1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Be not man pleasers or self-pleasers, but instead God pleasers whose desire for you is to be holy and to love one another

Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality, that each one of you know how to control his own body in sanctification and honor, not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don’t know God; that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified. For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification. Therefore he who rejects this doesn't reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you. But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another, for indeed you do it toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, that you abound more and more; and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you; that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing. It sounds simple enough, to not be led astray by the lusts of the world, but to love God by taking good care of his temple which is your body. Because we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, do not use your body for self pleasure as the gentiles do who do not know God, but honor God with your body and your concern for one another, giving as you have been given to and setting ones self apart from the world. For this is God's desire for us because when we concern ourselves with others instead of ourselves, God renders this as righteousness.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 God bless the feet of those who bring good news for our faith's sake

Therefore when we couldn't stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith; that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know. For this cause I also, when I couldn't stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain. But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you; for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith. For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you; and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. The mission of Paul and his converts was so bring the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Their trouble was not of flesh and blood but of rulers, principalities, and forces of darkness and of Satan. This brings concern for the evangelist who may be able in Christ to deal with spiritual warfare but has concern for those who are less mature in the faith. Yes Paul prayed for them,but he remained concerned for them creating anxiety for the evangelist. Timothy,his son in the faith visits the converts and found them holding fast. He reports the news to Paul which relieves his fears and builds his faith even stronger.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-20 Receive the scriptures as God's word and as a child of God live a life pleasing to his calling

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit. The wrath of God has come upon them at last. But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. Jesus said, "In this life there will be suffering. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. The Christian need not live a life of protection. Because you are a Christian, you have been saved and separated from the world. One need not be concerned with over-committing to Jesus Christ, because he is the Son of God and on the cross overcame death and the devil. One need not worry about losing salvation, because God sent the Holy Spirit to place a seal on us to keep us until the day of Jesus Christ. There is not an adversary in the universe who can take them from the secure hand of the Lord. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-10 Speak the gospel even under persecution clearly and truthfully as God as your witness

For you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you wasn't in vain, but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict. For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception. But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness), nor seeking glory from men (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God. You are witnesses with God, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe. The believer is trusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ to proclaim it boldly and to magnify Christ even if persecuted. We must be gentle among non-believers and give hope to the lost knowing we are trusted with the good news of the gospel so that people may come unto Christ. We do not do this for our own glory but for Christ's who laid down his life so those who believe in him will not perish but have eternal life with him.

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10 When the gospel is received, we become imitators of Christ and serve the living God escaping the coming wrath

Because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath. The word of God is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who believe it is the power of God. In Thessalonica, they received the word with conviction and became evangelists in the entire area. They are called the elect of God and by imitating the model set forth by Jesus, they escaped the coming wrath of God for those who do not believe nor receive his son as their Lord and Savior. Today is no different. The word of God lives on and the invitation to come unto Jesus is still being made. Today we live in the time of salvation by grace. Can you believe and escape the wrath to come. You have heard the gospel and must be wise in order to live. Amen.

Colossians 3:22-4:6 Men serve your boss as unto the Lord. Bosses you are accountable to God because any power you possess is from him.

Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds that I may reveal it as I ought to speak Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. When we labor in the flesh, we labor not for men but unto God. We are to fear him knowing that he knows all things and disciples those that are his. If we prevail until the end, he will reward us in unimaginable ways and we must be true to our conviction. When we stumble, we must confess our sins and he who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and wash away all unrighteousness. Amen.

Colossians 3:5-21 Above all walk in love which is the sign of perfection

Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. You also once walked in those, when you lived in them; but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond servant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him. Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged. These verses repeat the message of Romans 6 which is if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ a new man has been formed within you. You have the old man - the sin nature and the new man formed by belief in Christ who knows no sin. Our journey then is to put to death the old man and his sin by starving it by feeding the new man with good works, praise, and adoration of Christ Jesus. It is hard to do because you are putting to death those things that are not godly and raising up the regenerated new man by feeding it with the exercise of compassion, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and holiness. When one practices these things you become mature (perfection) in your faith. Above all walk in love which is the sign of perfection.

