4:3 . . Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the
bond of peace.

The Spirit is the one thing that all born-again Christians have in common
regardless of their denominational affiliation. The Spirit keeps them
combined in a fraternity held together with stronger force than a labor
union.

* Unity isn't necessarily achieved by conformity. Folks can still be unified
even when in disagreement. For example the USA at one time nurtured
differences of opinion; yet we remained a cohesive nation. Dictators,
despots, and tyrants achieve cohesion by means of edicts, violence, fear,
suppression, injustice, and abuse of human rights; but here we at one time
achieved unity by working toward resolutions via democratic processes
before folks in high places began favoring a big brother world where 2+2=5
and dissent is illegal.

Peace can be roughly defined as the absence of strife, e.g. hostility,
grudging, quarrelling, and rivalry, etc.

The Spirit has much to say in regard to Christian social skills; and if each
and every believer would listen to Him, the natural result is going to be
harmony wherever and whenever they associate with one another.
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166) Eph 4:17-19 . . So I tell you this, and insist on it in The Lord, that you
must no longer live as the pagans do, in the futility of their thinking. They
are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God
because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their
hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to
sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for
more.

The Greek word translated "sensitivity" basically pertains to apathy; defined
by Webster's as a lack of feeling or emotion and/or a lack of interest or
concern, i.e. indifference. This is the only place in the entire New Testament
where the word appears so we can't compare its use in other contexts.

There are immoral people out there who wish they could stop themselves
but can't. I wouldn't call them indifferent: apathy, in this instance, applies to
hard-core immoral folk who view themselves as perfectly normal and
satisfied with themselves just as they are; having neither wish nor interest
in any other way of life.

The Ephesian church had a number of those hard-cores in their midst that
needed to wake up and realize that their attitude was maybe acceptable as
citizens in the Ephesian culture of that day, but thoroughly unacceptable as
Christians in any day. One of the very things they cherished, and that made
their lives worth the living, had to be let go.
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167) Eph 4:20-24 . .Surely you heard of Christ and were taught in him in
accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to
your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by
its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to
put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and
holiness.

When God completed the six days of creation, He went on sabbatical (Gen
2:1-3). The six days were all bounded by an evening and a morning. The
seventh wasn't bounded; i.e. it hasn't ended, indicating that God has yet to
resume creating things for the current cosmos. So then, the new self spoken
of in the passage above isn't for the current cosmos, rather, it's a self
that's created for a cosmos yet to come. (Isa 65:17, 2Pet 3:13, Rev 21:1)

The Greek word translated "desire" basically means: a longing.

A longing by itself doesn't always indicate sinful desires. The very same word
describes The Lord's personal desire to dine in the company of his apostles
just prior to being crucified. (Luke 22:15)

The kind of longings in view here are "deceitful" which is from a Greek word
that basically pertains to delusion, which Webster's defines as: a persistent
false psychotic belief regarding the self, or persons or objects outside the
self, that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary-- in
other words: deceitful longings are delusional, a.k.a. pipe dreams.

For example: the old saying "The grass is greener on the other side" which
of course is an unreasonable expectation. Some people sincerely believe that
they would be happier if only they had more money. Well; sad to say,
money can be guaranteed to buy you neither love nor happiness.

Delusional longings get people to chasing after pots of gold at the end of
rainbows that may or may not satisfy; viz: sometimes the dream is better
than the reality. Meanwhile, their life clock is winding down while they're in
pursuit of those pots and they are steadily becoming more and more secular
and unspiritual. Paul "insists" that Christ's followers be practical, i.e. avoid
squandering their time and energy chasing after pipe dreams; viz: keep their
feet on the ground and their heads out of the clouds.
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168) Eph 4:25 . . Each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to
his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

One's neighbor is not the same as one's brother; i.e. the former is an
acquaintance, the latter is kin.

Jews are required to be honest because dishonesty is prohibited by their law
(Lev 19:11) whereas dishonesty is wrong for Christ's followers because the
dishonesty of one Christian causes outsiders to question the integrity of the
whole.

Although dishonesty isn't curse-worthy for a Christian like it is for a Jew,
still; the behavior is unbecoming.

NOTE: Eph 4:25 is a bit of a challenge for transgendered Christians due to
many of them undergoing embarrassing forms of therapy, and experiencing
side effects, complications, negative public opinion, doubts, regrets, and
mood swings that they would rather not talk about. So be extra careful when
dialoguing with transgendered Christians so as not to squeeze them into a
corner where they'll be forced to maintain their dignity with fibs. A little
empathy, and a whole lot of tact and courtesy in this area, can be very useful
in helping someone get thru the day.

