Boldness | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:20

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Paul considered himself and ambassador (representative) of the mystery of the Gospel (considering Ephesians 3, particularly the mystery of the Gospel to the Gentiles). This is the second time Paul mentions boldness.

Examples of boldness:

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:8-13)

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus." (Acts 4:29-30)

"And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness." (Acts 4:31)

"According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him." (Ephesians 3:11-12)

Boldness comes by the filling of the Holy Ghost. Boldness is granted by prayer. One cannot decide, "I'm going to be bold for Christ." Rather, it comes by following as Christ leads, granted as an answer to prayer for boldness. Do I pray for boldness? (for myself and others) Do I pray that God would help me (and others) to speak as He would have us to speak?

Prayer for Preachers | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:18-19

(18)  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

(19)  And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Not only does Paul exhort the believers to pray for the saints, but he also requests prayers for himself.

Utterance - NT:3056 logos (log'-os); from NT:3004; something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ):

Boldly - NT:1722 en (en); a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between NT:1519 and NT:1537); "in," at, (up-) on, by, etc.:

NT:3954 parrhesia (par-rhay-see'-ah); from NT:3956 and a derivative of NT:4483; all out-spokenness, i.e. frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance:

Though Paul was known for his boldness, he still requested prayer. Taking his example, we should pray for the preachers and pastors we know: that God would give them utterance and boldness to declare the Gospel. We cannot pray too much for the men of God that we know.

The Armor of God - PRAYER | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:18

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Lastly is mentioned prayer and supplication.

Prayer - NT:4335 proseuche (pros-yoo-khay'); from NT:4336; prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel):

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22)

"And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting." (Mark 9:28-29)

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)

"But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:4)

"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;" (Romans 12:12)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;" (Colossians 4:2)

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" (1 Timothy 2:1)

"But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you." (Philemon 1:22)

"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months." (James 5:17)

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (1 Peter 4:7)

"And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." (Revelations 5:8)

These verses reveal to us the power of prayer. We must pray believing. And when we pray believing, God works: devils are cast out, men are delivered from the enemy, rain is held. God answers the prayers of His saints - they are before Him.

Supplication - NT:1162 deesis (deh'-ay-sis); from NT:1189; a petition:

"And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day." (Luke 2:37)

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." (Romans 10:1)

"Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf." (2 Corinthians 1:11)

"And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you." (2 Corinthians 9:14)

"Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy," (Philippians 1:4)

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;" (1 Timothy 2:1)

"Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." (1 Timothy 5:5)

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (1 Peter 3:12)

Supplication is prayer especially for someone else. Supplication, also, is heard by God and answered. Supplication is powerful: delivering others from the hand of the enemy, enabling others in God's ministry, and availing much. I personally believe that this is the type of prayer we could use the most but neglect the most. Not only are we commanded to make prayers and supplications, but Ephesians goes on to say, "and watching thereunto with all perseverance (persistency) and supplication (petition) for all saints;" In case we didn't quite understand what mere "supplication" meant, we are assured that it is to be done faithfully for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Does my prayer life reflect my love for the brethren? Am I faithfully praying for others and their work in the Lord?

The Armor of God - BIBLE | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:17

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Several preachers have mentioned that the Sword of the Spirit is the only offensive weapon in this armor. This implies that we can use God's Word to ward off the attacks of the devil. We can use it to defeat the enemy.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:10)

So far, no effort of man or his logic is even mentioned in the armor of the Spirit. It is all spiritual armor - that takes man's choice to put on and keep on. We know that God's Word is our Sword, but do we sharpen it in our lives? Do we read it, study it, and apply it? The Sword does not offer much protection if it is rusted in its sheath. It has to be brought out and practiced with for us to know how to use it. If we do not use God's Word in the small areas of our life, how will we be able to use it when it comes to the darkness of spiritual warfare?

For a further study of the power, might, majesty, and ability of God's Word, Psalm 119 has the most to say about God's Word. If one doubts its ability to guide, direct, fight, keep, and help, they should read Psalm 119.

