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The Naming

Rev. Cecil W Thorn

Ephesians 3:15 (ESV):

“From whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.”

Context and Commentary:

The Immediate Context:

This verse is part of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:14-21). He begins by bowing in reverence before God the Father, acknowledging His authority and the unity of His creation. Verse 15 emphasizes that God is the source and sustainer of all families—both spiritual and earthly.

Key Themes in Ephesians 3:15:

The Fatherhood of God:

Paul emphasizes that God is the ultimate Father. The term “every family” suggests universality, highlighting that all families, whether heavenly (angels, saints in heaven) or earthly (believers and humanity as a whole), derive their identity and purpose from God.

Unity in Creation:

The verse ties into the broader theme of Ephesians: unity in Christ. The naming of every family reflects God’s sovereignty and creative power, uniting all under His authority.

Identity and Belonging:

In biblical culture, naming someone often signifies authority or a close relationship. By stating that every family is “named” by God, Paul conveys that all creation is intimately known and loved by Him.

Commentary Insights:

Heavenly and Earthly Families:

Heavenly Families: Includes angels and those who have gone before us in faith. They, too, derive their being from God and are part of His kingdom.

Earthly Families: Refers to humanity, with an emphasis on the family of believers who are adopted into God’s family through Christ (Ephesians 1:5).

Naming Indicates Authority and Care:

In the Bible, to name something signifies authority over it. God naming every family signifies His sovereign rule and intimate relationship with His creation. It reminds believers of His care and provision.

Universal Reach of God’s Fatherhood:

God’s fatherhood extends beyond cultural, racial, and geographical boundaries. This verse subtly reinforces the unity of all believers as one family in Christ, regardless of their earthly differences.

Application for Today:

Find Your Identity in God: As members of a “family named by God,” believers should rest in the assurance of His care and authority over their lives.

Unity in Christ: This verse challenges divisions, reminding Christians that all are equally valued as part of God’s family.

Live Under God’s Authority: Recognizing God as the source of all names and families calls believers to submit to His will and trust in His guidance.

Final Thoughts on Ephesians 3:15 (ESV):

This verse encapsulates the profound truth of God’s universal fatherhood, portraying Him as the source of all identity and unity. It reminds us that every family, whether heavenly or earthly, owes its existence and purpose to Him. The act of naming by God reflects His sovereign authority and deep care for all creation, underscoring the intimate relationship He desires with humanity.

Ephesians 3:15 challenges believers to find their true identity in God and to embrace the unity we share as part of His divine family. It invites us to reject earthly divisions and live in the humility, love, and submission that flow from acknowledging God as our ultimate Father. In a fragmented world, this verse offers a call to unity and belonging, reminding us that we are all cherished under His divine authority.

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Not Peace, but a Sword

_{Rev Dr Cecil Wayne Thorn, ThD}

Introduction to “Not Peace, but a Sword” (Matthew 10: 34-39 (ESV)):

The message of Jesus Christ is often associated with peace, love, and reconciliation. However, in Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV), Jesus delivers a surprising and provocative statement that challenges this common perception. He declares that He did not come to bring peace to the earth, but a sword, signifying division and conflict even among the closest of relationships.

This passage, sometimes unsettling in its starkness, reveals a deeper truth about the nature of following Christ. The “sword” represents the inevitable divisions that arise when individuals commit their lives to Jesus, often leading to opposition, even within one’s own household. Jesus emphasizes the cost of discipleship, where loyalty to Him must surpass all other allegiances, including those to family and self.

In exploring these verses, we are confronted with the reality that following Christ is not merely about comfort and harmony, but about making difficult choices and enduring potential hardship. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper examination of what it means to truly follow Jesus, understanding the profound implications of His call to put Him above all else.

Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV):

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Matthew Henry’s Commentary:

Verses 34-36:
Christ’s coming was not to send peace, but a sword. Though the design of the gospel was to bring men together in love, its effect would be, through the corruption of man’s hearts, to occasion division. The sword signifies strife and opposition. The worst enemies to a man may be those of his own family. The preaching of the gospel has generally occasioned more contention and persecution than anything else. As Christ’s people are one, so are the enemies of Christ, and they are often nearest to us. This division comes not from the gospel itself, which is a gospel of peace, but from the corruption of men’s hearts.

Verses 37-39:
Christ must be loved above all. The love we owe our relations, friends, and ourselves, must be compared with the love we owe Christ, and must be hatred (Luke 14:26 (ESV)). Not that we must divest ourselves of natural affection; but we must not permit ourselves to be hindered by the strongest affection. Christ must be followed, though we are likely to suffer by it. Though we lose friends, estates, and liberties, for His sake, yet we must bear the cross. Those who will not bear the cross shall be forever cast off; those who take up the cross and follow Christ will find that the burden they have to bear for Him is far less than the burden of sin.

