A Whole New Thing

Ephesians 3:6 KJV
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Scofield's Notes says,
"That the Gentiles were to be saved was no mystery (Rom_9:24-33); (Rom_10:19-21). The mystery, "hid in God", was the divine purpose to make of Jew and Gentile a wholly new thing - "the church, ....[I removed this segment because of its universal church doctrine].... (1Co_12:12); (1Co_12:13), and in which the earthly distinction of Jew and Gentile disappears; (Eph_2:14); (Eph_2:15); (Col_3:10); (Col_3:11). The revelation of this mystery, which was foretold, but not explained, by Christ (Mat_16:18) was committed to Paul. In his writings alone, we find the doctrine, position, walk, and destiny of the church."

The first half of the book of Ephesians is taken up with this doctrine of unity among believers in a local church. The modern practice of having a church for every nationality is completely unbiblical and tends toward a universal church mentality; "Since we belong to the 'true church' we need not concern ourselves with working out the mystery of fellowship in a local congregation of diverse believers." We need to return our churches to a "melting pot" mentality where everyone is welcome because in the Lord we are "a whole new thing."

He Is Our Peace

Ephesians 2:14 KJV
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

He is our peace. And how we need peace in our world today. The peace spoken of is between believers of different cultures; namely the Jews and the Gentiles, but the same peace ought to create peace among all believers, regardless of background, culture, class or race.

Jesus Christ brings peace among people groups,
By breaking down the wall between us
I see this wall as the prejudice that separates people groups. Through Jesus Christ those prejudices are broken down. We see people not as from different people groups but as believers in Christ, therefore brethren in Christ.

By abolishing the law of commandments contained in the ordinances
The Mosaic Law is no longer relevant either for the Jews or the Gentiles. Insisting on any practice of them only serves to continue the differences between peoples.

By making of two one new man
In this passage that "new man" is the church. We come together into the same church and become a new person. Together, members of the same church, though having varied backgrounds and tastes find common ground in the cause of their church.

By reconciling both unto God
The enmity slain is the difference in fellowship with God. The woman at the well brought up those differences. "We worship at this mountain" she told Jesus, "But ye say in this place God is to be worshiped." Jesus' response was that a time is coming when we worship at neither mountain but in Spirit and in truth.

By preaching the same peace to those far off and those nigh
This is illustrated in the book of Acts with the same ministry of the Holy Ghost in the Jews of Acts 2, Samaritans of Acts 10 and Gentiles in Acts 19. The message of salvation is the same to every race, culture and people group. The result of salvation is the same to every race culture and people group. Therefore there is no real difference between any race culture or people group.

God give us peace.

When God Wraps It All Up

Ephesians 1:10 KJV
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

The word gather is always a reminder of the rapture of the saints. But this passage obviously carries with it more than that, though the rapture would certainly be included.

This gathering seems to be the conclusion of all things: we might use the phrase today, "When God wraps it all up."

• It will happen in the dispensation of the fulness of times.
• It will be the specific work of God and
• It will all come together in Jesus Christ.

Doubly Crucified

Galatians 6:14 KJV
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Matthew Poole paraphrases this verse
"I care no more for the world than it careth for me; the world despiseth and contemneth me, and the doctrine of the cross which I preach and publish in it, and I contemn it, with all its vain pomp and splendour."

And Gill says
"…so that he feared not the worst men, and things in it, any more than he would one that was fastened to a cross, or dead; since Christ, by his crucifixion and death, had overcome the world, the prince of it, the men and malice of it, the sin that was in it, and had made him more than a conqueror also; his faith in a crucified Christ overcame the world…"

The Christian has no need to be angry or bitter towards the people of this world, but neither should we be fascinated and allured by it. We have such better things to look forward to. The sooner we see ourselves as having crucified the world to us and us to the world, the sooner we will be ready to pitch our lot without reserve onto the things of Christ.

