OUR FATHER WHOSE SON IS BRINGING MANY SONS TO GLORY

The book of Hebrews chapter 2 verses 10 - 18 says this;

10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying:

“I will declare Your name to My brethren;

In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”

13 And again:

                    “I will put My trust in Him.”

And again:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 

17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

The writer of Hebrews, continuing on the subject of the pre-eminence of Christ over all things, describes how the Lord Jesus suffered as part of His mission to bring many sons to glory and the formula that allowed that to be possible as that He (Christ) was one with those who He came to save where He partook in the suffering of life, endured the same temptations they were subject to and as such, Jesus was able to call those who believed in Him 'brothers' for He and they were sharing a common tragectory except that Jesus did not sin and thus His sacrifice was afficacious to save human beings.

Amen.

2

OUR FATHER WHO MADE HIS SON A LITTLE LOWER THAN THE ANGLES AND THEN SET HIM AS RULER OVER ALL THE WORKS OF HIS HANDS

The book of Hebrews continues in chapter 2 verses 5 - 9 says this;

5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. 6 But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“What is man that You are mindful of him,

Or the son of man that You take care of him?

7 You have made him a little lower than the angels;

You have crowned him with glory and honor,

And set him over the works of Your hands.

8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

The writer of Hebrews, carrying forward the point from the previous passage how critical the message bourne by the Lord unto salvation was, explains that all things were made subject to angels but rather it was the Son of God under whose feet all things were put.

And the Lord Jesus, the perfect Son of God, having subjected Himself to the suffering of death on behalf of all men, ascended to the highest pinnacle of all things to Him was accorded  glory and honor.

Amen.

6

 OUR FATHER WHO PROVIDED A VERY GREAT SALVATION FOR US

The book of Hebrews chapter 2 verses 1 - 4  says this:

1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

The writer of Hebrews adjures his readers to carefully attend to the things they heard that resulted in their salvation so that they wouldn´t drift away. The writer reasons that if the words of messengers was binding and that those who were not careful to heed every word that was delivered to them suffered punishment, how much more dire would the condition be of those who negligently drifted away from the words inaugurated and spoken by the Lord Himself that yielded salvation itself.

Further to that, the message of the gospel was delivered to us with signs and wonders along with miraculous gifts of the Spirit of God to attest to the veracity of the promise of salvation by believing.  

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO MADE HIS SON PRE-EMINENT OVER ALL THINGS 

The writer of Hebrews, having established the pre-eminence of Christ over all creation, lists the ancient prophetic writings that credentialled Jesus as the Son of God in Hebrews chapter 1 verses 5 - 14 which reads this way:

5 For to which of the angels did He ever say:

“You are My Son,

Today I have begotten You”?

And again:

“I will be to Him a Father,

And He shall be to Me a Son”?

6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:

“Let all the angels of God worship Him.”

7 And of the angels He says:

“Who makes His angels spirits

And His ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But to the Son He says:

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;

A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

        9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;

Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You

With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.”

10 And:

“You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,

And the heavens are the work of Your hands.

11 They will perish, but You remain;

And they will all grow old like a garment;

12 Like a cloak You will fold them up,

And they will be changed.

But You are the same,

And Your years will not fail.”

13 But to which of the angels has He ever said:

“Sit at My right hand,

Till I make Your enemies Your footstool”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

Amen.

4

 

 OUR FATHER WHOSE IMAGE IS EXPRESSED IN HIS SON

Starting a study on the book of Hebrews, it is a book whose author is not certain. While frequently attributed to the Apostle Paul, there are reasons that this is doubted because the writer did not identify himself the way Paul did in all his other writings.

Although there are other candidates who have been proposed as the writer of the book of Hebrews like Apollos, Barnabas, Luke or Priscilla, for the porpose of this study, we shall treat the writer as anonymous.

The first 4 verses of the first chapter of book of Hebrews says this:

1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

The writer of Hebrews begins the book with a description of the progression of God's revelation of Himself and His intention through prophets in the past and ultimately did so by His own Son.

God's Son Jesus is described as the heir to all things and the one through whom the worlds were made and who was the brightness of the glory of God and the express or fully revealed image of God the Father and who upheld all things by the word of His power.

The Son, in His perfection as the express image of God, undertook to purge our sins and having done so, sat down the right hand of the majesty (Royal throne) in heaven taking His place as the preeminent one over all of existence and showed Himself to be qualitatively greater than the angels by what He inherited and the name he had obtained.

