Category: 以弗所书

  • 认识天父的心意(以弗所书1:15-24)

    认识天父的心意(以弗所书1:15-24)

    地点:德州丰盛恩友堂

    开始

             亲爱丰盛恩友堂的弟兄姊妹主内平安。我的名字叫Ken杨全荣。在马来西亚华生长。现在达拉斯神学院进修,在科林郡恩友堂聚会和学习服事主。我感谢主给我有机会与弟兄姊妹分享神的话。也谢谢吴牧师愿意冒风险,给我有机会服事。我是一个极骄傲的人。在年轻的时候只信自己,否认神的存在。但主没有放弃我,祂不断地寻找我,二十多年前把我带到美国,在这里听见福音,蒙恩得救。信主之后,我就开始参与教会的服事。在服事过程中,有时会遇见难处。在跟随主的道路里,不但在教会里有难处,在人生里,也遇见难处。有些难处使我觉得很非常软弱,有些难处大到我几乎没有能力跟谁主和服事主。

    你呢?我相信,你跟随主也曾经遇见许多的艰难。可能你现在就正在经历一个难处。你的难处可能是你所爱的亲人离开世界了,你活在悲伤里,没有能力向前走。你的难处可能是要与疾病争战,你的身体有软弱,你没有能力向前走。你可能是因为在教会里服侍遇见难处,和同工不合,或者没有被教会重视,你觉得对教会灰心,你觉得灵里软弱,没有能力向前走。你可能面对经济的压力,一方面你要养家,一方面你要为孩子预备大学的费用,一方面你要为自己的退休打算,你心里疲惫,没有能力向前走。你可能正在与罪争战,有一个罪你一直不能胜过,你觉得自己很软弱,没有能力胜过这个罪。在跟随主的道路上,当我们有软弱的的时候,如何能够从新得力呢?

             我今天要与弟兄姊妹分享的题目是认识天父的心意。信息的主要思想是认识天父的心意能够帮助你从软弱中重新得力。认识天父的心意能够帮助你从软弱中重新得力。我们今天的经文是以弗所书一15-23。以弗所书一15-23是一个祷告。使徒保罗在以弗所书里有两个祷告,这是第一个祷告。从以弗所书一15-23里,我们学习认识天父的心意的三件事。

             我们开始前先有一个祷告。慈爱的天父,谢谢你爱我们,把主耶稣赐给我们,使我们成为你的儿女。我们求你安静我们的心,让我们来到你的施恩宝座前,聆听你的话语。我们在跟随主的路上遇见许多的难处,许多的压力,许多的失望,许多的无助,我们需要你的话语来鼓励我们。求你将把那赐人智慧和启示的灵赏给我们,使我们真知道你的心意。好让我们在软弱中能够重新得力跟随主耶稣。奉耶稣基督得胜的名祷告,阿门。

             我为何知道以弗所书一15-23是一个祷告呢?请看一章第15和16节。 因此,我既听见你们信从主耶稣,亲爱众圣徒,就为你们不住地感谢 神。祷告的时候,常提到你们保罗因以弗所的弟兄姊妹对主耶稣的信心和对众圣徒的爱心而感谢神。他常在祷告中纪念他们。在今天的经文里,保罗把他祷告的内容总结起来,写给以弗所的弟兄姊妹。所以17节到23节是保罗的祷告的主要内容。

    认识天父的心意必须倚靠圣灵(1:15-18a)

             今天信息的主要思想是认识天父的心意能够帮助你从软弱中重新得力。我们会学习三个重点。第一个重点是认识天父的心意必须倚靠圣灵。认识天父的心意必须倚靠圣灵。请看第十七节求我们主耶稣基督的 神,荣耀的父,将那赐人智慧和启示的灵赏给你们,使你们真知道他”。这里保罗祈求的对象是天父。感谢神,祂是愿意听祷告的天父。保罗特别形容天父是荣耀的,荣耀是神所有属性的总结。天父是荣耀的,祂的心意也是荣耀的。保罗向天父求的是将那赐智慧和启示的灵赏给以弗所的弟兄姊妹。这个灵是指内住在我们里面的圣灵。保罗在一章13节已经提过信了耶稣的人就受了所应许的圣灵为印记。所以保罗不是求天父赐圣灵给以弗所的圣徒,因为他们已经有了圣灵的内住。保罗求的是圣灵能够启示天父的心意给他们,保罗求的是圣灵赐智慧给他们,使他们能够真知道天父的心意。

             圣灵如一间房间里的一盏灯。一间没有窗的房间是漆黑的,我们需要开灯才能看见。祷告就如开灯。所以圣灵的功用需要用祷告去支取。亲爱的弟兄姊妹,在你软弱时你有没有祷告?在你软弱时,你的人就如黑暗的房间,你看不见盼望。你需要开灯,你需要祷告。许多基督徒喜欢查经,讨论神的话,但是却很少人愿意在祷告中仰望圣灵的启示。你要真知道天父的心意吗?你必须祷告,依靠圣灵的启示。

             圣灵启示我们将会发生什么事呢?我们心中的眼睛将会被照亮。基督徒有两双眼睛。长在我们头上外面的肉眼,和长在我们心中里面的属灵的眼睛。肉身的眼睛对肉身的脚步有很大的影响,照样,心灵的眼睛对于我们属灵的道路也有很大的影响。

             但是我们心里的眼睛常常是瞎的。属灵的事,必须依靠圣灵才能晓得。保罗在哥林多前书二章9到10节里告诉哥林多的弟兄姊妹,“如经上所记: 神为爱他的人所预备的 是眼睛未曾看见, 耳朵未曾听见, 人心也未曾想到的。只有 神借着圣灵向我们显明了,因为圣灵参透万事,就是 神深奥的事也参透了。”(林前2:9-10)。

    Fanny Crosby是十九世纪的美国姊妹。她两个月大就因生病后被医生用错药而眼睛瞎了。虽然她的肉眼是瞎,她心里的眼睛却是明亮的。她一生服事主,写了超过九千诗歌。比如“十字架,十字架,永是我的荣耀“。比如”这是我信息 我的诗歌,赞美我救主 昼夜唱和。这是我信息 我的诗歌,赞美我救主 昼夜唱和“。有一次,一位苏格兰牧师告诉她,神没有给她视力太可惜了。 她的回答让他大吃一惊:“如果我在出生时有选择权,我会要求失明……因为当我到达天堂时,我看到的第一张脸将是为我而死的主。” 天父在Fanny  Crosby肉体的软弱里,显出祂的大能。

