Micah 7:1 says, Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.  Micah felt nothing but woe because of the sins of God's people.  When we today see those who call themselves followers of Christ living strictly by the standards of the world, we should feel a sense of woe.  Micah said that he desired the first fruits and not the gleanings.  We should likewise desire the first fruits that come from following God's will.  Everything else, no matter how good it may look, will only be a gleaning.  Verse two says, The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.  We need to remember that Micah was speaking to God's chosen people.  Micah said that all the good men had perished and that none walked upright.  We know that there has always been a remnant that remained faithful to God, but we are not called to preserve the remnant but to make disciples.  We may see the world as almost totally evil, but our calling is not to give up in despair, but to witness boldly for Christ.  Verse three says, That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.  Micah said that those in power only wanted what would bring them rewards. He said they did evil with both hands earnestly.  The leaders and judges really didn't even make a pretence of fairness.  When we see corruption and greed in the world today we should not be surprised, but neither should we give up in defeat.  Verse four states, The best of them is as a brier: the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.  Micah said that the best of God's people were like a brier, ready to snare anyone who came in contact with them.  Matthew Henry asks if these were the actions of the best, then what could be expected of the worst.  This was indeed a sad state for those who called themselves God's people to reach.  Verse five says, Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.  Micah said that they were not to put their trust in anyone, even those the closest to them.  When it comes to salvation, we today can put our trust in no one but Christ.  Hopefully we can trust at least those closest to us to only want what is best for us, but this is often not the case.  Ultimately, our faith must be in God alone.  Verse six states, For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.  This sounds a lot like what we hear about in the world today.  Verse seven declares, Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.  Micah concludes what I had just said, and that is that we can ultimately rely on God alone for deliverance.  We must wait on God for His timing to be right.  Verse eight says, Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.  This is a warning to those of the world who rejoice when a Christian stumbles.  What they need to realize is that through Christ our victory is assured.  Verse nine states,  I will bear the indignation of the LORD, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause, and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.  Like Micah, we can only accept God's judgment when we sin against Him.  As followers of Christ, God will raise us up to an everlasting relationship with Him.

Micah 6:10 says, Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?  In verse nine, God had said judgment was coming, and now He begins to tell why this was true.  Micah was speaking to God's chosen people when he spoke of these things.  We might expect the wicked to have treasures derived from their wickedness, but we should never expect it from God's people.  Verse eleven says, Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?  Having been called on to walk justly God asks if His people should count themselves as pure when they were cheating others.  We as followers of Christ must always attempt to deal fairly with everyone we come into contact with.  We cannot cheat others and still follow Christ.  Verse twelve says, For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.  I don't believe that this was an indictment against rich people as such, but was instead an indictment against the way they had become rich.  They had cheated others to obtain their riches.  God said that they, those who were called His people, had spoken lies and were full of violence.  We today as Christians must follow God's leadership in all things.  If we do, then we will never be guilty of cheating others for our own gain, nor will we have a violent nature toward others.  Verse thirteen says, Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.  God said He would make His people desolate because of their sins.  We must remember that this is really what they really were before entering into the covenant relationship with God.  All God really had to do was remove His protective hand from them.  We today were lost in desolation and sin before we accepted Christ as Savior and Lord.  Then we came under God's protective hand.  Though we may be secure forever in our salvation, we may lose that protection of God if this world if we fail to follow His will for us.  Verse fourteen says, Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.  God said that they would eat but not be satisfied. We can either take this to mean that there wouldn't be enough to eat to satisfy them, or that no matter how much they ate they would still not be satisfied.  God also said that everything they had would be given up to the sword.  We know that when we are outside the will of God as followers of Christ that nothing will ever satisfy us and that everything gained outside of God's will shall never last.  Verse fifteen says, Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap; thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil; and sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine.  God said that His people would not profit from things done when living under the dictates of sin and idolatry.  The same is true today in terms of our works being of everlasting value.  Though we may profit temporarily, in the coming judgment things done outside of God's will can never be of profit to us.  Verse sixteen says, For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.  God's people were living under the laws and works of the world instead of living under the law and leadership of God.  We cannot allow the teachings of the world to become the law of the church, otherwise we will bear the reproach of the world and God.  If followers of Christ proclaim to live under His leadership but are no different than the rest of the world, then we should not be surprised if we are ignored or ridiculed.  God calls us to a different standard.

Micah 6:1 says, Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.  God calls on His people to hear His voice.  If the people didn't listen, then Micah was to still boldly proclaim the word of God to the mountains and hills.  If we are to represent God in the world today, we must first hear His voice.  We are to continue to proclaim His word even if it seems that no one is listening.  Verse two states, Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.  God called on the earth to bear witness to the fact that He had a controversy with His people.  We can be sure that when God has a controversy with His people that God is not at fault.  When God's people are not following His will the whole world suffers.  In verse three, God asks, O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.  God asked His people what He had done against them that they would not follow Him in faith.  We today should ask the same question when we feel that the world is overwhelming us, or when we begin to put all our faith in material things and ignore God.  God might rightly ask what He has done to cause us to act in such a manner.  Verse four says, For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.  God reminded the people of what He had done for them.  They were His people because He chose them and since they were His people He had delivered them from the powers of the world.  God brought them out of captivity in Egypt and gave them religious leaders to follow.  We as followers of Christ today are so because God has chosen to deliver us from the power of sin by our faith in Christ.  Verse five says, O my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the LORD.  Micah reminded them that when Balak had desired to destroy Israel that he was led to bless God instead.  The righteous of God will ultimately always prevail.  Verse six says, Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  When we are in rebellion against God, we would do well to ask how we can be restored to Him.  Of course, the answer is the same as when we first came to God, and that is through repentance and acceptance of the sacrifice of Christ through faith.  We can bring no offering that will bring restoration.  Verse seven asks, Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  I believe that the meaning here was that we can bring nothing material, no matter how much it might be, that will make us right with God.  God's forgiveness cannot be bought, but is given by our faith in Christ.  Verse eight states, He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?   Micah said that God had already shown them, as He has shown us, what He expected from them. They were to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.  I believe when we walk humbly with God through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, that we will automatically do justly and love mercy.  Notice that there was nothing said about bringing anything material to be in the right relationship with God.  Verse nine says, The LORD’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.  God said that since they would not follow Him that judgment was coming.  Anytime we, as followers of Christ, fail to follow God in obedience to His will we can expect our actions to bring judgment.