Amen

10

OUR FATHER FROM WHOM COME PEACE LOVE AND  FAITH AS WELL AS FROM THE LORD JESUS  CHRIST

In a final greeting in his letter to the Ephesians in chapter 6 verses 21 - 24, the Apostle Paul introduces them to a fellow believer named Tychicus who would deliver an update on Paul's condition and to encourage them.

21 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. 22 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you.

23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.

As a farewell message, Paul speaks peace and love laced with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to the Ephesians and he speaks grace to those who have been steadfast in their love for the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO PROVIDES SPIRITUAL ARMOR BY WHICH THE KINGDOM OF GOD MAY EXTEND ITS FRONTIERS

In the 6th chapter of the book of Ephesians verses 10 - 20, the Apostle Paul begins to conclude his letter with a final charge to his readers to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Along with that, Paul informs the Ephesians to be well defended against the schemes of the devil by donning the complete armor of God that would make them impervious to the evil day.

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul lists the components that made a complete set of spiritual armor:

1. Belt of truth around the loins to keep chastity
2. Breastplate of righteousness to protect the conscience
3. Shoes of the preparation of gospel of peace for assurance of ones standing with God
4. Shield of faith to block the missiles lanched by agents of darkness to cause damage
5. Helmet of salvation for the knowledge of the efficacy of Christ's blood to save us
6. Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God for the fight of intercession towards the goal of all saints boldly pushing forward the frontiers of the Kingdom of God.

Amen.

4

OUR FATHER WITH WHOM THERE IS NO PARTIALITY

The Apostle Paul, having described the appropriate pattern of conduct that should govern marriage, now describes the pattern that should govern the relationships between children and their parents and as well, the relationships between bond-servants and their masters in  Ephesians chapter 6 verses 1 - 9 which says this:

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

5 Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; 6 not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.

With the understanding that  marriage is a feature designed and built into the creation to be a metaphor for the relationship between Christ and His Bride ( which is the  the ultimate reason for creation), there are other human relationships that also serve as metaphors for our relationship with God. 

Paul tells us that children should honor their parents and this is pattern that is a metaphor set in place for the children of God to honor their Father in heaven.

 Likewise, the pattern established by the  injuction to parents not to provoke their children to wrath but to bring them up in the counsel and admonition of the Lord is a pattern that God establishes so that we can understand His stance towards us and that is  that He would not provoke His children to wrath nor exasperate them but rather, He would undertake to train them in His counsel and admonition. 

Regarding the relationship between bond-servants and masters, this too is a metaphor for the relationship between those who voluntarily commit  their earthly lives to the service of Christ. Remembering that bond-servants were those who voluntarily made a public declaration of their lifelong submission to the will of their masters,  those who voluntarily gave their lives up to be bond-servants of Christ are  required to be obedient to Christ and to be sincere and whole-hearted in their service to Him even as earthly servants are told to be towards their earthly masters.

As for the way masters were to behave towards their bond-servants, Paul instructs them not to use threats and intimidation to elicit their work and in this way, the metaphor reveals that God does not threaten or intimidate those who commit themselves to serve Him as bond-servants.

Amen.

6

OUR FATHER WHOSE SON´S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHURCH WAS SYMBOLISED IN THE DESIGN OF THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE

Continuing with Ephesians chapter 5, we read this in verses 22 - 33:

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

In this passsage, the Apostle Paul reveals the great mystery of the church being the bride of Christ and that the way that husbands and wives related to each other needed to reflect the relationship between Christ and His bride.  As Christ sacrificialy gave his life for the church, husbands needed to give themselves sacrificially for their wives.  As the church honored Christ, wives were to honor their husbands.  

The model of husbands and wives was set up as a picture of the eternal union between Christ and the church.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER TO WHOM WE SHOULD ALWAYS GIVE THANKS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS

Chapter 5 of the Apostle Paul´s letter to the Ephesians from verses 17 - 21, in light of the  fact that they had been extricated from the kingdom of darkness at such a dear cost, Paul charges the Ephesians to be watchful as they walked out their Christian lives and he advised them to leverage wisdom to recovery lost time in the evil world within which they lived that aimed to steer as many as possible towards futility where the clock was run out and everyone suffered loss. 

Paul's prescription for this strategy of the kingdom of darkness was to seek to understand what the will of the Lord was for their lives and to replace regular social gatherings with spiritual social gatherings where the Spirit of God was present and all conversations were seasoned with scriptures, spiritual songs and singing and each person sustained an active altar of gratititude and worship in their hearts.

