Studies in Ephesians

the illustration of olive branches being broken off and wild olive branches being grafted in to show how the Lord turned away from the nation of Israel and turned to Gentiles to carry out his world-wide commission (Romans 11:19-24).

In the synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul gave a condensed history of Israel in the Old Testament. He then preached that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, Jesus died on the cross as a spotless lamb, and Jesus arose from the grave after three days and three nights. He preached about God’s wonderful work in the early New Testament age. Many of the Jews were filled with envy and spoke against Paul’s message (Acts 13:14-52). Please notice the words of Acts 13:46, “Lo, we turn to the Gentiles.”

The Gentile kingdom age continues to this day and, in this meeting of our Rocky Mountain Association, we have messengers from Gentile New Testament churches. However, I do know of born again Jewish people who are members of true churches. Remember, the blindness that happened unto Israel is only “in part” (Romans 11:25).

Paul writes of his fellow-workers unto [for] the kingdom of God (Colossians 4:11). John writes of being a brother and companion in the kingdom (Revelation 1:9).

Many of the verses about the kingdom show that this stage of the kingdom is connected to faithful, scriptural service in the work of the Lord’s churches. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). I believe that he was instructing the disciples who were already following him to give first place to that realm of righteous, Christian service, which operates under His authority.

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men” (Romans 14:17-18). Please notice how serving Christ is connected to the kingdom qualities of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

You can be a fellow worker and companion in this phase of the kingdom of God if you follow these steps.

1. Become a child of God by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior (John 1:12-13). You cannot understand [see] nor have any part in the kingdom of God until you are saved (John 3:3).

2. Follow Christ in scriptural baptism and become a member of a true New Testament church.

3. Live a Christian life, take up your cross daily, let your light shine, and work to take the gospel message to the uttermost regions of this world.

Some of the questions about Ephesians 5:1-5 and Galatians 5:16-26 can be answered if we understand that kingdom service requires the new birth but also involves more than having everlasting life. Participation, faithful service, and an inheritance in the Lord’s work require a faithful decent moral lifestyle.