The Forming of the Body of Christ. Paul`s Prison Letters. (cont.)
The Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Body had given the Apostle Paul all the great truths of His purpose for the Body of Christ. Paul taught these, the whole Counsel of God and also warned of the heresies trying to deceive the believer. Then the Lord gave to Paul the encouragement to give the believers as they went through various trials.
Thus while in prison Paul wrote more letters, some to groups and some to individuals - Philippians, Philemon and Ephesians. These are important, for we learn of the believer`s walk in the spirit. It is the outworking of the believer`s experience whatever the circumstances.
Rejoice amid life`s trials - (Philippians)
Paul reveals that even in prison God`s work goes on. (Phil. 1: 12 & 13) And at the end of the letter we read how not only the saints at Rome greet the Philippians but `also those who are of Caesar`s household.` (Phil. 4: 22)
So amid great trials and difficulties the Apostle encourages the believers to rejoice. (Phil 4: 4) And with his great heart for the believers he turns their minds towards the Lord. (Phil. 2: 5 - 9) What need they fear, for the Lord is above every authority and power, and every knee will bow and confess that He is Lord. (Phil. 2: 10 & 11)
Forgive others - (Philemon)
This is a personal letter from Paul to Philemon. In the letter Paul intercedes with Philemon for a runaway slave. Paul does not minimize the sin, but pleads for forgiveness on behalf of the sinner. This is the message of the cross, for Christ bore our sins in His own body on the tree.
The Eternal Purpose - (Ephesians)
In this letter to the believers at Ephesus, we read of the greatest revelation of truth God has given to man. It is the mystery that has been hidden before the foundation of the world. (Eph. 1: 9 & 10, 3: 9 - 11)
The Apostle then reveals the supreme position Christ has in God`s great kingdom. (Eph. 1: 20 & 22)
Paul then goes on to write of another mystery - the Body of Christ. The believers are members of this body of which Christ is the Head. It is a spiritual organism and each member has a part. (Eph. 1: 22 & 23)
The building and maturing of this Body of Christ is by the Spirit of the Lord. It is through Him that the believers are in unity and that finally as truth is clarified across the Body then there will be the maturing of the whole Body. (Eph. 4: 13)
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