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Lesson 35 of 50 - New Testament (part three of eight)
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New Testament (part three): Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; Philemon

EPHESIANS

60 AD

“To make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery . . . “ 3:9
“This is a profound mystery – but I am talking about Christ and the church.”  5:32

Author: Paul
Written From: Rome in prison
Sent To: Church in Ephesus

Purpose: To provide doctrine that brings understanding into the mysteries of Christ and the church.  This understanding enhances continued maturing of the believers and prevents the development of false doctrine in higher levels of theology.

Theme: The glorious mysteries of the church, which is the body of Christ

Basic Outline:

  • Doctrinal Chapters 1-3 – What is true? What should we know? As the church, who are we?
  • Practical Chapters 4-6 – What should we do? What is expected? What is the church capable of?

Memorable Verses:

  • “He chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” 1:4
  • “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to he plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” 1:11
  • “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” 1:17
  • “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” 2:5
  • “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
  • “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.” 3:4
  • “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” 3:10
  • “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” 3:20
  • “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” 4:1
  • “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up.” 4:12
  • “Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires . . . and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” 4:22-24
  • “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love.” 5:1
  • “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.  Live as children of light.” 5:8
  • “Husbands should love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” 5:25
  • “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” 6:11

Greek Words:

  • musthrion - musterion – mystery, the secret knowledge obtained by initiation into a fraternity or religion, 1:9; 3:3, 4, 9; 5:32; 6:19
  • proqesiV - prothesis – purpose or will, 1: 11; 3:11
  • boulh - boulee – a purpose or will; refers to God's plan, 1:11
  • qelhma - theleema – that which is willed or the gracious design of God rather than the determined plan, 1:1, 5, 9, 11; 2:3; 5:17; 6:6
  • proorizw – proorizo – to determine before.  From pro pro – a preposition that means “before, before hand”   and ‘oridzo horidzo that means “determine, appoint, designate, mark out, set limit”, 1:5, 11

Healthy Doctrine:

  • The Church
  • In Christ
  • Spiritual warfare
  • Holiness

In Christ  or With Christ  Appears 35 Times in Ephesians

1:1

“the faithful in Christ”

1:3

“every spiritual blessing in Christ”

1:4

“chosen in Christ”

1:5

“adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ”

1:6

“freely given us in the One he loves””

1:7

“in him we have redemption”

1:9

“purposed in Christ”

1:11

“in him we were made heirs”

1:12

“hope in Christ”

1:13

“included in Christ when you heard the word of truth”

1:13

“marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit””

2:5

“made us alive with Christ”

2:5

“raised us up with Christ”

2:5

“seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus”

2:10

“created in Christ Jesus to do good works”

2:21

“in him the whole building is joined together”

3:6

“partakers of the promise in Christ”

3:12

“in him and through faith in him we may approach God”


Chapter one describes the vast spiritual blessing that is ours in Christ.  Paul offers a prayer of thanksgiving for the Ephesian believers and also prays for them that “the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you.”

Chapter two recounts their previous condition of being dead in sin but how now they have been made “alive with Christ” and how God has “seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus”.  The Gentiles have been joined with the Jews in God’s eternal plan.

In chapter three Paul explains the mystery of the church age.  Paul’s service in his ministry is to reveal and “make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery.”  Paul then prays again for the Ephesians “to know this love that surpasses knowledge.”

In chapter four Paul leaves the topic of what God has done through his glorious act of salvation in Jesus Christ and begins to discuss how we should “live a life worthy of the calling you have received.”  Paul lists Christian character and the unity of the church.  To help the believer become all that he has been called to God has placed gifts in the church to help the believer and the church mature.  The believer is to go away from living as a Gentile and more in the light and truth.

Chapter five continues the discussion of walking in the light making the point that since we are children of God we should be imitators of God.  Believers who are still living like the world are called “sleepers” among the “dead”.  They are told to “wake up!”  The chapter concludes by describing the husband and wife’s attitude toward each other and compares it to Christ and the church.

Chapter six continues to talk about believers and their roles in society including the family, children, fathers, masters, slaves.  Spiritual warfare is given one of the most detailed descriptions when the armor of God is identified and detailed.  We are told to put this armor on as we will be forced to defend ourselves against Satan’s schemes and called to advance the kingdom of God in this dark age.