Colossians 2:14-23 The Royal Law of Christ

Wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross; having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no one therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day, which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ’s. Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshiping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth. If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, “Don’t handle, nor taste, nor touch” (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh? The Jews in Jesus day had over 600 laws of human behavior. But in reality we are saved by grace and not by works. It is a gift of God, not work of men so that nobody can boast. When Adam fell into sin, all of mankind inherited a sin nature and were separated by God. The Jews in an effort to please a holy God imposed mountains of laws on a flesh that was flawed. If we could please God, Jesus taking the form of man would be unnecessary. But God in his wisdom and great love sent his only son so that whoever believes in him and his finished work on the cross will not perish, but will inherit everlasting life. Jesus simplified the law by telling us that there are only two requirements. 1) Love the lord your God will all your strength and might and 2) love your neighbor as yourself against which there is no law. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and thy house. Amen.

Colossians 2:8-13 Seek not the ideas of men, but follow Jesus who is the fullness of God

Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily, and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power; in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses. The core issue here is the wisdom of man versus the wisdom of God. Man's ways are tainted by sin and are influenced by the flesh and the world. Christ ways are not of the world and not of the flesh, but are spiritual and lead followers to eternal life. You cannot sit at the table of man and the table of God. You must choose.

Colossians 2:1-7 Even if absent in the flesh, we remain in the spirit rooted in the wisdom of God to combat temptation

For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden. Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving. If you didn't know already, a human has both a body and a spirit. One day the body will die, but the spirit does not die but has everlasting life. We perceive God and Jesus Christ now through our spirit where our spirit connects with the Holy Spirit so that we may know all truth and have understanding. But the enemy who is Satan and his followers tries to tempt us away from our union with Christ with luring words leading to disobedience. But the Christian is indwelt by the Spirit of God and greater is he that is in me that the one who is in the world. The truth has made me free to willfully be a partaker in Christ Jesus so that I can walk with him.

Colossians 1:24-29 The Church was a mystery until the ascension of Christ Jesus

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly; of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; for which I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily. Until the ascension of Christ, the church was a mystery. Throughout the gospels, we hear the Hebrews wrongly proclaim a righteousness because they are a seed of Abraham. Jesus corrects them by saying he could make followers out of stones and that the Hebrew should not depend on his ancestry for righteousness. Fifty days after Christ's ascension, a one time event occurs - the sending of the Holy Spirit - thus the birth of the church. The work of the Holy Spirit was to indwell believers thus making their bodies the temple of God. Shortly thereafter, the Romans destroyed the Jewish Temple so that one stone could not be put upon another. It also defines graphically what the prophets have said all along - salvation can be only found in the Messiah, the servant and the Son of God.

Colossians 1:20-23 The reconciling work of Christ

And through him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of his cross. You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil deeds, 22 yet now he has reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and without defect and blameless before him, if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant. Because of the sin seed established by Adam, all of humanity less the incarnate Jesus Christ were born into sin and enemies of a holy God. But God, being rich in mercy and grace sent his Son to bear the sins of the world unto himself so that by his death on the cross, his shedding of blood, and his resurrection from the dead we may now in-Christ, be reconciled to the Father. Apart from Christ, there is no reconciliation. This is why he says "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except by me." By being in Christ's company, the Father does not see an enemy but a fried, one who was washed by the blood of Christ and forgiven. God's forgiveness has not changed our sinful nature, but by the work of the Holy Spirit and of Christ, the sinner will be sanctified into the image of Christ and atonement will occur.

Colossians 1:15-19 The Supremacy of the Son of God

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. The first line supports the doctrine of the trinity, "The Son is the image of the invisible God." He is the creator of all things, and all things are created for him. Every day for billions of years, the sun has been raised in the morning. This is because he is the sustains all things. Creation listens to him and obeys him. This is why that by his word he could calm the raging seas. The Father is pleased with the son, and for this reason God's fullness rests in Christ.

Colossians 1:3-14 Jesus Christ brought the gospel to bring us hope which is stored up for us in heaven. This hope delivers us from the power of darkness for those who believe

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. God loves each and every one of us. One might say that God loves the sinner but not his sin. Jesus Christ brought the gospel to bring us hope which is stored up for us in heaven. This hope delivers us from the power of darkness for those who believe. "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved and thy house," the Bible teaches. The life of Jesus saved many but there are those who prefer the darkness and resist the invitation. They are more comfortable being trapped in their sin than to know the freedom of forgiveness. God knows from eternity past those who will receive the faith offered to them. To those who love Jesus and receive him as Savior, they will be called the Children of God and be led by the Spirit of God until the day of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 4:10-19 be content whatever the circumstances.

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. We learned in 1 Corinthians that we are to be content with our calling. God some to places of honor and other to common places. But to desire more that what God gives is a sin of the flesh which wars with the spirit. By being content, we need not be anxious for anything and we know God will lift up those who are content in him. What good does it to be in a place of honor if you lack eternal life? The gifts from the Thessalonicans were we generous, but they serve the flesh and not the inner-man. The God of glory will meet your needs according to your requests for his abounding love for you. Amen.

Philippians 4:1-9 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. In these verses, Paul is appealing for unity and steadfastness. Because Christ is all sufficient, we should be anxious for nothing, but with prayer and supplication let our requests be known to to Lord. Jesus reminds us that whatever we ask in his name will be given unto us. This is because it glorifies God and the Son to do so. Remember, we are children of God and brothers and sisters to the Lord Jesus Christ. We are family and honor the needs and concerns of family. But when the enemy comes, put on the full armor of God and be steadfast in his word, lest we end up like Adam forgetting who is God and who is his enemy. Amen.

Philippians 3:7-14 Christian righteousness, and the knowledge of Christ

But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Jesus said in the gospels, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the father except through me." A corollary to this could rightfully be said that no man has righteousness except in me. You see, when Jesus conquered death through the resurrection of the dead, he paved the way for eternal life. In Genesis is says "Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. So the way of obtaining righteous in the New Testament era is to believe what God says about the Son and to believe what the Son proclaims about himself. That he is Lord, the everlasting Savior, that he died for our forgiveness so that eternal life may be our possession.

Philippians 3:1-6 No Confidence in the Flesh

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. The grounds for salvation is that it cannot be earned. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. By grace we are saved by faith, but not of works lest any man should boast. Yet in the world we are told to be independent and your own man not recognizing the source of freedom and power is based on the work of Christ, raised from the dead. In him we find our righteousness and in him we have liberty and in him we are reconciled to God and in him we have an inheritance. When we quest for independence from God, we commit the sin of Satan and lose all of our privileges before a holy God.

Philippians 2:17-30 Agape love, putting others first

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. Agape love is the term we use to describe Christ's sacrificial love for us and Paul's love for the church. He is said to be in Christ, because he takes on the values of Christ. He calls his fellow laborer Timothy his son, but Paul is not married. What he is saying is that Timothy is his spiritual son because he has taken on the love for the church like his mentor Paul. Paul is in prison and is willing to send his helper Timothy to them knowing that they will receive him as they would Paul. And finally he prioritizes the gospel (good news) as the means of grace and the source of their salvation. Amen.

Philippians 2:1-15 What does God expect from you O man - To seek him and walk humbly before him

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Our created purpose is to love the Lord God with our our strength and all our might and to love our neighbor as our self. This leaves no room for putting our self first in life. The Lord honors those who are meek and humble and gives them the desires of their heart. This cannot be fake humility but humility indeed. This is why the text says to examine yourself and judge yourself to see if you are worthy. If you do this with an honest eye you will find yourself to be a sinner in need of a Savior. Then Jesus will say, "Follow me."

Philippians 1:18-30 To die is to join Christ in the spirit, but to live in the flesh is meant to glorify Christ

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. The Lord Jesus Christ did not leave us as orphans. Instead fifty days after his ascension into heaven the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell the believer and be our guide. The Holy Spirit did not come to glorify himself, but he came that through us we may glorify Christ.How do we glorify him you ask? By following the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not quenching his work in us. Our works are not the basis of our salvation, but they do glorify Christ and set us apart from the world. Amen.

Philippians 1:8-18 My prayer is this, that you love one another and grow in faith to discern false motives from sincerity, but always rejoice in the advancement of the gospel

God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. Love one another, the Master taught us. Love has no malice and is not self serving. Grow in your faith and be able to determine false motives from pure ones. Do not fear being in chains for the gospel, because Jesus knows your sacrifice and you will be rewarded according to your faith and desire to advance the Good News of Jesus Christ. Whether through suffering or through triumph, always rejoice when the gospel becomes known and trusted. Amen.

Philippians 1:1-7 Don't worry, God is in control

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and Prayer I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. There are two important things to take note of. First the habit Paul forms for giving thanks understanding that all good things come from God. The second is an important verse for us sinners when we struggle with sin and strive for righteousness. Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God it can be depressing when we have our backslides. And then we stop and think I know I am saved and that God loves me. And then we recall he verse, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath given a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." In other words it was God himself who called you to salvation and indwelt us with the Holy Spirit. Sanctification, then is a work of God and not of myself, so that even when I mess up, I don't have to trust on myself to make things right because God has committed himself to that very task and I know God doesn't fail and what he decides to do. Then I can confess my sin and move forward knowing that God and the Spirit of God are in control. Amen.

Ephesians 6:18-24 Pray for the people of God

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Jesus told the woman at the well that there be a day where you will not have a specified place of prayer, but prayer will come in spirit and truth. This is what Paul is repeating here. He tells them to pray at all time in the spirit and pray especially for the people of God including himself. He does not want to lose contact with the converts so he sends an emissary to keep them informed. Tomorrow we will begin our study of Philippians which is called the "little Romans."

Ephesians 6:10-17 Be aware and put on the full armor of God

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The apostle explains to us that our enemy is not people (flesh and blood) but those angelic hosts who are also enemies of God. They are principalities, rulers of the darkness and wicked ones. Be aware, man cannot handle this problem alone, That is why he tells us to be strong in the Lord and use what he has given us for our strength. We are to use: righteousness, the gospel of Jesus Christ, faith and the certainty of our salvation. These are what we are to use when the enemy comes and the enemy comes daily. Do not lessen the power of the gospel because Jesus has already won the victory. We only have to hold our ground. Amen.

Ephesians 6:1-9 True obedience comes from the heart

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. The Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated. In our world their are hierarchies of authority. The Lord God is over all and has given authority on earth. Leaders lead the people and in the masses there are sub-categories of authority such as governors, mayors, coaches, bosses and the like. All who under their authority owe obedience to them, but not only in observation, but in doing well from the heart. In the family we have fathers and mothers who have authority to their children and to one another. Here too we must serve each other out of love and not duty. In the end, the final judge of our conduct is Christ. He will separate the genuine from the fake and those who are false will be separated from their master and live alone in wanting while the obedient will receive their reward according to their works of obedience from the heart.

Ephesians 5:22-33 The Greatest Mystery

Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. One of the greatest mysteries in the Bible is the love for a man for his wife. Two people are joined together who were once strangers and spend their lives together. The cling to one another to the point of leaving their own families to make a new one - for better or for worse of their own. This love causes the woman to revere her husband and for the husband to love her like his own body. This mystery has been repeated billions of times and is the closest example we have of Christ's agape (sacrificial love) that we know. Thank God for the love between husband and wife so that we may have the love of God in our hearts. Amen.

Ephesians 5:18-21 Who controls your life: the world or God?

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. The Spirit filled life should be a joyful one. Proceeding from your joy in Christ your mouths should be filled with thanks, praise and song. This is the life when the believer is filled with the Spirit. The Spirit has control. But in the world, the drunkard being representative of the world, they are controlled too. Not by the Spirit by by the power of the wine. But when the wine wears off, there is no joy that endures, only regret and death. Amen

Ephesians 5:1-17 Reprove your brother and honor God

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. The instruction here is to live wisely. Wisdom is the ability to live skillfully. The opposite of wisdom is foolishness and such are we much of the time. Wisdom is a gift from God and the Bible says that those who ask God for it, that it will be given in abundance. Therefore do not join in with the crowd when cursing, course talk, and other foolishness occurs. Instead, reprove your brother and honor God. Amen.

Ephesians 4:17-32 Instructions for Christian Living

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles 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, and they are full of greed.That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about 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. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. The Lord God said,'Be thou holy, because I the Lord your God am holy." This is the essence of these passages. This is not about salvation, but instead how the saved person should live. We are different from the natural man because we have the Holy Spirit who indwells us. When we resist his guidance, it grieves him. But when we live a godly life we are said to be full of the Spirit. Petty grievance among must be set aside and we shall resist selfishness at all cost, because this is the root of disobedience. Instead we take joy in our salvation and build up the believers in Christ who are his body and glorify him.

Ephesians 4:7-16 He who is all in all, gives gifts to his family of believers

But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we 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. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Christ is a God of ascent and decent. First he left heaven to take the form of man (descent). Then he lived a godly life, but was crucified by sinful man. After raising from the dead, according to the Scriptures first shown himself to many witnesses of his life before descending into hell to be shown to the dead apart from Christ. Then he ascends to the right hand of the Father and will in time to come descend again to rescue believers in himself. Fifty days after returning to heaven he poured out gifts to his believers which take the form of spiritual entitlements. All of this new ability was to strengthen the church and edify its believers. The goal is to have a mature faith were we are no longer uncertain of the truth, but identify and fight heresy where ever it is found and fighting the good fight alongside our Savior. Amen.

Ephesians 4:1-6 : Seven Unities To Be Kept

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Paul starts this discussion on how a Christian ought to walk. He follows is by giving seven elements to the walk of the Christian. The seven unities to be kept are: 1. Keep unity of the Spirit. 2. One bond of peace. 3. One body. 4. One Spirit. 5. One Lord. 6. One Faith. 7. One Baptism By keeping these seven unities, we will be able to stand against our adversary who is Satan.

Ephesians 3:13-21 A Prayer for the Ephesians

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. What is Paul's prayer for you? That you be rooted in love, because God is love. That by the Holy Spirit, that your inner man my grow and understand the depth, and the heighth, and the width of of the power of God, especially for those who love him. He asks that God grand you blessing out of his riches according to the measure of your need. And that we be strengthened to live a life on earth until the day that we see him face to face in the heavenlies. In Jesus name we pray Amen.

Ephesians 3:1-12 God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 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, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. In the years before Christ Jesus, the powers in heavenly places were only aware of God, Christ, the Holy Spirit and of Israel. Now in the fullness of times the church emerges as a full participant in God's plan to save the gentiles. The church did not exist in prior times, but was instituted by Paul who was the Apostle to the gentiles. Now all of creation knows that the sacrifice of Jesus was for the gentiles also, because they were given the same gift (the sending of the Holy Spirit) as was given to the Jews. Now the gates of Hell are at war with the God of gods and the Lord of lords and the enemy will not prevail.

Ephesians 2:11-22 Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. The word "emnity" in the Bible speaks of a natural disunity between to peoples. On the one hand you have the elect in the Jews who God called to be the race from which the Savior would be born and you have the billions are on non-Jewish origin. For God so loves the world that he gave his son, the Bible teaches. How can God stop the emnity between the Jews and the rest of the world. In the person of Jesus Christ. He tought that the seed of Abraham is not his natural descendants, but instead those who share the faith of Abraham. And it is by faith and grace that our sins are forgiven and the emnity between the human race and God was tumbled so that we can reconcile to the Father and to one another forming a new elect - the child of God.

Ephesians 2:1-10 Made Alive in Christ

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. It is important to realize that the biblical definition of life means life in Christ Jesus. Apart from him, you are spiritually dead and once you die a natural life, you will indeed die a second and eternal death which is separation from your maker. With that being said, we are all born into sin and thus into spiritual death. In that state, we are separated from God and cannot come to him. Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me." For that reason, we must be born again. This time not of flesh and blood which leads to death. But born of the spirit which leads to life and union with God. We should be eternally grateful because while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Now the question becomes, "Do you believe?"

Ephesians 1:15-22 Christ is the head of the church and gives revelation to the saints

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church. It is Christ's desire for us to know him and for him to shepherd his people. For this reason, he has given them eyes that can see, ears that can hear, and a heart that understands. He desires not to be a God that is far off, but draws near to us and walks with us. By doing do, we can depend upon him in every area of our life and take the hope of is near return. He is raised up, far above his enemies so that he will have a name above every other name and to us he is our brother and our friend.

Ephesians 1:1-14 We were chosen before the beginning of the world to be God's own children and were lavished with blessing in heavenly places

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.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. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.n him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. This is the doctrine of the elect. Believers were known by name before the foundation of the world to become his sons and daughters and he has set aside an inheritance in heavenly places to keep us and for our return worship. He has guaranteed a home with him and has given an earnest by means of sending the Holy Spirit so that we will always live his house forever. Amen.

