Servants Be Obedient to Masters Ephesians 6:5

Paul the apostle gave instructions to the Ephesian church members, and he began with the family. He directed “wives” to “submit” to their “own husbands”, “husbands” to “love” their “wives”, “children” to “obey” their “parents” and “fathers” not to “provoke” their “children unto wrath”. In chapter six and verse five of his letter, Paul turned his attention toward “servants” where he told them to “be obedient” to their “masters”. We read:

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh,

with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

The verse begins, “Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh,...” Paul began with the word, “Servants” which literally means “bondmen or men of servile condition” and metaphorically refers to “one who gives himself up to another's will who are devoted to another to the disregard of one's own interest or an attendant”, “be obedient” or “listen and harken to the command” “to them that are your masters” which is all one Greek word “kyrios” and refers to “one to whom a person or thing belongs about which he has power of deciding, master and owner” “according to” or “down from, through out, toward and along” “the flesh” which means “the soft substance of the living body which covers the bones and is permeated with blood.” It is also, “the mere human and earthly nature of man apart from divine influence and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God. Those who work on the behalf of others are to “listen to, harken to and obey” the directions of their “masters”.

The verse goes on to say, “...with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;” Paul added, “with fear” or “dread, terror and reverence” “and trembling” which means “quaking with fear”, “in singleness” or “simplicity, liberality and bountifulness” “of your heart” which refers to “the center and vigor of all physical and spiritual life”, “as unto Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. “Servants” are to “reverence” their “masters” with “bountifulness” as though it is “unto the Lord Jesus” Himself.

When we consider these words of Paul, we may not be able to completely relate to the idea of “servants” and “masters”. We might do better to use the idea of “employees” with their “employers”. Though “servants and masters” exist today, there are certainly those who are “employed” by others. Christian “employees” or “servants” should be “reverent” and “obedient” unto their “bosses” or “masters” because this bears witness of their relationship with Jesus Christ. Christians should be the best “employees” they can be, and as they “obey” their “bosses” as though serving the Lord, they demonstrate the Christian life to all who observe them.

Next time Paul gives further instructions to “servants”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Instructions to Fathers Ephesians 6:4

Paul the apostle continued to give his instruction to the families within the church of Ephesus as he told the “wives” to “submit to” their “own husbands, as unto the Lord”, “husbands” to “love” their “wives even as Christ loved the church” and “children” to “obey” their “parents in the Lord, for this is right”. He also shared how “children” were to “honor” their “mother and father” which provided the promise “that it may be well” with them, and that they “may live long on the earth”. In chapter six and verse four of his letter, Paul turned his attention toward the “fathers” where we read:

And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:

but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

The verse begins, “And, you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath:” Paul began with the words, “And, you fathers” which refers to “the male generator or nearest ancestor and originator and transmitter of anything”, “provoke not” which is the Greek word “parorgizō” and means “do not rouse to wrath, exasperate and anger” “your children” who are “the offspring whether sons or daughters” “to wrath” which again is the Greek word “parorgizō” which means “provocation, exasperation and anger”. The Ephesian “fathers” were not to antagonize their “children” so as to make them “exasperated and angry”.

The verse continues, “but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Paul added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “moreover, nevertheless and nonetheless” “bring them up” or “nourish up to maturity or nurture” “in the nurture” which means “the whole training and education of children which relates to the cultivation of mind and morals, and employs for this purpose commands, admonitions, reproof and punishment” “and admonition” or “exhortation, calling attention to and mild rebuke or warning” “of the Lord” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Instead of “provoking” their “children”, the Ephesian church “fathers” were to

“train them” in the “ways, commands, admonitions, reproofs and punishments” of the Lord Jesus.

When we think through these words of Paul, “fathers” are never to taunt their “children” so as to make them angry and mad. Teasing them until they are “provoked” to anger is opposite of the manner in which Jesus wants Christian “fathers” to raise their “children”. “Fathers” have the responsibility to demonstrate and exhibit godly behavior both to and with their “children”, and to act any other way is to be disobedient to God our Creator who demonstrated “nurturing” for His beloved “children”. May the Lord Jesus through His Holy Spirit help every “father” to be unto his “children” as the Lord is to those who rely upon, cling to and trust in Him.