This passage emphasizes the total commitment required to follow Christ. Love for Him must be greater than any earthly attachment, even to close family members. The call to take up one’s cross signifies a willingness to endure suffering and loss for Christ’s sake, but the promise is that such sacrifice will ultimately lead to eternal life.

My Thoughts

Conclusion on Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV):

In Matthew 10:34-39 (ESV), Jesus presents a stark and challenging message about the nature of discipleship. Contrary to expectations of earthly peace, Jesus acknowledges that His coming will bring division, even among the closest relationships. The “sword” He speaks of symbolizes the inevitable conflicts that arise when one chooses to follow Him wholeheartedly, often putting them at odds with family and friends who do not share the same commitment.

The passage underscores the radical demands of discipleship, where allegiance to Christ must take precedence over all other relationships, even those most cherished. Jesus calls for a love and loyalty to Him that surpasses even the natural bonds of family. This does not mean neglecting or abandoning family, but rather prioritizing one’s commitment to Christ above all else.

The call to “take up one’s cross” signifies a willingness to endure hardship, suffering, and even death for the sake of following Jesus. It is a reminder that true life is found not in clinging to worldly comforts or relationships, but in surrendering one’s life to Christ. Paradoxically, it is in losing our life for His sake that we find true and eternal life.

This passage challenges believers to evaluate their priorities and to embrace the cost of discipleship with the assurance that the rewards of following Christ far outweigh the sacrifices.

Experiencing Growth

Rev. Cecil Thorn

IT’S WHO WE ARE

Matthew 16:18 (KJV), Matthew 12:46-50 (KJV)

We are Jesus’ assembly and congregation. (Matthew 16:18 (KJV))

In this verse, Jesus is referring to the establishment of His church or assembly. The term “church” in this context is derived from the Greek word “ekklēsia,” which means a gathering or assembly of people. Jesus is essentially declaring that He will build His assembly or congregation on the foundation of the faith that Peter expressed in acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (as mentioned in the preceding verses).

This verse is often interpreted as the moment when Jesus established His church, and it carries the idea that the faith and confession of Peter, along with the foundational teachings of Christ, will be the basis upon which the Christian community, or the assembly of believers, will be built. It signifies the beginning of the Christian church and emphasizes the enduring nature of the church despite opposition or challenges (“the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”).

We are Jesus’ called out ones. (Matthew 16:18 (KJV))

The concept of being “called out” is related to the term “church” (Greek: “ekklēsia”), which refers to a gathering or assembly of people who are called out from the world to follow Christ. Believers in Jesus are considered the “called out ones” or the “church,” united in their faith and commitment to Christ.

While the specific phrase is not used in the verse itself, the idea of being called out and set apart for Christ’s purpose is an important aspect of Christian theology and the understanding of the church’s role in the world. Believers are called to be a distinct community, living according to the teachings and principles of Jesus, and bearing witness to His love and truth.

We are Jesus’ family. (Matthew 12:46-50 (KJV))

In this passage, Jesus is emphasizing that spiritual relationships, based on faith and obedience to God, are just as significant as biological family relationships. He is teaching that those who follow God’s will and become His disciples are considered His spiritual family.

So, when you mention, “We are Jesus’ family,” it aligns with the message in this passage. Jesus is highlighting that His family is not limited to biological ties but extends to all who believe in Him and seek to follow God’s will. This underscores the importance of a spiritual connection and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior, which makes believers part of His spiritual family.

IT’S WHAT WE NEED

Ephesians 4:11-16 (KJV)

We need to be equipped for ministry. (Ephesians 4:12 (KJV))

This verse emphasizes several key points:

Perfecting (equipping) of the saints: Church leaders are tasked with the responsibility of preparing and equipping the members of the congregation, often referred to as “saints,” for their respective roles in ministry. This includes providing education, training, and spiritual guidance to help believers grow in their faith and effectively serve God.
Work of the ministry: Church leaders are to enable and encourage every member of the church to engage in various forms of ministry or service within the body of Christ. Ministry involves serving others, spreading the gospel, and fulfilling the mission of the church.
Edifying (building up) of the body of Christ: One of the goals of equipping and ministry is the building up or edification of the entire church community. This includes fostering spiritual growth, unity, and maturity within the body of Christ, creating a strong and harmonious congregation.

In summary, Ephesians 4:12 emphasizes the role of church leadership in equipping and preparing the members of the church for effective ministry. It underscores the importance of empowering and building up believers for the work of service in the body of Christ.

