Ephesians 5 - The Great Mystery Chiasm

Ephesians 5 speaks about marriage, but it is not about marriage.  Ephesians 5 speaks about Christian living, but it is not about Christian living.  Ephesians 5 speaks about singing in Christian worship, but it is not about singing in Christian worship.  If it is not about these things, just what IS it about?

Ephesians 5 is about God's great mystery, the church of Christ.  It is illustrated here by Paul primarily by marriage and "clean" living which includes "singing to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs."

Ephesians 5 tells us primarily about Christ's relationship to the church which is a "great mystery."  Since Paul in several places reveals the mysterious church of Christ (the mystery is that the gospel is for all, not just the Jews) and makes sure by inspiration that the church of Christ remain a mystery no longer!

The Jews organized their writings (including Inspired Scripture) is a way unlike extant Westerners (shocking!).  Instead of lining up arguments in a line with a conclusion at the end, Hebraic literature would often have a thesis in the middle with arguments on the front end descending to the thesis and corresponding arguments ascending backwards to the thesis.  These "chiasms" rendered emphasis without repetition.  There also was an "internal tension" between the various top and bottom assertions.  For example, the "no uncleanness to be named among you" of Ephesian 5.3 - 5 is contrasted by Ephesians 5.31's "For this reason..."  It goes without saying that a faithful monogamous relationship will allow no uncleanness.  This "chiastic" outline gets its name from the Greek alphabet letter "X" (chi) as it looks like a cut in half letter "X."

Here is Ephesians 5 outlined chiastically.  As Paul did not leave us his outlines, this has been organized by me and me alone.  The Word is without error but my outline might not be!  Feel free to construct your own chiasm's to further your study of God's Word!

2        Walk as did Christ in love, sacrifice and offering

          3 – 5  No uncleanness to be named among you      

                   6        Be wary of deception

                             16      Redeem the time

                                      20 – 21        Submit to all with thanksgiving

                                           22 – 23 Christ is the head of the church – LEADER

                                                                     Christ is the Savior of the Body - SERVANT

                                      24a    The church is submissive to Christ    

                             24b    Wives are subject to husbands in everything

                   25 – 26   Husbands, love your wives AS Christ loved the church

          31      “For this reason a man should leave his father and mother and…

32      This is a great mystery BUT see Romans 16.25 – 26 & Colossians 1.26 - 29

This outline was presented to the Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 on 11 April 2018 by Russell H McCullough

The Imitation and Fragrance of Christ

Ephesians

Paul’s Greatest Church Planting Success

 6 March 2018

Archdale church of Christ – Russ McCullough

Lesson # 11 – Ephesians 4.29 – 5.3

1.     How much corrupting talk may come out of the churches mouth?

2.     Per Thayer, “Corrupt” is defined as…”R_____________, P_______________, U___________ for use, W_______________.”

a.      Luke 6.43 ________________________________________

b.     Matthew 12.33 ____________________________________

3.     In this passage, what word does Paul use to contrast with corrupt?

4.     What two things take place when this opposite talk takes place?

5.     What deadly serious effect comes about when Christians use corrupt talk?

6.     “Grieve” means to cause: “…D______________, H______________ & S_________________.”  (per Thayer)

7.     How many other times is this word used in the NT?

8.     The Holy Spirit acts as a S_______ of our redemption.

9.     “Sealed” is us most in the book of R______________, appearing ____ times.

10.  What 6 things must all be eliminated from among us?

11. What is the significance of the number of these things?

12. What now comes into contrast with these things?

13. What is the significance of number of these things?

14. The elimination of corruptness and it’s replacement by good things is predicated upon what?

15. Ultimately, why must we forgive others?

16. In 5.1, why is the “therefore” there for?

17. What is the direct result of our adoption as children?

18. This direct result is also illustrated here?

19. When we eliminate C________________, embrace G_______________, P_____ A_________ six forms of death, F____________ as does God, I_____________ Him, and L__________ as did Christ, it is to God as a F____________ O_______________, a S____________ to God.

ANSWER GRID:

1.     How much corrupting talk may come out of the churches mouth?

None

2.     Per Thayer, “Corrupt” is defined as…”R_____________, P_______________, U___________ for use, W_______________.”

a.      Luke 6.43 ________________________________________

b.     Matthew 12.33 ____________________________________

Revolting, Putrefied, Unsuitable, Worthless, Both passages refer to that which is dead, totally unusable, and ready for destruction

3.     In this passage, what word does Paul use to contrast with corrupt?

Good

4.     What two things take place when this opposite talk takes place?

The building up (edification) and Grace to those who hear

5.     What deadly serious effect comes about when Christians use corrupt talk?

6.     “Grieve” means to cause: “…D______________, H______________ & S_________________.”  (per Thayer)

Distress, Heaviness, Sorrow

7.     How many other times is this word used in the NT?

None

8.     The Holy Spirit acts as a S_______ of our redemption.

Seal

9.     “Sealed” is us most in the book of R______________, appearing ____ times.

