Christine Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 8 Topic Count: 38 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 1,058 Content Per Day: 0.41 Reputation: 1,031 Days Won: 5 Joined: 04/29/2017 Status: Offline Share Posted March 16, 2019 (edited) ' Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:' (Ephesians 1:1) Hello there, Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, is addressed to the 'Saints' and those who were the 'Faithful in Christ Jesus'. I ask for your thoughts on this, please. Saints are believers in the Lord Jesus, yes, but this goes further, doesn't it? To 'the faithful in Christ Jesus'. What is your understanding of what is meant by this? What is meant by being 'faithful in Christ Jesus' in your estimation, or more importantly in the estimation of God and His Word. Thank you In Christ Jesus Chris Edited March 16, 2019 by Christine 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeauJangles Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 44 Topic Count: 229 Topics Per Day: 0.06 Content Count: 10,900 Content Per Day: 2.93 Reputation: 12,145 Days Won: 68 Joined: 02/13/2014 Status: Offline Birthday: 08/14/1954 Share Posted March 16, 2019 11 minutes ago, Christine said: ' Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:' (Ephesians 1:1) Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, is addressed to the 'Saints' and those who were the 'Faithful in Christ Jesus'. I ask for your thoughts on this, please. Saints are believers in the Lord Jesus, yes, but this goes further, doesn't it? To 'the faithful in Christ Jesus'. What is your understanding of what is meant by this? What is meant by being 'faithful in Christ Jesus' in your estimation, or more importantly in the estimation of God and His Word. Hi Christine, This is a very interesting question, and thanks for posting it. Perhaps yet another question here. Would it be at all possible, the Lord gave Paul the understanding his letters would also be shared by other churches some time in the future? That might be a little far-fetched, and I'm only assuming here, but it's a thought. If so, this could account for the ' faithful in Christ Jesus'. To me it would appear to be one in the same, and nothing further indicated. I could be totally wrong about this, and way out in left field. Looking forward other's responses. God bless! Shalom, David/BeauJangles 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 8 Topic Count: 38 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 1,058 Content Per Day: 0.41 Reputation: 1,031 Days Won: 5 Joined: 04/29/2017 Status: Offline Author Share Posted March 16, 2019 1 minute ago, BeauJangles said: Hi Christine, This is a very interesting question, and thanks for posting it. Perhaps yet another question here. Would it be at all possible, the Lord gave Paul the understanding his letters would also be shared by other churches some time in the future? That might be a little far-fetched, and I'm only assuming here, but it's a thought. If so, this could account for the ' faithful in Christ Jesus'. To me it would appear to be one in the same, and nothing further indicated. I could be totally wrong about this, and way out in left field. Looking forward other's responses. God bless! Shalom, David/BeauJangles Thank you @Beaujangles, Though written to the Ephesians I believe it was used as a circular letter sent to the Churches under Paul's care. Also, for it to be included in the collection of writings chosen to make up the Scriptures of the New Testament, it must have been intended for future reading too, and to be understood by we who read it in this century in the same light as it was originally intended. With love in Christ Jesus Chris 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeauJangles Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 44 Topic Count: 229 Topics Per Day: 0.06 Content Count: 10,900 Content Per Day: 2.93 Reputation: 12,145 Days Won: 68 Joined: 02/13/2014 Status: Offline Birthday: 08/14/1954 Share Posted March 16, 2019 13 minutes ago, Christine said: Thank you @Beaujangles, Though written to the Ephesians I believe it was used as a circular letter sent to the Churches under Paul's care. Also, for it to be included in the collection of writings chosen to make up the Scriptures of the New Testament, it must have been intended for future reading too, and to be understood by we who read it in this century in the same light as it was originally intended. With love in Christ Jesus Chris Yes Chris, exactly. Thanks for the reply. God bless! Shalom, David/BeauJangles 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest In Him Posted March 16, 2019 Share Posted March 16, 2019 2 hours ago, Christine said: ' Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:' (Ephesians 1:1) Hello there, Paul's epistle to the Ephesians, is addressed to the 'Saints' and those who were the 'Faithful in Christ Jesus'. I ask for your thoughts on this, please. Saints are believers in the Lord Jesus, yes, but this goes further, doesn't it? To 'the faithful in Christ Jesus'. What is your understanding of what is meant by this? What is meant by being 'faithful in Christ Jesus' in your estimation, or more importantly in the estimation of God and His Word. Thank you In Christ Jesus Chris Christine: although this is not concerning Ephesians, I remember first learning of faithfulness in: 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. To me, faithfulness, as a fruit of the Spirit working in us, is a trustworthiness wrought in the character through 100% obedience and trust in God. From experience, I have come to grow in Christ, through those who have been faithful in Christ, to instruct or advise, truthfully and firmly with me, according to scripture, even to my hurt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Christine Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 8 Topic Count: 38 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 1,058 Content Per Day: 0.41 Reputation: 1,031 