Faith and Love

Galatians 5:6 KJV
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Circumcision in the passage is, as I understand it, representative of man's efforts toward earning righteousness by the Law. The Word of God says that when we are in Christ such efforts avail nothing. They are ineffective as a means of earning righteousness before the Lord.

What is effective is faith; and this text says faith works by love.
• The love of God in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
• Not that we loved God but that He first loved us and gave himself to be a propitiation for our sin.
• The love of God that constrains us to preach and urge sinners to trust Jesus Christ.
• Love that motivates our ministries.

Faith working by love: that availeth much.

Too Many Servant Saints, Not Enough Son Saints

Galatians 4:1 KJV
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

This verse is reminiscent to 1 Corinthians 13 "putting away childish things." The believer is encouraged to reach past such childish things as sign gifts and, in Galatians, works of the Law and flesh for righteousness.

As sons of God we are to mature and grow into perfection through the work of the Holy Spirit in us. God has done that work in saving us but, if we continue to trust in
• Our own flesh
• Our own thinking
• Our own goodness
to establish our righteousness then we differ nothing from the servant.

There are far too many servant saints and not enough son saints these days.

We Continue The Way We Began

Galatians 3:3 KJV
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

We continue the way we began; in the Spirit and through the hearing of faith.

The issue in Galatia was the Jewish law. They began their Christian life in the Spirit by the hearing of faith. But they had been beguiled and were attempting to reach Christian perfection and maturity by the works of that Law, in the power of their flesh. Paul proclaims, but in logic fashion that we are perfected the same way we began, in the Spirit and by the hearing of faith.

Our issue today is not so different. Well meaning (I suppose) people urge Christians to spiritual maturity by forcing upon them their own brand of Law.
• Dress a certain way
• Raise your family a certain way
• Behave a certain way
- the way we tell you, and you will be perfected.

The truth is they merely want people to conform to their standard. It is all of the flesh.

I believe in standards, I believe that Christians should grow into separation from this world. But we must not allow ourselves to make those standards the means of perfection; that only comes as the Spirit ministers to the hearers of faith.

• Standards
• Separation
• Conformity to Christ
are the by-products of perfection and not the other way around.

Rebuilding What Should Remain in Ruins

Galatians 2:18 KJV
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

The apostle is speaking specifically about the Old Testament Law.

His concern is that if after destroying the Law for righteousness by coming to Christ, he would begin again to practice that same Law as a matter of righteousness he would be rebuilding what he had destroyed and would be in transgression in doing it.

He was especially concerned because such activity could lead to some other person believing that trusting Christ was vain and he should seek righteousness only through works of the Law.

Oh how many there have been who, having met Jesus Christ and turning to Him have, some time later, returned to build again those fleshly works which they once destroyed.
• Some in returning to their former sins
• Some in returning to former practices
though not sin in themselves, become sinful because they draw them away from that which is godly.

How often too their return has led to the downfall of those they love and who love them; children and grandchildren, who follow them in the sin but never have faith in Jesus Christ.

The Grace of Christ

Galatians 1:6 KJV
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Scofield's note are good.
"The test of the Gospel is grace. If the message excludes grace, or mingles law with grace as the means of either of justification or sanctification, (Gal_2:21); (Gal_3:1-3), or denies the fact or guilt of sin which alone gives grace its occasion and opportunity, it is "another" gospel, and the preacher of it is under the anathema of God."

Paul calls the gospel here, "the grace of Christ." Grace is the gospel. A gospel that is anything other is another gospel and accursed of God.

Not Just For Appearance

2 Corinthians 13:7 KJV
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

Paul makes two appeals:
First He prayed they would do no evil.
He says that this desire is not for appearance sake. He is not trying to paint a sepulcher. His desire is that they be truly honest in their walk with the Lord.

Second he wished for their perfection.
And just after instructs them in fact to be perfect. Christians can mature and grow and be, though not sinlessly perfect on this earth, practically perfect in their relationship with God and man.

We will still be thought of as "reprobates" by the lost world and by those whose lives come under conviction because of our light. But we must not allow ourselves to settle for anything less than our perfection.