Revelation, 16

10.  What 6 things must all be eliminated from among us?

ALL bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, malice

11. What is the significance of the number of these things?

Six in biblical numerology always refers to man and his incompleteness before God

12. What now comes into contrast with these things?

Kindness, tenderheartedness, forgiveness

13. What is the significance of number of these things?

Three in biblical numerology refers to our triune God and His completeness

14. The elimination of corruptness and its replacement by good things is predicated upon what?

Imitators of God as beloved children

15. Ultimately, why must we forgive others?

Because Christ first forgave us of everything

16. In 5.1, why is the “therefore” there for?

To describe our walk

17. What is the direct result of our adoption as children?

Our walk in love

18. This direct result is also illustrated here?

To love each other and give each other to each other as did Christ before us

19. When we eliminate C________________, embrace G_______________, P_____ A_________ six forms of death, F____________ as does God, I_____________ Him, and L__________ as did Christ, it is to God as a F____________ O_______________, a S____________ to God.

Corruption, Grace, Put Away, Forgive, Imitate, Love, Fragrant Offering, Sacrifice

The Character of Mary

LISTEN! to "The Character of Mary" on SOUNDCLOUD!

https://soundcloud.com/archdale-church-of-christ/sunday-morning-012818-luke-1-acoc-the-character-of-mary-russ-mcculloughj

“The Character of Mary”

“From Ulster Plantation to the Carolina’s with the Gospel!” *

Text: 

Luke 1.26 - 28

Thesis: Mary, though a sinner, has many Godly character qualities we would do well to emulate AND her character was not sufficient for her own salvation.

Introduction:

1.      My Mother once told me to “have character, don’t be one.”

2.    The Oxford Dictionary defines character as those “mental and moral qualities that define an individual.”

3.     Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary defines character as; “a mark by cutting or engraving, as on stone, metal, or other hard material...”   “A mark or figure made by stamping or impression, as on coins...”   “The peculiar qualities that distinguish (one person) from others.”

4.    Share quotes 1 through 5

5.     Did Mary’s good character make her favorable?

6.    Does my good character make me favorable?

Lawful

              Moral

                           Troubled

                                                Discerning

                                                                     Fearful

(“endued with Grace”) Ephesians 2.5, 8, 14 -18         FAVORABLE

                                                                     Great

                                                Son of God

                           Reign on David’s Throne

              Reign over Jacob forever

Eternal Kingdom

CONCLUSION:  

·       We find the Grace of God the same way Mary did – Concession, surrender, submission, obedience, contrition, and brokenness.

·       All the good character of all the good people of all time is not sufficient to warrant out salvation.

The Meaning of the Text in It’s Theological, Historical & Cultural Context: Favor, Grace, and Obedience CANNOT be separated!

The Challenge of the Text for Christians Today – “The question is not; “Do I know Jesus?”  The question is; “Does JESUS know me?”  

The question right now

The question when you pull out of the parking lot

The question at 5:30 this evening

The question tonight at bedtime

The question when you get up in the morning

The question when you clock in to work in the morning

The question when you clock out tomorrow evening

The question every day and in every circumstance

Write it on your mirror in your bathroom; “Does Jesus know me?”

Finding grace is not the same as surrendering to grace.  The Rich Young Ruler found grace and he walked away from grace.

“The Gospel Call”

Find favor,

be endued with Grace,

obey the Gospel! 

Whatever you do today, DON’T walk away from God’s Favor.

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!”

·         My fifth great uncle was Hugh Gaston who was rector at the Ballywillan Presbyterian Church (pictured above left) in County Antrim, Ulster Plantation (Northern Ireland) and wrote the most dangerous book of his time; Gaston’s Collections.  It allowed “the ploughman to know more Bible than his clergyman.”  Hugh fled to South Carolina where he died prematurely of the measles.  He is buried just one hour south of Charlotte in Chester County, S.C. in “Burnt Meeting House Cemetery.”   Uncle Hugh continues to inspire my ministry to this very day.  You can read more about Uncle Hugh here: http://www.ballywillanpci.org/rev-hugh-gaston

Ruins photo courtesy of: ballywillanpci.org.

Russell H. McCullough / Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210

www.archdale.org 

gospelcall.blogspot.com - 

Date:  28 January 2018

The Mortification (Murder) of Sin

“Be Salted with Fire & Sin No More”

“From Ulster Plantation to the Carolina’s with the Gospel!” *

Russell H. McCullough / Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210

www.archdale.org / gospelcall.blogspot.com - Date:  9 October 2016

Text: Mark 9.42 - 49

Thesis: The Wages of Sin is Death Forever in Hell

1           Introduction

A.   The 2 least favorite topics from God’s Word today are sin and hell.

B.  Illustration

C.    Hell is prepared for the sinner who causes disbelief in others

D.   Sin and hell are to be mortified as a matter of the most urgent priority in our lives.

1.      Read Colossians 3.1 - 15

2          Mortify the Sin of the Grasp – 9.43 - 44

A.   Cut off your hand that grasps sin so that your whole body will not be cast into hell.

1.      Philippians 2.5 - 7

3          Mortify the Sin of the Walk – 9.45

A.   Cutoff your foot that walks you into the way of sin so that your whole body will not be cast into hell.

1.      Psalms 1

4         Mortify the Sin of the Eye – 9.47 - 48

A.   Cut out your eye that casts sight upon that which is evil.

1.      Matthew 5.27 - 28

5          The Meaning of the Text in It’s Theological, Historical & Cultural Context:

A.   The salt of pain and suffering as we mortify sin in our lives will both purify and save us in the end through the blood of Jesus Christ

B.   The salt of pain and suffering as we mortify sin in our lives will bring peace with one another.

6         The Challenge of the Text for Christians Today

A.   Sin is our mortal enemy

B.   Sin is to be murdered in our lives

C.    The murder of sin will be painful and costly

D.   The pain and suffering we experience as we murder sin in our lives will ironically serve as salt that will preserve us in the day of our judgement

E.    Un-murdered sin will someday murder us.

7          “The Gospel Call” - "Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Acts 2.38 et al

·         My fifth great uncle was Hugh Gaston who was rector at the Ballywillan Presbyterian Church (pictured above left) in County Antrim, Ulster Plantation (Northern Ireland) and wrote the most dangerous book of his time; Gaston’s Collections.  It allowed “the ploughman to know more Bible than his clergyman.”  Hugh fled to South Carolina where he died prematurely of the measles.  He is buried just one hour south of Charlotte in Chester County, S.C. in “Burnt Meeting House Cemetery.”   Uncle Hugh continues to inspire my ministry to this very day.  You can read more about Uncle Hugh here: http://www.ballywillanpci.org/rev-hugh-gaston

Ruins photo courtesy of: ballywillanpci.org.

Profit and Loss - 17 July 2016

“From Ulster Plantation to the Carolina’s with the Gospel!” *

Russell H. McCullough / Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210

www.archdale.org / gospelcall.blogspot.com - Date:

Text: Mark 8.34

Thesis: 100% Profit or Loss for following or not following Christ

1           Introduction

A. Profit is not a dirty word

B. Poverty is not inherently virtuous

C. Self-interest is not selfishness

D. Success is not greed

E. The Golden Rule applied causes all ships to rise on the tide of faithfulness

F. Faithfulness begins with acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty and a spirit of thanksgiving

             1) Romans 1.21 - 23

F. These principles are illustrated in Luke 12.16 – 21

             1) He denied the power of God

             2) He proclaimed his own power

             3) He gave no credit to God

             4) He gave all credit to himself

             5) His profit was temporary

             6) His loss was permanent

             7) He failed to count the cost

2          100% Denial of Self for Christ = 100% Profit for my soul

A.   Acknowledge our riches come from God

1) Deuteronomy 8.17 - 18

B. Give Him thanks for all blessings

             1) Life

             2) Health

             3) Sound mind

              4) Liberty

             5) Friends

             6) Circumstances

             7) Wealth

C. Self denial is to embrace God’s Sovereignty and our subservience

D. Living the Great Commandment is self denial in action

3          100% Taking Up of the Cross = 100% Profit for my soul

A. Overtly proactive

B. Faith is not a private matter

C. Faith is to be taken to the public square

D. Faith in public has consequences that are unpleasant

E. Deposits are made in heaven when our faith is shown publically

F. The taking up of the cross is synonymous with the Great Commission

4         100% Followship of Christ = 100% Profit for my soul

A. Follow Christ in private

B. Follow Christ in mind

             1) “Think on these things” – Philippians 4.8

C. Follow Christ in Word

D. Follow Christ in Deed

5          The Meaning of the Text

A. Self Denial, Taking up the Cross and Followship is all PROFIT

B. Failure to do these things is all LOSS

C. Some banks fail, others succeed.  Which bank are we depositing in?

6         The Challenge of the Text

A. “I Surrender All” my pride

B. “I Surrender All” my priorities

C. “I Surrender All” my talents

D. “I Surrender All” my wealth

E. “I Surrender All” my time

F. “I Surrender All” of me

7          “The Gospel Call”

·         My fifth great uncle was Hugh Gaston who was rector at the Ballywillan Presbyterian Church (pictured above left) in County Antrim, Ulster Plantation (Northern Ireland) and wrote the most dangerous book of his time; Gaston’s Collections.  It allowed “the ploughman to know more Bible than his clergyman.”  Hugh fled to South Carolina where he died prematurely of the measles.  He is buried just one hour south of Charlotte in Chester County, S.C. in “Burnt Meeting House Cemetery.”   Uncle Hugh continues to inspire my ministry to this very day.  You can read more about Uncle Hugh here: http://www.ballywillanpci.org/rev-hugh-gaston

Ruins photo courtesy of: ballywillanpci.org.

·         On Friday night, August 5, 2016 Russ will dramatically portray the life and times of his 5^th Great grandfather, John “Justice” Gaston entitled; “A Patriot of the Revolution.” A portion of the event will cover also the life and times of his brother, Hugh Gaston.  The event will take place at the Archdale church of Christ, 2525 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 at 7 p.m.   The public is invited to this free presentation.