AWAKE, ARISE, AND TRIUMPH
Friday – October 29, 2021, Cheshvan 23, 5782
GIFTS – PART ONE HUNDRED-THREE
ARMOR OF GOD – PART FORTY-FIVE
Greetings precious saints of the Most-High God, the only Living God, and welcome back to our study of “Gifts” currently focused on the “Armor of God”. Before we ahead further please take a moment and share these teachings as widely as possible to expand our reach with good news. For some forty-four weeks I have been building a proper foundation for our discussion of the Armor of God. As I have pointed out numerous times it is essential in the natural or spiritual realms, for the proper use of a thing, to know as much as possible about the thing. In this case we are talking about the armor of God. We need to know what the armor of God is, how to us it, and what conditions are necessary for optimal use. Really, this is true of everything in our lives.
The fifth chapter of Ephesians, which we have covered in some detail, tells us what needs to be present and absent in our lives for optimal use of the Armor of God. Things we need to be practicing include obedience to those in authority, honor to whom honor is due, love (agape), thanksgiving, proving of the Word, being led of the Spirit, having a disciplined mind, and submission where Scripture demands it. Things to be absent includes all sin, and fellowship with darkness. Let me ask a simple question, to whom is the Book of Ephesians written?
Ephesians 1:1 (KJV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
So, it is written to you and me, not the heathen or those other people not of our group. So, we should not be quick to think the following verses are not for us, you and me, personally.
Ephesians 5:3-6 (KJV)
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
I am not saying these are present in my life or yours. What I am saying is that we must study these and judge ourselves before the Lord. Please do not just reject these out of hand and move on too quickly. Now let’s move forward into new text, continuing to read aloud, yes, out loud. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). It is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6).
Ephesians 6:5-9 (KJV)
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
The word ‘servant’ in verse five an refer to bond (slave) or free. In our present world we would be talking about an employee, a person employed, working for their own benefit and that of the employer. Most of us have not been taught a proper view concerning being an employee. As an employee we seem to think it is all about us. We are in that employed position first to serve the Lord, next to serve the customer of that business, and to serve our employer. Notice how often the word ‘serve’ comes up? We are to serve our employers (or other situations like volunteering at Church) with a sincerity of heart, as if we were doing it for the Lord. Remember, the Lord sees our heart, nothing is hidden from Him. When we dishonor our employer, other we serve, we are dishonoring God. This is serious dear ones. Serving our employers and others according to Scripture will take a renewing of the mind and a discipling of our mind and tongue. As I close for today look at verse six in two other Bible translations.
Ephesians 6:6 (MSG)
6 Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do.
Ephesians 6:6 (NJB)
6 not only when you are under their eye, as if you had only to please human beings, but as slaves of Christ who wholeheartedly do the will of God.
Lord willing, I will pick up right here next Friday. Remember, we love you and there is nothing you can do about it.
2 Chronicles 20:20 b (KJV)
20 … Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Until our next publication, as your Bible Teacher and a Prophetic Voice in your life I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it, believe it, doubt it not, and speak over yourself and your family by faith in Jesus’ name!
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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