Ephesians 4:25–32

²⁵ Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. ²⁶ “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil. ²⁸ Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. ²⁹ Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

Commentary
Vs. 25 "Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another." 

Continuing on from His exhortation to put of the old man (or old nature) and to for us to to put on the new man (i.e. our new nature In Christ), the Apostle Paul now quoting from Zechariah 8:16 (also consider Lev. 19:11) gives us some very tangible and practical ways by which we can all do that. And so to begin with the Apostle Paul says we should start by putting away all lying, saying: “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another." That is we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ are all apart of Christ's Body, and thus we are all members of one another, Spiritually joined and united with each other In Christ. And so as members of one another we should be honest and truthful with each other, because that is foundational to building deep and trusting and lasting relationships with each other, as well as building peoples confidence in ourselves, that we are honest and trustworthy people who live by the truth, and thus walk in all honesty and integrity. For lying and practicing the same not only undermines and destroys peoples trust and confidence in each other; ruining marriages and relationships of all sorts; but it can also undermine and destroy peoples trust and confidence in systems, organizations, and even can cause people to loose their faith and confidence in Christ Himself, something none of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ would ever want anyone to do. And so lying is utterly repulsive for all of the relational and societal carnage it brings with it (consider Isaiah 59:13-15). But lying is also repulsive in what it also does to the individual who speaks and lives by lies. For lying and practicing the same is like driving a wedge between oneself and God Himself (consider Jer. 9:6). And so lying opens the door for Satan, the father of lies to come into someones heart and mind and life and begin to sow and justify all kinds of evil thoughts and desires. Therefore no one should ever underestimate the seriousness of lying, or the seriousness by which God sees all lies (Prov 12:22) and will judge all unrepentant liars (Psalm 5:6; 1 Tim 9-10; Rev 21:8), because lying, like all sins is never self contained, but has far reaching and negative and damaging ripple effects on those around us (consider Prov 29:12), especially on those who love us. Therefore lets us all put away all lying, ¹⁰ For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. ¹¹ Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. ¹² For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12.

Vs. 26-27 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, ²⁷ nor give place to the devil."

Now before someone goes off and justifies their own ungodly wrath or anger or malicious spirit notice first that the anger being spoken of here is linked with not sinning, and so the exhortation starts with hating what is evil in ones own life, and not yielding oneself to it, or partaking in evil with others (Consider Exodus 23:1-2; Prov. 8:13; 13:5). For there is a time for a just anger against sin, against evil, against corruption, against violence and injustices and crimes against an individual or humanity when these are committed (Psalm 11:5-7; Ecc 3:8). But there is also a sinful anger that is not true of God's Word, nor representative of Christ and His Spirit within us, but rather is only born out of ones old sinful nature and is vindictive, vengeful, unforgiving and unmerciful etc., and thus is not what Christ wants to see in any of us. Just as there is an ungodly angry and wrath born out of jealously which is often manifested through malice and hatred and outbursts of wrath which is is not what we have been called to do, to walk in the spirit and ways of our old nature (consider Titus 3:3-8). Thus the Apostles Paul's exhortation here about "being angry" should not be confused with justifying ones own ungodly, or unjust anger, hatred, or unforgiving spirit at being wronged. Rather the godly anger here is like the anger Jesus felt when He saw that the Temple was given over to those peddling wares within it, and thus who were exploiting and profiteering off of those who had come to seek God through it (see Matt. 21:12-14; John 2:13-17; also consider 1 Sam. 2:22-36; 3:11-14). Or the anger God feels when the poor, the weak, the vulnerable are exploited and abused (Isaiah 10:1-4; antithesis Psalm 12:5; 140:12; Prov 22:22-23; Isaiah 41:17), and so we are commanded to defend the same from the greedy, from the wicked, and from all unjust and evil men and woman who only rob, abuse and exploit the same for their own pleasure and gain (Psalm 82:3-4; Isaiah 1:17). Those then are some ways in which Godly anger can manifest itself and bring about justice and constructive change for us all. That said, I think the Apostle Paul's exhortation here is more geared towards us as believers who as members of one another are going to have times when we will be wronged. And so dealing with the causes of our anger and wrath during these times is paramount to not only our own peace, but also maintaining our fellowship and unity and love as believers, as well as having healthy relationships in all areas of our lives. Therefore the anger and wrath spoken of here, at sin, or at having been sinned against (Lev. 19:17) is to be dealt with directly by our dealing with the people directly related to it, as soon as it is reasonable and possible for us to do so, rather than letting it fester and burn on and on inside us, as the Apostle warns of happening to us if we do not readily deal with it in the daytime, before the night comes and all manner of evil thoughts and desires of "getting even" begin to take root inside of us. For as it is with lying, not readily and justly dealing with ones own anger and wrath only gives the devil a foothold in ones own person and life, which will only be harmful to oneself and others through the bitterness and such that will be born out of it (Heb. 12:15). Therefore when it comes to our interpersonal relationships we must follow what the Lord Jesus Christ commands in Matt 18:15-35 (also see James 5:16) so as to prevent the devil from getting a foothold in our lives, or the lives of those we have wronged. 

Vs. 28 "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need."