    亲爱的弟兄姊妹,当你面对孩子的悖逆时,你需要圣灵照明你心中的眼睛。当你遇见服事的压力时,你需要圣灵照明你心中的眼睛。当你因生活的忙碌,对属灵的事已经麻木时,你需要圣灵照明你心中的眼睛。你心中的眼睛是瞎眼的,还是明亮的?如果你只是用你的肉看看事情,你就只能见地上的事,而看不见天上的事。如果你只是用你的肉看看事情,你就只会看见物质的世界,而看不见属灵的世界。所以你需要求天父赐你智慧与启示的灵,使你真知道祂。

    天父的心意是何等的浩大(1:18b-21)

             第一个重点是认识天父的心意必须倚靠圣灵。当圣灵照明我们心里的眼睛时,我们会看见什么呢?我们会看见天父的心意是何等的浩大。这是今天信息的第二个重点是,天父的心意是何等的浩大。为什么我这样说呢?因为十八和十九节有三个何等。并且照明你们心中的眼睛,使你们知道他的恩召有何等指望,他在圣徒中得的基业有何等丰盛的荣耀;并知道他向我们这信的人所显的能力是何等浩大。“

    第一个何等

    第一个何等是天父对我们的恩召有何等的指望。这里的他是指天父。天父呼召你和我,就是天父的恩典临到我们这些不配的罪人身上。这是以弗所书一章前半段所讲的真理。有何等的盼望是指天父赐给祂所召的人有许多的应许。这些盼望充满在圣经里。保罗以弗所书一章3节说,父神在基督里把天上各样属灵的福气都赐给我们。

    我有一段很长的时间是住在佛州奥兰多。几个月前,我收到一个消息。那位在奥兰多教会带领我的前辈,他是教会的牧者,非常爱主。他的其中一个儿子,是我曾经在教会里服事的青年人,今年已经三十一岁,从医学院毕业,在医院实习。他刚刚结婚,新娘子也是医生,人很漂亮,他们是一对很优秀,又爱主的夫妻。他的家人和教会都为他喜乐。但是结婚第三日,他就生病,24小时之内,他就被主接回天家了。这个事情太突然了,而且白头人送黑头人,这是人生最悲哀的事。这位带领我的长辈最近分享他的见证,如果不是天父所应许的盼望,他几乎站立不住。但因为天父的应许,他有盼望将来能够在天家与所爱儿子重逢。他在软弱中因看见盼望,能够重新得力。

    亲爱的弟兄姊妹,你知道天父对你的恩召有何等的指望吗?当你或者家人面对死亡的时候,你的盼望是天父应许你有永生。当你面对疾病的时候,你的盼望是天父应许将来会得到永不朽坏,荣耀的身体。当你被仇敌试探犯罪了,仇敌不断地控告你的时候,你的盼望是当天父应许所有在基督里的都不定罪了。但你看见自己有许多不完全的时候,你的盼望是天父应许你将来在祂面前要成为圣洁,无有瑕疵。在基督里的盼望,使你能够面对人生一切的难处。在基督里的盼望,使你能够面对人生一切的挑战。在基督里的盼望,使你能够在软弱的时候,重新得力。在基督里的盼望,提醒你一切的难处都是短暂的。

    第二个何等

    第二个何等是天父在圣徒中所得的基业有何等丰盛的荣耀。基业就是产业的意思。这里不是说天父是我们的产业,而是说我们是天父的产业。这是旧约已经有的概念。被耶和华拯救的以色列人是神的产业。申命记四章20节说:“耶和华将你们从埃及领出来,脱离铁炉,要特作自己产业的子民,像今日一样。”申命记三十二章9节说:”耶和华的分本是他的百姓;他的产业本是雅各。” 我们是天父的基业表示我们是属于天父的。保罗形容这个基业,是荣耀的,而且是丰盛的荣耀。这是什么的概念?我们这样卑微的人,既然成为神丰盛荣耀的基业。我们自己是没有荣耀的,因我们只是泥土所造的。但是天父要把我们这些泥土所造的人,磨成祂儿子基督的形象。这是何等大的恩典。

    大富翁的产业是地产,是股票,是企业。但是天父的产业是你和我。从万物中,神拣选我们作祂的产业。这是表示我们所受的恩典是何等的大,这是表示我们在天父的眼中是得等的宝贝。

    亲爱的弟兄姊妹,你可能在公司里受委屈,但天父说:“不要伤心,你是我荣耀的产业”。你可能在教会里不被重视,或者侍奉没有被认同,天父说:“不要灰心,你是我荣耀的产业。“你可能觉得自己没有什么特别,你可能觉得自己很普通,你可能觉得自己没有什么价值“,但天父说:“不要自卑,你是我荣耀的产业。”

    第三个何等

    第三个何等是天父向我们这信的人所显的能力是何等浩大。请看第19节。“并知道他向我们这信的人所显的能力是何等浩大”。天父要在信祂儿子的人的身上显出祂的大能。这是怎么样的大能呢?请看第20节:就是照他在基督身上所运行的大能大力,使他从死里复活,叫他在天上坐在自己的右边,”这是胜过死亡的大能,能使人出死入生的大能,是全宇宙最大的大能。亚当犯罪把死亡带入世界。但神的大能,使主耶稣死里复活,战胜了死亡的权势。大能的希腊文是dynamis,英文的dynamite,就是炸药,是从这个字来。表示神能力何等浩大。

    刚才我提到我多年住在佛州奥兰多。住在那里有一个好处,就是NASA Kennedy Space Center很近。NASA火箭发射站离我们家只有一个小时。我们有许多机会在近距离看火箭发射。你们有谁看过火箭发射?你猜火箭发射是白天还是夜晚好看?是在夜晚好看。如果你在电影里看火箭发射觉得非常震撼,在现场会比在电影院震撼一百倍。我看过SpaceX Falcon Heavy的发射。Falcon Heavy的火箭大概有六万磅,但它的燃料大概一百二十万磅。当火箭的燃料燃烧的时候力量可以超越地心引力,把火箭离地升天。如果你是在晚上看的话,你会看见整个原本漆黑的天空,会变成白色。然后有一个极大的火球,出地上升天。那是一个极壮观的场面。因为火箭的燃料有极大的能力。但是神使基督死里复活的能力,比火箭的能力还要大无数倍。火箭的能力能够使火箭脱离地心引力。而天父使基督死里复活的大能能够使你胜过人生里一切的难处。使你在软弱中能够重新得力。

    你可能正在与疾病争战很疲惫,但不要伤心,因天父的心意是要使基督死里复活的大能彰显在你身上。你可能正在面对婚姻里不可挽回的危机,但不要放弃,因天父的心意是要使基督死里复活的大能彰显在你身上。你可能面对服事的压力,但不要担忧,因天父的心意是要使基督死里复活的大能彰显在你身上。你可能被罪辖制,但不要灰心,因天父的心意是要使基督死里复活的大能彰显在你身上。

