SOUNDING A CALL TO SALVATION, SOBRIETY, WATCHFULNESS, FIDELITY AND BROTHERLINESS IN VIEW OF OUR LORD'S RETURN
 
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The Lord’s Prayer

Teach us to pray; an example to follow.


The curious musings of ...
The sermon notes of an unworthy servant of God.

IV. The fourth part; eternal things that belong to God and His people.
    If the author may restate this, the kingdom, the power, and the glory; are God's, they belong to God and are a part of God. They shew His eternal Majesty, and Righteousness; and they are all shared to the fullest extent with His people.
    Matt. 6:9-15 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
    A conclusion you say? This is too short for a conclusion, or so it seems. It is fascinating the manner in which God/Jesus speak, brevity is most often the case. And brevity is a good description of these closing remarks. In this case, like much of the word of God, these few words say so much that mankind needs to understand. Mankind has always been too proud, thinking they could build a tower to heaven, the closing remarks of the Lord's prayer are a reminder of the greatness of God. These are also words that the people of God need to hear and understand now.
    The concluding remarks are a reminder of the first two part of the Lord's Prayer, it speaks of God and puts the things of God before man. But, these last things are all things that God will share with His people.
    It is obvious that Jesus is not taking any credit for the things that He has done or will do. All is of God and all belongs to God.

  1. Thine is the kingdom.

  2.     13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
        What do we know of the kingdom of God, it was discussed in the second part of this lesson? Do you believe in a real, physical kingdom that will be ruled over by God? Remember that the Son of man is teaching His disciples how to pray to the Father.
        1 Cor. 15:22-28 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
        At some point, Jesus Christ will give the kingdom of God into the hands of God. From that time forward God the Father will be in charge of the kingdom, for thine is the kingdom. Which is fitting since it has always belonged to the Father. Is this all of this discussion?

        Abraham looked for a city whose builder and maker is God. Abraham was looking for a city where righteousness was to be found, being tired of the wickedness of the world, the inequity and lack of justice. Abraham was looking for a city where the ordinances of God were established, and practiced. This city does not exist on the earth, at this time, but such a city will exist on the earth during the kingdom of God.

    1. Who rules over the kingdom of God?

    2.     Dan. 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
          This is the kingdom of the Son of man, He receives a kingdom that shall not pass away, a kingdom that shall not be destroyed.
          Dan. 7:26-27 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
          Here is a reference to the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.
          Considering these verses, who rules over the kingdom of God, Jesus or God?
          Can the difference in these verses be reconciled? These verses seem to contradict each other. What is the answer?

          There are limitations to the understanding of mankind. Jesus has taught, and the scriptures are written, with the limited understanding of mankind taken into consideration, but Jesus/God has also sent the Spirit to lead the way, and to teach us the heavenly things that are not understood from the scriptures by the flesh.
          There is a very biblical explanation for these contradicting ideas, and it is marvelous to consider.

          Dan. 2:36-44 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
          The God of heaven destroys the kingdoms of the earth and sets up His kingdom.
          Isa. 9:1-7 Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. 2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. 3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4 For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. 5 For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire. 6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
          This child will sit on the throne of David, over the kingdom, to rule.
          Is this Jesus being referred to? Then Jesus is also called the mighty God, the everlasting Father.
          Lk. 1:31-33 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
          No uncertainty here. Jesus was born of Mary, He is the Son of God, He will sit in the throne of David and rule over the house of Jacob forever.
          Ps. 2:1-12 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. 4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. 8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.
          Again, there is no doubt as to who the king is. This passage is full of statements that are repeated in the New Testament in reference to Jesus. Also, in this reference, the Son rules over the uttermost parts of the earth, and not just over Jacob.
          Both the Father and the Son are present in this Psalm. Father in verses 2-8. Son in verses 2-3, 6-9.

    3. So, who rules over the eternal kingdom of God?

    4.     Amazingly this is one subject that can be much more involved than has already been mentioned.
          Rev. 3:20-22 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
          There is a need to repeat this ...
          ... 'To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne'.
          This is incredible, how can this be anything other than incredible? Jesus Christ overcame and is now set down with the Father in His throne. Jesus and the Father are sitting in one throne. But that is not all that the verse said. 'To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne,' ... consider this amazing statement; where did this come from? The ones overcoming will sit in Christ Jesus's throne, with Christ Jesus, which He happens to be sharing with the Father.