Micah 5:7 says,  And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.  The church today, those who believe in Christ as their Redeemer, will be scattered, but the gospel will go forth to refresh those who accept it.  Like the dew the gospel will not go forth with great might, but will simply come without a great display of power.  As the dew quietly refreshes the land, so does the gospel of Christ quietly refresh those who believe.  Verse eight says, And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.  This was not a promise of a great military victory, but of the fact that followers of Christ are to carry the gospel with the boldness of a lion.  When we present the truth of the gospel then all false teachings will be torn to pieces.  Verse nine says, Thine hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off.  Once more, this is a promise of what God will ultimately do to all the enemies of Christ.  We may encounter a lot of suffering at the hands of the rulers of the world today, but we are everlastingly secure by the power of God.  Verse ten states, And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots:  God's people had been looking for safety in military power, but God said He would destroy their horses and chariots.  When we as God's people begin to look for safety in anything in this world outside the will of God, then we may face the same fate.  This is not to say that this is always the case, but it is the ultimate outcome.  Verse eleven says, And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds.  We may not have strong holds as such today, but wherever we look for safety will be cut off from us when we disobey the will of God.  Verse twelve states, And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:  Micah begins to list some of the sins of the people that God said He would cut off.  They were guilty of witchcraft and soothsaying, or fortunate telling.  When we look to the stars to foretell our future, for example, we are guilty of the same thing, and our actions will not please God.  Verse thirteen says, Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.  God said their idols would be destroyed and they would no longer worhip the work of their hands.  When we allow our job and the things that it gets for us to become more important than our relationship to God, we need to realize that one day all these things will be cut off.  Verse fourteen says, And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities.  Micah was speaking for God to God's chosen people, and God said that their groves, or farms we might say, and their cities would be destroyed.  There would be no safe place that they could hide from God.  Verse fifteen declares, And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.  If God would destroy all that His people relied on, imagine how much worse it would be for those who did not acknowledge Him.  When Christ returns to deliver His church, all that has been done outside the will of God will be destroyed.

Micah 5:1 says,  Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.  This likely refers to the fall of Israel before the coming of Christ.  God's people were already divided, and it should be no surprise that they would fall when they attempted to live by their own strength.  If we, as God's people are divided today instead of being united through the Holy Spirit, then we should not be surprised when our plans fail.  Verse two says, But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.  This is a direct reference to the coming Messiah, Who had been the only way to salvation from the beginning of time.  Instead of coming from one of the cities of power, the Messiah was to come from lowly Bethlehem.  God does work in His own way, which we often fail to understand, yet we must always put our faith in His plan.  Verse three says,  Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.  Micah did not promise an immediate restoration of God's people, but he promised a certain one for the remnant to return to Jerusalem.  I believe the remnant were those who remained true to God no matter what.  Even though there is little evidence of it in the world today, God's kingdom is coming when He determines the time is right. We simply need to remain true to our commitment to Him.  Verse four says, And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.  Those who are followers of Christ can rest assured in His strength and live for the majesty of God.  Christ has assured those that follow Him that He will be with them forever.  Verse five says, And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.  This verse promises that God will be with us when we are under attack in the world.  The Assyrians were powerful in Micah's day, but they were no threat to God.  Satan has some powerful people at work for him in the world today, but they are no threat to the everlasting peace that we have if we have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord.  Verse six says, And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.  Micah did not promise that God's restored people would become a great military power, but that God Himself would deliver them.  We today cannot look for peace anywhere but in following God's will for our lives.  Even if we are persecuted, we must continue to proclaim the gospel of Christ.

Micah 4:6 says, In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;  We know that the nation of Israel in Micah's day had become weak, because they did not follow God's will for them. When this says that God had afflicted them, I believe that the affliction was a result of losing God's protection as a nation.  When we refuse to obey God, we should not be surprised that we suffer afflictions from our lack of obedience.  We also know that God calls all people to be assembled by faith in Him.  Verse seven says, And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.  God promises to maintain a remnant and heal them and make them strong.  Some would apply this to the nation of Israel today, but since they still refuse to acknowledge Christ as their Savior and Lord, I believe that it would apply more to the church, those who are followers of Christ.  Verse eight says, And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.  I believe that this refers to the coming of Christ, Who did indeed come first to the people of Israel.  Verse nine says, Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counseller perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.  God through Micah asked since the people of Israel, or Judah, had started to live by their own will instead of following the will God, why were they crying out to God when things were not going well for them.  He asked if they did not still have a king and if their counsellor had perished.  When we as followers of Christ are outside the will of God, even if everything in life seems the same, we will find no true peace and purpose in life.  Verse ten declares, Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.  Instead of promising a deliverance from God at that time, Micah said the people were going to be taken away captive until God delivered them.  God was not leaving them without hope, even when they rebelled against Him.  If we begin to follow our own will and rely on our own strength today, we should not be surprised if we are taken captive by sin.  Still, if we are truly God's by faith in Christ we can be certain of our ultimate deliverance.  Verse eleven says, Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.  Just as in Micah's day, there are many nations aligned against God's people.  There are even many within the nation that calls itself a Christian nation that are aligned against God.  Verse twelve says, But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.  Micah proclaimed that those who thought they could defeat God's plan did not understand His council.  God said He would gather His people together again.  Verse thirteen proclaims, Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.  Just as God's people were told in Micah's day, we should arise under the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit.  When we follow God's will, nothing can defeat us.

Micah 4:1 says, But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.  After predicting the destruction of what were thought of as holy places of God, due to their corruption by the religious leaders, Micah proclaims a coming restoration of God's people.  The old order of the law had failed due to the continued rebellion of God's people, but that was not the end of hope.  God was again going to establish His church, built by faith in Christ alone.  God's house, those who accepted salvation through Christ, would be exalted in the high places.  I believe that this means that we as followers of Christ are to be a beacon to the lost.  We are never to hide in fear, but are to boldly proclaim Christ to the world.  Verse two says, And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.  When God's people are following Him, then people will be drawn to Him.  Before, under the Mosaic law, the Jewish people were viewed as being God's people, and others were viewed as being not God's, or Gentiles.  Now Micah said many nations would come to worship God.  The Jewish people had been charged with bringing others to God, but they had failed.  We as followers of Christ today are charged with carrying the gospel to all people, and we cannot be selfish in doing so.  The gospel is for all people, not just a select few.  Verse three states, And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.  Micah said there was a coming time of peace.  There was coming a time when people would make farming implements instead of war implements.  We also know that this time of peace, if it comes, will never last in this world, but will be the nature of life in the world to come.  Still, I wonder how much we should invest in the implements of war versus the implements of peace.  Verse four declares, But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.  Micah said that when this time of peace came that people could live content and without fear, not because of their strength, but because of God.  Only God can bring true and lasting peace to people, and His peace will last forever.  As followers of Christ, we should already have that peace in life.  Even if the world is filled with war and hatred, we are secure in our relationship with God forever.  Verse five states, For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.  I believe that this cannot just totally apply to heaven, because there no one will follow after any false god, but will only follow the One true and living God.  The main point is that even if people follow other gods, we as followers of Christ are to walk in the name of our God forever and ever.  This does not mean some day, but from the day that we accept Christ as our Savior and Lord.

