The unsearchable riches of Christ

The total depravity of mankind. 

Ephesians 4:17-19.

Stream or download The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 51

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Having spoken of the unity that exists between the saints and the need to safeguard it an strengthen it, Paul now calls for separation from the sinful society in which they dwell.

I. SEPARATION IN LIFESTYLE FROM THE WORLD AROUND IS A  NECESSITY FOR THE CHILD OF GOD.

1. This call came with the authority of Christ behind it. Paul calls Christ forward as a witness in support of what he is saying.

2. The call was for immediate obedience. Henceforth. It was not just something that must begin immediately but it must continue. It was henceforth and hereafter. How incongruous is walking in worldliness with a profession of faith in Christ!

3. Separation in lifestyle was all the more required given the contrast between the child of God and the unregenerate sinner. Having seen something of the mind of the child of God and given the nature of the mind of the sinner as Paul now displays it, how can there be anything other than separation? 4:1 (2:10), 17. Two walks of very differing character.

Diversity amidst Unity, Pt6

Ephesians 4:7-16.

Stream or download The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 50

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3. THE THREE-FOLD MARK OF MATURITY
Verses 14-16.

Here are the marks of the success of the gospel ministry in our lives.

A. Childishness forsaken. Children are prone to error and of being deceived, tossed about and carried away. The gospel ministry would promote growth and deliver us from such immaturity. 1 Cor 3:1-3.

B. Speaking the truth. We own the truth in our lives by word and deed. This indicates a heart and mind, tongue and hands governed by the truth., Psalm 15. It denotes conformity to the Him Who is the TRUTH.

C. A living only to serve and promote the interests of Christ and His Church. Is this not illustrated in the spirit that prevailed amongst the early Christians? Acts 2:44-47.

Diversity amidst Unity, Pt5

Ephesians 4:7-16.

Stream or download The Unsearchable Riches of Christ, Pt 49

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2. THE THREE-FOLD OBJECTIVE OF THE CHRISTIAN
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,”  verse 13. This is an enlargement of verse 12.

A. The work of the ministry continues until that fulness of faith and knowledge. Not until the glorification of the elect and the fulness of united faith will the ministry end. The restitution of all things and the final damnation of the wicked will end the ministry, Acts 3:21; Rev 21:5-8. When faith will give way to seeing and full knowledge, 1 Cor 13:12; 2 Cor 3:18;  1 John 3:2; Rev 22:4.

B. The precise unity referred to. We are being brought on to perfection by the Word of God. When God finished the creation of man, He was perfect. When the work of the gospel ministry is finished with us we shall be perfect, Jude 24; Eph 5:27. So Paul laboured, 2 Cor 11:2.

C. When this perfection will be reached. When the mystical body of Christ has reached full stature. The word fulness refers to a ship being ladened until full.