In his ongoing exhortation of our putting off the old man, the Apostle Paul now says that the one who stole, should not only steal no longer (also see Deut 5:19; 1 Peter 4:15), and rather that they should labor with their own hands in some sort of honest employment, and not just to meet their own needs, but also to help meet the needs of those who are in need, and thus to bring forth some positive fruit for Christ and blessing to others through their new lives as well. Now stealing is not just something that the common thief (Deut. 5:19), dishonest worker or employer does (Titus 2:9-10; James 5:4). But sadly stealing, robbing, lying and cheating is found in all levels of society. And so not only does God have prohibitions against it, but also judgments for those who follow after it (consider Lev. 19:11, 13; Psalm 37:21; 50:15-21; Prov. 3:27-28; 11:1; 20:14, 23; 22:23; Isaiah 10:1-4; 58; Jeremiah 7:8-10; 9:4-6; 22:13-17; Ezekiel 22:9; 45:9-10; Hosea 4:1-2, 8:4-6; Micah 6:11; Nahum 3;1; Zechariah 5:3; Malachi 3:5, 8-12; Luke 19:45-46; 11:17; Rom. 2:22; 13:9; 1 Cor 6:8; James 5:1-6; Rev 9:21 etc.). Therefore we as the children of God must not be partakers in anything that would put us under just scrutiny by man, or by God (Lev. 19:13, 35-36; Deut 25:13; 15, 16; Prov 16:11 etc.), because ones own reputation and integrity and peace is far more valuable than the little bit of temporal wealth that is gained by it (consider Prov 20:17; 28:6; 29:24; Heb. 13:18).

Vs. 29 "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers."

Having dealt with the hands, the Apostle Paul now turns too the mouth. Now we know that all sins have their origins in the human heart (Matt. 15:19) and that the mouth is a good indication of the good or the evil that is taking place inside oneself (Luke 6:45). And so believers should not only guard their hearts with all diligence from the corrupting influences of this world (Prov. 4:23-27), but also their mouths, because it is the mouth that directs the body, whether into good or evil (James 3:3-7; also consider James 1:19-20). Therefore things like profanity, speaking folly, off-color humor, disparaging and discouraging words and speech, slighting or deprecating of others are not the kinds of things that God approves, or wants to hear coming out of our mouths. Rather God wants us to use our mouths to encourage and build each other up in our faith and lives, and give grace to those who hear us; whether inside or outside of the faith. Therefore our mouths should be like life giving streams of fresh glacier mountain water that truly refresh and bless others, rather than being like the dark and dirty stagnate swamp waters that only pollute and defile, and thus quench the thirst of no one (consider Prov. 10:11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32, 11:9, 12:14, 18, 20, 13:2-3; 14:3, 7; 15:2, 7, 14, 23, 28, 16:13, 21, 23, 27, 21:23; 18:7, 20, 21; 22:11; 23:16; 24:26; 26:28; 28:23; 31:26).

Vs. 30 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." 

Lying, stealing, corrupt speech all grieve the Holy Spirit, just as any sin in a believers life does. And so not grieving the Holy Spirit who has sealed us for the day of redemption is foundational to not only our own Spiritual growth and edification, but also the edification of others as well.

Vs. 31-32 ³¹ Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. ³² And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

The Apostle Paul now lists several things that are grievous to the Holy Spirit when believers walk in them, they are:
bitterness, πικρία, LN. 88.201 "a state of sharp, intense resentment or hate" often manifested through ones disposition and speech (see Rom. 3:14). Now living by as much only has the effect of defiling others with the same spirit of bitterness (see Heb. 12:15).
wrath, θυμός, LN. 88.178 "a state of intense anger, with the implication of passionate outbursts—‘anger, fury, wrath, rage." This word often indicates a sudden rising up of anger and thus an outburst of wrath, like that which the people of Nazareth, Jesus' home town exemplified, when Jesus preaching in their Synagogue justified two Gentiles, the widow of Zarepath of the region of Sidon, whom God sent Elijah the prophet too, who she received and believed God's word spoken to her, and thus she did as he commanded her, and she and her whole household lived. And Namaan the Syrian, a leper and commander of the Syrian army who likewise believed Elisha the prophet, and thus did what he commanded him, and he was healed by God (see Luke 4:26-30, vs. 28; for other uses of this word also see Acts 19:28, Rom. 2:8; 2 Cor 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:8; Heb. 11:27; Rev 12:12; 14:10, 19; 15:1, 7; 16:1, 19; 19:15).
anger, ὀργήa, LN 88.173 "a relative state of anger", —‘anger, fury.’ This word indicates an ongoing state of anger, as such no believer can live in as much without grieving the Holy Spirit, and so we are commanded to put such wrath away from ourselves because the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20). Also in 1 Tim. 2:8 men are to pray to God without wrath and doubting, the implication being that harboring anger towards anyone while seeking God in prayer by faith are two incompatible practices, and thus ones wrath must be dealt with if one expects God's intercession.
clamor, In this context this basically means very loud and contentious quarreling and arguing. Basically yelling and shouting at each other, rather than working out ones differences like Christians should do.
evil speaking, βλασφημέω; βλασφημίαa, LN. 33.400 "to speak against someone in such a way as to harm or injure his or her reputation (occurring in relation to persons as well as to divine beings)—‘to revile, to defame, to blaspheme, reviling.’ Evil speaking has the effect of not only harming another persons reputation or person, but also of stirring up others to do the same, and so it is grave evil, which no one who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ should ever partake in.
malice, κακία, LN 88.199 "a feeling of hostility and strong dislike, with a possible implication of desiring to do harm—‘hateful feeling.’

Now in contrast to practicing those very negative and destructive things, we are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. The measure than of God loving and forgiving us and seeking our well being through the Crucifixion death of His Son, who know also lives to ever make intercession for us (Heb. 7:25), is how we are to love and forgive others, because we will all have to endure injustices, injuries, conflicts, and the like, and most of these we will have no control over, for that is the very nature of life itself. Yet what we can control and be better people for is how we respond to them, for that is God's plan for us in this life, to become more like Christ, which we do when we walk in the Spirit and not yield ourselves to our old sinful ugly nature. My God Himself than help and strengthen us all as we grow in His Son, becoming more and more like Him as we yield our hearts and lives to His Will for us all, amen.

Scriptural Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.

Additional Resources Consulted
Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament: based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition., Vol. 1, p. 763). New York: United Bible Societies.

MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1939). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Additional Information
All indicated definitions were taken from Louw-Nida Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament

Ephesian 4:17-24

¹⁷ This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, ¹⁸ having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; ¹⁹ who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. ²⁰ But you have not so learned Christ, ²¹ if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: ²² that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, ²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

Commentary

Vs. 17 "This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind"

The Apostle Paul in speaking by the Lord's authority now makes a strong appeal, (i.e. testifies) that we who believe should no longer walk (that is live) "as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind." The Apostle Paul's thought here is that we who have come to know God through Christ should no longer live our lives like those who having no know true knowledge of God only walk in the futility of their own minds. And so as disciples of Christ we should no longer live like those who hearts and lives are being swayed and directed by all of the lies of this world which are propagated in every generation through worldly philosophies, through peoples own sinful hearts and desires, and very often through popular culture which is a reflection of all of this and very often is the means by which the father of lies propagates his own lies and agenda, misleading people and taking people captive to do his own will by promising them much personal gratification and pleasure and riches and whatever else people think will fulfill them through it, but only delivering them much disappointment and misery in the end. In essence then we are not to follow the "wisdom" of this age (Mark 8:36). For all such who do so are only walking in the futility of their own minds, because apart from the Word of God to enlighten, illuminate, and ultimately direct us away from this worlds lies and into God's truth, no one doing so can rise any higher than their own finite and sinful understanding, and thus they always end up justifying their own, or some else's depraved and evil desires. And so practicing ungodliness and uttering error against the Lord is a way of life in this life for those of it. And thus we are not to follow any of their sinful ways, or their lives course practices.

Vs. 18 "having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart"

The Apostle Paul now says of them that their understanding is darkened, darkened because having rejected the revelation and illumination that God gives all people of Himself their own understanding becomes darkened. This is self evident especially today as our world is more and more rapidly and progressively willfully setting itself against the Word of God, so too it's values, its ideals, it's "morals" are becoming more and more depraved, warped, and jaded. For when one walks in ones own understanding and thus lives their lives according to their own sinful hearts desires ones heart inevitably and progressively becomes not only hardened towards God, but their understanding also becomes darkened as God gives them over to a debased mind as His judgment against them for doing so (see Rom. 1:18-32). And so when any individual, or even a society rejects God's truth and light which He shines on all people in every generation their understanding becomes darkened. Something which the Lord Jesus Christ Himself warns us all about when He says, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. John 12:35-36  

Now the second thing that marks the people of this world is that they themselves are alienated from the life of God. That is they have no Spirit life within them, nor can they have the life and love and joy of God within themselves as long as they alienate themselves from Him by not believing His Son Jesus Christ and His Gospel which we are all commanded to believe and obey. And so their persons and lives and pursuits always reflect this, which is the greatest tragedy of all not to know God, nor have the life of God within oneself. And thus to only live a life of vanity, as Solomon called it so many ages ago (see Book of Ecclesiastes). And so being lost in their own ignorance and given over to their own blindness of heart, they have neither desire nor concern for any of those things that make for a true and fulfilling and a meaningful life, by finding it in Christ alone, who frees us from sin and Satan so that we can fully live richly and abundantly and peacefully In Christ who both gives us true liberty and His life as well as the means to fulfill our lives with meaningful pursuits and purposes. And so their manner of person and life should not be ours.

Vs. 19 "who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness."

The Apostle Paul here in describing them as being past feeling, is saying that their consciences have been calloused over. At one time they had a sense of guilt about the things they were doing, but now 
having willfully and regularly hardened themselves to that innate conviction of sin God gives all people, they now having "liberated" themselves from it, are "free" too practice all manner of lewdness; that is sexual sins without the slightest hint of guilt or desire for restraint. Same with uncleanness which is essentially the same but even more debased in nature and so we get the willful justifying ("normalizing") of all manner of homosexual and transgender perversion, even teaching it to children, while defending it in the courts of law, and yet all of it is utterly contrary and hostile to the Word of God (consider Deut 18:9-14; 22:5; Prov 17:15; 1 Cor 6:11). And so as I have said before climate change will not be the ruin of humanity, rather the moral change will, for the social confusion and upheaval and lawlessness that it will breed and bring with it no one will be able to contain. 

