Eastertide

Throwback Wednesday: Living in Resurrection Power

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Throwback Wednesday: Living in Resurrection Power

Easter, for Christians, is  more than a one day event.  It is a 50-day celebration. The season of Easter, or Eastertide, begins at sunset on the eve of Easter and ends on Pentecost (see Acts 2).

Eastertide, is also, an excellent  opportunity to expand our  understanding of the power Christ’s resurrection continuous to offer, even in the 21st century (Eph. 1:19-20).

That being said,  we offer for your reading, “Living in Resurrection Power”.   This is an excellent follow-up to our series, “Spiritual Blessing for Victorious Living.”

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: Living Victoriously

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Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: Living Victoriously 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.” Ephesians 1:3 (NKJ)

What does it look like?

At the beginning of this series, we put forth the proposition that spiritual blessings, outlined in Ephesians 1:3-14, will result in victorious living by believers.

As we conclude this series, it is a great time to share exactly how spiritual blessings accomplish that.  What exactly does victorious living look like?  There is much written on “how” to live victoriously.  It often includes a recommended list of spiritual disciplines accompanied with a list of “do’s and don’ts”.  Yet, more than often,  the specifics on victorious living are unclear.

Clarity in the Scriptures

For me, there are several biblical truths that contribute to understanding what victorious living looks like.  The most important being how “we look” in Christ.

In Christ, we are “new creatures” (2 Cor. 5:17) and are continually being  “transformed by the renewing of their mind” (Rom. 12:2).  It is God’s expectation that we “be holy as He who called [them] is holy” (1 Pet. 1:15-16) with the ultimate objective to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29).

As we are conformed to Christ’s image,  we live out our purpose or  “good works, which God has ordained” for us to do (Eph. 2:10).

This process of spiritual transformation is ongoing in us who confidentially trusts God and understands that “He that began a good work is able to perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil. 1:6)—until Christ’s Second Return or the believer’s returns to Christ.

Victory in God

Victorious living finds its genesis in the Triune God.  Chosen by God.  Redeemed by Christ.  Sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Victorious living is achieved by our walking in the reality of the spiritual blessings “gifted” to us by God resulting in our new identity and capability.  All these blessing are to the praise of God’s glory—lavish and abundant blessings on which to live victoriously.

I once believed that living victoriously was dependent on me.  I am so glad that God provided the “true secret to victorious living”.   For it in In Him “we live, and move, and have our meaning” (Acts 17:28).

“But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”  (Titus 3:4-7)

In your quiet time, read Ephesians 1:3-14.  Feel free to read it several times using a different translation or paraphrase; then journal how this scripture can help you live more victoriously.

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessing for Victorious Living: A Foretaste of Glory

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In whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, Who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1:13a-14 (NKJV)

God’s Work of Salvation

To this point in our study of Ephesians 1, Paul has focused on the work of Triune God in fulfilling the work of salvation. 

Jesus Christ the Son, offered Himself for the redemption and forgiveness of sin for those who accept Him by faith.  Through His blood, Christ paid the righteous demand for sin for without the shedding of blood there can be no redemption (Heb. 9:21-22).     

As we approach the conclusion of our series, Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living, Paul describes the extraordinary work of the Holy Spirit as He fulfills His role in the work of salvation.

The Spirit of Promise

The Holy Spirit would seal those in Christ “until the redemption of the purchased possession” in eternity future. A seal, in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security or indicate ownership.

Ancient seals were often made of wax, embedded with the personalized imprint of their guarantor.  In both the Old and New Testament the significance of the act of sealing was dependent on the authority of the one doing the sealing.  

It would authenticate the guarantor’s ability to “make good” on that which was promised within the sealed document; in this case the promise of the believer’s salvation and future inheritance. 