          There was a passage from up the page that said something amazing also, something that was not considered at the time.
          Dan. 7:26-27 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
          Yes, the saints of the most High will be given the kingdom, dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom. At times the KJV can be difficult to follow, consider the Young's Literal Translation.
          YLT Daniel 7:27 and the kingdom, and the dominion, even the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heavens, is given to the people -- the saints of the Most High, His kingdom is a kingdom age-during, and all dominions do serve and obey Him.
          What the YLT has clarified is that the people are the saints of the most High, and they inherit the kingdom, the extent of which seems limited in Daniel 7:27. But this limitation is only in our minds as when we consider Revelation 3:21, and the rest of these scriptures.

          Rom. 8:16-18 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
          This passage is a favorite of the author, and it says much that the people of God can rejoice over.
          Note the seventeenth verse; If children, then heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. It is clear, the children of God are the heirs of God; an amazing statement in and of itself, but the verse does not end at this point. Consider what is said next, ... joint-heirs with Christ ...; as heirs of God our inheritance might be something simple and small, but when the verse says joint-heirs with Christ it has said all. The children of God are co-inheritors with the firstborn son of God, Jesus Christ. If the firstborn son of God sits in a throne, they will sit in a throne, anything and everything that is the inheritance of the firstborn son of God is also the inheritance of the rest of the children. Amen.

          How is this possible? Actually let it be said that this a teaching that is obviously obvious in the scriptures, possibly part of the things that Jesus wanted to teach to Nicodemus. But the limitations of the flesh hinder the people of God from learning all that Jesus wants to teach us.
          Fittingly it is in the prayer if Jesus in John 17 that we gain further insight into being joint-heirs with Christ, and further insight into how amazing this is.

          Twice in the Lord's Prayer the kingdom is mentioned, although the full extent of the kingdom is not explained; like the rest of the Lord's Prayer, it points the disciples in the right direction in pursuit of heavenly truths.

    5. The people of God are one with the Father and the Son in the Kingdom.
    6.     In John 17 as Jesus prays greater truths about the kingdom are revealed.
          Jn. 17:6-11 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. 9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
          Important truths for the people of God to see and understand.
          Verses 6-7: I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
          That which is the Fathers is also the Sons. No selfishness in this relationship, it goes beyond the earthly concept of self.
          A strange realization is that satan has used spiritual principles and twisted them into a form of government that does not believe in God. Communism eliminates individual ownership for the good of the people (collective). As mentioned previously satan has destroyed the family to replace it with government so mankind will not rely on God. The same effort is being made in this case so that mankind will look to government for their daily needs instead of God.

          Verse 8: For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.
          The disciples understood that Jesus came out from the Father.
          Well, getting into a strange thought, correct? In light of all that is written in John 17, not a strange thought at all. The word for 'came out (1831)' is establishing a direct link to the Father, and the context of John 17 will help us to understand the depths of that relationship. Jesus came from the Father.

          Verse 9-11: I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. 10 And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
          ... for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine ... keep through thine own name those thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
          Like verses 6-7 note the relationship between the Father and the Son. But there is more, ... that they may be one, as we are ... When you look up the word 'one' it means 'one', and 229 times it is translated as 'one'.
          What does it mean when Jesus says, that they may be one, as we are? One in purpose, one in action, one goal? What does it mean? Can there be more to the meaning?
         For example, ... is there a sense to 'one' that goes beyond the limits of our ability to comprehend? This passage is one spiritual being, who is on earth, speaking to another spiritual being that is not on earth, but in heaven. Should mankind assume that they understand spiritual beings and the heavenly realm?
            The robes of the flesh limit the spiritual understanding of the people of God. Fleshly eyes that cannot see beyond the limits of the flesh, every sensation of mankind is limited to the flesh, none of which is able to understand the heavenly/spiritual realm.
            Rev. 3:14-19 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. 17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: 18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
            Here is the first part of the letter to the Laodicean's. They are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked; how could they have no idea? That breeze on the skin would indicate nakedness, running into things would indicate blindness, and the growling stomach would indicate being poor; it is all so simple with our flesh based understanding and outlook.
            But there is more under consideration in Revelation 3:14-22 than the flesh and the earthly things. The Laodiceans might have been living a comfortable life by the standards of the flesh; but God sees us through different eyes (spiritual eyes) and measures us to a different standard. The Laodiceans are given a flesh based example that they can understand, in order to illustrate a spiritual/heavenly point. They lack necessary Spiritual things.

          Verses 9-11 continued; What does, 'that they may be one, as we are', mean?

