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

The verse is often preached under the topic of the authority over the church, or “rightly dividing the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15), for it shows, in context, that the law of Moses has been removed from authority. God no longer requires anyone to obey that law, and does not bless anyone through it. The logical implications of this truth are several, and it is vital that we understand them because they are fundamental to the faith which saves souls (Luke 7:50). The obvious message of this chapter is that there is no more distinction between Jew and Gentile: the Gentiles are now as much the children of God as the Jews had been. But what is often overlooked is that this being made “one” has changed the status of both Jew and Gentile. Many preach that, while God has “graffed in” the Gentiles (Romans 11:17-24), He still considers the Jews His special people. How is that possible? If both are one - if there is no more wall of partition - if we are “raised up together” (6) - if the enmity, the law, has been abolished (15) - if both are reconciled in one body (16) - if “we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (18), how is either Jew or Gentile special. It sounds like “we’re equal, but I’m more equal than you.” Don’t let false teachers create doubt in your mind. Jesus is the only difference between being God’s chosen people and being lost (1:3-4).

Ephesians 3:15 – “Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”

Paul is speaking of “the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (14). What a great blessing to be called “the children of God” (Galatians 3:26-27)! Isn’t that the best name that a spiritual body could have? Why would anyone want to pollute that name by adding something or changing it altogether? Jesus built His church (Matthew 16:18). He adds to all who are saved from from Hell (Acts 2:47). It is His body (Ephesians 1:22-23), He is its head and its Savior (5:23). A tale is told of a man who agreed to help pay for a church building if they would erect the sign, “The Church of Christ.” They declined saying that it wasn’t a church of Christ. His offer stood if they would write, “This is Not a Church of Christ.” They protested that it was a church of Christ. We haven’t seen “The Methodist Church of Christ” or “The Baptist Church of Christ.” Men want to call themselves His, but reject the name God gave them (Matthew 16:18; Romans 16:16) to wear instead one of their own pleasure. When people have followed their own pleasure, rather than simply taking God at His word, they have always suffered the rejection of God and the denial of His blessings. The Old Testament book of Judges records Israel’s repeated departures from God’s plan, and their invariable suffering for it. But it also records God’s forgiveness every time they repented and followed only His word. That is still His will II Peter 3:9).

Ephesians 4:2 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love”

A simple definition of the word “forbear” is to come to the ground of another person. In this context the word says that we should not condemn others for actions which we do not personally like. We are not our brother’s judge. We should always encourage others to speak and practice sound doctrine, of course (Col. 3:16-17; Titus 2:1-2), but in matters of personal opinion we must allow others freedom. Different viewpoints help us all understand issues better. Different methods of working help the whole project to be completed more efficiently. Everything doesn’t have to be understood or done the way you see it. Christians, don’t point out every fault of your brothers and sisters. How do you want them to speak to you (Matt. 7:12)? Let us come over to their ground and stand with them, instead of standing opposed to them. We might learn something of value from their views, but we will certainly strengthen ourselves by the patience and love which we thus exercise.

*Ephesians 5:8 - “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.”

The church of Christ is instructed, by the words of the Holy Spirit and the pen of the apostle Paul, to “walk not as other Gentiles walk” (4:17). There follows, to the end of the chapter, a list of specific actions and attitudes that define the Christian’s walk, and some that define the Gentiles’ walk. Having illustrated the difference, the Spirit admonishes in 5:1, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” Verse 2 tells how to fulfill that admonition, and verses 3-4 describes the character that does not fulfill it. Verse 5 explains why we should fulfill the admonition, and verses 6-7 caution us strongly against what would hinder our following God. Upon that we have the concluding motivation beginning in verse 8. We are reminded what we were before obeying the gospel. We are reminded what we are because we obeyed the gospel - which is probably what motivated us to obey it in the first place. Now, if we lived in the darkness of ignorance and sin, but Christ brought us into the light of understanding and forgiveness, why would we go on living as if we didn’t understand the truth, and didn’t respect the forgiveness?! What did you do with the 24 hours God gave you yesterday? What thought arose in your mind when things didn’t go your way this morning? Were they from the light... or from the old darkness? If you’re redeemed, live like it.