 

PHILIPPIANS

61 AD

“Being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death.”  2:8

Author: Paul
Written From: Rome in prison
Sent To: Church in Philippi

Purpose:
1) Provide information concerning his circumstances (1:12-26);
2) Encourage them to live in humility and stay in unity as a church (2:1-11; 4:2-5);
3) Thank the Philippians for the financial gift (4:10-18);
4) Inform them concerning the return of Epaproditus (2:25, 26);
5) Warn them about Judaizers and false teachers (3:1-4:1)

Theme: Joy and contentment in Christ as a citizen of heaven living on earth.

Basic Outline:

  • Chapter one, Paul’s circumstances while in chains in Rome
  • Chapter two, Exhortation and encouragement to the people of Christ to think like Christ
  • Chapter three, Warning against legalism (Judaizers) and antinomianism (lawlessness)
  • Chapter four, Paul exhorts the Philippians to live in unity and thanks them for their gift

Memorable Verses:

  • “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel.” 1:4,5
  • “This is my prayer: that yourlove may abound more and more in knowledge and depth or insight.” 1:9
  • “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.” 1:18
  • “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” 1:27
  • “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” 2:3
  • “Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God” 2:5, 6
  • “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” 2:10-11
  • “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” 2:12
  • “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” 3:8
  • “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” 3:12
  • “Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.  Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach and their glory is in their shame.” 3:19
  • “Our citizenship is in heaven.  And we eagerly await a Savior from there.” 3:20
  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your minds in Christ Jesus.” 4:6-7
  • “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” 4:11-12
  • “I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.” 4:18

Greek Words:

  • politeuma – politeuma – citizenship.  The word means either the state or the constitution to which the citizens belonged, 3:20
  • politeuesqe – politeusesthe – means “to be a citizen or to conduct oneself as a citizen”, 1:27.
  • morfh – morphe – form, essence, the outward display of the inner reality or substance, 2:6,7
  • ‘omoiwma – homoioma – made like to, likeness, shape, similitude, 2:7.
  • schma – schema – fashion, external condition, external shape, 2:8.
  • kenow – kenoo – to empty, to neutralize, to make of no effect, to void.  This does not mean he emptied himself of being deity but neutralized the fact that he was deity and did not use it for any personal advantage, (Kenosis) 2:7.

Healthy Doctrine:

  • Hypostatic Union – Jesus was both human and divine

Antony and Octavian (Caesar Augustus) defeated Brutus and Cassius at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC.  Anthony ordered some Roman soldiers to settle in Philippi and it became a Roman colony.  The citizens were given the Italic right which meant the city had the same rights as a city in Italy which included tax exemptions, Roman citizenship for all its residents and government which operated on Roman law.  The city had great advantages as a Roman colony in Macedonia and the people willingly used Latin, the language of Rome as well as adapting to the customs and governing style of Rome.  Paul tells these proud Roman citizens who maintained their status and life style even though lived outside of Italy in Macedonia that they were “citizens of heaven” (3:20).

In chapter one Paul updates the Philippians on his condition in prison as Acts 28 left him.  He is ready to depart and be with Christ but believes it to be more beneficial if he continues on earth.  In 2:23, 24 he indicates he is confident he will be released.

Chapter two is one of the best discussions on the nature of Jesus Christ’s deity and humanity.  Jesus’ humbling himself to serve mankind in order to fulfill God’s will is put forth as an example for the Philippians to also humble themselves and seek God’s will and not their own.  Christ did not use his power or position for himself but for others.  The Philippians should also not use their power or position for themselves but instead use it to serve others.  The second half of chapter two is used to discuss Timothy and the Philippians’ own minister, Epaphroditus, sent to serve Paul in prison.

Paul uses chapter three to warn the Philippians against two imposters: legalists and libertines.  The legalists were the Judaizers who wanted to promote the Law of Moses and Jewish culture as a means of salvation.  Paul calls them “mutilators of the flesh” because of their zealousness for circumcision (3:3).  The libertines were an antinomian group who held to the concept that the spiritual life and the physical life were separate.  Living sinful, worldly life’s was not a problem for them since they were spiritually pure and set apart.  Paul clearly describes these either false or severely confused Christians in 3:19.

In chapter four Paul exhorts the Philippians to continue in peace and unity.  He thanks them for the financial gift they have sent.  Paul gives us a description of what it means to be content in any and every situation.  Independent of the circumstances Paul says he has learned the secret and can do everything through Christ who gives him strength.

