02.02.12 Greetings! ICF on SUNDAY (February 5) In this world, people speak of "haves" and "have-nots." People speak of "us" and "them." In this world, there are different groups based on different characteristics, like nationality, ethnicity, tribe, education, social status, economic status, etc. Division, hostility and conflict are common. In this world, people hope for peace and unity. But how can it be achieved? The world's ways have failed, and the good intentions of humans fall short. Only God can provide true peace and unity. He has already provided the Way. What has God already done? How can we realize it? How should it affect our daily lives? We will consider these questions on Sunday as we study Ephesians 2:11-22. Please join us! Our Schedule: 9:30 - 9:45 am - Before-class Social Time, including snacks and hot drinks (come early and enjoy conversation and snacks) 9:45 - 10:45 am - Class Time (please arrive before 9:45 am so you don't miss anything). 10:45 - 11:00 am - After-class Discussion/Social Time EVENTS on FRIDAY (February 3) These two events are sponsored by two different groups and happen at the same time. ACROSS Fridays at BCM (corner of Washington St. & Kent St.), 7:00 - 8:30 pm. This Friday, we will have "gospel bluegrass music," performed by the band Alleghany Strings. We will not only hear Christian bluegrass music, but we will learn about the instruments, and be able to talk to the band members. At 8:30 pm, there are optional small groups, including 1) an English conversation group; and 2) a Bible study on the Gospel of John. Chinese Bible Study Group at BBC (550 North Main St.). Worship, Bible study and fellowship, 7:45 - 10 pm. INTERNATIONAL DISCOVERY WEEKEND (March 2-4) See my other email about this event, or ask me for information. HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE Interpretation of Bible passages necessarily includes interpretation of individual words and phrases. When we study the Bible, we should identify unclear and important words and phrases. In Ephesians 2:2, we encounter the phrase "the ruler of the kingdom of the air" (2:2b). What is the meaning of this phrase? First of all, we look at the immediate context. The phrase is connected to the subordinate phrase "the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient." (2:2c). This, along with references to other bad influences in verses 2 and 3, indicate a negative influence. Based on this information alone, some might quickly conclude that it must refer to "the devil" (also called Satan). However, the careful student will want more evidence. How can we find out? As I mentioned on Sunday, our Study Bibles may tell us, or give us cross-references to other Bible verses that support that interpretation. But let us do the work ourselves, which will provide an example for other word (or phrase) studies. Let's focus on the word "ruler." How is this word used elsewhere in 1) Ephesians; 2) other writings of Paul; and 3) other books of the New Testament? We can find other occurrences of the word by searching for "ruler" using BibleGateway.com. If we do this, we will find the word "ruler" in Ephesians 3:10 and 6:12. In both places, it talks about them being "in the heavenly realms," which indicates that they are not earthly rulers. As we continue our search, we should remember that "ruler" is an English translation of a Greek word, and it might be translated other ways. In the ESV, it is translated "prince" in verse 2. When you study the Bible, I recommend looking at different translations, including a translation in your first language! The serious student may want to study the actual Greek word for "ruler." We can find this out by using an "Interlinear Bible" (which includes the English word, Greek word, and Strong's Concordance reference number). A free online Interlinear Bible can be found on Biblos.com (I like ESVBible.org better, but it's not free). If we look up the Greek word translated "ruler" or "prince" in Ephesians 2:2, we see that it is "archonta." Using Biblos.com, we can see all 37 uses of this Greek word in the New Testament. We will find that it usually means "ruler" in the earthly sense. However, in Mark 3:22 it is used for "the prince of the demons." In John, it is used for "the prince (or ruler) of this world" (12:31; 14:30; 16:11). These phrases clearly refer to the devil. Also, in 1 Corinthians 4:4, the devil is called "the god of this age." By doing this study, it becomes even more certain that the phrase "the ruler of the kingdom of the air" refers to the devil. ICF THIS PAST SUNDAY - Made Alive! In Ephesians 2:1-10 we see a "before and after" description - a "once but now" description. Referring to Christians, Paul says we were once dead (2:1), but God made us alive (2:4). What does he mean? We Were Dead Paul tells his readers, "you were dead in your trespasses and sins" (2:1), and later makes it clear that "all of us" were dead (2:3-5). In what sense were we "dead?" He cannot mean physically dead! In this context, he means "spiritually dead." To be spiritually dead is to be alienated or separated from God, who is the source of life. This "death" is the result of "transgressions and sins" (2:1), which include attitudes and actions that are opposed to God. Paul said elsewhere, "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Furthermore, since "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), ALL of us are spiritually dead in our natural condition. What are the characteristics of this "dead" condition? How does Paul describe this lifestyle (way of living)? He mentions three characteristics: 1) Following the ways of this world (2:2a). In this context, the "world" means "the system of humanity with all its ideas, attitudes, values, and behaviors that are opposed to God." The "world" has a strong influence on people, and those who are not in a relationship with God are easily carried in the wrong direction by the world. 2) Following the devil (see "How to Study the Bible" above) (2:2b). The devil is the leader of the spiritual forces that oppose God. Most people would deny that they follow the devil (maybe because they don't believe he exists). However, if we are living in opposition to God, we are doing what the devil wants us to do. Later in the letter, Paul will write about our struggles against the devil's forces (Ephesians 6:12). While Christ has defeated the devil (Eph 1:21-22; Col 2:15; 1 Pet 3:22), his complete destruction is future. Until then, he is still powerfully active. 3) Gratifying the desires of the flesh (2:3a). The "flesh" (translated "sinful nature" in the NIV) generally refers to fallen humanity in rebellion against God. Because of sin, our "flesh" has been corrupted. It is infected with self-centeredness, self-indulgence, pride, and other attitudes that are opposed to God. This affects our "desires and thoughts" (2:3). We either desire the wrong things, desire them for the wrong reasons, or seek to fulfill our desires in the wrong ways. In addition, though we may be very intelligent in some ways, our thinking is twisted and perverted relative to God and his ways. In our "dead" condition, we were not only under the controlling and destructive influences of the world, the devil, and the flesh; we were "objects of wrath" (2:3b). Our opposition to God meant we must face His holy and righteous anger and judgment. But God Made Us Alive! In what sense were we (believers) "made alive?" He cannot mean physically alive because we were not physically dead! In this context, he means "spiritually alive." To be spiritually alive is to be connected to God - to be in personal relationship with God, who is the source of life. This life is "eternal life" - life in union with the eternal God. It is the ultimate quality of life. This life is found only "in Christ" (Romans 6:23). How is this life accomplished and realized? In verses 5-6, Paul says we were "made alive" WITH Christ. God raised us up WITH Christ, and seated us WITH him in the heavenly realms (2:5-6). This new life is possible only "in Christ" - in union with him. We are united with Christ through faith in him. Paul says, "it is by grace you have been saved" (2:5). What are we saved from? We have been saved from bondage to the things mentioned in verses 2-3. We are no longer enslaved to the "the world, the flesh, and the devil." They still have influence, but we are no longer under the control of their influence, or at least we shouldn't be! (Of course, our salvation is not yet complete. In "heaven," we will be totally saved from these influences.) Moreover, since Christ won the victory over sin, death, and the spiritual forces of evil, we share in his victory! We are victorious "in Christ." We are also saved from God's "wrath." In other words, we are saved from both 1) the tyranny (controlling power) of sin and 2) the penalty of sin - God's righteous judgment and condemnation. Why does God save us? If we look for the words and phrases associated with God' actions, we will see the following reasons: "his great love for us" (2:4); "rich in mercy" (2:4); "grace" (which means 'unmerited favor') (2:5, 7, 8); "kindness" (2:7). Verse 7 says God saved us "in order that [for all time and eternity] he might show the incomparable riches of his grace." In other words, God does these things "to the praise of his glorious grace" (1:6). Amazing Grace Listen to these words from Ephesians 2:8-9: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast" (2:8-9, NIV). The teaching of these verses is very important. Why? Because they stress that it's impossible for us to earn our salvation. It's impossible for us to do enough good works to gain God's approval. In our "deadness," we are helpless. Only God can rescue us from our desperate condition. And that is what he chooses to do. Salvation is a "gift of God," which he offers according to his great love, mercy and grace. Our response, enabled by his grace, is faith. We can take no credit for our salvation. It is all God's grace. While salvation is a gift, that does not mean the Christian life is a lazy pleasure cruise to heaven. We were saved for a purpose! We are God's Workmanship In Christ, we are God's workmanship (2:10). In Christ, we are new creations (1 Corinthians 5:17). While our good works cannot save us, we are saved to do good works! This is God's purpose for us. As our study continues, we will see what God wants us to do. Reflection/Application Paul presents only two conditions relative to God - dead and alive. Assuming this is correct, what condition best describes you? Do you need to be "made alive?" God "makes us alive with Christ" as we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior. As Christians, we have been raised with Christ and seated with him in the heavenly realms! Are you experiencing the salvation and victory that is in Christ? What are your struggles? (We all have struggles.) Read Romans 6-8 and Colossians 3:1-17, and constantly remember who you are "in Christ." Pray that God would strengthen your faith, and empower you by his Spirit. As always, if you have questions or comments, I would be happy to talk with you. Your Servant, Jay

You may E-mail Jay & Michele Lester or Call at 540.381.2086