Micah 3:6 says, Therefore night shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them.  Having warned the false prophets to prepare for war, God began to tell them some of the things that were going to happen to them.  God said that these false prophets were to no longer have any visions nor would they divine the future.  It is not that before they had visions from God about the future, but now they would not even have the false visions and prophecies that they claimed to have before.  Those who claim to speak for God when they are really only attempting to prove their own value need to be aware that God will ultimately judge them, and their works will be shown to be the works of darkness.  Verse seven states, Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God.  Micah said in the coming judgment of Israel that those who had prophesied peace would be ashamed and confounded.  He said they would cover their lips, because there would be no answer from God.  I believe this warning still applies.  When we make false prophecies in the name of God, we will ultimately be held accountable for them, and at that time we can only be ashamed and without anything to say in our defense.  In verse eight Micah says, But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sins.  Micah proclaimed himself to be full of power by the spirit of God.  Just saying that did not make it true, but the truth of Micah's power under God's strength and guidance came from his prophecies being fulfilled.  Micah didn't come promising peace, but instead came prophesying destruction.  We today must be true to God's word and follow His will, even if all that is promised in this world is war and destruction.  Until Christ returns, there can be no real peace in the world, no matter what is promised in the name of God.  Still, we as followers of Christ can live in peace because we are secure in God's everlasting protection.  In verse nine Micah pleads, Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity. Micah was speaking to those who were called God's people, and he said the hated judgment and perverted all equity.  I believe Micah was saying that there was no real justice to be found with them.  Verse ten says, They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.  Their chief cities were made prosperous by the blood of their oppressed citizens and by dealing in sinful ways.  Verse eleven continues the indictment saying, The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.  All those who were supposed to represent God for the good of all His people were serving material rewards instead.  Micah said that even when they did this that they would claim God was with them so no evil could come to them.  When we begin to think that just because we claim to be God's people and live only for what is most profitable for us that God has to protect us, we are sadly mistaken.  Verse twelve proclaims, Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.  Micah warned them of the coming total destruction of Zion and Jerusalem.  We can be just as certain of the coming destruction of anything that we build that is not built under God's leadership.

Micah 3:1 says, And I said, Hear, I pray you, O heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel; Is it not for you to know judgment?  Micah asked the heads of Israel to hear what he was saying.  He then questioned if they were not the ones who should know judgment.  I believe this means God's judgment.  The next two verses refer to some of the evil ways the leaders were treating those under them.  Verse two states, Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones;  Then verse three continues, Who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.  Instead of treating those under them fairly, the prophets and rulers abused them for their own profit.  I don't believe that the rulers had any concern for those that they ruled over.  They felt free to abuse them any way they chose.  We need to remember that these were God's chosen people that Micah was speaking to, and their rulers had become this corrupt.  If those chosen to rule over God's people were this corrupt, then what hope was there for the rest of the world?  Verse four says, Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.  This was still addressed to the religious leaders and false prophets.  God said that when adversity came upon them then they would hypocritically call out to Him.  We cannot expect to live our lives guided by our own selfishness and expect God to bail us out when things go wrong.  Verse five says, Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.  God warned the false prophets who promised peace in the name of God that God Himself had not promised should prepare for war instead.  When people begin to make promises in the name of God that do not truly come from God, then destruction will certainly await them.  We, as followers of Christ cannot allow ourselves to become guilty of doing this.

Micah 2:5 says, Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD.  I believe this verse and the next few relate to hypocritical worship.  Casting lots was used to determine God's will, and at times to determine an inheritance.  I believe that God was telling the people of Israel that there was no need to go through the motions of worship when they did not submit to the leadership of God.  If we are not following God in our lives today, then there is no use in pretending that we are worshipping Him by going through religious gestures.  Verse six states, Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy: they shall not prophesy to them, that they shall not take shame.  Micah said that God had called for those who prophesied to guit.  The prophets had ceased to proclaim God's word, but were instead proclaiming what the people wanted to hear.  We can never change the word of God just because it is unpopular.  If we do, then we can not expect God to bless our words nor our work.  Verse seven says, O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the LORD straitened? are these his doings? do not my words do good to him that walketh uprightly?  God asked if those who were called the house of Jacob, or God's people in other words, believed that the way they were living was directed by God.  As followers of Christ today, we must always live our lives for God's glory.  When we are following God's leadership then we can walk uprightly in the world.  Verse eight says, Even of late my people is risen up as an enemy: ye pull off the robe with the garment from them that pass by securely as men averse from war.  God said that lately those who were called His people had risen up as enemies against Him.  Instead of treating strangers with courtesy, they had started taking everything they had from them.  Verse nine states, The women of my people have ye cast out from their pleasant houses; from their children have ye taken away my glory for ever.  God said that women and children, like the strangers, were mistreated.  Instead of caring for them and showing the love of God to them, God's people had taken away His glory.  The way we treat others as followers of Christ should always bring glory to Him.  Verse ten declares, Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.  Those who were called God's people were told to arise and depart because they had polluted their covenant with Him.  They could not rely on their physical birth and their empty worship to bring the blessings of God to them, and neither can we today.  Verse eleven states, If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie, saying, I will prophesy unto thee of wine and of strong drink; he shall even be the prophet of this people.  I believe this is a warning against claiming to walk by the leadership of God when we are lying about that relationship.  We might as well be drunk on wine, since we are not filled with the Holy Spirit.  Verse twelve says, I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.  God said He would gather the remnant of Israel.  God has never been totally devoid of those who follow Him.  When Christ came, He died to redeem all who put their faith in God.  Verse thirteen says,  The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.  Matthew Henry says that some believe the breaker refers to John the Baptist, but we can be certain that God is referring to the restoration of those who believe in Him.  Through Christ, God is our King forever.

Micah 2:1 says, Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. Micah issued a warning against iniquity.  Those in power felt that they could do whatever they wanted to do because they had the power.  I believe that Micah was saying that they planned evil day and night.  Verse two says, And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.  Those in power, who already had more than most, wanted even more.  They coveted what others had and oppressed the less fortunate.  We know this has not changed today, but it never should be true of God's people.  Verse three states, Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.  We can see this statement as God being responsible for the evil that was going to happen to these people, this family that were supposed to be His.  Since I do not believe that God is responsible for evil, I believe that it means that God was going to remove His protective hand from them due to their sinful actions.  Verse four states, In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields.  Micah said that after this evil came on the people of Israel that they would lament, or mourn, the loss of God's protection.  If we become indifferent to God's guidance and protection in the world today, we should not be surprised if we find ourselves mourning about our lives.  We should not expect God's protection if we aren't following His will for our lives.

Micah 1:8 says, Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked: I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.  Micah was not happy to be bringing these promises of destruction to those who were called God's people.  We today should not be happy at the judgment of those who are hypocritical in their claim to be God's people.  We should be filled with great sorrow as Micah was.  Verse nine states, For her wound is incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem.  I believe that Micah was telling the people that there was no easy way for them to be restored to God.  Though God offers us peace and protection through our faith in Him, if we make a hypocritical profession and continue to chase other gods, then His judgment is certain.  Verse ten states, Declare ye it not at Gath, weep ye not at all: in the house of Aphrah roll thyself in the dust.  Micah begins to speak of particular places, starting with Gath.  Matthew Henry says that though God's people would be reduced to mourning that they weren't to do so in the presence of those who were God's enemies.  When we are guilty of sin, or know someone who is, we should repent without allowing God's enemies to use our repentance to discredit God.  In the next few verses Micah refers to particular cities and God's coming judgment.  In verse eleven he says, Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall receive of you his standing.  The people of Saphir were known for their finery and beauty, but they would be stripped bare.  The people of Zaanan were known for their agricultural abilities, but these were going to fail under God's judgment.  Bethezel was near by, but there was to be no relief found there.  No matter what people feel makes them great, they will stand before God's judgment with nothing of value from this world, nor is there any place that they can flee to for safety.  Verse twelve says, For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good: but evil came down from the LORD unto the gate of Jerusalem.  I believe that Micah was saying that waiting for good is not enough.  While they waited, God's judgment came.  Verse thirteen states, O thou inhabitant of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast: she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion: for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.  Micah said that the people of Lachish had started to rely on their own power and to fall into idolatry, but their military strength would fail.  The next two verses speak of the futility of turning to other nations for deliverance.  Verse fourteen says, Therefore shalt thou give presents to Moreshethgath: the houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel.  Then verse fifteen says, Yet will I bring an heir unto thee, O inhabitant of Mareshah: he shall come unto Adullam the glory of Israel.  When deliverance came, it would be through God, and not through any ability of people to deliver themselves.  Verse sixteen says, Make thee bald, and poll thee for thy delicate children; enlarge thy baldness as the eagle; for they are gone into captivity from thee.  Micah said that all that the people of Israel and Judah could do was sincerely mourn their disobedience to God.  We can never find peace and security anywhere but in following the will of God.  When we fall into sin, the only thing we can do is sincerely repent and ask God's forgiveness.

Micah 1:1 says, The word of the LORD that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.  Micah identifies himself and where he is from.  Then he declares that the word of the Lord came to him.  He didn't just come to an understanding of what was to happen on his own, but God revealed it to him.  When someone comes proclaiming God's word today we need to know who they are, but more importantly we must know that what they proclaim really does come from God.  Micah prophesied during the reign of three kings, from one of the worst, Ahaz, to one of the best, Hezekiah.  Verse two asks, Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord GOD be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.  When Micah was proclaiming God's word, he could not demand that they listen, but could only ask that they listen.  We cannot demand that people listen to the gospel, but we can only ask that they do so.  Verse three says, For, behold, the LORD cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.  God was coming in judgment against those who were called His people, and nothing could spare them.  If we, who are called God's people today rebel against Him, then instead of having peace with God we can be certain of His judgment against us.  Israel and Judah were God's people in name only.  Verse four states, And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.  Micah warned that there was no place where the people could go to escape the judgment of God.  Verse five declares, For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem?  Through Micah God told the people that they were guilty of idolatry.  They may have questioned why they were to be punished, but deep down I believe they had to know.  As followers of Christ, we today know when we are outside the will of God.  Verse six says, Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.  Instead of being under the protection of God, the nations of Israel and Judah were to be under His punishment.  Sin, especially idolatry, brings judgment and punishment from God, and we can only avoid it by God's grace in providing the only way to salvation, which is through faith in Christ.  Verse seven says, And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.  Micah told the people that all their idols would be destroyed.  When we stand before God we can be certain that all those things that we put our faith in other than Christ will be destroyed.

We will now review some of the things that we learned from Paul's letter to the church, that group of believers, at Ephesus.  The first thing is that Paul was writing to those who had accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. His letter would have no real meaning to any who was not a follower of Christ.  Paul tells us that salvation through Christ was not some secondary salvation plan, but that from the beginning God knew that it would be the only way for people to be redeemed.  Like the Christians in Ephesus, we can be restored to God only through faith in Christ.  Paul told them that they were the adopted children of God.  The Christians at Ephesus, and anyone before or since, can only be adopted into God's family because of His action.  We can never earn nor force our way into God's family.  We will never be adopted because of our own worthiness, but can only be adopted by admitting our own unworthiness and accepting salvation, or adoption, by faith in Christ.  Paul stated that everyone, whether Jew or Gentile, had the same access to salvation through Christ.  The Jewish people were in no way superior to the Gentiles based on the fact of their physical birth.  Christ died for all people equally.  We today are in no way superior to other Christians based on where we were born nor what family we were born into.  All remain equal in Christ.  Paul called for unity in the church.  Since all had been saved by Christ's victory over death, then His followers were to be united by their faith in Him.  This always was and always will be true.  God gives us different gifts, but all are to be used for the spreading of the gospel and the edification of the church.  We are to grow and be rooted in our faith, and not be drawn away by any teachings of any person who would change the gospel.  Paul taught that husbands and wives were to be committed to each other as they are to Christ.  When both are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit, then there will be unity in purpose and the good of the other partner will always come first.  Paul told those at Ephesus and tells us today that we should put on the armor of God when we encounter opposition.  God will protect us, head to toe, in our everlasting, spiritual nature.  Since this is true, we can live without worry even in the evil world in which we live.

Ephesians 6:18

Ephesians 6:18 says, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;  After speaking of putting on the whole armor of God, Paul then instructs us to always be in prayer and supplication to the Spirit.  Even if we feel that we are properly clothed in the armor of God, we still need to be continually in prayer, not only for ourselves but for those around us.  This includes our enemies.  When we do, the Holy Spirit will preserve and protect us, and all who are followers of Christ.  Verse nineteen adds, 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,  Paul asked for a specific prayer for himself.  Notice that he did not pray for any material thing but prayed that he might be faithful in boldly presenting the gospel.  Paul also said that the gospel was a mystery to those who had not accepted Christ into their lives.  The gospel of Christ will never make logical sense.  We have to ask why God would send His only begotten Son to redeem mankind, His rebellious creation.  From a human perspective, God would have sent Christ to punish us and not redeem us.  This is indeed the great mystery of the gospel.  Verse twenty continues, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  Paul said that even if he were in bonds that he was still an ambassador for Christ and asked that even in bonds that he would continue to boldly speak of salvation through Christ.  We, like Paul, must pray for the strength to boldly speak the gospel of Christ, no matter what may happen to us in this world.  Verse twenty-one states, But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:  Paul wanted those Christians in Ephesus to know that he was okay, so he sent Tychicus to them.  Paul called Tychicus a beloved brother and faithful minister.  I believe that Paul was sending him, not as someone who had to do what Paul demanded, but as one who willingly went for him.  Verse twenty-two adds, Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.  Tychicus was not only to bring word about Paul, but in doing so he was to bring comfort to their hearts.  The Christians at Ephesus were evidently concerned about Paul.  We today may have the same concern about those who minister in dangerous places, but we need to trust that God will be with them, no matter what happens in this life.  Verse twenty-three continues, Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Again, this is not two Gods, but only One manifested in two different ways.  Paul asked that they be at peace, then told them how to find peace.  Peace comes through faith in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  When we live by faith we can know peace in an evil, corrupt world.  Verse twenty-four concludes, Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Written from Rome unto the Ephesians by Tychicus.  Though God's grace extends to everyone, it only has effect for those who love the Lord Jesus Christ sincerely.  It is not enough to just proclaim to accept Christ without a sincere faith in Him as our Savior and Lord.

Ephesians 6:10

Ephesians 6:10 says, Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Paul now begins to discuss preparing for the spiritual warfare that we will encounter in life.  First, Paul tells us to be strong in the Lord, relying on His power and might.  We cannot live successfully for Christ by our own abilities or power.  Verse eleven adds, Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Paul tells us that God gives us all the armor that we need to live successfully in the battle against the wiles of the devil.  We should never go into the battle without being totally prepared.  Verse twelve continues, 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.  Paul tells us that we are not just in battle against flesh and blood, but we are in battle against the rulers of darkness and spiritual evil in high places.   Verse thirteen states, 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.  Paul again tells us to put on the whole armor of God so that we may stand against all the evil that comes to us each day.  We cannot wait until the attack is under way to attempt to be armored by God, but must be continually ready.  Verse fourteen adds, Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  Paul begins to specify what the armor of God is in the next few verses.  We are to be girded with the truth of God, which has to begin with accepting Christ as Savior and Lord.  We are to have the breastplate of righteousness, not ours, but God's.  If we attempt to defend ourselves by our own righteousness we will fail.  Verse fifteen continues, And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Paul tells us that our feet should be shod with the carrying forth of the gospel of peace.  We are not to just stand protected, but we are to go forward with the gospel of peace through Christ.  Verse sixteen declares, Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  The first priority is the shield of faith that enables us to withstand all the attacks of Satan.  Verse seventeen adds, And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  Paul tells us our heads are to be protected by the helmet of salvation.  He also tells us of our one offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  If we are not going into battle with the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit, then we will fail.  All that we do must be consistent with the word of God.

Ephesians 6:1

Ephesians 6:1 says, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Paul tells children to obey their parents in the Lord.  This is the key.  If the child has reached the age where they can have a personal relationship with Christ, then they should do what is right for the glory of God.  This begins by the simple act of obeying their parents.  Verse two adds, Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)  When God commanded children to honor their father and mother, this act came with a promise.  Verse three continues, That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.  Learning to obey parents leads to a better life and a longer life.  We cannot say that every child who obeys his or her parents will live a long and prosperous life here on earth, but if they do obey their parents their live will be better.  Remember also that Paul was writing this to the church, those who followed Christ in their lives.  Verse four states, And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  When telling the children to be obedient to parents, Paul here states that parents are to be obedient to God.  If parents are bringing children up in the nurturing and admonition to the Lord, then they will always want what is best for the child.  Paul does not say that parents are to treat their children as though they are unworthy of love and respect themselves.  When the family operates under the leadership of God, then every member of the family will love and respect the others.  Verse five adds, Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;  After instructing family members about how to relate to each other, Paul now instructs servants about how they should relate to their masters.  Servants are to be obedient to their masters as they are to Christ.  It is easy to hope that those who are over us, in whatever capacity, will fail, and it is even easy to attempt to cause them to fail, but as followers of Christ we are called to a higher standard.  We are to obey those who are over and us do our jobs with complete dedication, because we do represent Christ in the world.  Verse six continues, Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;  Paul expands on this requirement in this verse.  As Christians, we are not just to do our job to the best of our ability when those who are over us are watching, but we are to do it at all times because we represent Christ.  Verse seven states, With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:  We are to serve with good will, doing whatever we do as if we are doing it directly for Christ.  Verse eight adds, Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.  Paul tells us that no matter our status in life, whether bond or free, that God will give everyone their ultimate reward.  We cannot allow our status in life to affect our attitude toward our work.  As followers of Christ, we must always do everything for God's glory.  Verse nine continues, And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.  Paul tells the masters that they are not to treat their servants badly, because their Master in heaven does not respect persons.  Now, we could say that respecting those over us only applies to those who are Christian leaders, but I believe it applies to all those who are over us.  Even though this verse seems to address Christian masters, we are called to base our actions on who we are in Christ, and not on the actions of those over us.

Ephesians 5:22

Ephesians 5:22 says, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.  Paul in the next few verses addresses the relationship between husband and wife.  He first calls on wives to submit themselves to their husbands as to the Lord.  This would imply that he was speaking to a wife who was a follower of Christ, otherwise she would not submit to Him.  Verse twenty-three adds, 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.  Paul based this all on both husband and wife following Christ.  As head of the church, Christ lived to benefit others and died to redeem them. If a husband loves his wife the same way, and they are both committed to following God's will, the there should never be a problem.  Verse twenty-four continues, Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.  If the church, the followers of Christ, is subject to Him as it should be, then those believers should never have a reason to question the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  When a wife is married to a fellow believer, then she should never doubt that he has her best interest at heart.  Verse twenty-five declares, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  If a husband wants to fulfill his calling as the head of the household, then he must put the welfare of his wife first, just as Christ did for the church.  Verse twenty-six adds, That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Paul was referring to Christ and the church in this verse.  Christ sanctifies and cleanses the church by washing its members by the word of God.  God's word points us to salvation through Christ's blood shed for us on the cross.  Christ washes the church, His followers, clean and they do not cleanse themselves.   Verse twenty-seven continues, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  When we as believers in Christ truly follow the will of God as revealed by His word, we will be holy and without blemish.  This is due to the sacrifice of Christ and through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.  Verse twenty-eight states, So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  I do not believe that Paul was implying that a husband can be saved for his wife, nor can he make her perfect before God.  I believe Paul was saying that the husband should love with a love that wants all the best for his wife before God.  Husbands are called on to love their wives as they love themselves.  Verse twenty-nine adds, For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:  Paul was speaking of normal, rational people who are following God's direction in life.  We may be able to cite examples of people who have hated and harmed themselves, but it is never under the leadership of God.  Verse thirty continues, For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.  This is another reminder that Paul was writing to those who had accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord.  Those who believe are members of the body of Christ.  Verse thirty-one states, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  Paul tells us that when a man is grown that he should leave his parents and get married.  This is not a command for everyone to be married but is a statement of what should normally occur.  Paul tells us that the husband and wife become one flesh.  Verse thirty-two says, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  Paul said that what he had been saying might be a great mystery, but that he was speaking of Christ and the church, and I believe relating that to the relationship between a husband and wife.  Verse thirty-three adds, Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.  Paul calls on husbands and wives to love each other with a God like love.  Nothing less is going to bring happiness and satisfaction in marriage.

Ephesians 5:13

Ephesians 5:13 says, But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.  Paul tells us that the light of Christ makes manifest all things.  We see that all things are made manifest by the light of Christ and that those actions that are not consistent with God's will shall be reproved.  Verse fourteen adds, Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  Paul says that we are to wake from our spiritual slumber when we are followers of Christ.  We are to rise from the dead, not physically but spiritually.  Verse fifteen continues, See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,  Paul advises us to walk circumspectly.  I believe he is simply warning us to walk in the light of the Lord.  Our actions are to bring the light of Christ to the world, and we cannot do this by proclaiming the gospel and living by the dictates of the world.  We are to walk in the wisdom of God and not the foolishness of the world.  Verse sixteen states, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  We are to use our time wisely, witnessing for Christ, because the days are filled with evil.  This is nothing new but was true in Paul's day as well.  We may believe that the world is worse today than it has ever been, but a look back in history will tell us this isn't true.  We just have a greater ability to hear about it.  Verse seventeen adds, Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  When Paul advises us to not be unwise he tells us how to avoid being so.  Paul tells us that by understanding what God's will is we can avoid living lives that lack wisdom.  We may be wise in all the ways of the world, but if we do not follow the will of God for our lives we are without true wisdom.  Verse eighteen continues, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;  We can debate the drinking of wine and whether it is morally wrong or not, but we cannot debate that getting drunk is wrong.  Paul tells us instead of looking to wine to bring us pleasure, or maybe relief from the stress of the world, that we are to look to the Holy Spirit.  I do not believe that we can ever overindulge in the Holy Spirit.  Verse nineteen says, Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;  Paul states some of the outcomes of being filled with the Holy Spirit.  We will sing praises to God and have a melody in our hearts to the Lord.  The heart was seen as the source of emotions in Paul's day, so I believe that he was saying that we should have all our emotions focused on worshipping God.  Verse twenty adds, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;  Paul tells us to always give thanks to God, and not to just thank Him when things are going well.  When we are truly always giving thanks to God there can be no room for doubt, fear, or anger to name a few emotions.  Verse twenty-one continues, Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.  I believe that Paul is telling us that when we submit to God's will that we each individually will want what is best for others.

Ephesians 5:1

Ephesians 5:1 says, Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;  Paul calls on us to follow God as His dear children.  We are not called to be simply servants of God, though we should always be ready to serve His calling for us.  We are called to follow as dear children, which we are if we accept Christ as our Savoir and Lord of our lives.  Verse two adds, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.  Paul calls on us to walk in love because Christ loves us and become the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins.  This is the reason we are to reach out to all others in love.  Verse three continues, But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  Paul begins to list some things that followers of Christ should not be guilty of.  Some are easily avoidable but notice that covetousness is totally an action of our thoughts, and I believe that these others mean not only in our actions, but in our thoughts as well.  Verse four states, Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  This includes the things we say, even those things said in jest.  We often want to justify what we say by claiming that we were only kidding, but I believe that Paul is telling us that even if we are simply kidding, we are not to say things that are harmful to others.  I don't believe that Paul was saying that we cannot have humor in our lives, but if we do that it should not be of harm to anyone else.  Paul tells us that in the way we live and speak that we should do it giving thanks to God.  Verse five adds, For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  Paul tells us that as followers of Christ certain things can no longer guide our thoughts and actions.  If we are living by the leadership of the Holy Spirit, we will not be guilty of these things.  Verse six continues, Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  We are not to be deceived by vain, or empty, words.  I believe that this would be anything that adds to or takes away from salvation by faith in Christ alone.  Though we are saved forever by Christ, that still does not mean that our actions cannot bring God's wrath, or displeasure, into our lives.  Verse seven says, Be not ye therefore partakers with them.  Paul tells us that we are not to live by the vain words of anyone or to follow those who speak them.  I believe that to avoid this we must be grounded in the word of God and led by the Holy Spirit.  Verse eight adds, For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:  Paul reminds us that we are a new creation, no longer the children of darkness, but now the children of light.  We can only become children of light through faith in Christ.  As followers of Christ, we are to walk, or live, to shed His light in the world.  Verse nine continues, (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)  Paul tells us why we are to be a light of the world.  We are the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and we are also to bring forth fruit by reaching others with the gospel of Christ.  This is all done in goodness and righteousness and truth.  Verse ten states, Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  We can only prove what is acceptable to the Lord by following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse eleven adds, And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.  I believe that Paul was speaking of those who try to change the gospel.  They are unfruitful because they are not living by the light of Christ while claiming to.  Verse twelve continues, For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.  Those who profess to be followers of Christ but live without His truth in their lives hope to keep their actions secret. We as followers of Christ are to live open, honest lives under leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 4:25

Ephesians 4:25 says, Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.  Here, Paul begins to speak of some of the characteristics of the new person that we become in Christ.  Paul tells us that we are to put away lying and to speak in truth to our neighbor.  This does not just mean just those that we live close to, nor those that we go to church with, though there is certainly that aspect of the warning.  We are certainly members of the same body of Christ when we become Christians, but we cannot have one set of standards when dealing with Christians and another when dealing with the rest of the world.  We are to speak in truth in all situations, even if it does not seem to be what is best for us.  Whatever we say or do must be directed by the Holy Spirit and must bring honor to God.  Verse twenty-six adds, Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:  I do not believe that Paul was telling us to be angry, but he was telling us how to keep anger from being a sin.  If we become angry with someone, we need to deal with that anger that day and not allow it to affect our actions for days to come.  We might say that we are not to hold a grudge.  It is surprising how often those who are followers of Christ allow something that happened years ago affect their relationship with someone today.  Verse twenty-seven continues, Neither give place to the devil.  The first thing we have to do is recognize when we are tempted to give the Devil a place in our lives.  We need to recognize that the Devil does not come to us as a man who is all red, with a tail, horns, and a pitchfork, but instead comes in the most tempting form.  I believe that we make it harder at times to keep from giving the Devil a place in our lives by portraying him as totally evil in his appearance.  The Devil is deceitful by nature and appeals to people in the most tempting way.  Verse twenty-eight states, Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.  Paul calls on us to not steal but to work, not only for our welfare but to help those in need as well.  We may not want to acknowledge it, but there are times when people simply cannot find work that pays enough to meet all their needs, if they can find work at all. There are also many ways to steal, like cheating on taxes or even doing as little as possible at work.  We as followers of Christ are to set the example by being honest in all our dealings with other people.  Verse twenty-nine adds, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.  When Paul tells us to not let any corrupt communication come out of our mouth, we often think of profanity, but I believe that he is speaking of much more.  For example, when we gossip, we are guilty of corrupt communication, as we are when we speak badly about whole groups of people.  We are to speak in such a way that we honor God and edify those around us.  If we as followers of Christ do not show the love of God to the world who will?  Verse thirty continues, And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Paul tells us that when we do any of the things that he had just said to not do that we grieve the Holy Spirit.  I believe anytime that we live by the standards of the world we grieve the Holy Spirit.  Verse thirty-one says, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:  Paul did not call on us to put away these things toward some people, but to put them away toward all people.  I believe it is impossible to allow Christ to live through us and look with hatred or contempt on anyone.  Verse thirty-two adds, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.  We are to be kind and forgiving to one another.  I believe that Paul means more than just to those that we like, but to even those who may treat us wrong.  I believe this because Paul tells us that we are to do so because God has forgiven us.  Christ did not die just for a select few, but for all who would accept His gift of salvation by faith, including those who nailed Him to the cross.  This is to be the kind of love that we show the world.

Ephesians 4:17

Ephesians 4:17 says, This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  Paul told the Christians at Ephesus, those who were Gentiles, that they were no longer to walk as other Gentiles.  Those who were not followers of Christ walked in the vanity of their minds.  I believe that Paul was saying that those who were not Christians followed after empty ideas.  Verse eighteen adds, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  I do not believe that Paul was saying that those who didn't believe in Christ failed to do so because God had darkened their understanding, but that their own refusal to believe in Christ was a result of their own will.  When someone refuses to accept Christ as Savior and Lord, then they are alienated from God because of their own blindness to the truth.  Verse nineteen continues, Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  Paul tells us that those who refuse to believe in the gospel of Christ are given over to the desires of the flesh.  Paul said this leads to a life ruled by the desires of the flesh.  Verse twenty declares, But ye have not so learned Christ;  Paul tells us that if we are living by the desires of the flesh that this is nothing that we have been taught by or learned from Christ.  If we are truly following Christ, then we cannot be ruled by the desires of the flesh.  We are held to a higher standard.  Verse twenty-one adds, If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  If we have not heard of and accepted and been taught by Christ, then we will be ruled by the desires of the flesh.  Paul said that truth exists in Jesus.  I believe that truth is that there is no other way to salvation but to accept the sacrifice that Christ made on the cross for our sins.  When we do this, the Holy Spirit will lead us to a greater understanding of how to live by faith.  Verse twenty-two continues, That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  We are no longer to speak as we did before we were saved.  Now, everything that we say should come from the love of God for everyone.  We cannot just condemn the non-believers, but must speak the truth of the gospel to them, both with our words and our actions.  Verse twenty-three says, And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  If we are following Christ, we need to have a new spirit in all our thoughts.  We are to be directed by the Holy Spirit in our thoughts and actions.  Verse twenty-four adds, And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.  We can no longer live ruled by the desires of the flesh, but we have become a new person in Christ.

Ephesians 4:8

Ephesians 4:8 says, Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.  Paul said when Christ ascended that he led captivity captive.  What had held people captive before was sin.  The law of God could not free those in Paul's day and cannot free us from that captivity today because we cannot live up to the requirements of the law.  Christ removed that captivity to sin and everlasting separation from God when He rose again.  Verse nine adds, (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?  Paul said Christ Who ascended was the same Christ Who descended into the lower parts of the earth, or the grave.  Through His death, Christ took on all the sins of people for all time, but the true victory came with His resurrection.  Verse ten continues, He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)  The Christ of the ascension is the same Christ as the One of the crucifixion and burial.  By His death, burial and resurrection, Christ defeated sin and spiritual death for all time.  At the same time, Christ gave to those who are His followers spiritual gifts necessary to accomplish His work until He returns.  Verse eleven states, And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  Whatever our calling might be today, it is a gift from God, and we are empowered by God to fulfill that calling.  Verse twelve adds, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  Paul tells us why we are given these spiritual gifts, and it is not for self-glory.  We are given our gift or gifts for the perfecting of the saints, those who accept Christ as Savior and Lord, and for the edifying or growing in knowledge of living by faith. Verse thirteen continues, Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  Paul continues to speak of growing in the unity of faith and the knowledge of Christ.  As we grow in unity of faith, we prove the measure of the fullness of Christ in our lives.  If we are continually in conflict with other Christians, whether it is between two believers in particular or two congregations in general, we are not exhibiting much growth in Christ.  Verse fourteen says, That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  Paul tells us that when we grow in the knowledge of Christ that we are no more like children who are easily swayed in their beliefs by those who are good at manipulating others.  There seems to be a tendency in the church today to follow the examples of the larger churches, especially if they have a popular preacher.  We need to instead ensure that we are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit when we worship God.  Verse fifteen adds, But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  Paul said that when someone is a follower of Christ that that person should speak the truth in love, not only to other believers but to everyone we meet.  When we do this, we will begin to grow in our spiritual lives, under the authority of Christ as the head of the church. Verse sixteen concludes, From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  Paul was speaking of unity in Christ and our growing in faith in these verses, and he said that when we put Christ first that love for others and unity in Christ would be the natural outcome.  We as followers of Christ must always put the will of God first, as individual Christians and as a group of believers.  When we do, we will grow in our knowledge of what it means to be a follower of Christ in the world today.

Ephesians 4:1

Ephesians 4:1 states, I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,  Paul declares himself to be a prisoner of Christ.  Those in power may have believed that they had Paul imprisoned, but Paul said he was simply a prisoner of the Lord.  We likewise need to be held prisoner to the will of God that we might walk worthy of the vocation to which God calls us.  The underlying calling of any Christian is to live for the glory of God and to share the good news of salvation through Christ.  As I have said before, as followers of Christ we cannot divide the world into the sacred and the secular.  Whether gathered together in worship or out in the world during the week, our lives are to be a constant witness for and worship of God.  Verse two adds, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;  We are not called to live in the riches of the world and by showing off our superiority to others, especially fellow Christians.  We are to live humbly in our faith and be guided by a love of others.  This ability comes only by accepting Christ through faith and living under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse three continues, Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Paul tells us that we are to endeavor, or to work, to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Since Paul says we are to endeavor to do this, I believe that means that it might not always be easy to accomplish.  Sometimes it may be very difficult to live at peace with our fellow Christians, but we should try hard to make sure that it is never because of our attitude.  This does not mean that we are always to just claim that it is not our fault, but that we are indeed living under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and reaching out to others in love for them.  Verse four declares, There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  Paul stated this point many times.  There may be many local fellowships of believers, but we are all a part of the same fellowship of Christ.  We should feel just at home in one true fellowship of believers as we do in any other, as long as they and we are really worshipping God under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse five adds, One Lord, one faith, one baptism,  Paul was writing to those who were facing the question of whether the Jewish and the Gentile Christians were equal.  He declared that there was but one faith, one Lord, and one baptism.  We today must proclaim the same truth.  The way we worship may vary, but the One we worship never can.  Verse six continues, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  In Paul's day, and even today, the Jewish people felt that they alone had a relationship with the heavenly Father.  Paul said that all who came to the Father through the sacrifice of the Son really had that relationship.  The nature of where we are born or what family we are born into can never bring salvation to nor exclude a person from salvation.  We should be united since we are all God's children if we accept Christ through faith.  Verse seven concludes, But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.  We are given salvation by the grace of God.  This is a gift that cannot be earned.