The Holy Spirit of Promise not only endows the believer with power to accomplish the purposes of God (Phil. 1:6; 4:13) but He also gives assurances that God will do and can do all that He has pledged—promises and blessings for today and an inheritance in the future. The Holy Spirit seals those who trust in Christ (Eph1:12, 13) and His presence is God’s guarantee that believers are owned by Him and secure in Him.

Blessed Assurance

Since the Holy Spirit’s task is to apply Christ’s work to God’s people, He anoints those in Christ the moment they believe (2 Cor. 1:21-22).  The believer is then secured as a member of God’s family, not in their own power, but because the Spirit is applying the promises made possible by God through our relationship with Christ.  

His sealing comprises the initial down payment or the earnest of the full redemption of God’s possession (1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Pet. 1:3-5).  In reading Ephesians 13a-14, the words of the hymn, “Blessed Assurance” echoes within my heart and mind.

Blessed assurance Jesus is mine

Oh what a foretaste of glory divine

Heir of salvation, purchase of God

Born of His Spirit, Lost in His love

Foretaste of Glory

This song captures in totality the work of salvation and the interceding role of each member of the Holy Trinity. 

Blessed Assurance describes in its opening lines the work specifically of the Holy Spirit who gives us a foretaste of the glory that belongs to those who are in Christ. 

“Foretaste” is made up of two Latin words:  ante which means “ahead, before or previously” and gustus meaning “flavor, zeal” (this is where we get our word gusto). 

Foretaste is described as a taste before possession; a limited awareness of something to occur.  This is a good illustration of what the sealing of the Holy Spirit accomplishes—it whets the spiritual appetite for those things which God has reserved for believers until the day we all shall see Jesus for ourselves (1 John 3:2).

This is my story, this is my song.

Praising my Savior all the day long.

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: An Irrevocable Inheritance

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Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: An Irrevocable Inheritance

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, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.  In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.

Ephesians 1:11-13a (NKJ)

Where’s the Money?

At the death of famous celebrities, there always seems to be some uproar with reference to inheritance.  Emotions overflow into the media as children and siblings fight over monies they feel are rightfully theirs.

Family members are often excluded—fairly or unfairly—while others are left  huge sums of monies for the rest of their life.  And if they don’t spend it up, then they too will leave an inheritance for those left behind.  This week we will discuss another spiritual blessing afforded us who are in Christ—an irrevocable inheritance.

What is the Inheritance?

Legal inheritance refers to actual property or goods received after a family member’s death. While Jewish inheritance customs were linked to family blood lines, Greek and Roman laws also provided for the disposition of family possessions through the adoption of an heir.

The Scriptures transform the concept of inheritance to include the acquisition of spiritual blessings and promises from God.  As part of the plan of salvation, God predestined those in Christ to adoption as sons (Eph. 1:5).

This inheritance was part of the plan of salvation designed at the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).  It was all part of God’s predestined purpose.  A plan written without input from man but according to God’s “perfect will”.

Believer’s inheritance is the possession of salvation; more specifically, the experience of joyful existence with God.

Who are the heirs?

  • Christ.  Jesus Christ is heir in a very unique way because of His eternal relationship with the Father. God has placed all things under His only begotten Son’s feet and given Him all power to both judge and rule (Heb. 1:2b-3), including the future Millennial kingdom.
  •  The Jews.  The nation of Israel also has a special relationship with God as a result of His promises to Abraham. Through these Old Testament promises, the Jews “first trusted” (Ep. 1:12).  They were to be “living testimonies” to the goodness and faithfulness of God .  But like Abraham, they too would need to receive their inheritance by faith (Rom. 4:1-3).
  • Believers.  The Gentiles “also trusted” based on their belief after hearing “the word of truth—the gospel of salvation”.  As the word of faith is preached, access to God’s inheritance is found by mply in confession and belief (Rom. 10:8-13).   As both heirs and joint heirs with Christ, we receive the same things that Christ receives (Rom. 8:17).

An inheritance shared.