15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHOSE SON GIVES US LIGHT

In chapter 5 of his letter to the Ephesians from verses 8 - 14, the Apostle Paul guides them to walk as children of light having been changed from darkness to light in the Lord Jesus.

 He tells them to find out what is acceptable to the Lord but in general, they should practice goodness, righteousness and truth which are the hallmarks of all the fruit of the Spirit of God.

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. 14 Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,

Arise from the dead,

And Christ will give you light.”

Paul continues to urge the Ephesians to eschew any shameful works of darkness and in fact to expose them to light so that they may be made manifest. Here Paul reveals an axiom where he says "whatever makes manifest is light" which asserts that anything that uncovers or forces anything out of hiding is light.  

Paul quotes a song ( implied ) that calls on the believers who slumber to fully arise from the dead and receive the light that Christ gives.

Amen.

2

OUR FATHER TO WHOM WE ARE PRECIOUS CHILDREN

The book of Ephesians chapter 5 from verse 1 - 5 says this:

1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.

The apostle Paul tells his readers to be imitators of God as dear children where they would see how precious they were to God and replicate His attitude to one another and as well, replicate Christ's sacrificial life which rose to God as a sweet fragrance.

Paul also intructs them to extricate themselves from the conduct of sins for which the wrath of God was incurred by those who disobeyed the gospel.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO FORGAVE US IN CHRIST

Ephesians chapter 4 verses 25 - 32 says this:

25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Amen.

4

 OUR FATHER WHO GAVE US A NEW SPIRIT WHEN WE BELIEVED IN JESUS

The book of Ephesians chapter 4 verses 17  -  24 says this:

 17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

The Apostle Paul, instructs the Ephesians to cease walking in a state where, in their unenlightened minds and blinded hearts, pursued pointless endeavours of lewdness uncleaness and greed.

He tells them to put off their former conduct which is the product of the old man acting out his corruption of deceitful lusts. Paul informs them that they ca be renewed in the spirit of their minds and that they can inhabit the identity of the new man which was born in them when they were born again. This is what Paul means when he says "Put on the new man which was created accord to God.". 

Whereas the corrupt nature of the flesh influences the mind towards evil thoughts and deeds, the new spirit, who was created afresh by God,  is able to influence our minds towards righteousnes and so we should cultivate our identity in him.

Amen.

4

OUR FATHER WHOSE SON ASCENDED AND GAVE GIFTS TO MEN

In the the book of Ephesians chapter 4 verses 7 - 16, after speaking of the unity of believers in the Spirit of God, begins to explain the gifts of the Spirit.

First he speaks of the scriptural foundation for the dispersion of gift found in Psalm 68 verse 13 which foretells the ascension of Christ from hades into heaven leading many sons to glory giving gifts for men.

7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore He says:

“When He ascended on high,

He led captivity captive,

And gave gifts to men.”

9 (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

The Apostle Paul then enumerates the five gifts of men that were dispersed among those who believed in Jesus.  

11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

The gifts of men were apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers and these gifts of men are given to the body to enhance and regulate the exercise of those functions among the people.  As the local body is imbued with the gifting being dispensed in their midst, they are equiped and edified so that they can healthily grow in :

• Unity
• The knowledge of the son of God
• In Stature of the fullness of Christ
• Maturity 
• Immunity to the buffeting of every wind of doctrine
• Immunity to trickery, cunning and deceitful plotting of men
• The ability to speaking truth in love

Such a healthy local body is able to be joined and knitted  closely with one another where each member is supplying what was entrusted to them which results in the local body growing so that it edifies itself in love.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO IS ABOVE ALL

In Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1 - 5, the Apostle Paul reminds his readers that he is bound to the Lord and it is in capacity that he urges the Ephesians of the calling to which their life of faith called them and he instructs them to walk in manner worthy of the high calling with humility and longsuffering love for each other where unity of Spirit is maintained in peace between them all. 

Paul explains that their unity must reflect the unity that exists in the one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of us all. And our Father is above all,  permeates all and iin all who are in the family of God by faith.

1 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Amen.