Galatians 6:10-18 Not Circumcision but the New Creation

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!hose who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. When Paul approached Jesus to remove the thorn in the flesh, Jesus responded "My grace is sufficient for you." Jesus was saying you cannot satisfy me in your sinful flesh. Instead you must be transformed by the life partaking labor of the Holy Spirit and become a new man. This is only accomplished through the gospel which forgives your sins and imparts upon you eternal life. In those days, there will be no suffering or injustice which is the result of sin, but instead no tear will be shed and we will live a life in the presence of our Savior and he will sanctify us so that we are in his image. Glory cannot be accomplished in humanity but instead we must die to the flesh and grow our inner man. Amen.

Galatians 6:1-9 The Law of the Harvest, Whatever a man Sows, that he shall also reap.

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Whatever we sow, this we shall reap. You cannot plan carrot seeds and grow apples can you? You cannot sow sin and produce righteousness either. The cornerstone of Jesus' teaching is to love one another. So do not practice hatred and call yourself a disciple of Jesus. Jesus said to pray for your enemy and forgive him. In this way you will inherit the kingdom of heaven. Daily Prayer: Lord the message is good, but to do it is impossible for a natural man. Give me the power, the love, and the peace so that I don't contend with my neighbor. By your Spirit, give me strength and guidance in my hour of need. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Galatians 5:17-26 The Spirit and the Flesh are at enmity with one another

For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. It is no wonder that the Christian does call the world his home. We are born into sin, and regenerated by the Spirit and hence the spiritual warfare begins. In our flesh, we are helpless. For that reason, God sent the Holy Spirit to indwell us. But time after time, we do not do what we ought to. We heartily agree with the Law of God but in our flesh we cannot do it. That which we want and ought to do, we do not do. That which we desire to do we cannot do (that is, in our flesh). We have do determine that the Battle is the Lord's and he is our champion. He can and is able to win the spiritual warfare and deliver us unto himself where he will shepherd us and sanctify us. Amen.

Galatians 5:2-16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. The hardest words in scripture is "Walk by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." You ask yourself, "How can I set aside the flesh when I am flesh?" The answer is that you have to die to the flesh in order to live by the spirit. Dying to ones self is not an easy thing to do. Another word for this process is surrender. One who surrenders is showing a marked sign of spiritual maturity because the Holy Spirit who dwells within me is having an impact on my physical life here and now. When you examine yourself you will find signs of failure. But take heart, he who has begun a good work in you will not quit until this goal is achieved. It's not a human thing, but instead a God thing, so rest in his power and wisdom.

Galatians 4:19-31 As it was in the beginning, the fee remain free, but those in bondage remain in bondage

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written: “Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband.” Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born according to the flesh persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.” Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman. God did not ordain the Child of God to be in bondage. He discriminated between the man of this world and the man in the Spirit. The man of this world never knows of God in Heaven, but the spiritual man was chosen by God to be free and remain free. The man of the world remains in the chains of the flesh where the man of the spirit is permanently loosed from them by the Father.

Galatians 4:8-18 Zeal, Truth, and Love: These are the signs of a relationship

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. In more than one place, Paul expresses his concern that his labor not be in vein. The main purpose of Paul's life was to share the good news of the gospel to those who were separated from God. As a farmer plants seeds, so planted the seeds of the gospel. At first they were received and prospered. But then the plants began to show rebellion against the farmer who is Paul. So he reasons, "Who changed your mind? Was it the Jews?" He reminds them that zeal is a virtue as long as the object of their zeal is Christ Jesus. Daily Prayer: Lord, if we have received the good seed of the gospel, keep us from backsliding. The enemy, Satan, is like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. You have proven you are stronger than he, so be my champion and rescue me from the lies of the evil one. In Jesus name I pray Amen.