In Christ,  the collective “we” (Eph. 1:11),  stand justified at the foot of the Cross (Rom. 5:1-2) “having obtained” (note this is past tense) our inheritance of salvation.

Concurrently,  we “trust” in Christ and receive salvation that delivers us from the penalty and power of sin until the awaited “redemption of the purchased possession” in eternity.  Then believers will be delivered from the presence of sin (1 John 3:2; Rev. 21:4).

Thank God, our heavenly Father has given us an inexhaustible and “incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven” (1 Pet. 1:4).  We do not have to argue over whether we are the “rightful heirs” of this inheritance.  It is a spiritual blessing given to us by the glorious grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Col. 3:24).   There is no need to wait until there is a death to receive it, for it is available now to those who believe.  It is an irrevocable inheritance to each of us who are in Christ.

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: Begin with the End in Mind

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Spiritual Blessing for Victorious Living: Begin with the End in Mind

The Possibilities

A child gazes into a new box of Legos and begins to fantasize about that special robot they have always wanted.  A young lady searches for that one “special” dress.  She knows the silhouette, color, and fabric.  She has already envisioned wearing it on Saturday.  I stare at the picture of shrimp and grits.  Reviewing each ingredient, I imagine its succulent taste in my mouth.  All three of us with our own unique desire will bring into reality what we have each imagined by beginning with the end in mind.

“Begin with the end in mind” is one of the principles from Steven Covey’s best seller, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  Covey puts forth the idea that by clearly seeing the goal we desire at the beginning, we will more likely be able to accomplish that goal in the end.

Before the foundation of the world, God had a specific end in mind.  It was two-fold:  first, to redeem mankind, and secondly, to restore the Kingdom of God.  Both purposes were fulfilled and will be fulfilled through Jesus Christ (Is. 9:6-7).

Having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, 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.  Ephesians 1:9-10 (NKJ)

The mystery has been made known.

The mystery (musterion) of God’s will can only be known because of God’s willingness to make it known.  The word literally means “to shut the mouth” and in this context, it refers to a truth once hidden but now made known (Rom. 11:25; Col. 1:26).

The mystery “was made known” when Christ came in the flesh (Titus 2:11) and the long-awaited plan of redemption was initiated according to God’s good pleasure.  God knew what was needed to resolve the issue of sin.  He “purposed in Himself” a plan that was to be carried out in Jesus Christ, His Son.  This mystery has now been revealed “to us”—His Church.

The purpose realized—in part.

Dispensation refers to the management or oversight of other’s property.  God gave Christ oversight over all the elect, not only in the physical world, but also those already in heaven.  The Apostle Paul revealed to the church at Ephesus God’s eternal purpose to “gather together” not only them, but all who have by faith accepted Christ.

This “gathering together” began with a chosen people who ultimately became a nation called Israel (Ps. 132:11-13).  This “gathering together” continued with a rejected people, the New Testament Church (1 Pet. 2:10), who became heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

The “fullness of times”, however, is yet in eternity future, when Christ begins His reign in the Millennial Kingdom (Rev. 21).  Then the purpose which God began before the foundation of the world will be realized in full.

What about us?

What has God purposed for our life?  It’s much more than “living happily ever after”.  God has gifted us with spiritual (and material) blessings to bring into reality what was always the plan for mankind and His Kingdom.

Let our life “in Christ” be centered “on Christ”!  This season of Lenten is a great time to realign and reprioritize our plans with God’s vision for our life.  Let us remember to keep the “main thing the main thing.”

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: The Boundless Gift of Grace

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The Boundless Gift of Grace

Precious memories

“Grace” was a familiar song often sung at my childhood home church.  I can still hear Mrs. Olivia Gentry, bellowing out the chorus that highlights the richness and indescribable power of God’s grace.

Grace, Grace, God’s grace

His grace is sufficient for me.

Grace, Grace, God’s grace

His grace will give you,

The victory.