          Jn. 17:21-26 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. 24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
          It is all about the one, and being one with the one. Through being a part of the one, that the world may believe that the Father has sent the Son (verse 21). Being one with the Father and the Son is being loved by the Father and the Son (verses 23-24, 26).
          Interesting how that love is here, the author misses this little detail in previous reading of this passage.

            Mk. 12:28-34 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
            Interesting statement from Jesus, 'thou art not far from the kingdom of God'. The scribe has an incredible understanding of the purpose of God, far beyond any other person mentioned in the New Testament throughout the life of Jesus. Jesus even compliments the scribe by saying, thou art not far from the kingdom of God. But does the scribe's knowledge make him one with the Father and the Son? No!
            It is interesting to consider that the thing lacked might be a spiritual relationship with the Father and the Son.

          Verse 21: That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:
          That they may be one, as the Father and the Son are one. Incredible, amazing to consider the promises of God that we are reading about here.
          What is an explanation for, 'that they all may be one'? There is a sense that this is not referring to the physical, or earthly man. That they all maybe one is not addressing what happens in the earthly realm, trying to place a thousand people into the same chair.
          Physical bodies cannot occupy the same space, but we are not speaking of physical bodies. How much physical space does a spiritual body occupy? Can two or more spiritual bodies occupy the same space? Also related, how does a spiritual being dwell inside of our physical body, how does that being invite in other spiritual beings into the same space?

          One = 1520 heis {hice} Meaning: 1) one Origin: (including the neuter [etc.] hen); TDNT - 2:434,214; numeral Usage: AV - one 229, a 9, other 6, some 6, not tr 4, misc 17; 271

            Matt. 5:17-18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
            This is the first use of 1520 (one), and, there is nothing to see here, or so it would seem. One is referring to 'jot' the smallest part of the Hebrew language. Therefore, one jot is not much, and one is still one, in this case one small bit of ink; and it just seems to be so unrelated to this discussion that involves tens of thousands and thousands of thousands of overcomers. But that is the problem, and the point, can the people of the flesh understand the concept that Jesus is speaking of in John 17, 'one', that all is one and size does not matter.
            Does one mean more than one in purpose, one in action, and one goal? One might encompass all of these thoughts, but it also may go beyond them. Beyond them to the strange and foreign concept of one ... like the Father and the Son who are separate, but one, who share a Spirit, but are separate spiritual entities.

          And this all relates to the kingdom of God, which amazingly most Christians of our day have little understanding of, and might not even believe in. They are content in their understanding taken from the things of the earth.

          Verse 22: And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
          That they may be one, as we are. Does this then say that the followers of the Father will be one with each other as the Father and the Son are one? Absolutely, this verse standing alone says that they may be one; terrible thing to have to learn to be one with our brothers and sisters.
          Note that glory that was given to Jesus is associated with being one. Suggesting that being one with the Father and the Son is to share in their glory. Glory will be discussed after power.
          We have seen that love is part of the discussion of one, and now glory; is there anything else to be added?

          Verse 23: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
         As you know this discussion is about more then, that they may be one.
          Further explanation of one. 'Jesus Christ in the people of God, and God is in Jesus Christ, that the people of God may be made perfect into one; which shows the love of the Father'. The one, which includes the people of God, is being perfected into the one, that is, into the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. That the world may know that the Father sent the Son to them and has loved the them.
            When considering the one, think of Isaiah 9:6, ...
            Isa. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
            The child is called, The mighty God, The everlasting Father. Is the child the Father of all, or just a child? This verse says that the child is both, which is true due to the nature of the Father and the Son; they are one.

          ... that they may be made perfect in one ... The people of God are made perfect (complete) into (in 1519) the 'one'. Not apart or separate from the Father and the Son, but complete into the Father and the Son. Perfection is passive voice; it is completely in the hands of the father and the Son. The eternal state of the people of God is determined by the Father, and the Son.
          A state of completeness, spiritual and not physical; a state of being in the love of the Father, a state of sharing in the glory of the Father. Amazing to consider.
          See what has been learned about one? Perfect (complete 5048) can be added to the list that currently has love and glory on it.

          The explanation of 'one' is also amplified with the discussion of love and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. God will love the world as He has loved Jesus Christ. Hope none of the people of God are tired of thinking about and discussing the love of God; or the glory of God, or being made perfect in the one.