The Armor of God - SALVATION | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:17

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

The next piece of armor is the helmet (4030 perikephalaia; encirclement of the head, i.e. a helmet:) of salvation (4992 soterion; defender or (by implication) defence:). Our head is not protected by ourselves. Instead, our head is encircled by salvation - which comes from Jesus Christ.

This concept reminds me of the references to Christ as the Head of the church.

"Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?" (Matthew 21:42)

"But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God." (1 Corinthians 11:3)

"And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all." (Ephesians 1:22-23)

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." (Ephesians 5:23)

"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18)

"And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:" (Colossians 2:10)

The verse that especially seems to connect this concept is Ephesians 5:23, "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Christ is the head, the Savior. We are to take the helmet of Salvation.

The Armor of God - FAITH | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:16

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Already, the armor has contained truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. But above all, we are to have the shield of faith. It reminds me of some notes from my study of Ephesians 4:27 ("Neither give place to the devil."):

Ephesians 6:16, "Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked."

Faith quenches the devil's darts. If we are bowing down under the weight of his attack, perhaps we should cry out to God to increase our faith.

1 Peter 5:8-9 is not the next passage in this context, but applies to Ephesians 6:16, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

Again, the attack of the devil is linked to our faith. We are to resist (oppose, stand against) while stedfast in the faith. If we are not steadfast in faith, we have no shield by which to resist.

Faith in God is a gradual process. We begin by faith for salvation:

"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:28)

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:" (Romans 5:1)

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith." (Galatians 3:11)

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Galatians 3:24)

"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24)

Then, we add to our faith for justification by living by faith:

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17)

"(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)" (2 Corinthians 5:7)

"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:38)

Do we have the shield of faith? Have we accepted Christ as our Savior?

And then, if we have that shield, is it still in front of us, protecting us fully? or have we let it slip down a little because we are now living as carnal believers?

Faith - NT:4102 pistis (pis'-tis); from NT:3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:

The Armor of God - GOSPEL | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:15

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Shod - NT:5265  hupodeo (hoop-od-eh'-o); from NT:5259 and NT:1210; to bind under one's feet, i.e. put on shoes or sandals:

Preparation - NT:2091  hetoimasia (het-oy-mas-ee'-ah); from NT:2090; preparation:

Gospel - NT:2098  euaggelion (yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on); from the same as NT:2097; a good message, i.e. the gospel:

Peace - NT:1515 eirene (i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:

The preparation of the Gospel of peace is to be bound under our feet. It gives the image of directing our steps - going places where we can share this Gospel.

This peace is the same peace that Jesus uses in John 14:26, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." It is by this peace that Jesus sends us, "Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you." (John 20:21)

Other verses that came to mind are:

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7)

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Romans 10:15)

Taking these verses into consideration, as believers, we are responsible to prepare ourselves with the Gospel of peace. We are to have it on, like shoes, ready to go when God may send us.

The Armor of God - RIGHTEOUSNESS | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:11-14

(11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

(12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

(13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

(14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

The second piece of armor is the breastplate - that which covers the chest and protects it. This armor is righteousness (equity [of character or act]; specially [Christian] justification:). The simple definition and reference to armor implies that this righteousness is more than what comes from us. It is something we must put on, not draw from ourselves.

- We can receive all we need to know about righteousness from God's Word

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16)

- Righteousness by faith in God

"And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness."(Genesis 15:6)

"For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." (Galatians 5:5)

- Righteousness by keeping the law

"And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us." (Deuteronomy 6:25)

- Clothing of righteousness

"I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem." (Job 29:14)

"Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy." (Psalm 132:9)

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." (Isaiah 61:10)

"By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left," (2 Corinthians 6:7)

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints." (Revelations 19:7-8)

- God of our righteousness

"Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer." (Psalm 4:1)

- God's righteousness

"For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright." (Psalm 11:7)

"Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps." (Psalm 85:12-13)