2

OUR  FATHER WHO IS GLORIFIED BY THE CHURCH REDEEMED THROUGH THE LORD JESUS

The book of Ephesians chapter 3 verses 14 - 21 says this;

14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

The Apostle Paul, having previously explained how an intricate work for the salvation of all men was planned from before the beginning of the world, expresses how he is humbled and in awe of God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ from where all families on earth are derived. Paul implores the Father to strengthen the innner men (the regenerated spirit) of the believers at Ephesus so that by their faith, it was condusive (because they were securely stable in love)  for Christ to dwell in them. 

In this condition, the believers in Ephesus would be in a position to grasp (along with all the saints)  the width, length, depth and height  of the love of Christ which exceeds what knowledge is able to encompass. By, continuing to be ensconced in the love of God, believers grow in their knowledge of God and they are increasingly filled until the fulness of God is in them.

Paul then effusively glorifies God declaring that He, in His power, is able to exceed our requests and thoughts such that He is eternal gloried by all generations of the Church set up by Christ Jesus our Lord.

Amen.

4

 OUR FATHER WHO MADE THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST AVAILABLE TO THE GENTILES

The book of Ephesians chapter 3 verses 8 - 13 says this:

8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

The Apostle Paul, in this passage, marvels at the fact that he, the one who was persecuting the people of God, was the one who was given the grace to take the gospel to the Gentiles and reveal to them the unfathomable depths of the riches of Christ. The multi-dimensional wisdom of God ensured that the gift of Christ was made available to the gentiles and implicated the whole world confounded principalities and powers in the spiritual realm because these matters were hidden in God from before the time began.

 The eternal purposes of God were accomplished through Christ Jesus our Lord whose completed works made it possible for us to have access to God with the confidence of faith in Him.

In light of this deep revelation of God lavish provision for those who believed in Jesus, Paul advises the Ephesians not to lose heart beause of the troubles that he was having for their sake because to him, it was worth it because it was for their glory.

Amen.

12

1

OUR FATHER WHO KEPT THE MYSTERY OF THE PROVISION OF SALVATION FOR THE GENTILES UNTIL CHRIST COMPLETED THE WORK THAT INCLUDED THEM

The Apostle Paul, continuing with the theme of the inclusion of the gentiles into the body of family of God through the universal work of Christ completed on the cross, begins the  book of Ephesians chapter 3 telling the believers in Ephesus, in verses 1 - 7, that this astonishing expansion of those who would be adopted in to the family of God, was the revelation of the ancient mystery that God made known to Him, was why he was called as a minister to Gentiles.

Paul, speaking of the mystery of the gentiles being made co-heirs in the same family, explained how it had been hidden from the people living in the ages past but now, with Christ having secured the the means of salvation for all men, was being made known through the apostle and prophets.

The gift of grace to the the gentiles was the purpose for which Paul became a minister through the deliberate work of God's power in his life.

1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles— 2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, 4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets: 6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel, 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHOM WE HAVE ACCESS TO THROUGH THE SPIRIT

In the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 11 - 22, the Apostle Paul reminded his readers that they had been in a lost and hopeless condition without a road map to even know which direction to turn before being brought near to God by the blood of Christ. 

Christ Himself is our peace where he , by his universal sacrifice of his life, redeemed both the Jews and the Gentiles and they became one people because their enmity was put to death on the cross and both Jews and Gentiles could become one people who have access to the Father through the one Spirit of God.

11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

In Christ, the gentiles are no longer far off as aliens or foreigners but rather are members of the family of God and included in His household which was built on the foundation of apostles and prophets with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone and this building, being meticulously constructed using the precious stones who are the saints, is to become the dwelling place of God in the Spirit.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHO BEFOREHAND PREPARED GOOD WORKS FOR US TO FULFILL

Having described the exeedingly exalted position of the Lord Jesus Christ over all creation and the incredible advantages that are bestowed on those who believed in HIm, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians in chapter 2 verses 1 - 10, describes what condition we were in prior to being redeemed by God through Jesus.

He described us as dead in our trespasses and sins and under the domination of the prince of the power of the air who still controls those who are not yet repentant and obedient to the gospel. Paul graphically illustrates how our behaviour was ruled by our fleshly lusts and the pursuit of bodily desires and desires of the mind and in this state, we were all destined for total ruination under the wrath of God.

1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

However, in His abundant mercy and love for us, even while we were still in rebellion to Him, God provided a method by which we could be restored from death. God, in the act of ressurecting Christ from the dead, ressurected us from death for He, in His kindness towards us, placed us in Christ and we died with Him and when He was raised from the dead, we who believed, were also raised with Him to life. And even further, when God lifted Christ high into heavenly places to a position fitting for Him due to His absolute lrighteousness and obedience even unto death, we, by God's grace, were lifted up with Him and seated us with Him in those elevated places. 

This act of incredible magnanimity toward those who were previously in rebellion against Him will stand in the ages to come as a testament to the vast treasure of His grace in kindness towards us. And no will be able to take credit for their own salvation for it will be plainly evident that it was strictly by the grace of God that anyone was saved and none will be able to point to any effort of merit earned by which they attained the salvation granted them.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

We who believed in Christ will be saved and we will find ourselves among many others with whom we were all fashioned by God in Christ Jesus to do amazing and wonderful works that were put in place ahead of time for each one of us to fulfill.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHO GIVES US THE SPIRIT OF WISDOM AND REVELATION

In the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians chapter 1 verses 15  - 23, he mentions  the good report he had received about the faith and love of the believers in Ephesus and how this news caused him to be grateful for them and he prayed for them that they may be given the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of God and that they would gain spiritual understanding.

Once learning of their faith and love, Paul wanted the Ephesians to know how consequential the calling that they were hoping in actually was and with that, how great the inheritance of glory was bestowed on the saints and the superlative power of God towards those who believed. This immense power was that which raised the Lord Jesus from the dead and elevated Him to be seated in heavenly places imbued with authority and power that placed Him over all lofty spiritual hierachies that are in existence in this dispensation but as well, all the lofty spiritual hierarchies in the dispensation to come.

All things in existence were thus placed under the  feet of Jesus and Jesus is the head of the church which is the vesel in the earth that contains all of Him and is His body through which He exercises His power and authority.

 15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHOSE PURPOSE IS ACCORDING TO THE COUNSEL OF HIS WILL

In book of Ephesians chapter 1 verses 7 - 14, the Aposle Paul continues describing the immense benefits that are accrued to us because of the Lord Jesus Christ and his work on the cross.

7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace 8 which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. 11 In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Paul itemizes the priceless gifts that are bestowed on us who trusted in the word of truth and believed in the gospel of salvation through Jesus  through the wisdom and prudence of God:

• Being redeemed through Christ's blood
• Being forgiven of sins through His riches of grace
• Gaining the revelation of the mystery of God's will, good pleasure and purposes
• Being joined into the ultimate unity of God's family in heaven and earth
• Obtaining an inheritance having been predestined by God's intention
• Being the praise of God's glory to those who believed in Christ
• Being sealed (preserved) with the promised Holy Spirit
• Being secured by the downpayment of  the Holy Spirit until final purchase

All these immense benefits are received by those who believe in gospel to the praise of the glory of God.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHO HAS BLESSED US WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL BLESSING

Beginning a deeper look into the book of Ephesians, we start with chapter 1 verses 1 - 6 where the Apostle Paul introduces himself by his name and then by the apostolic office that was he was called to by God and he then addreses the recipients of his letter as the saints who were located in the town of Ephesus and he address another recipient group as the 'faithful in Christ Jesus'.

He then extends the blessings of grace (covering of sin) and of peace (a clear conscience) from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Paul then praises God and Father of the Lord Jesus who has blessed us with the full compliment of available spiritual blessing in heavenly places (which are the access, favor, power and knowledge needed to thrive in the spiritual realm) which He conferred on us who believe through Christ. 

Paul describes the process that brought us to this point starting from before the foundation of the world  when God chose us with the hope that we would ulitmately stand lovingly before God in holiness and blamelessness. 

The reason we would be able to stand before God in this condition is because He predestined us to be eligible for adoption as sons of God through Jesus Christ. This was according to the God's own good pleasure. The qualification of many sons into His family is to the praise of the glory of God's grace which was the instrument by which God made us acceptable into the divine family.

Amen.

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 OUR FATHER WHO IS THE ONLY WISE GOD

The book of Romans chapter 16 veres 17 - 27 concludes book in this way;

17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple. 19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you.

22 I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began 26 but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— 27 to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

As Paul reaches the end of the book of Romans in a postscript, he encourages the believers in Rome to be cautious regarding those who caused divisions and offence because they had no intention to serve the cause of the Lord Jesus but rather to jockey for their benefit by taking advantage of the gullible ones in their midst.

Paul commends the Romans for their obedience that was notable to degree that they became known for it but he advises them to be prudent and aware of the intentions of evil. Paul assures them that  in the end, the Lord Jesus will be the absolute victor over Satan.