Next time Paul gives instructions to “servants”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Children Being Well and Living Long Ephesians 6:3

Paul the apostle gave instructions to the “children” who were within the church in “Ephesus”. He directed them to “obey” their “parents in the Lord” and to “honor” their “father and mother”. He told them this was the first “command with promise”, and in chapter six and verse three of his letter, Paul revealed that the promise is for children to “be well” and “live long on the earth” where we read:

That it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.

The verse begins, “That it may be well with you,...” Paul began with the words, “that it may be well” or “become, come into existence, begin to be, come to pass and happen to be well off, fare well, prosper and acting well” “with you” which refers to the “children” within the church in Ephesus. The first promise given to “children” was they would “prosper” and “fare well” in their lives.

The verse goes on to say, “...and you may live long on the earth.” Paul continued, “and you may” or “will, shall have and it shall come to pass to” “live long” which means “have a long time to exist” “on the earth” which refers to “the arable land, ground, and the main land as opposed to the sea or water, country, tract of land, territory and region”. The second part of the promise to “children” who “obey” and “honor” their parents is they will “have a long time to exist” on “earth”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we should be excited to know that God Almighty gave promises to “children” who “obey and honor” their parents “in the Lord”. In a day where it seems “obedience” and “honor” are foreign to many “children”, perhaps Paul's reminder will serve as initiative for “children” to heed the “command” of God, and through Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit, they shall begin to experience His “promises” of “well-being” and “long life” on the earth.

Next time Paul gives instructions to “fathers”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Honor Your Father and Mother Ephesians 6:2

Paul the apostle gave directives to the family members within the Ephesian church. He began with the “wives”, continued with the “husbands”, and then turned his attention to “children”. “Children” were to “obey” their “parents in the Lord, for this is right”, and in chapter six and verse two of his letter, Paul continued his instructions to “children” as he declared a “promise” to those who “honor” their “father and mother” where we read:

Honor your father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

The verse begins, “Honor your father and mother”; Paul began with the word, “Honor” which means “estimate, fix the value, revere and venerate” “your father” who is the “generator or male ancestor” “and mother” who is “the female producer of children”. “Children”, according to Paul, are to ascribe great “value and reverence” to their parents.

The verse goes on to say, “(which is the first commandment with promise;)” Paul continued with the parenthetical words, “which is the first” or “chief, principal and foremost in rank” “commandment” which refers to an “order, charge, precept, injunction and prescribed rule in accordance with which a thing is done” “with promise” or “assent and pledge especially with a divine assurance of good”. God Almighty attached a “promise” to children who “honor” their parents.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we not only discover the “command” of God, but also the benefit to obeying it. What would this world be like if “children” “honored” their “mothers and fathers”? Paul relayed God's order, and by the help of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, when obedience prevails, unity and oneness are realized in the home. Oh that people everywhere would obey the “commands” of God, and thereby see the blessings of the Lord that are available to them by conforming to His ways.

Next time Paul shares the promise to “children” who “obey” their “parents” and “honor” their “fathers and mothers”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Children Obey Your Parents Ephesians 6:1

As Paul the apostle concluded his directives to the “wives” and “husbands” within the Ephesian church, he turned his attention toward “children” in chapter six and verse one of his letter where we read:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

The verse begins, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord:” Paul began with the word, “Children” which refers to “offspring whether male or female who are dependent, possessed, desired, affected and addicted to mothers and fathers”, “obey” or “listen, harken, be obedient to and submit to” “your parents” which means “fathers and mothers” “in the Lord” which refers to “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul instructed those who are “offspring” of their “parents” to “listen to and be obedient to” them.

The verse continues, “for this is right.” Paul added, “for this” which means “children being obedient and listening to parents” “is right” or “upright, righteous, virtuous and keeping with the commands of God”. When “children” “harken and submit” to their “parents”, they have “obeyed” the “righteous” ways of God.

When we think through these words of Paul, we once again are reminded of God's perfect way of order and unity. When “children” “listen to and obey” their parents, they are “righteous” in the eyes of God, and peace and unity reside within the home. Contention, strife and chaos are the result of “disobedience” and much turmoil is the consequence of noncompliance and insubordination. If children was to be “right” before our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, let them “obey” their “parents” as unto “the Lord”.