- Path of righteousness

"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." (Psalm 23:3)

- Righteousness comes from God

"He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation." (Psalm 24:5)

"In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted." (Psalm 89:16)

"In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE Lord OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS."(Jeremiah 23:6)

"In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness." (Jeremiah 33:16)

"For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." (Romans 10:3-4)

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

"I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." (Galatians 2:21)

"And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:24)

"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:11)

"And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:" (Philippians 3:9)

- Sacrifices of righteousness

"Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar." (Psalm 51:19)

- Righteousness of God's Word

"Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness." (Psalm 119:123)

"The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live." (Psalm 19:144)

"My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness." (Psalm 119:172)

"All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them." (Proverbs 8:8)

- Promises for righteousness

"The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness." (Proverbs 11:5-6)

"Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner." (Proverbs 13:6)

"He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour." (Proverbs 21:21)

 "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you." (Hosea 10:12)

- Righteousness by truth

" He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit." (Proverbs 12:17)

- Righteousness: reflection of our love for God

"The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness." (Proverbs 15:9)

- Righteousness and peace

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." (Isaiah 32:17)

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:18)

- Seeking righteousness

"Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger." (Zephaniah 2:3)

"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6)

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1 Timothy 6:11)

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)

- Our members as righteousness

"Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." (Romans 6:13)

"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:18)

- Righteousness and believers

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)

"Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame." (1 Corinthians 15:34)

- Righteousness by chastening

"Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:11)

- Wrath defeats righteousness

"For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." (James 1:20)

- Saved for righteousness

"Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Peter 2:24)

- Suffering because of righteousness

"But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;" (1 Peter 3:14)

As believers, it is but our duty to be righteous in the Lord. We must seek righteousness - and seeing as God's Word is profitable for instruction in righteousness and is righteousness Itself, we must again turn to the Bible to know how to live righteously. 

The Armor of God - TRUTH | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:11-14

(11)  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

(12)  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

(13)  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

(14)  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

Put on the armor of God . . . take unto you the whole armor of God . . . now STAND.

The first part of armor to help us stand is truth; girding (gird all around, fasten one's belt) ourselves with truth.

Truth

-All of God's paths are in truth.

"All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies." (Psalm 25:10)

-All of God's works are done in truth.

"For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth." (Psalm 33:4)

-God's law, commandments, and words are truth

"Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth." (Psalm 119:142)

"Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth." (Psalm 119:151)

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)

-God's truth will preserve us.

"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me." (Psalm 40:11)

-God's truth is a shield and buckler to us.

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler." (Psalm 91:4)

-God has given us His truth to lead and guide us.

"O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles." (Psalm 43:3)

-God desires truth in our inward parts.

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."(Psalm 51:6)

-We are to study and rightly divide God's truth.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)

-God wants us to speak the truth.

"These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:" (Zechariah 8:16)

-We have the choice whether or not to walk in God's truth.

"Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name." (Psalm 86:11)

"I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me." (Psalm 119:30)

"For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John 1:3-4)

-Truth helps to purge iniquity.

"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil."(Proverbs 16:6)

-God lives in truth.

"And thou shalt swear, The Lord liveth, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory." (Jeremiah 4:2)

-Jesus Christ is truth.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

-The Holy Spirit is truth.

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)

-Man can deceive himself to believe something that is not God's truth - they can change God's truth in their minds.

"Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen." (Romans 1:24-25)

-Man can disobey, reject, and resist the truth.

"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 3:1)

"Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

"Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." (2 Timothy 3:8)

-The way of truth will be evil spoken of by evil men.

"And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of." (2 Peter 2:2)

Even believers can deny God's truth and ignore it. To do so is only opening our lives to a direct attack of satan. It is so very vital for the believer to be rooted and grounded in the truth. How can we use the Sword of Truth if we do not even know the truth? I don't believe there is any "coincidence" that truth is the very first weapon mentioned. The first step of the believer should be to read God's truth, study God's truth, seek God's truth, and follow God's truth. By doing so, they are putting on the first weapon in their armor.