    这大能不但是使基督死里复活的大能,这大能也是使基督坐在神宝座右边,使基督超越万有的大能。请看第20节的下半段和第21节。“就是照他在基督身上所运行的大能大力,使他从死里复活,叫他在天上坐在自己的右边,远超过一切执政的、掌权的、有能的、主治的,和一切有名的;不但是今世的,连来世的也都超过了。” 这些一切执政的、掌权的、有能的、主治的是指地上和天上一切的权势,包括撒旦黑暗的权势。因六章12节说:“因我们并不是与属血气的争战,乃是与那些执政的、掌权的、管辖这幽暗世界的,以及天空属灵气的恶魔争战。” 天父把掌管一切的权柄都赐给基督。基督的权柄超过一切,,一切,一切!一切掌权的,人也好,天使也好,魔鬼也好。一切的创造物,都伏在基督的权柄下。不但是这个世代,而且还是以后的时代,直到永远! 基督都得胜,基督都掌权。

    十二年前,神给我有机会去中国广州有一点的服事。那时我在一个小聚会点服事,有人信住了,我们把他们带到广州荣桂里受洗。荣桂里是广州市的一条街,那里有一个教会,是老传道人林献羔老弟兄带领的教会。广州的弟兄姊妹都称乎林献羔为林伯。他是主耶稣忠心的仆人,为了主被关在监牢里二十多年。他出监牢后,主大大的使用他,成为主的见证人。容桂里的教会是在一个简单的三层高的楼房聚会。那晚聚集了几百位弟兄姊妹,有 80多位弟兄姊妹一起受洗的。他们一起见证主福音的大能,要救一切相信的。因知道中国的教会在过去经历了许多的逼迫,当我看见那个场景的时候,我心里充满了对神的敬拜和赞美。仇敌不断地拦阻神在地上的工作。但是神的大能大力,远超过魔鬼的能力。

    亲爱的弟兄姊妹,你可能正在面对建堂巨大的挑战,不要忧虑,神说:“我要彰显我使基督超越万有的大能大力在你的身上!”你可能正在仇敌的攻击,不要惧怕,神说:“我要彰显我使基督超越万有的大能大力在你的身上!”你可能正在面对感情的问题,但不要气馁,神说:“我要彰显我使基督超越万有的大能大力在你的身上!”

    天父的心意是要彰显基督(1:22-23)

    神要把祂浩大的能力彰显在我们这些卑微的人身上,是为了什么目的呢?天父的目的是要彰显基督。这是今天信息的第三个重点,天父的心意是要彰显基督。请看第22和23节:又将万有服在他的脚下,使他为教会作万有之首。教会是他的身体,是那充满万有者所充满的。”这是引用诗篇八章6节的话。-“你派他管理你手所造的, 使万物,就是一切的牛羊、 田野的兽、空中的鸟、海里的鱼, 凡经行海道的,都服在他的脚下。” 神吩咐亚当要做的,亚当被撒旦迷惑了,失败了。但感谢神,人失败,神不会失败。亚当失败了,但是基督成功了!天父的心意,是要基督作万有之首,这件事要从教会里先开始。这里特别提到教会,表示教会在天父的心意里的重要性。这里说基督作教会的头,如以弗所书五章一样。基督作头不只是各人的事,更是整个教会的事。教会如是一个巨人,头在天上,身体在地上。

    亲爱的弟兄姊妹,你的行为是显出主耶稣是头,还是你是头?外人来到教会里,他们就会看见基督是头吗?很多时候你在服事有难处,是因为你要作头。当你依靠神的大能,愿意谦卑自己,让基督作头,许多服事的难处就会过去。

    基督是头,教会是基督的身体。所以教会并非礼拜堂,也非社会团体,不是华人同乡会,教会乃是基督属灵的身体。主已复活升了天,主自己不在地上,世人如何认识主耶稣呢?就是要通过主的身体,祂的教会,我们。主耶稣拯救你之后,没有立刻把你带到天上去。把你留在地上,就是要让全地的人看见教会就如同看见基督。所以教会非彰显基督不可。天父要显出祂的大能在你的身上的目是要彰显基督。

    如果你的手不听你的指挥,你会是正常的人吗?如果你的脚不听你指挥,你要去东,你的脚要去西,你会变成什么样的人?天父要把祂的能力彰显在你的身上,目的是要你凡事顺服基督,在这个弯曲悖谬的世代,彰显教会是基督的身体。

    天父的心意是要彰显祂的儿子耶稣基督。祂要基督的丰富充满着教会。请看第23节。“教会是他的身体,是那充满万有者所充满的。天父的心意,就是要基督充满着教会。天父要基督的美丽充满着教会。天父要基督的智慧充满着教会。天父要基督的温柔充满着教会。天父要基督的能力充满着教会。天父要基督的荣耀充满着教会。教会如气球。空气充满气球,气球才有功用。天父今天的工作,就是要显出祂的大能大力在我们身上,渐渐地把我们磨成基督的形象,让基督的丰富充满着教会,使教会发出功用。

    结束

    今天信息的主要思想是认识天父的心意能够帮助你从软弱中重新得力。今天我们学到三个重点。第一,认识天父的心意必须倚靠圣灵。第二,天父的心意是何等的浩大。第三,天父的心意是要彰显基督。

    我前面分享我跟随主时遇见许多的难处。有许多时候我软弱到几乎站不起来。但是主没有放弃我。当我在软弱中呼求主的时候,圣灵打开我心里的眼睛,使我在软弱中看见和经历天父的大能。主在我这软弱的人身上,显出他的大能。在软弱中,我靠着主的大能,使我从新得力的跟随祂,侍奉祂。

    听了这个信息,你需要做什么回应呢?你可能因为家里的难处而觉得软弱。你可能因教会的服事而觉得软弱。你可能因工作的事而觉得软弱。你可能因面对仇敌的试探而觉得软弱。当你觉得你没有能力继续走跟随主时,你需要来到天父面前。你需要求天父把赐人智慧与启示的灵赏给你,使你能够认识天父的心意。因为认识天父的心意能够帮助你从软弱中重新得力。在你的软弱中,天父要彰显祂的大能,就是是使基督死里复活的大能大力。天父的大能能够胜过你面对的一切难处。天父要在你的身上作工,把你磨成基督的形象,因为祂的心意是要彰显基督在每一个基督徒身上,使基督的丰富,充满着教会。

  • 邀请主耶稣与你一同上班(弗六5-9)