As we continue our series on victorious living, we would be remiss if we did not take time to examine the source of our salvation and “crown jewel” of God’s blessings:  GRACE.  Without it, victorious living is impossible.  For it is the grace of God that finally resolved our issue with sin:  the thing that thwarted our relationship with our Heavenly Father.  It would take extraordinary, boundless grace to reverse the downward spiral of fallen man.

In Him [Christ}, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence.  Eph. 1:7-8 (NKJV)

The Heart of grace

In the Old Testament, grace (hen) generally referred to one finding favor and acceptance with God (Gen. 6:8; Exod. 34:9; Ps. 84:11).  In the New Testament, while grace still infers the favor of God, grace (charis) is extended to include God’s goodwill and loving-kindness.  This boundless gift of grace is extended to us through Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11,14).

In Christ, we find redemption and forgiveness of sin (Eph.1:7).  Jesus satisfied the holy and legal requirements of God by paying the price for sin with “the shedding of blood” (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22).  When we continued in our sin, unable to keep His laws, God sent His Son Jesus (John 3:16). J

Jesus Christ made it possible for God to complete His plan of salvation that was created before the foundations of the world (1 John 3:5-8; 4:9). This “glorious grace” (Eph. 1:6) has resulted in God’s choosing us, adopting us, and making us” acceptable in the Beloved” (Eph. 1:3-6).

Paul states that the riches of God’s grace abound toward us (Eph. 1:8).  The RSV translation builds on that thought, using instead, “lavished upon us.”  Such extraordinary covering by God’s grace flows from the depth of His love (1 John 4:9-10).  It includes wisdom and prudence (understanding) of “Christ’s purpose so that we can feel His heart of mercy, to approve and to concur with His redeeming plans, as men ‘made wise unto salvation’” [1]

Where sin abound…grace abound much more

One thing we have in common is sin, regardless of time, space, or geography.  We see sin’s effect everyday:  crime, civil strife, social injustice.  All these find their root in sin.  There are, also, “subtle sins” that are hidden from the visible eye.  They affect the behavior of individuals, churches, and society.  They include greed, jealousy, envy, and hate, just to name a few.

The issues of this century are “heart issues”:  hearts hardened and determined to live self-centered and disobedient lives.  Neither money nor power can resolve humanity’s woes.  Narcissistic or charismatic leaders cannot end the political impasse.  Better schools or larger jails won’t end generations of economic inequality.  There is only one thing that can reverse the cycle of death set forth by sin in the Garden of Eden.  It’s God’s boundless gift of grace.

Alec Motyer, in this classic book, “Look to the Rock”, gives insight into the impact of God’s boundless gift of grace: “When God’s people could not rise to the height of His standard, God didn’t lower His standard to match their abilities, He transformed them.”  This transformation is possible only through acceptance of God’s boundless gift of grace.

[1] Ephesians Studies, H.C.G. Moule

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: To the Praise of God’s Glorious Grace

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Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: To the Praise of God

For God’s Praise

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, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.  Ephesians 1:4-6 

Last week we explored the meaning of “in Christ”.   In Christ describes our identity with Christ and our position before God the Father.  Our new identity incorporates the personality of Christ by the Holy Spirit indwelling our heart.  Being in Christ makes available to us everything that Christ has:  His righteousness, privilege, resources, position, and power.    This week we’ll continue our discussion of spiritual blessings by focusing on its primary source:  God.

Go to the Source

The source of spiritual blessings is God, The Faithful Creator and Sustainer of Life.  These blessings are available through God’s plan of salvation for those who by faith are in Christ.  God’s plan was not “Plan B” or an afterthought as a result of man’s fall in The Garden (Genesis 3:15) but was created in eternity before the foundations of the world.  “With the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world but was manifest in these last times for you” (1 Pet. 1:19-20).