The Wiles of the Devil | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Before giving us the armor, God continues to stress the importance of why we need this armor. Our battle is not physical - thus, we cannot rely on physical resources (example: Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God."). To fight the spiritual battle warring, we must arm ourselves with spiritual resources.

We cannot be ignorant against whom we are fighting. The Bible helps us to understand the enemy: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world." (1 Peter 5:8-9)

The devil is as a roaring lion.

He walks about.

He seeks to devour.

But, he can be resisted.

Ephesians 6:13

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Just as we must "put on" the armor, we must also take the armor. These words give the implication that it is our choice whether or not we will receive the armor that God has provided. It is there. It is available. But do we take it?

After warning us about the devil, the challenge again to pick up the armor of God and use it is given - very similar to verse 11. We do not have to be defeated by the wiles of the devil. Instead, we can withstand (stand against, oppose) and stand (to stand).

Commands for Parents (Part 2) | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:4, 

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord

What is the Father's responsibility in raising children? In our society, it is often given to the mothers to see after the spiritual rearing of their children. But what do we see in God's Word?

The Mother and Child

" If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:" (Deuteronomy 21:18)

"My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:" (Proverbs 1:8)

"My son, keep thy father's commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:" (Proverbs 6:20)

"The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame." (Proverbs 29:15)

"A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother." (Proverbs 10:1)

Older women are to teach younger women (Titus 2:3-5)

A mother can instruct her children and give laws for them. We also notice that a wayward child brings shame and heaviness to his mother.

The powerful influence of mothers:

"Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin:" (1 Kings 22:51-52)

"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." (2 Timothy 1:5)

A mother has a strong influence over her children. This influence can either be good or bad; the children likely will follow in her footsteps.

The Father and the Child

-The father's responsibility to his daughter.

"But if the priest's daughter be a widow, or divorced, and have no child, and is returned unto her father's house, as in her youth, she shall eat of her father's meat: but there shall no stranger eat thereof." (Leviticus 22:13)

-The father's responsibility to remind his children of God's marvelous works.

"That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever." (Joshua 4:6-7)

"And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. For the Lord your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever." (Joshua 4:21-24)

"The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth." (Isaiah 38:19)

-The father's influence

"So these nations feared the Lord, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day." (2 Kings 17:41)

"Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers." (Proverbs 17:6)

-Commands for the fathers

"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)

"Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." (Colossians 3:21)

-Examples of a father

" Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." (Psalm 103:13)

"As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12)

-The commands for children to their fathers

"Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding." (Proverbs 4:1)

"The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him." (Proverbs 23:24)

"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke." (Proverbs 13:1)

"A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother." (Proverbs 15:20)

"A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him." (Proverbs 17:22)

"A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping." (Proverbs 19:13)

"He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach." (Proverbs 19:26)

"Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father." (Proverbs 28:7)

Conclusion: while godly mothers who teach their children God's Word are a blessing and mightily used in God's kingdom, they were never intended to replace the fathers. How much we need godly fathers who will rear their children in the nurture and admonition of God!

Commands for Parents (Part 1) | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 4:1, 

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Provoke to wrath -  NT:3949 parorgizo (par-org-id'-zo); from NT:3844 and NT:3710; to anger alongside, i.e. enrage:

Nurture - NT:3809  paideia (pahee-di'-ah); from NT:3811; tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction:

Admonition - NT:3559 nouthesia (noo-thes-ee'-ah); from NT:3563 and a derivative of NT:5087; calling attention to, i.e. (by implication) mild rebuke or warning:

Again, we see another "put off/put on": put off provocation, put on nurture and admonition.

It is possible for fathers to be guilty of provoking their children to wrath - otherwise, they would not be warned against it. Colossians 3:21 reiterates this, "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." Here, lies the responsibility of the father, not of the children. Children have already been commanded to obey and honor, but fathers should never use that as a reason to do whatever they desire. Even by demanding obedience and honor, fathers can provoke their children to wrath.

Instead of provocation, fathers are given the command to raise their children with nurture (education, training, disciplinary correction) and admonition (calling attention, mild rebuke or warning). These words help us to understand the attitude behind training. Instead of forceful, angry training, fathers are to have a humble attitude. They can discipline their children and rebuke them, but it is done in a gentle spirit. The issue at hand is not the means of raising children, but the attitude of raising children.

What better example of fatherhood is there than God the Father? Hebrews 12 gives us a glimpse of God the Father: "(5) And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: (6) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (7) If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (8) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (9) Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? (10) For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (11) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." (Hebrews 12:5-11)

God does not father without chastening - but His chastening is always rooted in His love for us and His interest in our profit. God never chastens because it just "feels good" to chasten. He always has a reason for His chastisement.

Commands for Children (Part 2) | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:2, Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

After a child is to obey their parents, they are to honor them. Honor means (NT:5091 timao) "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere:"

Doing a further study of this Greek word, we find out a little more about honor.

Children Honoring Parents

"For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." (Matthew 15:4-8)

"For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye." (Mark 7:10-13)

Directly linked to children honoring their parents is people dishonoring God. To say that a child should not honor his parents is clearly disagreeable to God. We cannot change the Scripture to "fit our times," but our times to fit the Scripture.

"Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matthew 19:19)

"And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother." (Mark 10:18-19)

There is no doubt that Jesus accepted and preached honor to parents. This is an Old Testament command reiterated in the New Testament. Seeing that God saw fit to mention it so many times in His Word, who are we to use exceptions to this command?

Honoring God

"That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him." (John 5:23)

"Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me." (John 8:49)

The same word used for honoring parents is used in terms of honoring God. Jesus Christ Himself was an example of One Who honored His Father.

God's Honor

"If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour." (John 12:26)

And the same word used for honoring parents and God is used . . . for God honoring us!

Honor All Men

"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." (1 Peter 2:17)

This, I feel, is the ultimate conclusion of honor: children are to honor their parents, believers are to honor God, and by that practice, believers should honor all men and those in political authority over them. In this day and age, we do not see a movement of honor. Instead, there are many rebellious and proud individuals who feel they should honor and obey no one. This is clearly unscriptural.

Commands for Children (Part 1) | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Colossians 3:20, "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord."

In case one doesn't fully understand the simple command, "obey" means (NT:5219 hupakouo) "to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority:" Children are to put themselves under the God-given authority of their parents. It is right (equitable, innocent, holy). It is well pleasing (fully agreeable) to the Lord.

These verses indicate more than simple obedience to parents. We are not to obey our parents because it is right in their eyes and well pleasing unto them. It is a higher standard than that: by obeying their parents, the children are obeying God. Even at a young age, children can (and should) understand that it is not merely an act of obeying parents, but much more importantly, an act of obeying (or disobeying) God.

Ephesians 6:2, Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

After a child is to obey their parents, they are to honor them. Honor means (NT:5091 timao) "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere:"

Ephesians 6:3, That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Not only do we see that God has commanded us to obey; but He has so much as given us a promise for when we do obey. God's commands are not without blessings - if we follow. Do we want things to be well with us? Well then, we must deny ourselves and humble ourselves to obey God's commands. Do we want a long life? We must again deny our "rights" and humble ourselves to God's commands. It is as simple as that. 

Study - printable edition

Here is the printable version of the Bible study: CLICK HERE

You should be able to access and print the PDF. If you have troubles, please contact me and I'll see what I can do (withajoyfulnoise{at}gmail{dot}com).

Conclusion

If you have never studied your Bible before, the information we have been covering the past few weeks is probably a little overwhelming. You might want to try it all or you might want to give up. Please, take things one step at a time.

Pray

Ask God how He would have you to study. It might be something completely different than what I have suggested and that is fine! Do as God leads.

Study

Some people need to study a few minutes every day, others prefer to set aside several hours once or twice a week. Again pray to see what plan God would have for you.

Apply

As you study God's Word, He will begin to use it in your life ("For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12).

To study and never apply is described in James 1:22-25, "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." As we begin to study God's Word, are we entering with a humble spirit to learn and apply, or are beholding God's truth then turning away, ignoring His Word in disobedience?

Only the Bible

Once you know how to find the words and their root words in a concordance, you can use simply the Bible as a concordance for the Bible. For instance, from the passage above, I can search for the word "sanctification" and I come up with:

If you notice, the root word for "sanctification" is always G-38. Looking up G-38, you will see that underneath the definition is a list of all of the words used from that specific Greek word.

Besides "sanctification," G-38 is also translated as "holiness." Now, look up the word "holiness" and find those with the root word G-38. Here are all of the words that I found with the root G-38 (both "holiness" and "sanctification"):

"I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness." (Romans 6:19)

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Romans 6:22)

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:" (1 Corinthians 1:30)

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:" (1 Thessalonians 4:3)

"That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;" (1 Thessalonians 4:4)

"For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

"But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:" (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

"Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety." (1 Timothy 2:15)

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:" (Hebrews 12:14)

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied." (1 Peter 1:2)

Do We Need Other Books?

Is God's Word really enough for the believer, or do we need other books to help us along? While study books can be extremely helpful, I would caution any Christian in using "other books." Persuasive authors can use Scripture out of context and if we are not careful to use the Bible as our "plumb line," we can very easily be swayed to believe something that is not fully truth. Let us take into consideration the question at hand. Why would one think that the Bible is not enough? We can read many authors, some of which will claim that we only need the Bible, others who will claim that we need extra curriculum. Well, what does the Bible Itself say about this issue?

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

"According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (2 Peter 1:3-4)

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: Rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Colossians 2:6-8) (emphasis added)

If still in doubt after reading these passages, I would recommend you to read Psalm 119 and see what God thinks about His Word. Just as God opened the understanding of His disciples to know what His Word says ("Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures," Luke 24:45), God will open our understanding.

As this series concludes, may we apply ourselves to diligently study God's Word in 2014 so that

Jesus will not have to say to us as to the Pharisees, "Did ye never read in the scriptures. . ." (Matthew 21:42) or as to the Sadducees, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)

Studying a Passage

To gain understanding of an individual passage, it is beneficial to have both the Strong's concordance and Webster's 1828 dictionary on hand.

Choose a Passage

Sometimes, the Lord will lead you to study through a book. Other times, maybe it is just a memory verse or another verse that God has brought to your attention.

Study Key Words

Find the key (strong) words throughout the passage (these could be many or a few). Then, look up the definitions of these words both in Strong's Hebrew/Greek dictionary and Webster's 1828 dictionary.

For example, I will use a study that I recently did.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6

3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.

Sanctification

Greek - (38) hagiasmos (hag-ee-as-mos'); from NT:37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier:

Webster's - 1. The act of making holy. In an evangelical sense, the act of God's grace by which the affections of men are purified or alienated from sin and the world, and exalted to a supreme love to God. 2. The act of consecrating or of setting apart for a sacred purpose; consecration.

Should abstain

Greek - (567) apechomai (ap-ekh'-om-ahee); middle voice (reflexively) of NT:568; to hold oneself off, i.e. refrain:

Webster's - In a general sense, to forbear, or refrain from, voluntarily; but used chiefly to denote a restraint upon the passions or appetites; to refrain from indulgence.

Fornication

Greek - (4202) porneia (por-ni'-ah); from NT:4203; harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry:

Webster's (fornicate) - To commit lewdness, as an unmarried man or woman, or as a married man with an unmarried woman.

Honor

Greek - (5092) time (tee-may'); from NT:5099; a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself:

Webster's - 1. The esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation. 2. A testimony of esteem; any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions; as the honors of war; military honors; funeral honors; civil honors. 4. Reverence; veneration; or any act by which reverence and submission are expressed,as worship paid to the Supreme Being. 5. Reputation; good name; as, his honor is unsullied.

Lust

Greek - (3806) pathos (path'-os); from the alternate of NT:3958; properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence):

Webster's - 1. Longing desire; eagerness to possess or enjoy; as the lust of gain. 2. Concupiscence; carnal appetite; unlawful desire of carnal pleasure. Rom 1. 2 Pet 2. 3. Evil propensity; depraved affections and desires. James 1. Psa 81. 1. To desire eagerly; to long; with after. 2. To have carnal desire; to desire eagerly the gratification of carnal appetite. 3. To have irregular or inordinate desires. 4. To list; to like.

Concupiscence

Greek - (1939) epithumia (ep-ee-thoo-mee'-ah); from NT:1937; a longing (especially for what is forbidden):

Webster's -  Lust; unlawful or irregular desire of sexual pleasure. In a more general sense, the coveting of carnal things, or an irregular appetite for worldly good; inclination for unlawful enjoyments.

Defraud

Greek - (4122) pleonekteo (pleh-on-cek-teh'-o); from NT:4123; to be covetous, i.e. (by implication) to over-reach:

Webster's - 1. To deprive of right, either by obtaining something by deception or artifice, or by taking something wrongfully without the knowledge or consent of the owner; to cheat; to cozen; followed by of before the thing taken; as, to defraud; a man of his right. 2. To withhold wrongfully from another what is due to him. Defraud not the hireling of his wages. 3. To prevent one wrongfully from obtaining what he may justly claim. 4. To defeat or frustrate wrongfully.

By looking into the definitions of the word, it helps me to understand the subject this passage is speaking about.

Make it Personal

Once you study the passage, you can use the definitions to make it applicable and personal. From the definitions above, my mom wrote:

     "For this is the will of God, even purifying you and making you holy, that ye should refrain from indulging in idolatry (specifically in the physical sense), that everyone of you should know how to possess his vessel in purity and dignity . . ."

To make it personal, she wrote:

     "For this is the will of God, even purifying me and making me holy, that I should abstain from indulging in idolatry . . ."

Considering the Greek and Hebrew Words

 As you look at the Strong's concordance, you will notice little numbers to the side of the verses. These numbers indicate the original Hebrew/Aramaic (for Old Testament) or Greek (for New Testament) words. By looking up the original word, it can shed light on the subject.

Let us take  the word "love" in the New Testament. The passage in John 21 shows a remarkable difference. I have copied the passage and inserted the Greek numbers for all forms of "love."

John 21:15-17

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (G-25) thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (G-5368) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (G-25) thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love (G-5368) thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest (G-5368) thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest (G-5368)thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love (G-5368) thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

In the back of the Strong's concordance is a Hebrew dictionary and Greek dictionary. Be sure to flip to the correct one! For the above passage, we will find the Greek numbers 25 and 5368.

Here is what we discover:

25 agapao (ag-ap-ah'-o); perhaps from agan (much) [or compare OT:5689]; to love (in a social or moral sense):

5368 phileo (fil-eh'-o); from NT:5384; to be a friend to (fond of [an individual or an object]), i.e. have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling; while NT:25 is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety: the two thus stand related very much as NT:2309 and NT:1014, or as NT:2372 and NT:3563 respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head); specifically, to kiss (as a mark of tenderness):

From these definitions, we see that Jesus was asking Peter, "Do you really love Me?" and Peter was answering, "Lord, I have an affection for you." The third time, Jesus asked, "Do you have an affection for Me?" and Peter was grieved because he could not claim to really love Christ. Reading the original definitions help shed a deeper understanding on the words.

Topical Study with Hebrew and Greek Words

With the realization of different root words, you can do a study on the individual root words. You can look up all of the verses using agape (G-25) love and then all of the verses using phileo (G-5368) love and follow the pattern of a normal topical study.