Ephesians 3:13

Ephesians 3:13 says, Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.  Paul was still referring to the power and glory of Christ when he asked that his fellow believers not faint at his tribulations.  We today may see devout Christians suffering and begin to question why we should ever serve God.  Paul said that instead of causing his fellow believers to faint in their faith that they should know that his tribulations were for their glory.  Verse fourteen adds, For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,  Paul said that since his tribulations were for the glory of others, that they might know the truth of the gospel, he bowed to the Father and unto our Lord Jesus Christ.  If we are suffering tribulation today because of our faith, we need to simply bow to God.  We also need to acknowledge that we are not alone.  Christ is not just my Savior and Lord, but as Paul said He is our Savior and Lord.  Verse fifteen continues, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,  Paul tells us that there is only one name by which we become a part of the family of God, and that is Jesus Christ.  He also tells us that we are all part of the same family, whether in heaven or still here on earth.  Verse sixteen states, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;  We can be assured that our inner man, or our spiritual nature is strengthened by the Holy Spirit.  We no longer have to rely on our own strength and understanding, but we have the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us.  Though some situations in life may not be clearly right or wrong, if we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will always know what is truly right.  Though at times we may feel our strength falter, if we rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit we will never be defeated.  Verse seventeen adds, That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,  Paul says that when Christ lives in us by faith in Him that we will be rooted and grounded in love.  When we live under the love of God, we will always do what is best, not for our own advantage, but for the glory of God and the welfare of others as well.  Verse eighteen continues, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;  Paul is still speaking of the love of God shown to us through Christ.  We need to remember daily the completeness of God's love. Verse nineteen says, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.  Paul said that the love of Christ passes all knowledge.  We cannot fully understand the love that Christ willing showed the world by His death, burial, and resurrection in our place.  Yet, when we accept Christ as Savior and Lord, we should be filled with the goodness of God.  Verse twenty adds, Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,  The Him that Paul was referring to is God, and not any person in the world.  God, through Christ's sacrifice and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is able to do so much more than we ask or even think.  Verse twenty-one continues, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.  Paul told the Christians at Ephesus and all that come after them that we should live to bring glory to Christ.  This will continue to be our purpose as long as the world stands.

Ephesians 3:1

Ephesians 3:1 says, For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Paul considered himself a prisoner of Christ and not of the powers of the world.  He was a prisoner of Christ because of his commitment to preach salvation to the Gentiles.  When accusations were made against Paul, they all centered on the fact that he was preaching salvation to all equally, and this made the religious leaders angry at him.  We must be prisoners to our faith in Christ no matter what the powers of the world may do to us.  Verse two adds, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:  Paul said that God had given him the dispensation of grace.  What Paul was preaching was not something that he himself had decided was the truth, but was the truth given to him by God.  When we proclaim the gospel today, we must make sure that it is what God Himself declared as the truth of the gospel, which is that Christ died to restore any who believes in Him to God.  Verse three continues, How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,  Verse four concludes, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)  Paul said in these two verses that he had already written about how he came to know about the mystery of salvation through Christ.  It really is a mystery why God would choose such a way to salvation, until we come to acknowledge the truth of that mystery.  Salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, and until we meet Him personally through faith salvation will always remain a mystery.  Verse five states, Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;  Paul said that the truth of salvation was hidden in times past but was now revealed to God's apostles and prophets by the Spirit.  Why God chose to wait until this time to fulfill the law through Christ is not something we need to understand, but we can only accept by faith that the time was right, just as the time of the return of Christ will be.  Verse six adds, That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Paul tells us that the Jews and the Gentiles will be fellow heirs through the salvation of Christ.  We today are all fellow heirs of Christ with all other Christians.  Countries or denominations do not separate us, but we are all a part of the same body of Christ.  Verse seven continues, Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.  Paul said that he was a minister of Christ through the grace and power of Christ.  Whatever our calling today, we are called through the grace of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry out that calling.  Paul did not claim to be anything of his own abilities and strength, but always gave the glory to God.  Verse eight declares, Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;  Again, Paul states his own unworthiness to be called a saint but proclaims his calling to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.  We can never truly understand the riches that are ours through Christ in this world, nor will we ever deserve them.  This should prevent us from feeling superior to any other Christian, but as Paul we should feel that we are the least worthy.  We should always be humble in our service to Christ.  Verse nine adds, And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:  Paul wanted everyone to understand that salvation had always been and always would be through Christ.  This was God's plan from the beginning.  Salvation would come through Christ Who created all things.  Paul called this a fellowship of the mystery, and we still cannot really understand all aspects of the nature of the Trinity, but we can accept it by faith. Verse ten continues, To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,  Paul said that through Christ we can begin to understand the manifold wisdom of God.  Verse eleven states, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:  God's purpose, salvation for every person who would believe, was always to be made possible through Christ.  It is not that God had one plan, the law of God, which failed so He had to devise another plan, salvation through Christ.  The law of God was never meant to bring salvation, since it was based on man's abilities and not God's grace.  Verse twelve adds, In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.  Paul tells us that our faith in Christ should give us boldness and confidence in the world today.  Even when imprisoned, Paul was still bold in his proclamation of Christ as Savior and Lord of his life.

Ephesians 2:11

Ephesians 2:11 says, Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;  Paul said that those Gentile Christians had not been considered a part of God's people before they came to God by faith in Christ.  They were looked down on by the Jews, who considered themselves to be God's only people based on things of the flesh, such as birth and circumcision.  Verse twelve adds, That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:  Paul reminded the Christians at Ephesus that as Gentiles they had been aliens from those who were identified as God's people.  They were strangers to the covenant of God and without God in their lives.  I don't believe that this means that all people who were not a part of the nation of Israel before the coming of Christ were lost forever, any more than being born physically into the nation of Israel meant that they were automatically saved.  Through Christ, all have hope.  Verse thirteen continues, But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  Paul declares that those who had been far away from God, the Gentiles in particular, were made close to God through the blood of Christ.  This in no way depended on anything that they did other than accept salvation through Christ alone, and that has always been and always will be the only way to salvation.  Verse fourteen states, For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Christ allows us to find peace with God by breaking down the wall of partition that separates us from God.  We do not need anyone or anything else to give us access to God, the heavenly Father, except Christ.  As followers of Christ, we have total access to God.  Verse fifteen adds, Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  Paul tells us that Christ, in His flesh or human nature abolished the enmity between God and man, which the commandments could not do.  Christ was a new Man, one that lived in total obedience to the law and thereby fulfilled the requirements of the law once and forever.  Verse sixteen continues, And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  Paul said that by the death of Jesus Christ on the cross that the enmity between God and man was slain.  Through Christ alone can we have a right relationship with God.  Verse seventeen says, And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.  Jesus did indeed preach peace to the Jews and the Gentiles, and Paul had continued to do the same, as we must also.  Christ died for the sins of everyone, but it is up to each individual to accept that gift of salvation.  Verse eighteen adds, For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Through Christ we all have the same access to the Father under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Verse nineteen continues, Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;  As fellow citizens in the kingdom of God, we do not need visas or green cards.  We are all equally citizens of God's kingdom.  Verse twenty states, And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;  Paul said that the apostles and prophets had built the foundation of the church through preaching Christ as Savior and Lord, and Christ was and is the cornerstone of salvation.  If the cornerstone is not laid correctly, then what is built will be faulty.  If salvation through Christ is not the cornerstone of our faith, then whatever we build will ultimately fail. Verse twenty-one adds, In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:   Verse twenty-two continues, In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.  Paul was continuing to emphasize that all spiritual growth comes through the cornerstone of Christ.  We are all a part of God's church, but we can only be a part of that church, or body of believers, by faith in Christ alone.  The law or the nature of our physical birth, whether we are Jew or Gentile, can never save us.