In These Cases, Forbear

2 Corinthians 12:6 KJV
For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.

Paul said that there was a time that even saying the truth might would be unwise and therefore he would forebear. To tell the truth in this case would appear to puff himself up and make him appear the fool.

There are times when forbearance is called for. Times when speaking all the truth would not give the result of glorifying the Lord.
• When the person you speak with will not receive it as truth
• When your authority in the matter or on these circumstances might be in question
• When though you know the truth you are not able to support the truth with real evidence
• When speaking the truth would tend to puff you up in the sight of others
In those cases and others it would be best to forebear though you know the truth.

Robbery

2 Corinthians 11:8 KJV
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.

Paul admits that when he worked among the Corinthians, though they were in a richer city, he did not take wages of them but "robbed other churches." This is not meant in the criminal sense but as a matter of illustration. Paul received gifts of support from those churches he had founded, and perhaps some others to.

Now he speaks to the Corinthians and reminds them - though the laborer is worthy his hire, he did not require it of them. He said he would continue his practice, making evident that it was neither criminal nor unethical. But it does emphasize a point; those who live off of the gifts of others should not expect that those gifts are theirs to do with wantonly.
• Those who accept gifts for their ministries
• Those who ask for gifts for various purposes, even
• Those who receive gifts to meet personal needs 
ought to view those gifts as "robbery."

Some other need has gone unmet because the money was given to them.

It is an enormous sacrifice that others would give. That should never be taken for granted.

When revenge is all right.

2 Corinthians 10:6 KJV
And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

The word of God says that revenge belongs to the Lord. We never have a right to get even with our enemies but are told to bless them and pray for them.

It's a challenge for us because we are so often injured, and for so many things.
• Sometimes just because we are in the wrong place when an event happens
• Sometimes because we are vulnerable
• Sometimes because we are Christians

This world is filled with people who make offenses. And so often they appear to have gotten away with it. It would be easier maybe for us if we could see them hurt for hurting us. Sometimes we just can't. So faith must step in. We must recognize that God is in control.

But there is one time when revenge is all right. It is all right to revenge disobedience with obedience. That, we should be ready always to do.

Unprepared?

2 Corinthians 9:3-4 KJV
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

The Apostle had used the Corinthians as an example to provoke others in giving. As many other things that needed correcting, they were this - willing and generous givers.

But "things" had happened since Paul last witnessed their generosity.
• He had written than stern letter.
• They had repented
But who knew what changes may have taken place in the church.

So Paul thought it wise to get them ready so they would not be caught unprepared when Paul arrived to take up their offering.

Being a prepared people is a wise thing.
• Prepared for our church services
• Prepared in our Sunday school classes
• Prepared so far as having the facility ready
• Prepared for missions conferences and revivals
• Prepared in our home life
• Prepared for the return of Jesus Christ.

Paul tells us what he did to make them ready. Those same things may be helpful in our own preparedness
Paul gave them some personal encouragement
He did not want them to be ashamed should Paul and his company arrive and they be found unprepared. He encouraged them to be ready

Paul sent them some previous recruitment
Sent ahead "the brethren" I suppose with this letter and also with some instructions to help them get prepared.

Paul showed them some spiritual enlightenment
Paul reminded them of the law of sowing and reaping and pointed out that giving was to be done cheerfully and as God had prospered each person.

Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1 KJV
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

Sometimes remembering the most basic of principles is very helpful. Scofield's notes says the following concerning 2 Corinthians 8-9 and giving:
"In 2 Corinthians 8-9, the apostle sums up the Christian doctrine of giving. It may be thus summarized:
(1) It is a "grace," that is, a disposition created by the Spirit. (2 Cor 8:7).
(2) In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love. (2 Cor 8:8-12); (2Cor 9:1); (2 Cor 9:2); (2 Cor 9:5); (2 Cor 9:7).
(3) The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor. (2 Cor 8:1-3); (2 Cor 8:12-15); (1 Cor 16:1); (1 Cor 16:2).
(4) Giving is to be proportioned to income. (2 Cor 8:12-14); (1 Cor 16:2). The Old Testament proportion was the tithe, a proportion which antedates the law. (Gen 14:20).
(5) The rewards of Christian giving are:
(a) Joy. (2 Cor 8:2).
(b) Increased ability to give in proportion to that which has been already given. (2 Cor 9:7-11).
(c) Increased thankfulness to God. (2 Cor 9:12).
(d) God and the Gospel glorified. (2 Cor 9:13); (2 Cor 9:14)."

