Sasquatch

Q3. (Ephesians 6:14) Why are such simple things as truth and personal holiness such powerful armament? In John 8:31-32, Jesus says "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free". Jesus is the truth that set us free. We are made "right" by Christ's death....we are protected, set apart, holy, ......we belong to God. Walking with Christ and living a holy life protects us. This deprives the devil of a foothold from which to attack us! Are they defensive or offensive weapons? Both.

Q2. (Ephesians 6:13) What is difficult about standing our ground in today's world? The media and others are so concerned about being politically correct that they have lost their moral compass. We must be courageous in the face of the spiritual powers of evil to let God's light shine through all we do. In what way can standing our ground be considered victory? Standing our ground means we are fulfilling our purpose to spread the gospel and living godly lives. After fighting the fight, we must still stand. Why are the saints in Revelation 12:11 considered victorious over the devil? How did they stand their ground? They overcame Satan by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. They did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

Q1. (Ephesians 6:11-13) Why is it difficult to believe in the devil and demons in our day? Scientifically, it is difficult to "measure" the devil and demons. How does their existence help explain the struggle humans face on earth? There is great evil in this world just as in Jesus's and Paul's days. The principalities and powers of the spiritual realm described in this bible study are the motivation behind this evil. With all their power, how do we stand a chance? Paul tells us to "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power"........Paul likens this to armor. We cannot rely on ourselves or our intellect as the fight is beyond "flesh and blood". The struggle is much bigger and we must don all the tools or pieces of armor God has provided to take our stand against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Did "the devil make me do it"? What kinds of things can't we blame on the demonic? I cannot blame my poor decisions on Satan. I must confess and repent. Thanks be to our God who is a God who looks down on his child and gives him one, two, ten or a hundred chances to get back on track.

Ephesians 6:4 What kind of behavior by fathers (or mothers, for that matter) can embitter or cause a child to lose heart? Purposely provoking a child can cause a child to be disheartened. Emotionally torturing a child is abuse just as much as physcially beating them. I have been in the presence of both. That is why being there for kids is important. I was lucky to have a high school football coach who believed in me. He was no push-over though. He was a tough, hard working, no non-sense man. He gave you a chance no matter where you came from or how much your father gave to the booster club. Each year he asked us to go to church as a team. His mentoring helped lead me to Christ. He gave me something in that difficult tranition time from adolescence to adulthood. He helped me to believe I had something special in me. We never know who will be a second father or surrogate mother, maybe it will be one of us for another disheartened child. What do you think the "training and instruction of the Lord" involves? Training and instruction involve maintaining discipline, diligence, teaching, instruting, showing, giving responsibilities and then supporting them as the child learns to keep them faithfully. Warning and admonition are included along with correction. The important point is our service as parents is to Christ as our children belong to God.

Ephesians 6:5-8 What are the characteristics called for in a truly Christian employee, according to Ephesians 6:5-8? Employees should show obedience in the form of respect, sincerity of heart (attitude), and as servants of Christ. How can these attitudes help us in difficult work situations? The workplace, at home, or anywhere for that matter is the place to let your light shine in the service of God. We are asked to serve in this world for the glory of God and that is our purpose at work. We are ephemeral; we are dust; we are to "obey our earthly masters" just as we would obey Christ. This is only a problem when employers ask us to break God's law. We must be courageous.

(Ephesians 6:1-3) What kind of obedience and honor is appropriate for adult children to show towards their parents? Paul call for "Children to obey your parents in the Lord" which is a command for them to subordinate themselves to listen and follow their parents words. Obedience to parents is part of obedience to the Lord although obedience to the Lord is the 1st obligation for a child. Obedience is not a man made rule, but a command of God to be woven into the fabric of a child's morality (hopefully). The lesson shows Deuteronomy 5:16 "Honor your father and mother" takes a slightly different path. Honoring is not obedience but is an obligation until our parents die. Obedience transforms to honoring with adulthood and marriage (Genesis 2:24) What might be the exceptions? How do respect and forgiveness figure in this relationship? I was blessed to have a father and mother who loved me and who raised me to follow the rules and tell the truth. The church played a scarce role in my upbringing. My father was a heroic military officer and the best of the best as a fathr. He was always there for me. His death at 60 was the hardest thing I faced in my life. Unfortunately, my mother suffered from lifelong emotional problems that were taken out on my brother, father and me. My mother is in a nursing home now, but still tries to control with emotional warfare on my brother and I. It is a difficult situation; but my brother and I honor her and have for the last 20 years despite her attempts to beat us up. I am baring my soul a little here, but I know other people live in this situation. We have forgiven Mom and will always continue to help her..........it just takes prayer and God's help. Praise be to God for he is my refuge.