The Old Testament prophets declared the plan of God to redeem and restore His people for their sake and for His glory (Isaiah 43:21). The Lord proclaimed through Jeremiah: “I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.” (Jeremiah 33:8)

Believers are receivers

God chose man from Creation to be the recipient of His great love, desiring to be in continual relationship with His most beloved creature.  However, the nature of God, His holiness, specifically, demanded that believers be “holy and without blame” before Him (1 Pet. 1:15-16).  God declared, therefore, the means by which man would be able to meet His requirement for holiness:  His Son, Jesus Christ.

Through God’s predetermined plan, He adopted those in Christ to become His sons (and daughters) (Rom. 8:15-16).  By God’s act of grace (being chosen and adopted) and mercy (Christ’s substitutional death for sins), we are now clothed in Christ’s righteousness (imputed), making the pursuit of holiness (blamelessness) possible.   With the addition of the Holy Spirit’s presence, we are able “to both will and do God’s good will” (Phil. 2:13).

God’s affection for us speaks to the true heart and nature of God.  It expresses God’s goodness.  While God’s goodness includes, His love and His mercy, Paul speaks of the “glory of God’s grace” (charis) expressed in the free gift of His Son.  God’s grace, resulting in our salvation and justification (rendered righteous) before God (Rom. 5:1O), deserves our highest praise.   Hallelujah, we are now acceptable to God through Jesus Christ!

Blessings from a Sovereign God

In Ephesians, we are reminded that God as Sovereign of both heaven and earth does all things “according to the good pleasure of His will” (Eph. 1:5) and “according to the counsel of His will” (Eph. 1:11).

God sovereignly rules over all things—present and future.  He rules with wisdom, justice, and mercy, therefore, we can trust our present and our future in His hands (Rom. 8:28) regardless of what is happening in our external circumstances (2 Cor. 4: 18).

Chosen by God.  Holy and blameless in Him.  Adopted as sons.  Accepted by God.  These are the beginnings of the spiritual blessings God has lavishly given to us who are in Christ.  Taken individually, we can begin to understand and appreciate the privilege, power, and promise that flow from each (2 Pet. 1:3-4).  With each action of God, we are invited to respond by participating in the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth and in witnessing to others about the Good News of Jesus Christ.   Let everything that has breathe praise the Lord for all He has done and continues to do for us who are in Christ!

Victorious Living

Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living: In Christ

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Victorious living in Christ

Victorious living

What do we need to live victoriously?  Some may think it begins with identifying our “spiritual gifts” so they can serve in the church (Eph. 4:12).  Others search out the “benefits of Christian living” claiming the promises of God as their own (2 Cor. 1:20).

But I contend that the most important factor that leads to victorious living (for new and sage believers) is understanding our spiritual blessings in Christ.  Spiritual blessings in Christ are the means by which we gain access to, acceptance from, and authority of God.

It begins “in Christ”

When I began my Christian walk, the meaning of “in Christ” was a mystery to me.  I tried to understand it based on those things I was familiar with.  For example, I established membership in the local church, and I was in fellowship with its members to serve and glorify God in my life.  But “in Christ”, what did it mean?  Paul described it this way in Ephesians 1:3:

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. 

“In Christ” is the present experience of the risen Christ indwelling the believer’s heart by the Spirit.  It is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus.  It describes our union with Christ as a result of the divine action of grace by God.  As a result of that action, we are transformed into a “new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17).

A Closer Look

“In Christ” isn’t the result of keeping the Law or by good works.  It is a gift of God (Eph. 2:10).  How was this gift accomplished?

Jesus Christ, by taking part of weak flesh and blood, satisfied the righteous requirement of God, to destroy the devil, and to deliver us from the penalty of sin (Heb. 2:14-15).   In exchange, we have moved from being “dead in our trespasses” (Eph. 2:1) to our new position of being “in Christ.”   It is here that we are put in a vital union and communion with Him so that we identify with Him.

Look at Me Now!