Galatians 4:1-7 Jesus was born under the Law, and those that abide in him are co-heirs with him in the Kingdom of God

Everything that God does must come to fruition. Though fallen man is condemned by the law, Jesus Christ, the holy Son of God fulfilled the law. His birth is what is called "in the fullness of times." This means that God and his purposes are no longer a mystery as they were in former days. But Jesus, the only keeper of the law, died for all of the law breakers so that they could be reconciled to God. Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. Nobody comes to the Father except through me." So to hold fast to the sacrifice of Jesus reconciles you to the Father, and he declares you to be a child of his and thus an heir in his kingdom. Daily Prayer: Lord, in the world their is no belief or faith. It is foreign to the natural man. Give us belief and faith so that we can come to you and the Father with your holy words "Abba, Father." In your holy name I pray Amen.

Galatians 3:19-29 The Law Disciplines Us To Guide To Christ & To Become A Child of God

Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. The reality is that we are all, or have been prodigal children of God. We tried to exercise independence from God, only to fail and be disciplined for our shortcomings.Again and again we tried to exhort our will only to learn that "Not my will, but Thy will be done." So we learned by trial and error again and again until be were brought to the guidance of a Savior. We became convicted and convinced of our sin and as such were born again into a new man who had a fresh view of God and the Spirit of God indwelling him. This being the case, we become a child of God, no longer a stranger to him and can rely upon him who is faithful and just who will forgive our sins and set aside iniquity.

Galatians 3:10-18 Nobody is saved by the law, but by grace we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. It is a good thing to be born in the years following Jesus' ascension to the right hand of God. Before that time, from Moses forward, men were judged based on their ability to keep the law which was impossible for a fallen race. Therefore the law condemned all men, except for those who believed in God's promise which is the raising up of a Redeemer who will take away the sins of the world. There was once a teacher who asked his class which is harder, to be run over by a truck or the shadow of a truck. The class all replied, a shadow of the truck. That's what happened with the advent of Jesus. He took upon himself the sins of the world and received the slamming blow of the truck so that believers in his name would be spared and only receive the shadow of the truck gone by. We as followers of the Son of God are spared God's wrath, because Jesus took it on himself so that you and I may live. Amen.

Galatians 3:1-9 From Abraham Until Now, Nobody Is Saved In The Flesh

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard? So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. All to often, we try to please God by what we do. That makes sense to many. Yet so many are wrong. Ever since the curse of Adam for his sin in the garden, man's flesh has been cursed. Our reference point for righteous in found in Abraham who was a man who believed God and that was credited to him as righteousness. Now those who heard the gospel and believe are like Abraham and are credited as righteous. Paul is exhorting Jews not to depend on the Law of Moses as righteous, because it is this very law that condemns them. Daily Prayer: Lord thank you for giving me a believing heart. For those who struggle with belief, give it to them freely so that they may come to know you and be saved. Amen.

Galatians 2:15-21I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.

“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn't that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” In the time prior to Christ, Jews tried to reconcile with God with burnt offerings. But in the fullness of times on sacrifice was made one and for all which is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the Cross. Now and for everyone justification is belief in Jesus Christ and his finished work on the Cross. Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life and nobody comes to the Father except through me." Everyone includes both Jews and gentiles and with salvation Christ indwells the believer so that they may live a godly life for the Father.

Galatians 2:11-14 Paul Condemns Hypocrisy, and Stands For Christian Liberty

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? We already learned that the 12 apostles accepted Paul as an apostle too. Paul invites Peter to come with him to the gentile church. The gentiles are not under the law of Moses and have no dietary restrictions as the Hebrews do. Peter reluctantly shares meals with the gentiles in an act of liberty given by Christ on the Cross. But when other Hebrews showed up, Peter in an act of hypocrisy draws back as though he was doing something wrong. But Paul confronts him to his face and tells him that if he being a Jew was released from dietary laws, why is he now ashamed of the liberty given in Christ? Daily Prayer: Lord, we have been given freedom from the law. We only must love the Lord God with a whole heart and love our neighbor as ourselves. This is the fulfillment of the law you intended. Let us live our life in this manner. In your holy name I pray Amen.

Galatians 2:1-10 Paul Accepted by the Apostles

Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along. The big issue with the meeting in Jerusalem was to make sure that Paul's labor was not in vein and that no truth of the gospel is not corrupted by rules and interpretation of men and not from God. Mention is made of Titus, a Greek convert, was not circumcised. The laws of the Jews cannot be imposed on the gentiles as though you need to become Jewish in order to receive the gospel.Paul also mentions that God does not show partiality between believers and that the so called pillars of the apostles did not contribute anything to the gospel. That was a work of Christ. But they did receive Paul and the gospel he was accustomed to preaching to the Greeks and he was welcomed with the right hand of fellowship.