Ephesians 6:9) How should Christian employers conduct themselves towards their employees? Masters are given two warnings (1) You have a Master in heaven who will hold you accountable; and (2)God shows no favoritism. As church boards are employers/masters, the corresponding behavior should be within the church bylaws (in my case the Book of Methodist Discipline). Board behavior should be in service to Christ's Church and with respect and sincerity of heart. How should church boards conduct themselves towards church employees? How do you determine a just wage -- not merely the one you think you can afford? Finance committees and boards who develop salary allowances for pastors and lay ministerial support fall directly in the crosshairs of this scripture. Staff salaries and raises to pastors should be fair to promote unity in the church. Favoritism is raising salaries and nepotism are divisive and in my opinion are contraindicated for church unity. Standards for salaries are available for similar positions in comparable churches; however, prayer is always a powerful tool in making decisions.

(Ephesians 4:7-10) Who gives spiritual gifts? God Can our "natural" talents be related to our "spiritual" gifts? All our gifts and blessings come from God. How? What is the difference between a natural God-given talent and a spiritual gift? No difference.

Q3. (Ephesians 4:3) How much energy must we expend on Christian unity? As much as is needed to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. What is "the bond of peace"? The force that joins Christians and the church together. How do we strike at peace when we are intent on argument and dissension? There are many conflicts in the modern church as were in the early church. Our intent is to guard the unity of the church. This is a solemn and earnest petition by Paul.

Q2. (Ephesians 4:2) Why are patience and humility so important to preserving unity? Pride and the desire for power is divisive to churches. What happens to the reputation of Jesus Christ when we have right doctrine along with a sense of arrogance towards those who disagree with us? All we say and do reflects on our Master. Arrogance and being puffed up drives people away from God. How are we to be both "gentle" and to "fight the good fight of faith"? Jesus had the virtues of humility and gentleness. Jesus

Q1. (Ephesians 4:1) According to verse 1, what is the standard of our behavior? What is the "calling" to which God has called us? We have been called to follow Christ; Christ is the standard of our behavior. All we say and do reflects upon Christ.

Q2. (3:18-19) What kinds of things prevent us from comprehending the far reaches of Christ's love? I am a simple man limited by my human mind. It is beyond the scope of my knowledge to fathom the reaches of Christ's love. What happens in the way we live when we do comprehend, know, and experience this love? Knowing Christ loves me makes my life easier. What would be different about your life if you could grasp this? This lesson makes my life different in the pattern of me trying to control the outcome. It is the daily renewing of the spirit, turning over my troubles, trusting, praying and doing my role in God's plan that makes life joyful.

Q1. (Ephesians 3:16-17) Do the concepts of (a) strengthened by the Spirit in the inner person, and (Christ dwelling in our hearts say the same thing, or are they separate and distinct ideas? What do you think? As discussed in the text, the heart refers to the center and source of inner life. Christ dwelling in our hearts is very similar to God strengthening us with power through his Spirit in our inner being.

Q3. (Ephesians 3:7-9) Why is Paul so careful to be humble about his call and apostleship? Paul never forgot who he had been describeing himself as "less than the least". Yet, he recognized the great power he had as God's servant because a servant only has the power of the one whom he serves. Paul recognized his ministry was a gift; not something he deserved or earned as a persecuter of Christians. How can his example help us remain as humble servants? We are no different than Paul and should recognize the power of the one we serve, our God given gifts, and our role as a servant to fulfill our purpose.

Q2. (Ephesians 3:6) Just what is the "mystery" that Paul is talking about? Gentiles are equally the people of God with God's chosen people, the Jews. Why was it important to the Gentile Christians in Paul's day? In Lesson 6, Separated from Christ, the list of elements of the Gentiles' spiritual condition prior to Christ are pretty depressing: Uncircumcised Separate from Christ Excluded from citizenship Foreigners to the covenants Without hope Without God Now the Gentiles are equal footing, heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah! The barrier is broken down giving all access to God.

Q1. (Ephesians 3:2-5) Why is God's revelation to "his holy apostles and prophets" our authority for faith and practice? All Scripture is "God-breathed" and inspired by the Holy Spirit. There is no higher authority. What is the danger of minimizing or straying from that revelation? What is the danger of superceding that revelation? The danger of straying from the divinely inspired Word of God places our decisions above God's purpose for our lives and places man above God. What is the danger of denying that God reveals himself to us and to his church today? Ephesians 3:7 "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power" which is written by Paul applies to all of us. Like Paul, none of us discovered God by ourselves. God was not our idea or something we figured out on our own. If we deny God's revelation of himself to us and to the church, the church becomes about man and not a dwelling place of Christ.

Q4. (Ephesians 2:22) What is the significance that your congregation was made to be "a dwelling place for God in the Spirit"? The church is the dwelling place for God in the spirit. The foundation are the apostles and the prophets, the chief cornerstone is Christ and the members or believers are "living stones". What hinders that from being fully experienced? We are not hermits or lone rangers; we should be with and love our brothers and sisters in the church. What can you do to help that become more fully experienced and appreciated? Study God's word, pray, and fulfill God's purpose for my life.