 

COLOSSIANS

62 AD

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy . . .
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form.”  2:8, 9

Author: Paul
Written From: Rome in prison
Sent To: Church in Colossians

Purpose: Defeat worldly philosophies sweeping through Colosse that demeaned Jesus

Theme:  Christ is the fullness of deity and the only adequate source and reason of life

Basic Outline:

  • 1:1-2:3, Doctrinal – the person and work of Jesus Christ
  • 2:4-23, The Colosse Heresy – emptiness of worldly philosophies and completeness of Christ
  • 3:1-4:6, Practical Application – the lifestyle and character of a believer in Jesus

Memorable Verses:

  • “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing.” 1:6
  • “We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” 1:9
  • “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” 1:13
  • “He is the image of the invisible God.” 1:15
  • “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” 1:17
  • “The commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness.” 1:25
  • “The mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” 2:2, 3
  • “See to it hat no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” 2:8
  • “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.” 2:9
  • “Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” 2:16
  • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” 3:2
  • “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature.” 3:5
  • “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” 3:12
  • “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom.” 3:16
  • “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” 4:17

Greek Words:

  • prwtotokoV – prototokos – first in time, first in place, it means chief or preeminent, it emphasizes the uniqueness of his being and his superiority over creation, 1:15.
  • prwteuw – proteuo – to be first, to be pre-eminent, supremacy, 1:18.
  • antanaplhrow – antanapleroo – fill up, to fill up in turn or to fill up on one’s part, 1:24.
  • filosofis – philosophia – the love or pursuit of wisdom (philo – “love”; sophia – “wisdom”), philosophy, 2:8
  • qeothV – theotes – godhead, deity, divine nature 2:9.

Healthy Doctrine:

  • Deity of Jesus
  • Jesus as Creator
  • Reconciliation
  • Redemption

Christ in Colossians
  • Christ is the creator (1:16-17)
  • Christ sustains all things (1:16-17)
  • Christ is the fullness of Deity (1:15, 19; 2:9)
  • Christ is the head of all principality and power (2:10)
  • Christ is the redeemer (1:14)
  • Christ has reconciled us to God (1:20-22; 2:11-15)
  • Christ is the resurrected One (1:18; 3:1)
  • Christ is the head of the church (1:18)
  • Christ is our life (3:4)
  • Christ is the source of our strength to live the new life (1:11)
  • Christ is our returning Lord (3:4)

 

In chapter one Paul thanks God for the Colossians’ faith and prays for their growth.  He then describes the glorious person of Christ and richness of his work in redemption.  Paul then describes his ministry which includes presenting to the believers the fullness of God’s word or revelation. 

In chapter two Paul goes on the attack to expose some competitive philosophies or heresies that are undermining true Christianity in Colosse.   We do not know the specific names or all the details of any of these heretical philosophies but it appears these were the ingredients of these errant world views Paul was attacking: 

In chapter three Paul establishes some expectations for those who are in Christ and have access to the wisdom and power of Christ.  The Christian’s life should manifest the Christian’s spiritual position in Christ.

In chapter four Paul refers to nine people that are either with him or who are being greeted by him.

PHILEMON

62 AD

“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.”  10

Author: Paul
Written From: Rome, in prison
Sent To: Philemon, a believer in Colosse

Purpose: Tell Philemon, a wealthy man and slave owner in Colosse, to accept his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has become a believer after being imprisoned with Paul

Theme: Redemption, Restoration, Forgiveness, Imputation

Basic Outline:

  • Verses 4-7, Paul is thankful and encouraging to his friend Philemon
  • Verses 8-9, Paul relationship with Philemon on the basis authority and love
  • Verse 10, Paul mentions Onesimus for the first time and calls him “my son”
  • Verses 11-13, Paul describes how “useful” Onesimus is and would like to keep him.
  • Verses 14-16, Paul identifies Onesimus as Philemon’s property and a useful slave but also as a man and a brother in the Lord.
  • Verses 17-21, Paul tells Philemon to welcome Onesimus back and to charge anything he owes to Paul’s account.  Paul reminds Philemon that he owes Paul is own life.
  • Verse 22, Paul asks Phlemon to prepare a room for him because he plans on visiting when he is released from prison.

Memorable Verses:

  • “Although in Christ I could be bold and order yo to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.” 8, 9
  • “I am sending him – who is my very heart – back to you.”
  • “I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.” 10
  • “He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.” 16
  • “If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me . . . I will pay it back – not to mention that you owe me your very self.” 18, 19

Greek Words:

  • ’eucrhstoV – euchiestos – useful, serviceable, profitable, meet for use, 11.
  • ’ellogew – ellogeo – imput, put on account.  This word was a technical term in business used to refer to charging to someone’s account.18.
  • splagcnon – splagchon – the inner organs, inward affection, bowels, used to refer to the total person at the deepest levels, 7.

Healthy Doctrine:

  • New man in Christ
  • Imputation

 

 

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