● Matt 7:12 . . So in everything, do to others what you would have them do
to you.
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[gordon7]

What would many Christians do or say to others, if they acknowledge they are part of many which are called, but few are chosen ?

They would stop all they do, and speak nothing. ( all that is done is done against their own self, and all spoken is against their own self, to answer for on judgement day.)


Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.


Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

 

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169) Eph 4:26a . . In your anger do not sin.

Anger isn't eo ipso evil. It's how one manages their anger that matters.
Indignation can be a very useful tool when it's applied by somebody who
knows what they're doing. For example:

● Mark 3:5 . . And when Jesus had looked round about on them with anger,
being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man:
Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored
whole as the other.

Everybody gets angry from time to time; just don't let it drive you to doing
something contrary to your better judgment, e.g. violence, profanity, malice,
cruelty, uncivil behavior, spite, ugly remarks, emotional outbursts,
demeaning comments, grudging, hysteria, shouting, shrieking, spraying
spittle, slamming doors, and/or throwing things, etc.
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[Phoneman777]

Don't forget where Hebrews 4:9 Peshitta says, "It is therefore the duty of the people of God to keep the Sabbath".

The KJV says "rest" but the word is "Sabbatismos" which refers to "the rest of the Sabbath day" or "to keep the Sabbath rest" which, of course, is rest that is taken ON THE SABBATH DAY - not "spiritual rest in Jesus" of which we partake of everyday.

It's nothing more than theological skulduggery to teach Christians we're not obligated to keep the Ten Commandments but we're not free to live contrary to them - of course, we're not at liberty to worship false gods, blaspheme, bow to statues, murder, steal, etc.

 

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170) Eph 4:26-27 . . Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give
place to the Devil.

The Greek word translated "wrath" indicates rage; defined by Webster's as
violent and uncontrolled anger; and in this verse includes nursing a grudge.

People in that state of mind are susceptible to doing things, and saying
things, that they will very much regret later.

Apparently the Devil is quick to find uses for volcanic, seething Christians,
i.e. they become what's known in the spy business as assets.
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[gordon7]

A person can rest on the sabbath if they wish, as God did, from all His works.

God rested after all works were finished.

Jesus Christ had to finish HIs works and not rest until..



Isaiah 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Isaiah 62:1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.

Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

Hebrews 4:3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.
9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.
10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

 

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171) Eph 4:28 . . He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must
work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have
something to share with those in need.

Isn't it just amazing that early Christian church members were active
criminals? Yes, right there in the Ephesian church were thieves. Ironically
Paul didn't forbid the Ephesian Christians to steal, no, of all things; he
ordered them to stop; and not only to stop stealing, but to stop stealing for
a living!

You'd think church would be the one place on earth where you'd be safe
from crime, but not so. Back in the 1970's I sang bass in the choir of a
monster Baptist church in San Diego. The 90+ member choir met in a
rehearsal room and the ladies would all leave their purses in there when we
moved out to be seated in the loft. The room had a very sturdy door and
was always securely locked when we left the room.

Well, one Sunday morning when we returned to the room, that Fort Knox
door and its lock were smashed open and all the ladies' purses were rifled.
No other door in the hallway was damaged so the break-in wasn't random,
viz: that burglary was an inside job.
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172) Eph 4:29 . . Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say
be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those
who hear them.

"helpful" is from a Greek word that basically means: to build up (as opposed
to tearing down).

"foul or abusive" is from a word that basically means: rotten, i.e. worthless
(literally or morally) viz: inappropriate.

The foul and abusive category no doubt includes not only profanity, but also
biting sarcasm, thoughtless remarks, demeaning comments, chafing,
relentless fault-finding, sneering, ridicule, mean spirited rejoinders,
mockery, and unnecessary criticism.

FAQ: Why was it okay for Jesus and John the Baptist to sometimes speak to
people in an abusive manner?

REPLY: Special men of God-- e.g. prophets, priests, etc --operated under
orders differing from what's required of ordinary rank and file pew warmers.
(e.g. John 3:34, John 8:26, John 8:28, John 12:49, and John 14:24)
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173) Eph 4:30 . . Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were
sealed for the day of redemption.

The Greek word translated "grieve" basically means: to distress; to make
sad; for example:

"The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the Earth, and that
every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The Lord
was sorry that He had made man on the Earth, and He was grieved in His
heart." (Gen 6:5-6)

And:

"But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned Himself against
them as an enemy, and He fought against them." (Isa 63:10)

So then, we can safely conclude that the Holy Spirit of God is especially
grieved when one's conduct is unbecoming, and when every intent of the
thoughts of one's heart are only secular and/or impious, i.e. evil continually.