“In Christ” we no longer identify with the world’s standards and views. We (in position) can now begin the process of being conformed (in practice) to the image of Christ—righteous and holy (Rom. 12:2).

God makes His superabundant blessings available to us as His children by faith in Christ so that what Christ has is ours.  This includes His righteousness, privilege, resources, position, and power.  We are able to draw upon the wealth of Christ to accomplish God’s purpose and His will.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms.  It is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally.  In Christ, we have been given  new spiritual DNA that equips us for the purpose and plan God has created for our lives.

In Christ we have been given everything we need to live godly and productive lives (2 Pet. 1:3-4).  Join with us next week as we continue to explore, “Spiritual Blessings for Victorious Living.”

Victorious Living

Be Still and Know!

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Be Still !

Be still!

 Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,

 I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)

This is the closing instruction the Psalmist gives in the 46th division of Israel’s song book.  It was to be remembered and recited as they worshipped Jehovah in the Temple.  Perhaps it was read during times when the nation was threatened by foreign nations.  It could even be cited as kings prepared to bring a somber message or bad news to their subjects.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.  Though the waters be therefore roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Selah

With the latest mass shooting in Kansas City after the Chief’s Super Bowl parade, we ask ourselves the question, “Lord, when will the madness stop?”  It seems as if evil is on every hand—locally, nationally, and without a doubt internationally.  We may even ask, “is God in control?”

The Answer

Psalm 46 answers those questions in its final verses.  Yes, God is still in control.  And in response to the problems we face, we are to “be still and know” who God is and His ability to address the issue at hand.  To know (yada) means: (1) to know by observing and reflecting, and (2) to know by experiencing.  It is to have an intimate knowledge of Him.

As we reflect on our lives, where have we seen God at work?  When has God come to our rescue or given us the strength to endure trying times?  Have there been situations where we realized that God had gone before us to make a way out of no way (Psa. 50:15)?  God is awesome and available and much, much, more.

A Mighty Refuge

As I process the trauma of the senseless shooting, this time, in “my city”, I recall the words from the powerful hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, which is said to be a paraphrase of Psalm 46.

A mighty Fortress is our God

A Bulwark never failing

Our Helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing

The concept of fortress appears numerous times throughout the Bible, often carrying deep symbolic meaning beyond just a stronghold or place of defense (Psa. 18:2; 62:6-8).  Fortress is most often used metaphorically to represent God as a source of refuge, protection, and salvation for His people.  These verses portray God as an unshakable fortress or tower that provides safety and security for those who trust in Him.

This thought continues with the Psalmist’s use of the word, bulwark.  A bulwark is a wall meant to provide protection.  “Mortal ills” are human sins we must deal with while operating in our “human flesh”.  These often result in negative outcomes in our personal life and in society.

Words to Remember

Jesus in His final moments with His Disciples presented a “sobering expectation” of their future: “In this life you will have tribulations.”  That message is still true for us in the 21st century.  But Jesus adds the “blessed reality and result” of our relationship with Him.  “Be of good cheer (take courage), I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In other words, Jesus’ victory over death and sin by way of the Cross, would be the same victory we would experience as we encountered life’s trials—individually or collectively.  Victory includes our ability to persevere and to succeed regardless of the circumstances we may experience (Eph. 1: 18-19).

As we navigate tragedies and misfortunes, we must remember that we live in a fallen world.  And while we have been delivered from the penalty and power of sin, we must still expect and deal with the consequences of its presence.  Our knowledge of God assures us that His presence will go with us (Deut. 31:8), His power will protect us (2 Thess. 3:3), and His peace will sustain us (John 14:26-27). Therefore, we can be still (relax).

Knowing God

The Knowledge of God: An Enlightened Conclusion

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An Enlightened Conclusion

Knowledge of God: Recap

Knowledge of God is critical.  For believers, it establishes the moral authority and inspiration in our life, which results in purposeful living, and understanding what God has given to us. For non-believers, it can influence their decision to either accept or reject Jesus Christ’s offer of salvation.