    邀请主耶稣与你一同上班(弗六5-9)

    开头

    许多基督徒都盼望主日的来临,因为可以去教会聚会敬拜主,服事主,能有弟兄姊妹见面,有喜乐,有满足。但许多弟兄姊妹离开教会时,就把主耶稣留在教会里,因为周一要上班,觉得主和自己的工作好像没有什么关系。你可能不好意思让同事在公司里看见有主耶稣与你同在。你可能害怕主耶稣看见你在公司里和在教会里是两个人。

    基督徒每周聚会才几个小时,但却有四十多个小时在工作。许多基督徒很难把信仰和工作连在一起,觉得在教会侍奉是服事主,平常上班是服事法老,结果活的很辛苦。你可能在教会和弟兄姊妹一起的时候很属灵,但是在工作的时候却效法世界,变城了另一个的人,过着双面人的生活。有许多基督徒不认识圣经的工作观,因此在上班时把主放在一边。你可能觉得自己工作很忙,没有时间服事主,等以后退休了才服事主。但人生有几十年都在工作,难道你的工作就与主无关系吗?究竟基督徒应该如何看工作?

    我今天要与弟兄姊妹分享的主题是基督是你生命里每一个部分的主,包括你工作,所以你应该邀请主耶稣与你一同上班。我再说一次,基督是你生命里每一个部分的主,包括你工作,所以你应该邀请主耶稣与你一同上班,作你工作的主。

                      今天的经文是以弗所书六章五到九节。我读给大家听:

    “你们作仆人的,要惧怕战兢,用诚实的心听从你们肉身的主人,好像听从基督一般。不要只在眼前事奉,像是讨人喜欢的,要像基督的仆人,从心里遵行 神的旨意。甘心事奉,好像服事主,不像服事人。因为晓得各人所行的善事,不论是为奴的,是自主的,都必按所行的得主的赏赐。你们作主人的,待仆人也是一理,不要威吓他们。因为知道,他们和你们同有一位主在天上;他并不偏待人。”

    这段经文告诉我们基督徒为何应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班的三个原因。第一个原因是因为我们是基督的仆人。第二个原因是因为我们会得主的赏赐。第三个原因是因为我们不想被主管教。

    首先我们很快的回顾以弗所书的架构。这本书清楚的分成两半。前一半是第一到第三章,是讲到基督徒在基督里蒙恩的祝福。一章三节说到天父在基督里曾赐给我们天上各样属灵的福气,二章九节说到我们得救是本乎恩,也因着信;这并不是出于自己,乃是神所赐的;也不是出于行为,免得有人直夸。后一半段是第四章到第六章,是说基督徒应该行事为人当与蒙召的恩相称,请看四章一节。这段说到如何在教会,个人生活,社会,婚姻,和在家庭里行事为人与蒙召的恩相称。到了第六章五节到九节,保罗教导以弗所的弟兄姊妹,信了主的人应该如何的看仆人和主人的关系。

    保罗写以弗所书的年代,是主后62年左右。那时是罗马帝国掌权。罗马有奴隶制度,社会里有30%的人是奴隶。奴隶是属于主人的产物,主人对奴隶有完全的主权。家庭和社会里有许多的工作都是由奴隶来作。有作厨师的,作保姆的,作建筑的,作农夫的,作牧羊的,作管家的,作搬运的,和作各种劳力活的。那时许多奴隶信了主,也有许多有奴隶的人信了主。所以保罗要告诉他们在他们新的身份里他们应该如何生活。虽然是写给两千年罗马奴隶制度的教导,但是原则却同样可以应用在21世纪基督徒的工作关系里。

    我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班,因为我们是基督的仆人(6:5-7)

    今天信息的第一个重点是我们必须邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班,因为我们是基督的仆人。请看第六节:“不要只在眼前事奉,像是讨人喜欢的,要像基督的仆人”。基督徒要在工作里有基督的仆人的样式和实际。在工作里,基督徒和世界里的人最大的不同是我们的老板不一样。不认识主的人,只知道有肉身的老板。他们工作只是为了生活赚钱养家。在公司里有好表现,作给老板看。但是基督徒除了有肉身的老板,还有天上的大老板,就是主耶稣基督。我们是基督的仆人,主耶稣是我们工作的主。基督或者主在这短短五节经文里出现六次,加上“神”就七次!这是表示主耶稣在我们工作里应该有很重的地位,因主是我们工作的主。我们作事,最主要不是给人看,而是给主看。我们的目标不是讨人的欢喜,而是讨主耶稣的欢喜。世人看老板的眼色作事,基督徒也看,但是那不是我们最重视的。我们最重视的主我们大老板的眼色。基督徒在人前人后都应该是一样的,因为我们是讨主的欢喜,不是讨人的欢喜。日子久了,上司同事也会慢慢的信任你。当主给你机会传福音的时候,你的见证就会更有果效。

    第五节说作仆人的要惧怕 战兢,用诚实的心听从你们肉身的主人,好像听从基督一般。惧怕 战兢指基督徒作事应该谨慎,唯恐失责,表示认真,有责任感。用诚实的心指不虚假,不假冒伪善,真诚的对待上司、同事和下属。主看重的是我们的内心。心对了,外面的表现才是对的;心不对,外面的表现是虚假的。这个世界充满了装假的行为。不信的朋友都有期望基督徒比其他人真心和诚实。当我们真诚的面对我们的上司和同事,别人也会被吸引想要认识我们的主。用诚实的心听从你们肉身的主人,好像听从基督一般,不是把老板当做神,而是尊敬他,听他的吩咐,顺服他的带领。

    第七节说基督的仆人应该甘心事奉,好像服事主,不像服事人。不甘心作事,就会活在埋怨和忧愁里。甘心事奉的人性情就会开朗。我们甘心是因知道主是大老板,主是好老板,主是值得我们侍奉祂。

    工作是神对人的旨意。其实神自己的第一位工作者。神用了六天作创造的工作。神是第一个农夫,使地上长满了各种蔬菜和果树。神在人坠落前就吩咐人作工,吩咐亚当代表神管理这个世界,修理看守伊甸。

    十七世纪有一位法国巴黎的修道士称为劳伦斯弟兄,他是一位厨师,他作每一件是都是为了神。他活着的时候许多基督徒来找他帮助他们何如与神同行。他被主接回天家之后,有人把他的对话和信编辑成书,使许多人得到帮助。劳伦斯弟兄的贡献是使基督徒认识到不管我们作什么工作,都可以亲近主,和侍奉主。以下是劳伦斯弟兄所说的一段话:“我可以为神做些小事。 我因他的爱而在锅上翻饼,之后,如果没有别的工作,我便俯伏敬拜神,因他赐我恩典能够工作。 之后,我比国王更快乐。 ”