The Greek word translated "redemption" means to ransom fully. In short,
those sealed with the Spirit have their salvation locked in; however, it won't
be finalized until they step into a new, immortal body; which is yet a future
event (Rom 8:23-25). So then; the "day of redemption" could be said to be
speaking of closure.
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[Hobie]

AI Robot Alert!!

(Yes Artificial Intelligence)

 

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174) Eph 4:31 . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and
slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior.

It wasn't Paul's intention that the Ephesian Christians avoid all bitterness,
rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice; no;
on the contrary, he wanted the Ephesians to "get rid" of them; which implies
their spiritual condition, at the time of his writing, was in need of attention.
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175) Eph 4:32 . . Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

"as in Christ God forgave you" speaks of generosity rather than a merit
award. (John 3:16-18, John 5:24, & Eph 2:5-10)

Within the context of the letter Paul wrote and sent to the Christians residing
in the ancient city of Ephesus; the objects "one another" and "each other"
are exclusive; viz: the comments refer only to Christ's fraternity of Bible
believing Christians rather than the world at large. So if you're unwilling to
be kind and compassionate to outsiders; at least be so with people at church
so as to help prevent a house of God from becoming a hostile worship
environment.

The Greek word translated "kind" basically means employed; viz: useful. It's
found in only seven places in the New Testament, and without exception
implies being beneficial to others for their own good rather than using people
to benefit one's own self.

It used to be that Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts were trained to be useful to
others as just simply a matter of good deeds and good citizenship. I don't
know, maybe they still are; but I've known lots of churchians who were
totally useless to others because they're infected with an ugly spirit of
conceit, rivalry, and indifference. Far from being kind and compassionate;
those Christians are actually sociopathic and don't even know it.

The word for "compassionate" basically means sympathetic.

Webster's defines sympathy as: 1) an affinity, association, or relationship
between persons or things wherein whatever affects one similarly affects the
other, 2) inclination to think or feel alike: emotional or intellectual accord, 3)
feeling of loyalty: tendency to favor or support, 4) the act, or capacity, of
entering into or sharing the feelings or interests of another, 5) sensitivity,
and 6) heart; as in "have a heart".

The word translated "forgiving" basically means to grant as a favor; viz:
gratuitously, i.e. courtesy.

Webster's defines gratuitous as: 1) given unearned or without recompense,
2) not involving a return benefit or compensation or consideration, 3)
costing nothing: free, 4) not called for by the circumstances: unwarranted,
5) complimentary, 6) gratis, and 7) voluntary. In other words; gratuitous
seeks no reciprocation; it never says "you owe me one"

Sailors are oft heard to say that the sea is very unforgiving: meaning it
allows no room for error or weakness. Christians ought not be like the sea.
We ought to be the most forgiving people on the planet; and not because we
expect others to reciprocate; but just because we enjoy being gratuitous.
For some Christians though, courtesy is an effort.
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[RedFan]

"Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman
to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam
was first formed, then Eve." (1Tim 2:11-13)

It's important to note that this is neither a gender issue, nor a competence
issue, nor an intelligence issue when it's so obviously a seniority issue.

But it is a gender issue. I agree that women and men are both competent enough and both intelligent enough to teach, including to teach men. As for "seniority," Paul's extracting this "seniority" notion from Adam's earlier formation is illogical. Why in the world should that matter? If she's got the tools and got the talent, let her speak!

 

[RedFan]

1Cor 14:35 . . If women have questions, they should ask their own
husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

What's an inquiring wife to do if her husband is spiritually inept? I'd suggest
that women married to spiritually inept Christian men, and/or women
married to non-Christian men, and/or unmarried women; seek assistance
from one of the ladies in church known to be somewhat of a Bible expert.

How many such Church ladies ever become Bible experts? The repression regime that Paul espouses militates against that. And as you say, inept husbands are a poor source of instruction. (My wife is a Bible expert, but she sure didn't get that way by asking me anything!)

 

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176) Eph 5:1 . . Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

Webster's defines "imitate" as to follow as a pattern, model, or example, i.e.
copy.

The imitation mentioned herein is related to the previous exhortation to be
compassionate to one another and forgiving; which is a reflection of Matt
5:44-48.

* One's dad is probably the most important role model a kid can have, that
is, if he's a good man; otherwise, he'll just be another bad influence. It's
pretty kool when a kid can look at their dad and honestly say, from the
bottom of their heart: "Dad; when I grow up, I want to be just like you".
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