Next time Paul will have more to say to “children”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Husbands Love and Wives Reverence Ephesians 5:33

Paul the apostle gave “husbands” within the church of Ephesus a directive to “love” their “wives”. They were to do this as they did their “own bodies”, and for this “cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife”. This would cause them to become “one flesh” which is a “mystery” “concerning Christ and the church”. In chapter five and verse thirty-three of his letter, Paul completed his instructions to “husbands” and “wives” as he repeated how “husbands” were to “love” their “wives” and “wives” were to “reverence” their “husbands”. We read:

Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;

and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

The verse begins, “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself;” Paul began with the word “nevertheless” which means “moreover, besides, but and except” “let every one of you” which refers to “the husbands within the church” “in particular” which means “down from, throughout, according to, toward and along” “so love” or “welcome, entertain, be fond of, be well pleased and contented at or with” “his wife” which refers to “the husband's woman who is betrothed or married” “even as” or “like, even, about and since” “himself” which means “the husband himself”. Paul reemphasized how “husbands” were to “love” their “wives” in the same manner as they “love” themselves.

The verse goes on to say, “and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” Paul added, “and the wife” which refers to “women who are betrothed or married” “see that” or “in order and so” “she reverence” which means “venerate, treat with deference or reverential obedience” “her husband” which refers to “the man who is betrothed or married”. “Wives”, according to Paul, are to “treat” their “husbands” with deference and respectful obedience.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we understand that these directives are inspired by the Holy Spirit of God. God Almighty knows what it takes for “harmony” and “unity” within the marriage, and as each spouse fulfills his or her role, the Lord will keep the marriage unified. Great responsibility is placed upon each spouse to obey their command, and only by the help of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will they do this “as unto the Lord”.

Next time we begin the last chapter of the letter to the Ephesians and see Paul give directions to “children”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Great Mystery Ephesians 5:32

As Paul the apostle continued to share with the “husbands” within the church of Ephesus, he told them to “love” their “wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it”. “Husbands” were to “love” their “wives” as they loved their “own bodies” because “we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones”. Because of this, “a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh”. In chapter five and verse thirty-two of his letter, Paul share how this is “a great mystery” where we read:

This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

The verse begins, “This is a great mystery:” Paul began with the words, “this is a great” or “splendid, of a grand scale, stately and excellent” “mystery” which means “hidden thing, secret and that which is not obvious to the understanding”. The manner in which a “husband and wife” become as one is an “excellent secret”.

The verse continues, “but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” Paul added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “moreover, nevertheless and nonetheless” “I speak” which means “say, affirm, maintain, teach, advise, exhort, command, direct and call by name” “concerning” or “towards, for and among” “Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “and the church” which refers to “an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting”. “The great mystery” concerns how Jesus and His bride, the church, become as one.

When we think through these words of Paul, we marvel at the “mystery” or “secret” which is hidden between Christ and the church as it demonstrates how the “husband and wife” become as “one flesh”. Jesus gave everything for His “bride”, and this made His “church” as one with Him. When the “husband” “loves” and cares for his “wife” in the same manner as Christ “loves the church”, he grows as “one” with his wife. Even as Jesus demonstrates the way “husbands” are to “love”, we too should rely upon Him to help us fulfill the “great mystery”.

Next time Paul repeats how a husband is to “love his wife” and how “wives are to reverence” their “husbands”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Leave and Cleave Ephesians 5:31

Paul the apostle wrote how the “wives” among the Ephesian church members were to “submit to their own husbands”, and he told the “husbands” to “love” their “wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it”. Paul used the example of the way Jesus “nourishes and cherishes” His bride, the church, to demonstrate to “husbands” the manner in which they are to do the same for their “wives”. In chapter five and verse thirty-one of his letter, Paul continued his idea of how “we are members” of Christ's “body” as he directed a “husband” to “leave his father and mother” and “cleave” to his wife where we read:

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother,

and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

The verse begins, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother,...” Paul began with the word “For” which means “instead of, in place of and instead” “this cause” or “of this one and in such manner” “shall a man leave” which in Greek is “kataleipō anthrōpos kataleipō”which means “to depart from, be left, forsake, abandon, disregard and leave alone” “his father” who is “the nearest ancestor who is the father of the natural and corporeal nature” “and mother” who is “the female source of life”. Because a “husband” becomes a “member” of Christ's body, flesh and bone, he is to “leave” his parents when he becomes a married man.