    你可能会问,如果上司要求我作与我的信仰有冲突事我怎麽办?保罗也想到这个问题,如果主人要求奴仆去敬拜希腊的神,奴仆要听主人的命令吗?当这种情况发生,基督徒应该听从神的命令,不听从人的命令。请看第六节,所以保罗说,要从心里遵行神的旨意。我们是基督的仆人,在工作里应该要从心里遵行神的旨意。

    许多时候基督徒错误的认为只有传道人才是基督的仆人。你知道你也是基督的仆人吗?就算你的工作是最普通的,最沉闷的,当你看见自己是基督的仆人时,你的工作就变成是神圣的。因你在工作时也是在服事主。你可能是白领,可能是老师,可能是做小生意的,可能是大老板,可能是家庭主妇,不管你作任何的行业,你的工作,也能够成为你的服事,问题是你愿意邀请主耶稣与你一同上班,让主耶稣作你的工作的主吗?

    我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班,因为我们会得主的赏赐(6:8)

    我们必须邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班,因为我们会得主的赏赐。请看第八节,“因为晓得各人所行的善事,不论是为奴的,是自主的,都必按所行的得主的赏赐。“神拯救我们就是要我们行善,二章8-10节:” 你们得救是本乎恩,也因着信;这并不是出于自己,乃是 神所赐的;9 也不是出于行为,免得有人自夸。10 我们原是他的工作,在基督耶稣里造成的,为要叫我们行善,就是 神所预备叫我们行的。“这是包括在工作里行善。行善就是行好的事。我相信好的事是指第六节所说的”从心里遵行神的旨意“。当你在工作里从心里遵行神的旨意侍奉主,就必定会得到主所应许的赏赐。这是赏赐是属天的,是永恒的。主要我们聚集财宝在天上。

    二十世纪初,有一对美国宣教士夫妻在非洲服侍主40多年。那弟兄的名字是Henry Morrison,他们离开非洲禾场后回国。和他同一艘船的是那时的美国总统Teddy Roosevelt,他从非洲打猎回国。船到美国领土时,Roosevelt受到许多国民欢迎他,有许多记者采访他,但是却没有一个人欢迎Morrison夫妇。Morrison很被这件事搅扰,祷告的时候,他好像听到主的声音:“你还没有回家”。我们在工作里侍奉主,许多时候神就会在工作里祝福我们。但是真真的赏赐,是要等到见主面的那天。主不会亏欠服侍他的人。Morrison现在已经回到天家,主也必赏赐给他。

    在1988年奥林比克100米快跑,加拿大运动员Ben Johnson击败了美国运动员Carl Lewis得了冠军。Ben Johnson骄傲的说:“没有人能够拿走我的金牌。但24小时候后,他被发现打了药物犯规,结果金牌被取掉了。主耶稣要因着我们今生在职场上服侍祂,把赏赐给我们。但愿我们不要只是为了地上的财宝而工作,但却没有在工作上服事主,而失去主要给我们的赏赐。

    我相信你们当中可能有人很会投资,也有人很能干创业,赚了许多钱。你在地上聚集了许多的财宝,但你有为了天上的财宝而投资吗?地上的财宝是今生的,天上的财宝却是永恒的,那一种的财宝更值得投资呢?

    我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班,因为我们不想被主管教(6:9)

                      我们应该邀请主耶稣与我们一同上班的第一个原因是因为我们是主的仆人。第二个原因是因为我们会得主的赏赐。请主耶稣与我们一同上班的第三个原因是因为我们不想被主管教。请看第九节:“你们作主人的,待仆人也是一理,不要威吓他们。因为知道,他们和你们同有一位主在天上;他并不偏待人。“这段话是吩咐作主人要用同样的原则对待仆人。就作上司的基督徒应该像基督的仆人,要讨主的欢喜,从心里顺从神的旨意。甘心的服事主,不像服侍人。不可威吓下属,要看尊敬他们的人格。

    在罗马的奴隶制度里,主人对奴仆是有完全的主权的,所以有些主人会苦待奴仆。有许多的主人看低奴仆,认为他们没有人格。这是因为人有罪,当有人有权柄时,人会滥用权力。所以每当保罗提到的教导,通常都会提到神对两方面的要求。比如前面提到孩子需要听从父母,也会教导父亲不可惹儿女的气。这里保罗提到奴仆要听从主人,但因为主人会滥用权利,所以也教导主人对待仆人也要用同样的原则,不要滥用权柄,应该公平的对待仆人,这是神的智慧和公正。罗马主人可以随便欺压仆人。这是世界的作法。基督徒却不可效法。

    但如果一个基督徒滥用权柄,主在天上不偏待人。不偏待人是什么意思呢?在歌罗西书平行的经文里,在3章25节,保罗也提到这个字,“那行不义的,必受不义的报应,主并不偏待人。”表示不管你的身份地位有多高,如果你没有根据神的旨意对待你的下属,主会管教你,因为主不偏待人。如果你没有根据神的旨意对待下属,不但在永生失去奖赏,在今生还要受管教。

    美国有一家很受欢迎的快餐店叫福来鸡(Chic-Fil-a)。它的创办人是Truett Cathy。他是一个很虔诚的基督徒。他的公司的目的:作神忠心的管家荣耀神,并对所有接触福来鸡的人有正面的影响。这家店的特别是他们在主日不开门,为了要鼓励员工参加教会聚会。公司的基督文化管理很棒,是美国最受欢迎快餐店之一。Truett Cathy就是把工作当成事奉的好例子。

    你说在中国不可能如此作,在中国的企业和社会里作基督徒很艰难,不像美国。是的,我觉得弟兄姊妹在中国作基督徒不容易。但我想在罗马帝国里作奴仆的基督徒比在中国作基督徒难多了。罗马时代的主人对仆人有无限的权利,但在那个环境里,保罗也吩咐仆人和主人都要像基督的仆人。

    既然约瑟在埃及的监狱里也能够服事主。既然但以理在玛代的官亭里就算要面对狮子坑也要服事主。你们在杭州的职场里也一样可以服事主。

    你既然是基督的仆人,主的旨意是要你在工作里事奉祂,你能如何开始呢?

    • 你可以为你的同事,上司,下属,同学的救恩祷告。也为你自己祷告,求主帮助你踏出信心的脚步在公司里服事祂。
    • 你可以关心你的同事,和他们交朋友。不要为了利益而交朋友,要关心不被重视的人。单纯的爱你身边的同事。尝试主动的与人微笑。当他们生病时,关心他们。给他们发微信问候他们。如果看见同事生活里遇见难处,主动的问他们有什么需要你可以帮忙的。
    • 在同事有喜事时,比如结婚,生孩子,为了他喜乐,说祝福的话,送他们小礼物。
    • 如果有为难你的同事,不可为恶所胜,反要以善胜恶。

    渐渐的,你的同事会看见你的转变,他们会好奇为何你要对他们怎么友善。当他们问你为何要关心他们,你可以回答,“因为我是基督的仆人”

    职场就是你的禾场。你可以作企业的宣教士。每天都服事主,每天都为主而活,每天都为主见证。

    结束

    我们对工作的态度对我们一个人的生活有极大的影响。基督徒侍奉主不但只是在教会里,也是在职场里。不管你是大老板还是小职员,主耶稣都要作你工作的主。工作不是为法老打工,工作应该是侍奉主基督。当我们的态度改变了,我们的工作就有了属灵的价值,而且我们的人生会变的更有意义。我们不需要等到退休后才侍奉主,不需要等到周末在教会里才侍奉主。我们在职场里,就能侍奉主。不管你的工作是什么,你都可以在职场里侍奉主。

    你想象如果你明天就开始邀请主耶稣和你去上班,让主作你工作的主,你的工作将会有什么改变?如果琥珀小家的每一个弟兄姊妹都邀请主去上班,作你们工作的主,教会将会有什么改变?如果每一个学校里都有基督的仆人,杭州的学校会有什么改变?如果每一个企业里都有基督的仆人,杭州的企业将会有什么改变?如果每一个政府部门里有基督的仆人,杭州的政府将会有什么改变?如果你愿意在工作里让主作主,你在永世里将会有什么样的赏赐?

    基督是我们生命里每一个部分的主,包括我们工作,所以你应该邀请主耶稣与你一同上班,让主作你工作的主

  • You belong to God (Ephesians 1:11-14)

    You belong to God (Ephesians 1:11-14)

    TURN OUR WORRIES TO PRAISE BECAUSE GOD NEVER LOSES WHAT BELONGS TO HIM

    Introduction

    Apple has a product called airtag. An airtag is a small button-shaped tracking device that is used to track your belongings. You can attach it to your backpack, your luggage, your bicycles, or maybe even your dog. When you lose your belongings, you can use your iPhone to find it. You can engrave your initials on the airtags to identify you as the owner of the belongings. 

    Why did Apple invent the airtag? Because people worried about losing their belongings. Do you worry about losing your belongings? Do you worry about losing your car key? Think about the troubles you will face if you lose your phone. What about losing your wedding ring? You would be in big trouble when your spouse finds out about it. Now, have you ever worried about losing your salvation? Maybe you have committed a serious sin in the past that caused you to worry about losing your salvation. Maybe you worry about your eternal destiny because you are not sure you will persevere to the end.

    My topic for today is this, we should turn our worries to praise because God never loses what belongs to Him. Again, we should turn our worries to praise because God never loses what belongs to Him. Today’s text is Ephesians 1:11-14. Ephesians 1:11-14 is the end of one of the longest sentences in the New Testament. The sentence starts at 1:3 and ends at verse 14, a total of 202 words! Paul was eager to tell the saints in Ephesians about the heavenly spiritual blessings they have received from God the Father because of the redemption works of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our text for today is the end of these spiritual blessings. Today I have three points. First, we should praise God because we belong to God. Second, we should praise God because we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Third, we should praise God for His glory.

    We should Praise God because we belong to God (v11-v12)

    The first point is we should praise God because we belong to God. Look at verse 11 with me. “In Him, we have obtained an inheritance”. Many commentators including Harold Hoehner and FF Bruce think it is better to translate it as “In Him, we have been obtained as inheritance.” It is because the Greek word is in the passive tense. What does it mean that we have been obtained as God’s inheritance? Verse 5 tells us God predestine us for adoption as sons. It means we are His, we belong to God. We are sons and daughters of God.

    When did God decide that we are His inheritance? According to verse 4, God has chosen us and predestined us before the foundation of the world.

    Who did God consult when God predestine us? God consulted himself, there was no one else. And then God works all things, so that His plan will be accomplished.

    I have a son. He was predestined as my son. He did not know it when he was born. And then later on, he slowly discover I am his father. When he did bad things, I might discipline him, but I will never disown him because he is my son, he is my inheritance.

    Maybe you have committed a serious sin in the past. It might be a dark, secret sin that you would never tell anyone. You may have been tempted by Satan to worry about losing your salvation. Do not fall into temptation. God might discipline you, but God will never disown you because you are His child, you belong to God, you are God’s inheritance. You have been predestined by God.

    The purpose you have been predestined is so that you can praise God for His glory. Look like verse 12 says: “so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.” Your hope is in Christ, not in yourself. What are you worried about? Whatever it is, take all your worries and turn them into praise because God works all things, so that we could praise Him, for His glory. 

    We should Praise God because we  were sealed us with the promised Holy Spirit (v13-14a)

    Now let’s move on to the second point. The first point is we should praise God because we belong to Him. The second point is we should praise God because we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit. Look at verse 13, “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” Again, he starts with “In Him”, just like the first point. Do you see Triune God is working? In Christ, God the Father has sealed us with the promised Holy Spirit.

    Some of you might ask is it possible to know that I am one of the chosen? The answer is yes! Look at verse 4 and verse 5, Paul was very sure that he was chosen and predestined as a child of God. Furthermore, Paul changed from “we” in verse 11 to “you” in verse 13, indicating that it is possible for the saints in Ephesians to know they have been predestined to be God’s inheritance.

    How do you know you has been chosen, predestined, and sealed with the Holy Spirit? You know because you have heard the world of truth, the gospel of your salvation, believed in Christ. It is God’s sovereignty to choose and predestine you as His inheritance. And it is your responsibility to hear the gospel and believed in Christ. Those who believed are the ones who have been chosen and predestined.

    What is the meaning of “you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit”? It means ownership. It means you belong to God because Christ promised He would send the Holy Spirit to live in those who believed in Him. 

    On my wedding day, I put a wedding ring with my name on my wife’s ring finger. It means she belongs to me. She also put a wedding ring with her name on my ring finger, it means I belong to her. Similarly, you belong to God because God has sealed you with the promised Holy Spirit.

    The Holy Spirit is the guarantee or down payment of our inheritance. Look at verse 14, “who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it.” That means the fellowship we have with the Triune God through the Holy Spirit is only a small portion of something far greater in the future, and we are guaranteed to acquire the full possession in the future when Christ returns.