Q3. (Ephesians 2:17) What does it mean to have "access to the Father"? Christians have a special access to God not granted to others. In what way does the Holy Spirit facilitate this access? Jesus taught an exclusive relationship with God through the Holy Spirit which results in answered prayer and spiritual power. In what way does Jesus enable this access? The world resists and resents the exclusivity of this relationship which is taught in the Scripture. However, people still need to embrace Christ and the gospel with faith to be able to come to God.

(Ephesians 2:14-15) In what sense did Jesus as Messiah "fulfill" the Mosaic Law? Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law by describing how sin was to be forgiven and who should gain admittance to God. What is the significance of that for Jewish people? For us Gentiles? The Old Covenant became "obsolete" after Christ became the substitute for the punishment of men. Through the blood of Christ, Jesus fulfilled the ceremonial law. When Christ died, the curtain was rent in two from top to bottom opening the way for both Jew and Gentile to God's very presence.

Q1. (Ephesians 2:11-12) Why does being out of touch with what it means to be "lost" impede our willingness to witness? Without empathy and sympathy or the ability to understand how it is to walk in someone else's shoes, it is difficult to reach them. People know when you care by a simple touch or gesture. In your own words, what is the spiritual condition of a friend or co-worker who doesn't know Christ? They are without hope.

(Ephesians 2:6) What does it mean that we are seated with Christ in "the heavenly realms"? Jesus is exalted to the right hand of the Father "in the heavenly realms," far above all demonic and human authorities and powers, with everything "under his feet." In this passage "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus...." (2:6) If we are seated "with him in the heavenly realms" then we are elevated above the demonic and human authorities in this spiritual sense. What does this say about God's grace? God's unmerited favor or grace; "he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding". Moreover, God's grace is more than forgiveness of the past, it is the equipping to live now -- in the present time -- with new power, power to transform our lives and the lives of those around us. What does this say about our spiritual authority? Instead of being victimized by the enemy, we can exercise spiritual authority -- when we learn our place of authority, and learn how to exercise it -- over the enemy and make him the victim of Christ's victory again and again. How should this knowledge affect our prayers and our boldness? Most of us are unaware as Christians of our place of authority and power in the heavenly realms. As God "raised us up with Christ" and "made us alive in Christ" and "seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ", our prayers and boldness should b consistent and follow our union with Christ ----------so that his action is our action.

(Ephesians 1:4-5) In verses 4 and 5, which words describe God's motivation and character? The following are the words which describe God's motivation and character: 1. Great love for us--God loves us and chose us 2. Rich in mercy--kindness or concern for one in need 3. Grace---unmerited favor Which verbs describe what has happened to us in Christ? 1. God....made us alive with Christ 2. By grace you have been saved.

Q2. (Ephesians 2:1-3) Few people would knowingly follow Satan. How can people unwittingly follow Satan? In our deadness, we mindlessly follow the value systems of society or the ways of the world. Believing the self-centered relativistic values of modern culture is following Satan. In what sense are we responsible for unwitting rebellion against God? A lack of commitment to God is a commitment to Satan. How can God, in all fairness, blame us? Although we do have "free will" and control over our actions, we are weak and break God's holy standards of conduct and righteousness. God sees that sin has overpowered our race and victimized us to the extent that we cannot escape without assistance. God sent Christ to pay the ransom for our sins. We cannot be rescued without our Saviour Jesus Christ.

(Ephesians 2:1-3) In what sense are our non-believing friends, neighbors, and relatives "dead"? Non-believers have transgressed or violated the moral standards of God's holy or divine law. These sins are not trivial or involuntary, but are serious offenses. Non-believers' transgressions have made them spiritually dead to God. What's the difference between us and them? The difference between non-believers and us is firstly we believe in God. We have accepted Christ as our Lord and Saviour. By grace through faith, we are saved. Secondly, Christians have a basis or intellectual framework to understand the concept that man is by nature a sinner but the Holy Spirit lives in us and gives us the incomparable power to overcome sin. If we really believed that they were "dead" and subject to God's "wrath," what would we do? Christ commanded us through the "great commission" to spread the gospel, to help others come to Christ, and to love our neighbor. Our purpose is to help these people so that the Holy Spirit can work in them.

Ephesians 1:20-22) Why do we so often take a "pass" when it comes to spiritual warfare? Why is Christ's exaltation, demonstration of complete victory, and superior rank over all spiritual powers important enough for Paul to mention it to his readers? Why do we tend to feel powerless in the face of spiritual enemies? What was Paul assuring the Ephesians of? What does this encourage us to do? It is easier to pass than to stand tall. It is crucial to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for salvation in Christ. All things will be under Christ's feet. Christ is the head over everything for the church. Christ is exalted far above all of the spiritual realm and all power and authority. I do not feel powerless in the face of spiritual enemies; the Holy Spirit is with me. Paul is assuring the Ephesians of the ultimate all-in-all authority that reigns both in the heavens and the earth now and forever. It encourages us to have hope of a certain end.