The verse goes on to say, “...and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.” Paul continued, “and shall be joined” or “glued, stuck and cleaved” “unto his wife” which refers to “a woman who is betrothed or married”, “and they” which refers to “the husband and wife” “shall be” or “shall become, have and follow as” “one flesh” which means “towards, to and among a single human nature and passion”. When a “husband” marries, he is to “leave” his parents, and “cleave” to his wife as they become as “one flesh”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we understand the importance of “husbands” leaving their parents and “cleaving” to their wives. God recognizes the married couple as their own separate entity, and when they “leave” their parents and “cleave” to one another, the married couple grows together. Let us remember that Jesus Christ knows more about marriage and the way it should work than any other person who has, does and will live. If we have a spouse, let us grow in our understanding of marriage, and may “husbands” take the lead by being obedient to “leave” and cleave”.

Next time Paul shares about “a great mystery”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Members of Christ's Body Ephesians 5:30

As Paul the apostle continued his discourse to the “husbands” within the church in Ephesus, he gave them the example of how “men love” themselves and should “love their own wives, even as the Lord the church”. In chapter five and verse thirty of his letter, Paul told the Ephesians “we are members of” Christ's “body” where we read:

For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

The verse begins, “For we are members of his body, ...” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then and verily” “we are members” or “Paul and the Ephesian church members” “of his body” which means “Jesus Christ's church”. When a person becomes a Christian, they become a part of Jesus' “body” the church.

The verse continues, “...of his flesh, and of his bones.” Paul added, “of his flesh” which literally means “the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood of both man and beasts” and “and of his bones” which refers to “Jesus' structural components that make up the frame of the body”. Even as the “body” has both “flesh and bones”, Jesus has components to His church that make up the “body” of believers.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand the importance of being aligned with the “body of Christ”. When we “rely upon, cling to and trust in” Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we become a part of His family or “body” which is known as the church. Paul desired for the Ephesian church believers to know their “membership” in Christ's body, and we should know the wonder of that position ourselves. May the Lord Jesus by His Holy Spirit help us to understand how closely our “membership” in the “body of Christ” connects us directly to Him.

Next time Paul shares how “a man leaves his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Lord Nourishing and Cherishing the Church Ephesians 5:29

Paul the apostle told the “husbands” in the Ephesians church they were to “love their wives as their own bodies”, and he declared, “he that loves his wife loves himself”. In chapter five and verse twenty-nine of his letter, Paul shared how men “nourish and cherish” their “own flesh” “even as the Lord the church” where we read:

For no man ever yet hated his own flesh;

but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church:

The verse begins, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh;” Paul began with the word, “For” which means “as, because, even, no doubt, seeing then, therefore and verily” “no man” or “not any, aught, neither and never did a man” “ ever yet” or “in past time, sometimes, any time and once” “hated” which means “loved less and detested” “his own flesh” or “body and flesh which covers the bones”. Paul used the idea of “men” not “despising and detesting” their “own bodies” to compare it to the way they are to be with their “wives”.

The verse goes on to say, “but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church:” Paul added, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “moreover, nonetheless and nevertheless” “nourishes” or “brings to maturity, cherishes or trains” “and cherishes it” which means “keeps warm, fosters with tender love and care”, “even as” or “according as, just as, in proportion to and in the degree of” “the Lord” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “the church” which is “an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting”. The Lord Jesus “cherishes, brings to maturity and fosters with tender love” His bride, “the church”.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we understand how people in general do not “hate” their own flesh and bodies. Most men are concerned with the care of their bodies, and Paul used this idea as an example for the way “husbands” are to care for their “wives”. The Lord “takes care of, trains, brings to maturity, and cares for” His church with “tender love”. “Husbands” are to “love their wives” in the same manner. May the Lord help all “husbands” to emulate Jesus in their “care” for “their wives”.

Next time Paul shares how “we are members of his body”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Husbands Loving Their Wives as Themselves Ephesians 5:28

Paul the apostle gave the example of Jesus' “love” for His bride, the church, to demonstrate how “husbands” are to “love” their “wives”. Jesus seeks to “sanctify and cleanse” the church“with the washing of water by the word”. He does that so “He might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing”. He desired for His bride to be “holy and without blemish”, and in chapter five and verse twenty-eight of his letter, Paul directed “men to love their wives as their own bodies”. We read:

So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.

He that loves his wife loves himself.

The verse begins, “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies.” Paul began with the words, “So ought men” which means “in this manner men should owe and be in debt to the goodwill due” “to love” which is the Greek word “agapao” which means “welcome, entertain, be fond of, be pleased with, contended and love unconditionally” “their wives” which refers to “women who are betrothed or married” “as their own” which means “that which pertains to oneself” “bodies” or “physical flesh”. In the same manner that “men” “love” their “own bodies”, they are to “love their wives”.