We need to be unified in faith and knowledge. (Ephesians 4:13 (KJV))

This verse emphasizes several key points:

Unity of the faith: It highlights the goal of fostering unity within the body of Christ, with believers being unified in their faith. This unity is not just about doctrinal agreement but also about a shared commitment to Christ and His teachings.
Knowledge of the Son of God: Believers are encouraged to grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ, deepening their understanding of His person, teachings, and mission. This knowledge is an essential part of Christian maturity.
Perfect man: The ultimate aim is for believers to mature and become spiritually complete. This doesn’t mean perfection in the sense of sinlessness but rather spiritual maturity and wholeness.
Measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: The goal is for believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct. The “fulness of Christ” suggests a state of spiritual completeness and conformity to His example.

In summary, Ephesians 4:13 emphasizes the importance of unity in faith and knowledge within the body of Christ, leading to spiritual maturity and conformity to the character of Christ. This unity and growth in knowledge are key components of the church’s mission and the role of equipping believers for ministry.

We need to grow up in all things in Jesus. (Ephesians 4:15 (KJV))

This verse conveys several key ideas:

Speaking the truth in love: Believers are encouraged to interact with one another and with the world in truth and love. This emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and love in all interactions, both within the Christian community and beyond.
Grow up into him in all things: The central message is about spiritual growth and maturity. Believers are to continuously mature in their faith, character, and understanding in a way that conforms to the example set by Christ. This growth encompasses every aspect of life.
Which is the head, even Christ: Christ is the ultimate standard and example for Christian maturity. Believers are to grow in a way that aligns with His teachings, character, and purpose. He is described as the head, signifying His leadership and preeminence in the life of a believer and the Church.

In summary, Ephesians 4:15 emphasizes the importance of growing and maturing in all aspects of life within the context of Christ’s example and teachings. This growth is to be characterized by speaking the truth in love and is crucial for the spiritual development and health of individual believers and the Christian community as a whole.

We need to grow as a family. (Ephesians 4:16 (KJV))

This verse highlights several key ideas:

The whole body: Refers to the entire body of believers, the collective community of Christians.
Fitly joined together and compacted: This speaks to the importance of unity and cohesion within the body of Christ. Believers are meant to work together harmoniously.
Every joint supplieth: Each member of the body has a unique role and function in contributing to the overall health and growth of the body. This reflects the idea of every believer playing a part in the spiritual family’s growth.
Effectual working in the measure of every part: This suggests that the body grows and functions effectively when every member plays their role according to their abilities and spiritual gifts.
Edifying of itself in love: The ultimate goal is the building up or edification of the entire body of Christ, and this is to be done in a spirit of love and mutual support.

While the verse does not explicitly mention “growing as a family,” it does underscore the idea of the body of Christ (the Church) functioning as a unified, interconnected entity in which each member contributes to its growth and edification. This can be understood as a spiritual family in which all believers play a crucial role in supporting one another and promoting growth in the faith.

CONCLUSION:

In Matthew 16:18 (KJV), Jesus proclaims His intent to establish His church, highlighting the significance of faith in Him as the foundational rock upon which His assembly or congregation is built. This verse underscores the enduring nature of the Christian community, assuring believers that it will stand strong against adversity.

Matthew 12:46-50 (KJV) illustrates Jesus’ teaching on spiritual family. He emphasizes that those who do the will of God are considered His spiritual family, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in building a profound and eternal bond with Him.

Together, these verses emphasize the establishment of Christ’s church as a spiritual community rooted in faith, obedience, and unity with Christ as its foundation. They stress that one’s relationship with Jesus transcends biological ties, forming a deeper and eternal connection based on faith and obedience to God’s will.

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Feeling alone

When feeling alone I become inspired by my parents and many others that chose to serve Christ. My parents were young when they married and came from families where some siblings chose not to serve God.

Because they did not agree with the lifestyle that many siblings were living, they often were left out of many activities. This often made them feel alone. Other Christians that associated with my parents often did not live according to Bible beliefs in some areas–this too made them feel alone or different.

They continued to live according to what they knew to be true. This they explained is, “living by faith.”

Often when feeling different and alone, I was reminded that I was never alone. God was always watching, angels were constantly guarding me and Jesus gives us the power to feel wanted and loved through His sacrifice.

Now that I am older, I often wonder how hard it was for my parents to give us this advice when feeling so alone through the attitude or actions of church members, coworkers, extended family, life events, and sometimes themselves.

Jesus truly is our fortress and deliverer. (Isaiah 91:1-31(KJV))

Hebrews 13:51(KJV) says, “For he hath said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”