    Men may default on our payment, but God is faithful. God never defaults on His promise. Since He guaranteed our full inheritance with His Holy Spirit, He will surely fulfill it.

    We should praise God for His glory (v14b)

    What should be our response to this? We should praise God for His glory. Look at the second half of verse 14, “to the praise of His glory”. It is the same phrase as in verse 12. What does it mean? It means God chose us, predestined us, led us to hear the gospel, and sealed us with the Holy Spirit with one purpose, that is so that we will praise Him for His glory! The purpose of salvation is doxology!

    How do we praise God for His glory? We praise Him with our singing in during a worship service, for His glory. But may I suggest praise is more than singing? We could praise Him with our minds when we meditate on His word, for His glory. But praise is more than that. We praise Him with our interactions with fellow students, professors, and others on campus, for His glory. But praise is more than that. We praise Him at home when we love our parents, spouses, and children, for His glory. But praise is more than that. We praise Him by living our life, for His glory.

    Conclusion

    Some years ago, God called me to minister to a house church in China. After spending some time with this group of believers, I notice something is wrong with them. Some of the believers were in constant worried about losing their salvation. Because they were not sure about their eternal destiny, they did not have peace. When they first heard that God has sealed them with the promised Holy Spirit, and their eternal destiny is secured because they belong to God, one of the sisters literary jumped up and down, because she was filled with joy and could not help but to express her praise to God. Since then, they no longer live in worried, instead, they live in praise for the glory of God.

    I think if I get some Apple airtags, I might still lose some of my belongings because airtags could run out of battery. Or there could be bugs with Apple software. But God never runs out of battery. God does not have any software bugs. God never loses what belongs to Him. We should praise God because we belong to Him. We are God’s inheritance. We have been predestined for His glory. We should praise God because God has sealed us with His Holy Spirit. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we should turn our worries to praise because God never loses what belongs to Him.

  • Ephesians 6

    Ephesians 6

    Background and Overview

    After Paul talks about husband and wife, he continues to give two examples of  the life of believer who is filled with the Spirit (5:18), the relationship between parents and children, and between masters and slaves.

    Full Armor of God

    1. Belt of truth:  The belt holds the other parts of the armor together, including the sword.Satan is a liar, but believer whose life is controlled by truth will defeat him. Unless we practice truth, we cannot use the Word of the truth.
    2. Breastplate of righteousness: The breastplate covered the body from the neck to the waist, both front and back. Satan is the accuser, but he cannot accuse the believer who is living a godly life in the power of the Spirit.
    3. The shoes of the Gospel of peace: Roman soldier wore sandals with hobnails in the soles to give him better footing for the battle. The Satan is wanted to make war among men. A believer who bring the gospel of peace where ever he goes on his shoes will defeat the enemy.
    4. The shield of faith: The shield was a large, usually 4 feet by 2 feet, made of wood, and covered with tough leather. It protected the soldier from spears and arrows. The edges of these shields were so constructed that an entire line of soldiers could interlock shields and march into the enemy like a solid wall. Satan is the attacker, but the believer who hold on the the Shield – the faith in Christ, no matter how fierce the attacks would be, the believer would be protected by his faith in Christ.
    5. The helmet of salvation: Helmet protect a soldier’s head. Satan likes to attack our mind,  but the believer who wear the helmet of salvation, salvation of our spirit, soul and body would be protected.
    6. The sword of the Spirit: The sword is the only offensive weapon God provides us. The Roman soldier wore on his beat a short sword which was used for close-in fighting. Satan was defeated by the words of God when he tried to tempt our Lord Jesus. In order to defeat the enemy, we must study the words of God, to a point where we see the Word of God, and the Word became our life, and the enemy would be defeated.

    In one sense, the full armor of God is a picture of Jesus Christ.

    Division

    Exposition

  • Ephesians 5

    Ephesians 5

    Background

    Division

    1. Be imiators of God (v1-21)
      1. Walk in love (v2), for God is love (1 John 4:8)
      2. Walk as children of light (v8), for God is light (1 John 1:5)
      3. Walk in wisdom (v15), for God is truth (1 John 5:6)
    2. Husband and wife is the shadow of Christ and His church (V21-33)

    Exposition

  • Ephesians 4

    Ephesians 4

    Background

    Christ has ascended into the highest heaven (v10). He then gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to His church (v11), to prepare God’s people for the works of service. When God’s people, the body of Christ functions normally, with each member exercising their own spiritual gifts, the body of Christ will be built up. The body of Christ will be fully built up when all members all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (v13).

    It is Christ Himself who the whole body was joined and held together. Christ does it by letting every members of the body to perform its function (v16).

    Paul then talked about how Christians, the members of the body of Christ should live. Christians are all members of one body (v25), we ought to be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other (v32).  These and all the contents in v17-32 are the signs of us maturing and growing in unity in our knowledge of Christ (v13).

    Division

    1. Unity of Christ body – the built up of Christ body.
    2. The living of members in one body of Christ

    Exposition

  • Ephesians 3

    Ephesians 3

    Background

    God’s eternal purpose which He accomplished is Christ Jesus (v11) is that the manifold wisdom of God may now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places (v10). The rulers and authorities are referring to the angels, both good and the fallen angels.

    On Paul’s second prayer in Ephesians, he prayed about four requests, which one request leads into the next one and so on. Paul prayed that:

    1) God the Father will strengthen our inner man through the Holy Spirit (v16)
    2) so that Christ may dwell in our heats through faith (v17)
    3) so that we have the the power to grasp the love of Christ (v18)
    4) which will result in us being filled with the fullness of God (v19)

    Division

    1. v1-13 God’s Eternal Purpose in Christ Jesus, the mystery of Christ: His Church
    2. v14-21 Paul second prayer in Ephesians

    Exposition

    • v4: […the mystery of Christ…] This mystery is a sacred secret that is unknown to both Jews and gentiles throughout the ages, but now is reviled by Paul to the church of Christ. Today this secret is still unknown to unbelievers, but understood and treasured by Christians
    • v8: […I am less than the least of all God’s people…]
    • v8: […the unsearchable riches of Christ…]
    • v10-11: [His intent was that now, throught the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.]
    • v14: [For this reason I kneel before the Father]
    • v19: […that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God]
  • Ephesians 2

    Ephesians 2

    Background and Overview

    The chapter tells us about our positions in Christ. First, we are lived in Christ (v5). Second,  we are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms (v6). Third, we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ (v10). Four, we are one on Christ, gentiles and Jews as one (v14). Five, we are fellow citizens in God’s kingdom. Sixth, we are members of God’s household, with Christ as the Chief Cornerstone (v19-20).