The verse goes on to say, “He that loves his wife loves himself.” Paul continued, “He that loves” or “the husband that welcome, entertain, be fond of, be pleased with, contended and love unconditionally” “his wife” which refers to “a woman who is betrothed or married” “loves himself” or “welcomes, entertains, is fond of, is pleased with, contends and loves unconditionally” His own self. When a “husband loves” His “wife”, he puts himself in a position of the most effective personal “love”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see his desire for men to “love” their “wives”. Jesus is our example, and as Jesus gave Himself for His bride, the church, “husbands” “owe and are in debt to to “love” their “wives” as well. Paul notes that the “husband” who obeys his command, “loves himself” in a manner that is not managed otherwise. Let all “husbands” take heed, and be in obedience to “loving their wives”, and in so doing, will “love” themselves as well.

Next time Paul shares how “nourish and cherish” their own bodies “even as the Lord the church”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

A Glorious Church without Spot or Wrinkle Ephesians 5:27

Paul the apostle instructed the “husbands” within the church of Ephesus to “love” their “wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it”. In chapter five and verse twenty-seven of his letter, Paul wrote about the way His bride was to be a“a glorious church without spot or wrinkle” where we read:

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle,

or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The verse begins, “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle,or any such thing;” Paul began with the phrase, “that he might present” or “place beside or near, set at hand, proffer or provide” “it” which refers to “the church” “to himself” which refers to Jesus Christ “a glorious church” which means “good, of great esteem and high repute, illustrious, honorable, notable, and splendid assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting”, “not having spot” or “fault, moral blemish, defect, disgrace or stain”, “or wrinkle” which means “that which is drawn together and contracted”, “or any such thing” which refers to “anything of this kind or sort”. Jesus desires a “illustrious and honorable” church that doesn't have “faults or defects” that would “disgrace” it.

The verse goes on to say, “but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “moreover, nevertheless and nonetheless” “that it should be holy” or “sacred, morally blameless or religiously and ceremonially consecrated” “and without blemish” which means “without rebuke, faultless and unblameable”. Jesus desired for His bride, the church, to be completely “sacred and morally blameless” “without fault and blame”, and His provision of the “word of God” would insure this to be.

When we consider these words of Paul, we understand his example of Jesus' purpose, resolve and love for His bride to be a “holy” church. “Husbands” are to “love their wives” in the same manner. Paul's idea was to demonstrate to “husbands” the standard by which they are to “love” their “wives” and the purpose for “washing” their “wives” “by the word” of God. May the Lord Jesus by His Holy Spirit help all “husbands” to know the importance of exposing their “wives” to “God's word”, and may “wives” know the “holiness” and “sacredness” that lies within it.

Next time Paul shares how “men ought to love their wives as their own body”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Washing of Water by the Word Ephesians 5:26

As Paul began to write more specifically about how the Ephesian church members were to be “submitting one to another”, he wrote concerning the “wives”. They were to “submit to their own husbands as unto the Lord”, and as he directed his attention toward the “husbands”, he told them to “love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church”. In chapter five and verse twenty-six of his letter, Paul continued to use his example of Christ “loving” His church as he told them Jesus sought to “sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the word” where we read:

That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

The verse begins, “That he might sanctify and cleanse it...” Paul began with the phrase, “that he might sanctify” which means “so Jesus might render or acknowledge, be venerable, hallow, be separate from profane things and dedicated to God” “and cleanse it” or “to make clean, free from defilement of sin and faults; to purify from wickedness and consecrate”. Jesus purposes to “make hallow” and “clean” His bride, the “church” .

The verse continues, “...with the washing of water by the word,” Paul added, “with the washing” or “bathing or baptism” “of water” which refers to “rainy waves of liquid like those found in rivers, fountains and pools” “by the word” which means “that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, a thing spoken, any sound produced by the voice and having definite meaning, speech or discourse”. The agent by which the Lord Jesus “sanctifies and cleanses” His “church” is through the word of God.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the importance of the church being “cleansed and sanctified” by Jesus Christ. Jesus does this by His “word”, and lest we forget, this discourse is within Paul's instructions to “husbands”. “Husbands” are to see that their “wives” are exposed to the “word of God” in the same manner in which Jesus does His bride, the “church”. “Husbands” are not only to “love” their “wives as Christ loved the church”, but they are also responsible to see that “wives” are “made hallow” and “clean” by the “word of God”.

Next time Paul shares about the “church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.