Comfort

2 Corinthians 7:6 KJV
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

It is given almost as a name for God, certainly as a description. God comforts those that are cast down.
• It is His nature to do so.
• It is the consistent quality of the Lord.

Since we may all be cast down through different circumstances the type of comfort might be different for each of us. In this case Paul was comforted be the coming of a friend. Titus' presence brought comfort. But Titus also brought word of the testimony and response of the Corinthians to His first letter. Hearing of how well they received his rebuke that they had repented had brought great joy to him.

Depend upon this; God comforts the cast down. If you are now downcast, and you have trouble finding God's comfort, look for it in some small way, some way that your troubled heart might have a difficult time seeing. It is a promise, a sure thing: God has comfort for you.

Will We?

2 Corinthians 6:11-12 KJV
O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged.
Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels.

The apostle expresses his love for the Corinthians by saying his mouth was opened unto them and his heart was enlarged.

He said they were not straitened (restricted, a narrowing) in the apostle but they were straitened in their own bowels. Any tension in their relationship was their own doing and the result of associations that were not right for believers to have.

Paul's appeal was that they become enlarged toward the things of God. And they could do that if they would make a break from
• Ungodliness
• Worldliness and
• Wickedness

Paul thought of them as dear children. But Paul was consistent with what and who he had always been; a man of God.

His arms were outstretched. His heart was willing; it was up to them then. Would they break the yolk with unbelievers and be received?

Will we?

Nathan

1 Chronicles 17:2-4 KJV
Then Nathan said unto David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee.
And it came to pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,
Go and tell David my servant, Thus saith the LORD, Thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in:

Nathan's position before the king must have been a powerful one. Few people have the spiritual ear of a leader in the manner Nathan did of David; and the prophet's office was a unique one in that day anyway. The prophet's word was taken as truth. If a prophet ever said something that did not come to pass he was to be considered a false prophet and stoned.

So when David communed with him about the Ark of the Covenant and it's place under curtains, it could certainly not have been taken as one friend speaking to another when Nathan told him to do what was in his heart and that God was with him in it. But Nathan barely got the words out when God came to him (that same night) and said His plan was not the same at all.

Nathan must have been humbled to return to the king and tell him what God had really said. The first time Nathan spoke from his own heart. He spoke as a man whose concern was for the things of God and whose reason believed David's desire was sound.

God is so much greater than us that we cannot afford to operate on spiritual assumptions. God's Word must be searched and we must labor that our responses and actions would be pleasing to Him.

May God keep us humble and ever searching what is true and not just what seems right.

The Letter and the Spirit

2 Corinthians 3:6 KJV
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

The contrast between the letter and the spirit. The letter is obviously the Mosaic Law. The spirit:
Gives life
Vs 6

Is glorious
Vs 8

Is of righteousness
Vs 9

Exceeds in glory
Vs 9

Remains
Vs 11

Is the Lord
Vs 17

Who Is Sufficient?

2 Corinthians 2:16 KJV
To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Who is sufficient for these things?

The apostle is glorying in the triumph of the ministry. He says they are unto God a sweet savour in Christ to both the saved and the lost.
• To one they are a savour of death unto death.
• To the other they are a savour of life unto life.

He said they were not like the many that corrupt the Word of God but preach it with sincerity.

But then he also recognizes that none of this could be true in the power of self. No one would be sufficient for these things. We must necessarily seek the Lord because we are of ourselves insufficient.

May we always and forever remember that! God uses us, even amazingly.

But it is God and not ourselves.