Days Won: 5 Joined: 04/29/2017 Status: Offline Author Popular Post Share Posted March 16, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, In Him said: Christine: although this is not concerning Ephesians, I remember first learning of faithfulness in: 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. To me, faithfulness, as a fruit of the Spirit working in us, is a trustworthiness wrought in the character through 100% obedience and trust in God. From experience, I have come to grow in Christ, through those who have been faithful in Christ, to instruct or advise, truthfully and firmly with me, according to scripture, even to my hurt. * I too have benefited from the instruction of such, to whom I will be eternally grateful, '@In Him'. * These are useful verses that you have provided, and refer to those who have received a 'trust', which they are called upon to faithfully administer to others. Which brings to my mind another passage of Scripture: words spoken by Paul to Timothy:- 'Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.' (2 Timothy 1:13-14) * I believe that the content of the epistle to the Ephesians, along with that of Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Timothy and Titus, contain a trust, a deposit of truth, for which faithfulness in Christ Jesus was, and is still, a vital requirement. It was not the gospel of salvation, or of justification by faith, vital though those are, but the knowledge of the administration of the church which is the Body of Christ, of which Christ Himself is the Head. The content of which I believe was the substance of the 'form of sound words' which had been heard and entrusted to Timothy by Paul: and was so vehemently opposed: prompting the following words of Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:15:- ' This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.' * These epistles were written to believers, to whom God would make known the truth that is, ' Christ in (or among) us', which is, 'our hope of glory, as members of the Church which is the Body of Christ. This was unique at the time of writing, as was the hope and sphere of blessing spoken of in these pages. A unique unity, in which the Jew had no prior place, a unique calling, and a sphere of blessings which are spiritual, and all ours in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. A completeness and acceptance in Christ, a standing of holiness in which there is no blame to be found; and a spirit of Sonship which could call the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 'Father'. Forgive me for getting carried away with the glory of this, @In Him.. With love in Christ Jesus Chris Edited March 16, 2019 by Christine 1 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not me Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 14 Topic Count: 512 Topics Per Day: 0.23 Content Count: 3,188 Content Per Day: 1.44 Reputation: 3,350 Days Won: 1 Joined: 04/06/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted March 16, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, In Him said: Christine: although this is not concerning Ephesians, I remember first learning of faithfulness in: 1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. To me, faithfulness, as a fruit of the Spirit working in us, is a trustworthiness wrought in the character through 100% obedience and trust in God. From experience, I have come to grow in Christ, through those who have been faithful in Christ, to instruct or advise, truthfully and firmly with me, according to scripture, even to my hurt. Hi; In Him, though I know these words weren’t directed at me. I just wanted you to know how much life, truth, wisdom and openness before God there is in these writings. Blessed me so much, listened to them multiple times. Saw a believer that was willing to “sell all they have and follow Jesus” or in modern words “give up all of self and follow Jesus”. Than to read the words that say all; “even to my own hurt” These words are the hallmark of a soul that is willing to let truth as it is found in Jesus, do all in and to them that truth would have done. Whether these truths, please, or don’t please self. For the joy that comes in the morning, after these truths do their perfect work. As I’m sure you have learned and tasted by experience, is a joy that nothing can compare. Blessings to you, for blessing me, and all those that would read your words. Much love in Christ, Not me Edited March 16, 2019 by Not me 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not me Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Royal Member Followers: 14 Topic Count: 512 Topics Per Day: 0.23 Content Count: 3,188 Content Per Day: 1.44 Reputation: 3,350 Days Won: 1 Joined: 04/06/2018 Status: Offline Share Posted March 16, 2019 28 minutes ago, Christine said: * I too have benefited from the instruction of such, to whom I will be eternally grateful, '@In Him'. * These are useful verses that you have provided, and refer to those who have received a 'trust', which they are called upon to faithfully administer to others. Which brings to my mind another passage of Scripture: words spoken by Paul to Timothy:- 'Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.' (2 Timothy 1:13-14) * I believe that the content of the epistle to the Ephesians, along with that of Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Timothy and Titus, contain a trust, a deposit of truth, for which faithfulness in Christ Jesus was, and is still, a vital requirement. It was not the gospel of salvation, or of justification by faith, vital though those are, but the knowledge of the administration of the church which is the Body of Christ, of which Christ Himself is the Head. The content of which I believe was the substance of the 'form of sound words' which had been heard and entrusted to Timothy by Paul: and was so vehemently opposed: prompting the following words of Paul, in 2 Timothy 1:15:- ' This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.' * These