Vs. 20-24 ²⁰ But you have not so learned Christ, ²¹ if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: ²² that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, ²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

We as Christians then are not to live like the unbelieving and unregenerate world. For if we have truly heard the Lord Jesus Christ and believed in Him, and thus received Him and His life for ourselves, as the truth is in Jesus and Jesus alone (vs. 20-21), then we must put off the old man; (a reference to our old unregenerate sinful self) which grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts (vs. 22); a reference to the flesh and the lusts of it (consider 1 John 2:15-17; also James 4:4); and instead be renewed in the spirit of our minds (vs. 23). Something which is foundational to all Christian life, liberty, freedom and growth, and thus the thwarting of Satan and sin in our lives, just as the Apostle Paul also exhorts us all in Rom 12:1-2. Therefore instead of walking in the old man's (or old natures sinful ways and desires) we are to put on the new man (i.e. our new nature, see 2 Cor 5:17) which was created according to God (that is we have been recreated in the image or nature of God expressly seen in the Person and Nature of Christ) and thus we are to now live in true righteousness and holiness, just as Jesus did. And so though we are changed being brought from spiritual death to Spiritual and everlasting life the moment we believed, there is the ongoing sanctifying of our persons and lives by the Holy Spirit renewing us day by day (2 Cor 4:16), which as the Apostle Paul states here requires the ongoing renewing of our minds, since it is the mind that directs the body (see James 1:13-15), and it is our bodies which are now the temple of the Lord (1 Cor 3:16-17), and thus we are to strive to live in all true righteousness and holiness, sanctifying our bodies for the Lord (1 Cor 6:19-20).
I pray then that we who believe in Christ will all be about doing that, because Christianity and specifically Christ, is not found in observing dead religious ceremonies and religious ceremonialism, and thus serving dead religious practices devoid of the life and love, and specifically the Person of Christ. Nor is Christianity found in the ecstatic worship and worshiping of God by which having a mere spiritual experience, often through their so called "spirit baptisms" and or the laying on of their hands by which they seek to propagate these, and so they hold these as the highest goal and pursuit in being Christians, and thus they only end up supplanting true faith in Christ and obedience towards God by them (consider Matt. 7:21-23; Hebrews 3:12-18). Nor is Christ and the Christian faith found in the religious doctrines and decrees of men who strip it of all it's life and liberty and joy and instead make into legalistic bondage and servitude through the doctrines and commandments of men (Col. 2:20-23). Rather the Christian faith is found exclusively in the Gospel and thus the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ, who came first to save us from all our sins and transgressions (and thus the wrath and judgment of God) by His own death on the cross for us all. Then having achieved our eternal redemption from sin and death, Jesus rose from the dead to vanquish death itself, so that He can now give new and everlasting life to all who believe in Him (Rom 10:9-10, 13; 1 Cor 15:53-55). The question then is have you received the Lord Jesus Christ, God's Son and gift given too and for us all, so that we can be reconciled with God Himself the moment we repent and believe in Him. For again Christianity is not found in shadows and forms, nor experiences and doctrines, Christianity is found exclusively in the Person of Christ who comes into our persons and lives the moment we open our hearts to Him and invite Him in (Rev. 3:20). Therefore if you have not yet invited Jesus into your heart and life then please do so now, by a simply prayer prayed in faith inviting the Lord Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior you can have Him and all that God promises you through Him, therefore receive Christ today!

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. (1982). (Jn 12:35–36). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Word Studies 
Vs. 17 testify: μαρτύρομαι, Str. 3143; GK 3458; LN 33.223; 33.319 (Acts 20:26, Gal. 5:3; Eph 4:17) 3x

Ephesians 4:7–16

⁷ But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.” ⁹ (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) ¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, ¹³ till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; ¹⁴ that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, ¹⁵ but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

Commentary

Vs. 7-8 ⁷ But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, And gave gifts to men.”

The mention of grace here is not God's grace given us at salvation, but rather of Christ Himself having conquered death by His Resurrection from dead and then by His ascension back to God the Father in heaven, He now reigns as the triumphing Victor over sin, Satan, and death. And so in celebration of that fact and that new reality that Christ now brings us to life and unites us with Himself the moment we believe in Him, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior also bestows upon each one of us who believe in Him Spiritual gift/s. Now it is the Holy Spirit Himself who does this and who decides what Spirit gift/s each individual believer will receive (1 Cor 12:11).

Vs. 9-10 ⁹ (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)

And so the Apostle Paul in quoting Psalm 68:18 in verse eight now mentions that because in order for the Lord Jesus Christ to ascend to victory back with God the Father in heaven, He had to first descend to the earth. His doing so was to first preach the Gospel in even the lowest regions of the earth before fulfilling the Gospel by His own death on the cross. Now from this we can gather that there is no place in heaven or on earth where we too should not also preach the Gospel, though discernment and discretion must also be with us when we do, so as to hopefully effect a positive outcome for those who hear it, when they hear it. 

Vs. 11-12  ¹¹ And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 

Having Fulfilled the Word and thus the Will of God by suffering Crucifixion death for us all, Jesus when He rose from the dead and then later ascended back to God the Father in heaven, then sent His Holy Spirit to indwell us all who believe in Him, and thus too establish His church (i.e. body of believers) here on earth. Now in doing so He not only gave Spirit gifts to individual believers, as the previous verses states, but He also chooses individual believers to be His gifts to the church itself. And so He gives (by first Spirit equipping) some of us to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers etc., "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." vs. 12

Now though there at times maybe some overlap between these Spirit offices as they are sometimes referred too as, each serves a primary function in the church, and thus we are given Spirit gifts specific to Christ's calling and function that we are to serve in for the churches service and edification. Which as the Apostle states entails equipping the saints ( that is each and every believer) for the work of ministry. Thus preachers preach, teachers teach, leaders lead etc. all with the great, grand goal of equipping all the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. For that is foundational to having both a productive church, as well as an edified one, because no church will never be fully productive and completely edified as long as there are those whose Spirit gifts and talents are being left out of Christ's service. For within each and every believer that Christ has chosen, equipped and called there is a deep burning desire to fulfill that purpose He has placed on their persons and lives. And so those whom Christ has equipped with the leadership gifts, and which He has placed in such roles in the local church, all need to exercise their Spirit gifts in such a way so that they themselves are not only fulfilling their own ministry call, but they are also training and enabling and encouraging all others to fulfill their own "ministry" call, by being all they can be as Christians both inside the church and out. Which begins with being sure they are well instructed in the faith so that they can not only fully live out the faith, but also bring forth much fruit by it in their own lives as well (Titus 3:8, 14). For the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry is the means by which the whole church becomes edified, because all are involved, and all are being instructed and all are being blessed by the Spirit given gifts and talents that Christ has given us all for that purpose, to be a blessing to each other and to all. Therefore wherever believers are being salt and light in this world, so a good testimony to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel is being given. 

Vs. 13 "till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;"

Equipping of the saints for the work of ministry (through the ongoing preaching and teaching of the Word of God) has a grand purpose, and that is bring us all to a unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, "to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Thus the preaching and teaching and expounding of the Scriptures must continue on as the central activity in the church until the Lord returns. For they are the basis of our sanctification and ongoing Spiritual growth (John 17:17; 1 Cor 14:20; Heb. 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2). And so our pursuit of the knowledge of the Son of God (which is the basis of our sanctification for it is Christ whom we are to be conformed too) has to be rooted in the Scriptures, which Christ has given us all for the churches instruction and edification and comfort and hope which began in the O.T. Scriptures (see Rom 15:4) but in regards to the church, all of it's directives (outside of the moral precepts and such that we find in the Old, as well as in the New) are given us in New Testament. Now this I say not to lesson the importance of the Old Covenant Scriptures in any believers life; since they are very rewarding and edifying when one spends time with them; but only so as to keep anyone from putting themselves, or anyone else back under the Law, (and thus binding themselves to some or even all of the regulations found in it which were specifically given for Israel in their covenant relationship with God). For we are ministers of the New Covenant, not the Old (2 Cor 3:5-6, 7-9). Therefore exercising Spirit gifts these are be done for the unity and growth of us all in the faith, through the right expounding of the Scriptures. 

Vs. 14 "that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting" 

The only defense that any individual believer or congregation has against the lies of this world and the father of them (John 8:44) is the Word of God (2 Cor 10:3-6). That said, the Apostle Paul's emphasis here is not on the world and the lies within it, rather his concern for us all who believe in Christ is our growing in our knowledge of God and Christ so as not to be taken in in by the false teachings and doctrines which are perpetually being propagated by false teachers and false brethren in every generation who only make schisms and divisions amongst us (consider 1 Cor 11:19; 2 Cor 11:3-4, 12-15; Gal 1:8-9), or try to make "disciples" after themselves (Acts 20:28-32). The burden then is on each and every one of us to know God and know Christ His Son through His Word, and not "know" Him through mans (Heb 13:9). For again that is why Christ gave some of us to the church to be His apostles, prophets, teachers and evangelists for the instruction and edification of us all in the faith, through His Word. That said, we must also be discerning with all that is it out there in Christendom, because not all that is out there is of Christ or His own. And so it is only by Holy Spirit discernment through the Holy Scriptures that we ourselves can know truth for ourselves (1 John 2:27). For as the apostle Paul makes clear here and elsewhere in the N.T. there are many who would subvert or pervert the faith for either their own gain (2 Cor 1:21-22; 1 Tim. 1:6-5-10; Titus 1:10-16; 2 Peter 2:1-3) or for their own agendas (Acts 15:1-2; Gal 4:17; Jude 3-4). 

Vs. 15 "but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ"

The Apostle Paul's Word to us now is one of the great exhortations given us all in the N.T. For all edification, both personal and corporate, begins with us all "speaking the truth in love" to each other. For one can "speak" the truth without love, and just end up sounding like a clanging bell or crashing cymbal, as the Proverbs warns; "There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health." Prov. 12:18 And so when we speak the truth to each other it must always be governed by love, because the truth can hurt, and sometimes it needs to "hurt" (consider Prov. 27:6), but only so as to open ones eyes to the truth, and not do careless damage to another person's psyche or soul. And so with that all said, the primary point of our speaking the truth in love to each other is for the growth of us all into Him who is the Head of us all, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Vs. 16 "—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love."

The Lord Jesus Christ is not only the Head of us all, and thus He is the one whom we are all to grow up into (that is become more and more like Him in our character and disposition) but He is the Source of all that is making for the growth and edification of the Body, His church. Which is critically important to remember because apart from Him and abiding in Him we can do nothing (see John 15:5). Now linked with this as the Apostle Paul makes clear here is our being joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, (that is every individual believer by contributing their gifts, talents, and time is helping to nit the whole together as one equipped and effective unit), all which "causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." And that is the great grand goal Christ has for us all in His Body, His church, that we all become active and contributing members of it via the gifts and talents He has given us all, for the growth of the Body, for the edifying of itself in love. To serve the Body of Christ then is to serve Christ Himself and just as Jesus has already promised He will reward each and every one of us according to our own labors (1 Cor 3:8; Col 3:23-24). Let us all then seek to serve the Lord by serving and caring for each other so that the Body maybe edified and healthily grow up into Him who is the Head of all things, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Ephesians 4:1–6

¹ I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ² with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, ³ endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Commentary

Vs. 1 "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called"

The Apostle Paul now addressing himself as the prisoner of the Lord, (also see 3:1), beseech's (i.e. exhort, encourage, NKJ margin) each and every one of us to walk worthy of the calling with which we are called. Now to walk worthy means living worthily, and not because of the Apostle Paul's imprisonment, rather because of the calling with which we are called. Now calling here is referring not just to salvation; though God first calls us to Himself through His Son Jesus Christ into His salvation (Rom 1:5-6; 1 Cor 1:9); calling here is the entirety of what we have and receive in belonging to Christ. For we have been called into a heavenly calling (Heb. 3:1) which is also referred to as a holy calling (2 Tim 1:9). And so we don't just receive salvation through the grace of God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and then go on living ungodly lives (consider 2 Tim 2:19). For God's calling us to Himself through Christ is calling us out of sin and death and into life, Christ's life. Who is dwelling in us, and is being manifested through us to the glory of God, when we walk worthy of this holy and heavenly calling, which itself will stir up opposition and persecution towards everyone who believes in and seeks to obey the Gospel of Christ. And so in this calling with which we are called there is both fullness of life and abundance of joys, but also trials, tribulations, and persecutions, which we all must patiently endure while we seek to faithfully follow Christ, who has called us and redeemed us for Himself. Therefore if you are being faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ and are obeying His calling for you, and yet have run into strong opposition to your doing so, don't be discouraged, be encouraged, for just as they persecuted the Lord Jesus Christ (and all the saints down through the centuries) so they will also persecute you, but with Christ you will overcome.

Vs. 2  "with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,"

The Apostle Paul now tells us the manner of person and life that Christ is seeking to find in us all. Three things he then gives us that should mark our persons and fellowship and thus our relationships with each other and all. First up is lowliness, we might better understand this as humility which is the opposite of being arrogant, haughty, or proud, which only breeds contempt and scorn for others on the one hand (consider Prov 21:24), while often exemplifying ones own fierceness, impatience, and wrath through it on the other (consider Isaiah 16:6), all which only leads them into greater sins, which will end in their own fall and ruin (Prov 16:18, 18:12; 21:4; 29:23). And so rather than being proud which is the state of the ungodly (Psalm 10:4; 123:4) who will have the wrath of God visited upon themselves (Psalm 18:27; 101:5; Prov. 15:25; 16:5; Isaiah 2:10-12; 10:33; 13:11; Jeremiah 50:31; Ezekiel 18:49-50; Zephaniah 3:11; also consider Job 40:7-14, vs 11), we ought to take the path of lowliness (consider Isaiah 66:2; James 4:6). For truly our Lord and Savior led the way by first taking the path of lowliness for us all when He took on human flesh and dwelt amongst us, and not as one lording His Authority and Privilege over us, though He is Lord of us all, rather Jesus came in form of a Servant to restore us all who believe in Him back to God (see Mark 10:42-45).

In Philippians 2:3 the Apostle Paul gives us an exhortation which captures the essence of what he is saying here, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself." The Apostle Peter likewise says that we should all be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5, also see Col 3:12). Now in commending us all to lowliness we should not think of this as being some sort of self imposed abasement (i.e. asceticism, see Col. 2:20-23). Rather true humility (and thus lowliness as it's outworking) begins within, when we have a right and sound perspective about ourselves and others in relation to God Himself. And thus we see ourselves and our own failings before we see and become critical or angry with others faults and failings. Thus lowliness is a state of mind by which God opens the door of our hearts to see not just the faults and failings of ourselves or others, but rather the uniqueness and great value He places on ourselves and others as all beloved by God, and thus all freely offered salvation from God through Christ.
Gentleness: Linked to lowliness is gentleness, because these two qualities are not only a perfect marriage, just like love and kindness are, but both represent and perfectly reflect the disposition of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in His dealings with us, and with all. And so if lowliness (humility) is the clear and unobstructed lens through which we are to see each other, then gentleness is how we are to reach out to each other, and handle each other (2 Cor 10:1; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim 6:11).
Longsuffering: As much as lowliness and gentleness are wonderful traits that we all need to embrace and seek too exemplify in our own lives and relations, longsuffering (i.e. long suffering patience) is the mark of a mature and well grounded and balanced Christian (consider Ecc. 7:8). And so rather than being quick to wrath, which is the way of folly (Prov. 12:16), we need to follow the Scriptural counsel of the Apostle James who says, "let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20
Which leads us into: "bearing with one another in love" because neither you, nor I have attained, nor have we been perfected, yet (Phil 3:12-14). And so as we are all journeying homeward (and are at different stages in our faith and lives) we allow people to have their own personality quirks and nuances, likes and dislikes, and thus our love for them is not conditional on whether they are conformed to us, rather it is Christ whom we are all to follow. I like how the Believers Bible Commentary states it; "It means positive love to those who irritate, disturb, or embarrass."

Vs. 3 "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." 

If we remember that lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering patience and bearing with each other in love is how we are to conduct ourselves towards each other (vs. 2), then bearing (that is continually strive, work hard at) keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace becomes far more important than propagating ones own views and opinions about non-essential things. Now there is a unity that we who believe In Christ all have, it's inherent to us by indwelling Presence of Christ in us through the Holy Spirit, and so in Christ's Body there is no divisions or denominations, for we are all one people united with God through Christ who is the Head of the Body, that is His church and that's the Spiritual reality whose everlasting bonds cannot be altered, nor broken, by anyone or anything (Rom 8:31-39). That said there is the natural realm in which we currently reside with this hidden treasure of Christ inside us. And so that is the realm in which Satan and his emissaries seek to sow their discord, disruptions and disharmony amongst believers in every generation so as to try to undermine the furtherance of the Gospel of Christ, as well as interfere with the peaceful and fruitful fellowship and relationships with each other that we who believe In Christ all long for with each other. Thus we have the exhortation here to endeavor, (to continually strive) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, because that our the front line of defense against Satan's schemes. And so it is we only have external divisions in Christendom when there is either heresy; that is false brethren break away from the true faith and seek to establish there own interpretations of it, and thus they pervert and distort it to their own ruin (2 Peter 3:14-16; 1 John 2:18-19; 2 John 9-11 etc.); or more often than not believers (whether in this generation or previous generations) have let their own opinions about non-essential things take a place in the local church, or in the faith, that such insignificant things they have no business taking, and thus we end up with needless divisions and denominations in the visible church through the doctrines, commandments, and traditions of men.
And so rather then holding fast to these as if ones salvation was linked to them, we all ought to hold onto the simplicity that is Christ, rather than them, and thus let us all endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, rather than the traditions, doctrines and commandments of men.

Vs. 4-6 ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Notice the theme of one, beginning with one body of believers of which everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ belongs too. There are then no exceptions if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ then you are a member of His Body, His Spirit inside us then giving the undeniable witness to this fact (Rom 8:16). One Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God who has regenerated us and is renewing us as new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17; Titus 3:4-7), for He has already brought us into everlasting life with Christ and each other, and sealed us all for eternity the moment we believed (2 Cor 1:21-22; Eph 1:13-14; 4:30). As well it is by the same Spirit of God that we are Spiritual equipped and enabled to serve Christ and each other with various Spirit given gifts (1 Cor 12:4-11). One hope and one calling, there is only One Gospel by which we who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ have all received remission of all our sins and everlasting life the moment we believed. Anyone who preaches another Jesus, or another Gospel, is accursed by God (2 Cor 11:3-4, 13-15; Gal. 1:6-9; 2 John 9-11).
One Lord who is above all, over all, and is the Head of us all who believe in Him (1 Cor. 11:3; Col. 1:18). And so the Lord in the O.T. Scriptures is the same Lord in the New Testament Scriptures.
One faith, that does not change; just as the Lord Himself does not change (Heb. 1:12; 13:8). And so it there is just one faith that we are all commanded to believe, obey, and follow (John 3:35-36; 2 Cor 10:5-6; Acts 17:30-31; Rom. 1:5; Rom. 16:25-26), whose commands, decrees and directives are clearly given to us all in the N.T. Scriptures that also reveal to us all God's eternal salvation is offered to one and to all through God's grace by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ's Person (Eph 2:8-9). And so there is just one faith that we must all believe, obey, and proclaim, which again is given to us all in the New Testament Scriptures, and thus the New Covenant is how we are too minister the Gospel, for we are bound to God through Christ by it (2 Cor 3:5-6, 9; Heb. 8:13, 9:14-15; 12:24).
One baptism, not the mode or means of water baptism, but the baptism of the Spirit of the God who Baptizes us into Christ's Body, and unites us with Christ in His Death, Burial and Resurrection Life (Rom 6) so that not only have been been freed from the clutches of sin and death which found it's strength in the law (Rom 7:4-6; 1 Cor 15:56), but we have been brought into an entirely new sphere, the church, the fullness of Christ's Body who fills and all (Eph 1:23).
One God and Father of all (1 Cor 8:6), who is above all, and through all, and in you all. There is then just One God and Father of us all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom 8:15; 1 Cor 8:6). Who is above all, that is God our Father is above every principality and power and dominion and might, (whether in the visible or invisible realms) not only in this age, but also in the age to come. Now just as He is above all things, since He created all things, and even creates all things (Isiah 45:7) so He is made known to all things through all things which He has created or creates. In this God is working through us all who believe in His Son, just as He is in us all who believe in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. For we are individually the Temple of the Lord who now dwells in our mortal bodies (1 Cor 3:16; 6:16). Thus the Oneness of fellowship with God our Father that was broken when Adam and Eve sinned has been restored to us all who believe in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:20-26). For Jesus Christ was Crucified for all our sins and three days later He rose from the dead for our justification, and thus Jesus suffered and died and was raised to life from the dead for our eternal redemption. Now if you have not yet received the Lord Jesus Christ for yourselves please do so now. By faith in the Lord Jesus' Person you can have remission of all your sins and everlasting life as well, all it takes is repentance and faith. Now repentance always begins with a change of mind (i.e. heart), for that is what begins ones turning away from ones own wayward ways and turning back too God just as the prodigal Son did (please read Luke 15:11-32). For God Himself is longsuffering and merciful towards us all and is not willing that any of us should perish but rather that we all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The choice then is ours to turn away from our own wayward ways by which we have deceived ourselves into thinking we will be alright while we are openly and knowingly living hostile towards the Will and the Word of God by following our own sinful hearts wills and desires, which if we continue to pursue and justify in this world will only end up in our own eternal destruction and ruin (Matt. 18:7-9). And so rather than running headstrong against God, let us all who have eyes to see, and sense enough to believe, turn back too God while we can (Isaiah 55:6-7). For God is fully willing and totally able to not only forgive us of all our sins and transgressions, but He will also heal us and restore us to Himself, and life itself, through Christ Jesus Himself when we repent and believe in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ through His Gospel. Therefore if you want to begin a new life, cleansed and freed from all that once held you into sins bondage then please turn to God and by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ for yourselves without any sort of reservations, or asking Him to meet any sort preconditions, and instead just open your heart to God through the Lord Jesus Christ by praying something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I believe in You and I want to receive You as my Lord and Savior, for You are the Lord and Savior and Redeemer of everyone who believes in You, who trusts only You Crucified for our sins and Risen from the dead for our justification. Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior for all eternity, because I want Life with You and from You and so I commit my whole person and life to You because I believe in You Lord Jesus Christ, therefore I now receive You as my Lord and Savior In Jesus' Name, amen.

Scripture Quotations 
The New King James Version. (1982). (2 Th 1:3–12). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Additional Resources Consulted
MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1933). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.

Ephesians 3:14-21

¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, ¹⁶ that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Commentary 
Vs. 14-15 ¹⁴ For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

Because of all that God the Father has accomplished, and is accomplishing for us all through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, the Apostle Paul bows his knees to Him, meaning Paul in all reverence and thankfulness gives homage to God, for all who God is, has done, and is doing. Notice too that it is only our Lord Jesus Christ from whom the whole family and earth is named, "for there is no other Name given under heaven amongst men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12 As well notice how Paul calls all believers everywhere, whether in heaven or on earth, a family, just as the Apostle Paul refers to us all here on earth as, "the household of faith" (Gal 6:10).

Vs. 16 "that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man," 

The Apostle Paul in bowing His knees to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ also makes prayer to Him on our behalf. Now Paul's prayer is that God the Father would according to the riches of His glory, strengthen us all through His Spirit in our inner man, (that is our inner person which is being is being renewed day by day, 2 Cor 4:16, so that we are being conformed to the image of Christ), so that our relationship with Christ and love for Him will not only grow, but our persons renewal and transformation will become even more effective as we open our hearts and lives to Him, and He Himself finds within ourselves a welcomed dwelling place. For the Apostle Paul wants us all to be not only encouraged and strengthened in our faith and lives, but He also prays that we are enabled by the Holy Spirit to be and do all that we as Christians should be and do.

Vs. 17 ¹⁷ that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 

At the heart of this is Christ, dwelling in our hearts through faith, that we being rooted and grounded in love (1 Cor 13), will not only grow in our love for Him, and for all, but we will also become all that He intends for us to be. For our having faith In Christ and being rooted and grounded in love is critical to experiencing all that truly is Christian.

Vs. 18-19 ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—¹⁹ to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

The Apostle Paul wants every believer everywhere to not only be rooted and grounded in love, but also to comprehend with all the saints, what is the width and depth and height, (and thus the boundlessness) of the love of Christ for us which passes all knowledge, so that we may be filled with all the fullness of God. For there can be no greater experience then to have and experience the love of God not only now, but also for all eternity. I pray then that we all, by the grace and mercies of God, both grow individually, as well as collectively in our understanding and experience of it.

Vs. 20-21 ²⁰ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, ²¹ to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. 

The Apostle Paul now in full confidence of God our Father's abilities to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us; now encourages us all to be likewise confident in Him. For having confidence in God is the beginning to being used by God for His purposes in the church. For that is the ongoing reality and testimony of countless saints in every generation who likewise had their faith and confidence in God through Christ, who then enabled them to go on to do many mighty works and deeds by which He was glorified and the church edified. 
And so to Him who alone is all wise and and all powerful "be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." 

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. (1982). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Additional Resources Consulted
MacDonald, William. Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. Edited by Arthur Farstad. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995.