Galatians 1:10-24 The gospel is not of human origin, but was revealed to Christ's servant Paul to be preached to the nations.

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie.Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. Believers in Jesus are not asked to preach the gospel, they are called to do so from the beginning of time. Men cannot find the gospel on their own, because it is not of human origin. Instead believers come to Christ in faith in what they cannot see, but know with certainty. Those who declare they are Christians and do not declare it to others ought to examine themselves to see if they are true Christians indeed. Because Jesus said to his followers to go and make believers of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 1: 1-9 Cursed by the one who preaches another form of gospel

Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the brothers and sisters with me, To the churches in Galatia: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! Paul had preached the gospel of Jesus Christ which is Christ's life, death, and resurrection from the dead as man's only offer for salvation when this life is done. Yet some people, outside of Paul's presence were introducing another kind of gospel based on their own work apart from Christ. Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ makes it clear. To those who add to or take away from the True Gospel, this man shall be cursed! Paul validates his authority as being called by Christ to preach the gospel to the gentiles, but there were still some unconvinced Jews who sought to undermine faith by declaring a gospel that was not wholly dependent on Jesus and those persons will be judged with a Royal judgment that will cost them their soul. He exhorts people to cling to the truth and not to back-slide into judgment. Daily Prayer: Lord Jesus, our salvation depends on our faith in you alone, apart from any work of our own to have eternal life. Convince the hears of this message to know and understand this so that they may live with you instead of perish. In your holy name I pray Amen.

2 Corinthians 13:1-14 I, Paul...Final Warnings & Final Greetings

This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God’s power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not so that people will see that we have stood the test but so that you will do what is right even though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong; and our prayer is that you may be fully restored. This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All God’s people here send their greetings. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. God or a godly person need not be present to detect sin in another. The godly person's spirit perceives what is true and doesn't fall to deception. An evil doer will be the one making accusations and not building up the body of Christ. There is no one who is strong, no not one. We all need the indwelling of Christ in our lives to live a life of power and peace. Yet we must examine ourselves to make sure that we are not double minded and without compassion or without love. Therefore if one on a regular bases does not depend on Christ in his life, they will be turned over to Satan according to their wish. But for those who live for Christ and are aware of his indwelling in them, they will receive the power of God and the peace of their Savior. Amen.

2 Corinthians 12:11-21 Paul visits Corinth a third time, not seeking their possessions, but instead their souls and his desire for them to repent.

I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? 16 Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit?Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged. Paul makes a point of stating that he has not and will not be a financial burden to those in Corinth, yet he perseveres with them. This is because he desires that their souls be the possession of Jesus Christ. Repentance is the sign that they agree with Christ about sin and now depend upon Jesus and his righteousness for salvation. Paul does not condemn the Corinthians, but extends to love of Jesus to this wayward people and he desires that they set aside their sinful ways and be sanctified by the One who brings their salvation. Daily Prayer; Lord, teach us to repent. Let the inner man grow and the old man die, day by day. While salvation is not of merit, you did not save us to live unrepentant lives. Therefore, give us repentance so that we might grow in our faith. Amen.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Caught Up Into The Third Heaven

I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. When Moses life was coming to a close, God permitted him to have a glimpse of the promised land. Now that Paul is in his latter years, he was permitted to see heaven and hear its unsurprising utterances. This is the reward for faith which is belief without seeing. It is also the conviction that Paul's words were true and that everything on earth is rubbish when compared to the life that is to come for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is vital to trust in Jesus now, because he is the only means in which to be saved. Amen.

2 Corinthians 11:1-15 God's Warning That He Is A Jealous God And To Guard Against False Prophets

I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. I do not think I am in the least inferior to those “super-apostles.” I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. Whatever if false, especially that which is knowingly false, is from the devil. Though cast our of heaven, he still walks with God's people trying to lure them away from the eternal blessing found in Christ Jesus. He tries to lead people from the bright glory of God into dirty and dark alleys promising what he can not deliver and making him a curse to those from whom he has contact. The answer is found in Jesus, who overcame the devil and his dark ways. Therefore we need to remain connected to Jesus so that we are not led away.