epistles were written to believers, to whom God would make known the truth that is, ' Christ in (or among) us', which is, 'our hope of glory, as members of the Church which is the Body of Christ. This was unique at the time of writing, as was the hope and sphere of blessing spoken of in these pages. A unique unity, in which the Jew had no prior place, a unique calling, and a sphere of blessings which are spiritual, and all ours in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. A completeness and acceptance in Christ, a standing of holiness in which there was no blame to be found; and a spirit of sonship which could call the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 'Father'. Forgive me for getting carried away with the glory of this, @In Him.. With love in Christ Jesus Chris Thank you so very much Christine for setting before us such a banquet of food to eat. I am going to have to get my sharp knife out to cut and eat this steak you have set before us. Munchity munch munch. ?? Blessongs, Much love in Christ, Not me 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jostler Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Mars Hill Followers: 25 Topic Count: 6 Topics Per Day: 0.00 Content Count: 2,679 Content Per Day: 1.39 Reputation: 3 Days Won: 16 Joined: 01/19/2019 Status: Offline Share Posted March 16, 2019 Hey Christine I need to go into a little preamble...but...exposure to Hebrews 6:1-3 and His explanation of it literally set the path for most of my study for many months after I was led into discovery of it. Quote Heb 6:1 ¶ Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For the first time I saw in this an understanding that there are six very specific areas we have to master from the Word as a FOUNDATION....a solid place established in us on which He can build us into mature sonship. I was at a point where I'd already begun to notice that I was getting pretty well grounded in the Word in comparison to most Christians I met. I had come to a place where very few i met had more familiarity with the Word than I did. It probably hadn't quite passed into hubris and pride (the observation was accurate enough, the "standard" I was comparing to was totally off base) but i'm sure it was headed that way. I began to dare to think I'd entered into a measure of "maturity" in Him. And then He pulled this passage on me As I compared my own perception of my understanding to these six categories I realized there were still pretty gaping holes in my FOUNDATION. And into that realization He spoke this: "You've made a good start in getting your foundation secured, and good on you for that. But don't you DARE begin to believe you're mature yet. Your foundation still needs establishing." So, considerably humbled, I determined to examine each of these six areas again, and make securing my foundation a priority. My lack proved to be far more severe than my initial assessment indicated. But, long story short, one of the LEAST understood topics in focus proved to be "eternal judgement". Once I began to really dig into that and seek Him for revelation I quickly realized I knew next to nothing, and what little I thought I knew proved to be more founded on myth and tradition than the truth of the Word. In the course of studying 'eternal judgement' i came to understand it's a very rich, multi-layered topic and the Bible gives a lot of detail but it's not a subject that yields to "surface" reading. It yields understanding through study. In that process I ran across this: Quote Rev 17:14 “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” I think if you choose to study those three words out from Scripture, you'll likely discover they represent three levels of reward in heaven. I do believe they are separate and distinct from each other and represent a progression with the highest rewards in heaven reserved for those who meet heaven's qualifications for all three of those descriptions. There are at least two levels of "called". The first is to the whole world...the "call" to salvation in Jesus. But after that there is another, more specific call related to our personal lives and bounded by the plan of "good works" He appointed for each of us to walk in from before the foundation of the world. The "call" is there at the new birth but we are not considered "called" by heaven until we take up...take ownership of the call. Taking up, even recognizing our "call" requires a submission to His Lordship, He simply doesn't reveal much about it until He is not only Saviour, but also Lord of our lives. But, being called is not the same as being "chosen" to walk in the call. Acceptance of the call usually is the beginning of some very pointed training in how to walk in the call. When He is satisfied the training is sufficent, THEN He will mark His servant "chosen" for their particular call and will "release" them into full expression of their call. And being chosen is not the same as being found "faithful". When and how that is applied to His servants is up to Him but USUALLY it will require a season of time, marked by faithfulness..often in the face of severe testing...temptation. Those of His who parry the thrusts, dodge the darts and remain faithful to His choosing of them, are indeed precious in His sight. And will be rewarded for the suffering and testing they endured in order to remain faithful to Him 1 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Posted March 16, 2019 Group: Diamond Member Followers: 8 Topic Count: 38 Topics Per Day: 0.01 Content Count: 1,058 Content Per Day: 0.41 Reputation: 1,031 Days Won: 5 Joined: 04/29/2017 Status: Offline Author Share Posted March 16, 2019 @Not me @Jostler @SelahSong Thank you for your entries, I am just too tired to take anything in at the moment, but shall come back to them afresh in the morning. My thanks also, once again, to @BeauJangles and @In Him for their responses. Good night all. With love in Christ Jesus Chris 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts