Ephesians 4 & Our Interactions

Ephesians 4:11 begins discussing diverse roles we can fill in a church, and the scope of these verses is the church at large. Ephesians 2 begins establishing the fact that Jew and Gentile are one in Christ. Imagine coming to the conclusion that Jesus can save you from your sins, but you will be working with those who hold you in contempt. Many Jews and Gentiles felt this way about each other in the first century. Conversation may have become hostile at times as their differences would come to a head, but Paul, in Ephesians 2:15, reinforces that Christ brings peace. He calls them fellow citizens, and he calls them one body in the next chapter.

Chapter 4:1-3 emphasize an attitude of humility that leads to unity in the church, and the makeup of the Ephesian congregation would have possibly had a hard time accomplishing this. Paul reminds them that they are no longer of the world, no longer Jews or Gentiles but new creatures. In Ephesians 4:25, Paul begins to discuss the conduct that should be reflected in these who have put on spirituality.

Four Principles of Godly Communication
Ephesians 4:25 is often applied to our speech – our language, lying, etc. While these are good applications, Paul is addressing some principles of communication in these verses. This passage outlines how we are to interact with our brothers and sisters.

Honesty. Ephesians 4:25 tells us to put away falsehood and to deal honestly with one another. This is for the sake of unity. Nothing divides Christians more than partisanship, misrepresentation, and suspician. While we may not have a problem with outright lies, we may have issues with misrepresentations. We may skew facts or events to cast ourselves in abetter light.

Think of Ananias and Sapphira who misrepresent the percentage of their finances that they give. God treats this as a lie. Think of the life of Jesus where the scribes and Pharisees would incite the people against Him by misusing and misrepresenting his words. In the book of Romans, Paul deals directly with others taking his words out of context to make him look like he was saying something untrue.

We may utilize hyperbole: “Everyone thinks that…;” “I’ve always seen…” We may exaggerate. We may leave facts out. We are a spiritual family, and we should avoid getting caught up in these kind of subtle falsehoods. Our goal should be unity, and that is accomplished through honesty, fairness, and openess in our conversations with one another.

Remain Current. In verses 26-27, Paul entreats us to avoid sin in our anger. There are things that happen, things that are said, that hurts our feelings, hurt our pride, and make us angry. Ephesians 4:1-2 calls for us to be long-suffering and to exercise forbearance. Do we hold on to our anger? Do we let it fester? Do we stew over our frustrations? Paul says we can be angry, after all.

In this passage, Paul may be quoting Psalm 4:4 which makes the same appeal, calling on us commune with our hearts and be still. In Ephesians, Paul warns us against letting the sun set on our wrath. Our moments of anger should only be brief. Psalm 4:5 says to worship God after we deal with anger, and Matthew 5:23-24 records Jesus telling his listeners to reconcile with those they’ve wronged before worshipping God.

When we dwell in anger, we open a door to the devil according to Ephesians 4:27. Anger is little more than wounded pride, leading to resentment and animosity. What if the Grecian widows of Acts 17 had held on to their hurt and continued to revisit it? What affect would that have had on the Jerusalem church. What if Philemon held Onesimus’ flight over his head instead of forgiving him? What if Peter and Paul had been unable to get past the events of Galatians 2? We must learn from the past, but we cannot use it as a weapon.

Address the problem, not the person. In Ephesians 4:29, Paul speaks of corrupt speech, and the only other times this Greek word is used is in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, speaking of rotten trees and fruit. It is defined as something unprofitable and worthless. We may say some rotten things toward each other, and it can be hard to separate what is said from who said it.

We can disagree without being disagreeable, and verse 30 encourages to use speech that is edifying, spiritually beneficial, and gracious. When we attack each other, we grieve God’s Spirit. Our actions can actually bring grief to deity. Rather, we should patient with each other as God is patient with us.

Act; don’t react. This takes serious self-control. Seldom do we speak of reacting to something in a positive light. We seldom think about our words or measure our actions when we are busy reacting. Proverbs 29:20 condemns the one who is hasty in his words, who is reactive, as hopeless. Proverbs 18:13 calls it shameful to give answer without listening to the other side.

We want to be quick in inserting our arguments into a discussion. However, Ephesians 4 tells us this type of conduct brings about bitterness, wrath, and anger. Negative reactions give birth to more negative reactions, so Paul says to put these qualities away in Ephesians 4:31. In verse 32, he asks us to put on kindness, forgiveness, and tenderness. Unlike the reactive qualities, these take effort and initiative.

Walking In Love
Ephesians 4:32-5:2 reminds us that we are imitators of God, and that we should be walking in the love of Christ. We are one in God’s eyes. In our group settings and private settings, we should look at Ephesians 4 and ask if we are conducting our relationships as God would have us. We can build each other up in how we interact with each other, patient and loving toward each other, helping each other toward our spiritual home.

lesson by Tim Smelser

Prevailing In Defeat

What if we had to flee our own country for our own safety? What if we had to return home, knowing that circumstances may not yet be safe? Imagine if, upon returning home, you knew an army was standing in your way. These are the circumstances upon which Jacob returns home after his time working for Laban. Jacob knows that Esau had vowed to murder him after the death of their fathers. He doesn’t know what to expect upon return.

In Genesis 32, Jacob sends messengers to meet Esau, and they tell Jacob that his brother is coming out to meet him with four hundred men. Jacob divides his house and prepares to die. He seems to expect Esau to fulfill the threat he made some twenty years prior. He prays to God, and someone appears to him and wrestles with him in verse 24. Hosea 12:3-4, the prophet identifies this man as an angel of God. As dawn breaks, the two are at a draw. The angel somehow dislocates Jacob’s hip, and he renames Jacob as Israel. In this, God is teaching Jacob a lesson, and He is teaching us through him.

Relating to God Through Jacob
When, in His word, we hear of God confronting man, that man represents you and me. This struggle demonstrates how a relationship with God is difficult. Up to this point, Jacob has been on a journey, and his views have turned more spiritual the longer he has been away. At this point, he has resigned himself to death. He has given up self, and the result is true blessings. Jacob once was a manipulator and a schemer. Now he is in God’s hands, and it’s in God that blessings will come.

This conflict ultimately results in a change in Jacob, and our relationship with God should change us. Jacob changed from usurper to Israel, prince of God. Likewise, we shed our old identity when we enter into our relationship with God. We displace the man of sin and become a nation of priests, heirs of God’s promise.

Victory in Defeat
A paradox exists in this struggle. Jacob receives his blessing because he prevails. Even after Jacob’s hip is dislocated, the angel says Jacob prevailed. Hosea says Jacob prevailed. He physically lost the struggle with the angel, but he prevails because of his defeat. He becomes bold in faith when he can no longer rely on self. Up to this point, Jacob has prevailed time and again by the world’s standards through carnal methods. In losing a conflict with God, Jacob wins spiritually. He now has to rely on God for his blessings.

In a way, this struggle illustrates the power of prayer. God opposes our sinful will, and we must wholly submit ourselves to Him. Like Jacob, we prevail in God’s eyes when we completely humble ourselves. Selfishly relying on our own resources, our own resources sets us as antagonists with God. It is only when we truly empty our selves and trust in Him that we can overcome.

Back in Genesis 32:11, Jacob asks for deliverance from Esau, and he reminds God of His promises. He treats his relationship with God as a bargain, and identifies God as belonging to his forefathers Abraham and Isaac. Contrast this with Genesis 33 after his teary reunion with Esau. In verses 9-11, a the brothers debate Esau’s acceptance of Jacob’s gifts. Jacob finally demonstrates his understanding of God’s role in his blessings. He recognizes God, in verse 20, as the God of Israel. God is no longer that of his fathers, but he takes ownership of his personal relationship with God.

We cannot rely on ourselves and on God. We cannot be full of His spirit and full of ourselves. Do we view God as God of our parents or grandparents? We must humble ourselves in His sight, so He can lift us up. We must defeat ourselves, so we can prevail in Him.

lesson by Tim Smelser

A Congregational Team

Everyone on a team is important. It’s the time of year when college basketball fans are watching their favorite teams. In I Corinthians 16:9 demonstrates the relationship between great adversities and great opportunities, and, in a great basketball program, a coach has to mold a group of diverse individuals into a cohesive team. Things may be difficult, but the end result is stronger for the trials. In our congregations, it all boils down to our people and our service to God. There are four action steps we can take to be a better team of Christians.

Four Qualities of a Good Team Member

• We must have a team concept. We cannot think as individuals. We cannot all want the same role. We have different abilities and talents, and we all have something to contribute. Ephesians 4:11 speaks of different gifts and abilities that serve to build up Christ’s body and bring unity. Our working together in love edifies our body. I Corinthians 12:12 demonstrates the importance of each individual in the group through the importance of our diverse bodily organs. Even those parts that seem weak are important, and the whole body comes together in sympathy or joy with those members who are hurting or rejoicing. Matthew 25:14 records that parable of the servants who each have resources to invest. A difference in resources is no excuse for a lack of participation. We all have work to do.
• We must work all season and for the entire game. In I Corinthians 9:24, Paul encourages us to run our race with the prize in our minds. It takes self-control, dedication, and commitment to see our work through to the end. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to have endurance to reach the conclusion Christ has authored for us. In Luke 9:62, Jesus says we cannot look back after putting our mind to His work. We have to focus ahead on our next opportunity to complete God’s mission.
• We must compete legally. We have to follow God’s rules for the game. In II Timothy 2:5, Paul reinforces this point. Perhaps in secular sports, we can get away with breaking the rules, but this is impossible with God. II John 9 warns us against going beyond the teachings of God’s word. The gray areas that can exist in sports rule-books, but no shades of gray exist in God’s law. Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding or subtracting from His prophecies. God’s word is final, and we have to abide in it.
• We have to take responsibilities. We can’t make excuses for our lack of resources or for other circumstances stacked against us. Peter and Judas both betray Christ, but their reactions to their own errors are vastly different. Paul, in II Corinthians, praises the congregations in Macedonia, for overcoming financial odds in contributing to the Lord’s work. They did not let circumstances dictate their efforts.

Trying Versus Doing
We understand that simply trying is not enough to succeed. We have to hold ourselves accountable. We have to put our best efforts forward. II Timothy 6:12 describes our work as a fight. It is not something into which we can enter casually. It may require sacrifice. It may be difficult and trying. Our relationship with the Lord is not a trial run. It is a commitment. We are told to strive, to endeavor, to run, to press on. How might David’s encounter with Goliath had turned out differently had David been less sure of God’s protection.

Our results as a congregation are directly correlated with the commitment of our members. We must believe in what we’re doing. We cannot make excuses. We must work by God’s standards, and we cannot give up before our task is completed. In II Peter 2:21 calls turning back worse that never trying. We give up, and we lose all we have worked for. We have a goal before us. Let us press forward to our goal, working together as a team of Christians, sharing a hope in the prize we have set before us.

lesson by Mike Mahoney

Titus & Corinth

Titus is only mentioned a few times in the New Testament, and he’s mentioned the most in the book of II Corinthians. He is in the salutation of chapter 1:1. He is someone Paul obviously holds in high esteem. In Titus 1:4, Paul calls Titus a son in his faith. Paul feels an affinity and kinship in their faith. In II Corinthians 8:23, Paul calls Titus his partner and fellow worker. In Galatians 2:1, Paul refers to Titus as a traveling companions, and this is possibly referring to the events of Acts 11-12 when Paul and Barnabas take issue with teachers who were trying to impose Jewish customs upon new Christians. Finally, Galatians 2:3 refers to Titus as someone who comes directly out of pagan traditions, and Paul uses him as an illustration of the gospel’s power to save. Paul and Titus have gone through much together, and Paul sees Titus as someone upon whom he can rely.

Titus’ Work With Corinth
II Corinthians 1 opens with Paul and Timothy greeting the saints of Corinth, and Titus is associated with doing work with the Corinthian Christians. In chapter 8:23, Paul calls Titus a worker for their benefit, and, back in verse 6, we Titus gathering funds for needy saints in Jerusalem. This may have preceded the events of I Corinthians (see I Corinthians 16:1), and Paul encourages him to finish this work. II Corinthians 7:6 seems to record another trip by Titus, and this is to Paul from the Corinthians. He calls Titus a comfort, and he’s grateful for the news brought by Titus of Corinth’s repentance. He relies on Titus to assess the effects of his first letter to these brethren. Verses 13-14 record Paul even boasting to Titus about Corinth’s potential.

In II Corinthians 2:13, Paul speaks of anxiety over not recently seeing Titus regarding news from Corinth. Chapter 7:6 describes Titus’ arrival as comfort from God, and Paul and his companions rejoice at his arrival. Paul had stuck his neck out for the congregation in Corinth – a congregation that had previously dealt with class discrimination, tolerance of sin, secular conflict, and sectarian leanings. This is the setting into which Paul sends Titus, telling his companion of the potential Corinth displays despite their shortcomings.

Titus’ Attitude Toward Corinth
Is the congregation at Corinth on with whom we would gladly worship? Paul would. Barnabas would. Titus would, but we will not. Many times, we give up on each other too quickly. Again, II Corinthians 7:13 speaks of the joy these brethren give to Titus. They refresh his soul. Verse 15 tells of Titus’ encouragement in their obedience, and chapter 8:22 calls Titus confident in Corinth. He demonstrates attitudes and qualities that we would do well to emulate in our work with fellow Christians.

• Titus builds on the good. We use bulldozers to clear land, but we have to build skyscrapers. We have to build on the good we find in others. We cannot dwell on tearing down. II Corinthians 8:21 records Paul saying that their focus is on the honorable. There was much negative about Corinth, but Titus builds instead of destroys.
• Titus works toward completion. The journeys involved in Titus’ work were not easy. He overcomes hardships to continue and finish the work set upon him. He could have given up, citing the difficulty of his tasks, but he doesn’t. He endures to complete his work.
• Titus is earnest as Paul. The Corinth congregations, as far as we can tell, starts in Acts 18. Paul sets up the congregation, and Titus could have seen the issues in that congregation as somebody else’s problem. He has no investment in Corinth. It’s Paul’s baby, but Titus takes up the mantle to help with these brothers and sisters as earnestly as if he had helped build the congregation.
• Titus takes initiative. Titus volunteers to help according to II Corinthians 8:17. How many needs do we fill grudgingly or resentfully? Titus shows no resentment in the things Paul asks of him.
• Titus deepens his love for the unlovable. Christian love is not reciprocal. Ours is a love that is given freely regardless of the response. We could call Corinth an unlovable group, but Titus demonstrates love toward them in the work he does with them and in the joy he takes in their efforts.

Conclusion
Can we call ourselves Titus? We can learn to look for and build upon the good in others. We can stick with our work in Christ toward its completion. We can help others deal with their problems, for they are our problems too. We can take the initiative to help others and fill responsibilities where needed. We can show the love of Christ even when others may not love us back. Titus shines as an example to us, and we should strive to be like him in how we interact with those outside the flock, other Christians, and other congregations.

lesson by Tim Smelser