Paul then passes greeting from the people on his side including Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tercius (who is revealed to be the person who physically transcribed the letter as dictated by Paul), Gaius, Erastus and Quartus.

Paul then gives his last blessings according to the only wise God who was able to establish them by the mystery hidden in the gospel of salvation that was kept hidden from the beginning of the world. This mystery was now being brought to life in their midst as elucidated in the sacred prophetic scripture.

Glory to God through Jesus Christ for all eternity.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO NOTES PARTICIPANTS IN THE LABORS AND RISKS OF THE WORK OF THE KINGDOM

In the 16th and final chapter of the book of Romans, from verses 1 -  16, the Apostle Paul first commends a lady called Phoebe whom he described as helper of many including himself and worthy to be received honorably as a saint. extends greetings to those who had been alongside him as he pursued the work of the gospel some of whom had risked their lives for him. Paul tells the Roman believers to assist her in whatever manner she needed them to as she conducted activities in their area.

Paul then goes onto extending greetings to those who had served with him and those who had undergone persecution with him. Some of the people had been introduced to Christ through him and he singled out some as those who were beloved by him.

1 I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.

Phoebe - Servant from the church of Cenchrea

Pricilla - Fellow worker - Risked her neck for Paul

Aquila - Fellow worker - Risked her neck for Paul

Epaetenus - First fruit of Achaia - Beloved

Mary - Co-worker who labored much

Adronicus - Countrymen - Old believer - Notable among apostles - Prisoner

Junia - Countrymen - Old believer - Notables among apostles - Prisoner

Amplius - Beloved

Urbanus - Fellow Worker

Stachys - Beloved

Apelles - Appoved in Christ

Aristobulus´ household - Greet

Herodion - Countrymen

Narsissus´ houshold who were in the Lord  - Greet

Tryphena - Labored in the Lord

Tryphosa - Labored in the Lord

Persis - Beloved - Labored much

Rufus - Chosen in the Lord

Rufus' mother - Greet

Asyncritus - Greet

Phlegon - Greet

Hermas - Greet

Patrobas - Greet

Hermes - Greet

Philologus - Greet

Julia - Greet

Nereus - Greet

Nereus' sister - Greet

Olympas - Greet

Amen.

2

OUR FATHER WHOSE SPIRIT LOVES US

The book of Romans chapter 2 verses 22 - 33,

22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30 Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

As the Apostle Paul began to conclude his letter, he mentioned that he wanted the Roman believers to pray with him through the Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Holy Spirit that he would not be saved from the hostile quadrants of the unbelievers in Jerusalem and tha t he conduct himself properly among the saints in Jerusalem.

Paul then blessed them hoping that he would get a chance to be with them with joy and refreshment.

Amen.

8

 OUR FATHER WHO DISPLAYED GREAT SIGNS TO WIN THE GENTILES

Romans chapter 15 verses 14 - 21 says this;

14 Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, 16 that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I have reason to glory in Christ Jesus in the things which pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient— 19 in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem and round about to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21 but as it is written:

“To whom He was not announced, they shall see;

And those who have not heard shall understand.”

Having strongly adjured the Roman church, the Apostle Paul expresses confidence that the recipients of his letter were knowledgable enough to conduct their affairs as Christians correctly.  As a minister who primarily was sent to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, Paul indicated that he had a high expectation of the church at Rome because they were the people of the law and had more exposure to the foundations of the faith than the Gentiles did.

As such, he was reticent to let them know of the astonishing displays of power that God was doing among the Gentiles through him to make them obedient and so on the strength of these great demonstrations of power by the Spirit of God, Paul was propelled to take the gospel to every place where the name of Christ was not known for even the prophets of old foretold of the time when the gentiles would be recipients of Salvation of God.

Amen.

2

 OUR FATHER WHO FILLS US WITH JOY AND PEACE

In Romans chapter 15 verses 7 - 13 the Apostle Paul says this;

7 Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:

“For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles,

And sing to Your name.”

10 And again he says:

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people!”

11 And again:

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!

Laud Him, all you peoples!”

12 And again, Isaiah says:

“There shall be a root of Jesse;

And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles,

In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Whereas the Lord Jesus came as a servant to the circumcision because of the promises that were made to the fathers of Israel, the route of salvation also went into the world of the Gentiles as the prophets of old often foretold so therefore, Paul exhorts the believers among the circumcision to receive the Gentiles into the fold even Christ recieved them.

Amen.

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