    Division

    Exposition

  • Ephesians 1

    Ephesians 1

    Background and Overview

    In Chapter 1, Paul reveals to the church the Eternal Purpose of God. The main verses are verse 9 and 10.

    God only has one Eternal Purpose. He set this purpose according to His own good pleasure (v9). His eternal purpose was a mystery since the beginning of time (v9), but know is revealed to the church. His Eternal Purpose is His Son Jesus Christ. In God perfect time, God will unite all things in heaven and on earth in Christ (v10).

    Everything began with Christ (Hebrew 1, Col 1), sustains by Christ, and will end in Christ. For He is the Alpha, and the Omega. He is the beginning and the end. All created things in heaven and on earth to be under the Christ, will submit to Christ, will acknowledge Christ as the Lord of Lords and King of Kings (Phi 2:10)

    Paul first of the two prayers to the Ephesians church consists of the following content:

    1. Give Thanks for the Ephesians church (v16)
    2. Ask God to Father to give Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that they may know God the Father better
    3. The eyes of their heart may be enlighten:
      1. In order that they may know the hope to which God has called them (v17)
        1. God has called us to be members of the body of Christ.
        2. Our hope is this body of Christ will one day grew into maturity of Christ and became the bride of Christ
      2. and the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in the saints (v18)
      3. and God’s incomparably great power for believers (v19)

    Division

    1. God’s Eternal Purpose (v1-14)
    2. Paul First Prayer in Ephesians (v15-23)

    Exposition

  • Ephesians Introduction

    Ephesians Introduction

    Author, date and time

    Paul wrote this letter (1:1;3:1) while in Rome’s prison (A.D. 59-61) destined to the saints in Ephesus (1:1). Other than Ephesians, Paul also wrote the letters of Colossians, Philippians and Philemon. These letters of called “prison epistles”.

    Paul asked Tychicus (6:21), together with Onesimus (Col 4:9) to deliver these letters to the church in Ephesus, the church in Colossee, and to Philemon. The letter to Philippians was potentially delivered by Ephroditus from Philippi(4:18)

    Purpose of the letter

    The purpose of this letter is to reveal the eternal purpose of God to the church.

    The key verses of the eternal purpose of God was mention on 1:10 and 3:10.

    Ephesians and Colossians are the highest revelation of God’s eternal purpose to His church. Colossians emphasizes on Christ as the head of His church. Ephesians emphasizes on the church as Christ body.

    The Heavenly Realms

    This epistle talks about things of the heavenly realms (G2032, epouranios)

    1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

    1:20 which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms

    2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus

    3:10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms

    6:12 For our struggle is not against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

    The City

    Ephesus was a rich, busy port at the end of the caravan route from Asia. It is on the intersection between the eastern and the western world. It was a trading city, where goods were exchanged between east and west.  This huge city contained a 25,000 seats theater (Acts 19:29), an agora (town square), public baths, a library, and few temples.

    A temple of the Greeks goddess Artemis (Acts 19:23), also known by the Romans as Diana, was built near by the city. It was the largest building in the Greek world. Many pilgrims came to Ephesus to worship Artemis, as a result many people in Ephesus made good living as silversmith, craftsmen and workman for Artemis (Acts 19:25). Ephesus was known as the guardian of the temple of Artemis and of her image (Acts 19:35).

    Paul visited Ephesus on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:19) for a short stay, and on his third missionary journey (Acts 19) and stayed there for three years. He spent 3 months in the synagogue arguing about the kingdom of God, and later spent two years in the lecture hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:10) to teach the whole counsel of God.

    Relationship of OT

    Ephesians is often compared to Joshua in OT. Joshua was a book about the Jews entering the promised land, and had victory over the enemies by the promised and the power of God.

    Ephesians 1:3 says “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”. Christ is our promised land.

    Paul and Ephesus

    Paul first visit to Ephesus was at the end of his second missionary journey. He only spent a short time in Ephesus on his way back to Antioch (Acts 18:22). When he left Ephesus, he asked Aquila and Priscilla to stay (Acts 18:26).

    A man name Apollos from Alexandrian came to Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John. and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

    On Paul third missionary journey he stay in Ephesus three years (Acts 20:31). He baptized a dozen of the John the Baptist’s followers (Acts 19:1-7). He taught the whole counsel of God to the Ephesians in the hall of Tyrannus (Acts 19:8-10). God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them (Acts 19:11-12). During Paul ministry in Ephesus, the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power (Acts 19:20). A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. (Acts 19:19).

    Because of Paul’s preaching that man made gods are no gods at all, the silversmith, craftsmen and workmen of Artemis started an uproar against Paul’s traveling companions, Gaius from Derbe and Aristarchus from Thessalonica (Acts 19:29).

    At the end of Paul’s 3d missionary trip, on his way to Jerusalem, he called for a meeting with the elders of the Ephesus’s church (Acts 20:17) in the coastal town of Miletus.

    When Paul was in the prison of Rome, he wrote this letter to the Ephesians church (A.D. 60-62). (3:1;4:1;6:20).

    After Paul was released, he traveled to Ephesus for the last time. After he left Ephesus, he wrote to Timothy (1 Tim) who he left in Ephesus to ministry to the church. After that Paul was arrested by the Roman again, he then wrote a second letter to Timothy who are still in Ephesus. According to church history, Paul was martyred in Rome.

    Seat, Walk, Stand

    Ephesians give us a blueprint of our spiritual growth in Christ. Paul taught about three positions of Christians in Christ, that help us to growth in Christ, to enjoy the riches of Christ.

    1. Seat (2:4-6)
    2. Walk (4:1,17;5:2,8,15)
    3. Stand (6:10-13)

    Two Prayers

    There are two prayers of Paul in Ephesus. The posture that links “sitting” with “walking” and standing” is “bowing the knee”. It is through prayer that we lay hold of Christ’s riches that enable us to behave like Christians and battle like Christians.

    1. 1:15-23 – Emphasizes on enlightenment. Paul prayed to God to gave us the Spirit of revelation and truth so we can truly know God.
    2. 3:14-21 – Emphasizes on enablement. Paul prayed to God that through His Spirit, God will strengthen the inner man in us, so that we may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

    In the first prayer, the emphasis is asking God to give us a revelation. The emphasis of the second prayer is that the revelation will be realized in us.

    Division (According to the role of Christ’s church)

    1. Chapter 1: The Church is Christ’s Body
    2. Chapter 2: The Church is God’s temple
    3. Chapter 3: The Church is Christ’s mystery
    4. Chapter 4: The Church is a New Man
    5. Chapter 5: The Church will be Christ’s bridge
    6. Chapter 6: The Church is Christ’s soldier