Knowledge of God is not only to be intellectually informed, but to be experienced as our personal reality.  With the coming of Christ, this experience is possible as a result of our faith response and acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  (John 14:7; 17:3)

As believers, we are instructed to “grow in the knowledge of God” (2 Pet. 3:18).  The driving force for knowing God is relationship.  Relationship with God requires both commitment to Him and connection with Him.  We abide in Him (Psa. 91:1), we dwell with Him (Psa. 27:4), and we thirst for Him (Psa. 42:1-2).  We grow!

And in doing so, our minds are renewed, and we are transformed:  changed into the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:29; 12:2).  Our knowledge is continually expanded as more about God is revealed through the Holy Spirit.  What we currently know is only a foretaste until we see Him “face-to-face” in eternity future (1 Cor. 13:9-10).

Knowledge of God or spiritual ignorance?

We’ve all heard that “knowledge is power,” often to the point where it seems like a cliche. The idea that “knowledge is power” is used often in the business world, especially in negotiations.  Knowledge of God is also powerful.  In 2 Peter 1:2-3, the apostle encourages Christians to persevere in persecution.  Why?  How?

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. 

The Apostle Paul concurs with this thought in his letter to the saints in Ephesus who had power through their knowledge of God, yet they were living as beggars.  They had relegated themselves to live in “spiritual poverty” amid God’s abundant grace including adoption, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, inheritance, the seal of the Holy Spirit, life, grace, and citizenship (Eph. 1:3-14).

As believers in Christ, are we exercising the power that has been given to us through our knowledge of God?  Knowing “who we are” and “whose we are” gives us extraordinary advantage and power.  Our relationship with God (as His children) and our position (in Christ) gives us access to unlimited resources to stand firm, immovable, always abounding in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

Knowledge of God and power

Paul prays for “revelation” for the church; that they may see (and know) how to navigate the challenges they face as a new church in a pagan and hostile city.

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,  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, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power. (Eph. 1:17-19)

Paul sets out to explain how the wisdom and knowledge of God can address the needs of the church.  In this context, that knowledge is obtained as a result of accepting Jesus Christ’s offer of salvation.

“may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him”

Some commentaries interpret spirit (pneuma) as a disposition or attitude one might possess.  Of course, we cannot obtain such a disposition apart from the Holy Spirit.  Wisdom gives insight into the true nature of things.  Revelation is the unveiling of God Himself.  The purpose of both wisdom and revelation is to know God better.

“the eyes of your understanding being enlightened”

Paul prayed that they might have true spiritual insight into God as a result of the eyes of their heart being enlightened.  It is the heart where transformation begins.  Paul testifies to the church at Corinth that “God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, had shined in his heart to give the glory of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).

That we might know

Having prayed that the Ephesians might know God personally, Paul gives the reason why knowledge of God is important.  THAT WE MIGHT KNOW.  Know in this context is factual knowledge.

The hope of His calling.  This pertains to the believer’s present hope when he was called to faith (2 Tim. 1:9).  This occurred for the believer in the past. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of a believer’s victory in God (Col. 1:5).

The riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints.  “His” in this text pertains to God Himself.  At the time of the resurrection of believers, God will inherit those whom He has purchased at a great price according to the riches of His grace. This will occur in the future. God’s inheritance will be the saints themselves.

The exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.  This power of God is directed toward believers. This pertains to the present time. Using three different words—power, working, and mighty—Paul underscores the magnitude of God’s great power available to Christians.

I close this series with this quote from Dr. Max Anders, pastor and noted author:

To know God and to find one’s full satisfaction in that knowledge is the ultimate goal of the Christian experience. The Lord’s greatest delight comes when His people discover the ultimate value lies in the knowledge of God. Nothing in the material world can complete the delights that are present in His Person.