          Perfected, is 5048, to make perfect, complete.
          The people of God need to consider the implications of perfect (complete), love, and glory. Would unity have any relationship with these three? It is interesting to note that unity (Ephesians 4:3) is from the root of one (1520) Could striving for unity (one) on the earth, be related to the one with the Father and the Son? The logic is not simply that the words are related, but that unity (one) furthers the work of the Father, maintains the love of the Father, and causes God to be glorified. Therefore yes, striving for unity (one) is related the one with the Father and the Son. Because what is practiced on earth is to prepare the people of God for the heavenly things; they are a shadow of the heavenly, but teach spiritual, and eternal lessons.

          Verse 24: Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
          Further proof as to everything that has been discussed. Jesus asks the Father that those that the Father has given to Him may be with Him where He is. This request in no way invalidates the previous discussions of one, it verifies them and gives one a sense of a physical relationship; which might be the strange part considering this spiritual/heavenly discussion.
          If Jesus Christ is with the Father then those that Jesus prays for will be with the Father also.

          Verse 26: And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
          Love is again mentioned, beautiful. That the love that the Father has for the Son may be in them, and Jesus may be in them also - because they are one. A repeating pattern of love.

          Some last thoughts regarding this discussion: Can you see the kingdom of God in this discussion? We began with the Kingdom of God and who rules over the kingdom of God. The discussion advanced through the Son, the Father, and then the saints of God ruling, or having dominion over the kingdom. Then being co-inheritors with Christ Jesus, and sharing His throne as He shares the Fathers. Then the discussion of 'one', that they may be one, as we are.
          Consider the kingdom of God in this. The people of the Father and Jesus Christ are one with the Father and Jesus Christ for eternity. Ruling over the kingdom of God, and yes there are peoples outside of the gates of the city that live under the authority of God the Father. And the love of the Father will be shared by all in the kingdom.

          John 10:24-39 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. 39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand,
          Are they stoning Jesus for saying, I and my Father are one? They said they are stoning Jesus for blasphemy, and because He, being a man, makes Himself equal with God. Therefore they are going to stone Jesus for saying I and my Father are one; too bad there is not a curious bone in their bodies, to see the Son of God with their eyes, and to hear Him speak with their ears and yet not to be able to get past their preconceived notions; blind and deaf to the glory of the Father.
          Would the Jews consider our discussion to be blasphemous? From heirs of God and co-inheritors with Christ to being one with Christ who is one with the Father, what exactly is under consideration? Note that Jesus was not disagreeing with the words of the Jews, He instead goes to the Old Testament and says, "I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God"?
          We have come across an amazing discussion in the scriptures. Words that speak of an eternal relationship with God. How close in presence and thinking can the people of God be with God? Closer than the mind of flesh can comprehend.

    7. Turns out, one is not the loneliest number.
    8.     The word of God is a blessing, and it is always teaching those that are willing to learn. What can be noted about one, is that one is not the absence of another, in the eyes of God one is the presence of another, or others. Spiritual things can be difficult for the physical/fleshly mind to understand.
          Will Love, glory, and complete apply in this thought?
      1. In marriage, one.
      2.     Eph. 5:22-5:33 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 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. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 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. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 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. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
            This is a wonderful discussion regarding Jesus Christ and the local assembly. As with many different things in the Old Testament that are written for our learning (Romans 15:4), they point forward to things that will come later, or things that have spiritual, or heavenly, significance.
              Verse 31 is written in the book of Genesis and is said by Adam.
              Gen. 2:19-25 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him. 21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. 23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. 24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
              Amazing, when Adam is introduced to Eve, this is written, 'they shall be one flesh'. What did Adam know that the people of God do not understand today? The author is of the opinion that Adam was much closer to being a spiritual being than mankind is to day, and that the fall and subsequent years of living in darkness has left mankind farther away from God.
              So, with the limitations of the flesh, mankind sermonizes great metaphorical meaning to the husband-and-wife relationship, a metaphor that offers some glimpses of the truth; but not the whole of the truth. The whole truth is that this is using marriage as an example to teach spiritual lessons. This is teaching about Christ Jesus and the church, and it also teaching about the eternal kingdom relationship between the Godhead and their people; which leaves us with the same problem discussed earlier, how can two physical objects dwell in the same space (the author now sermonizes)? Or, how can two physical objects become one? How can two separate entities become one entity, especially in the physical realm?
              One is possible if the people of God understand that this is teaching spiritual, or heavenly things: teaching the people of God about the kingdom of God? In the kingdom of God these things will understood, because the people of God will be living as one with God.
              There is clearly more to the words of Adam that the people of God need to understand, this is why Ephesians advances the discussion.

            Verses 22-24: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 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. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
            From the beginning of the discussion, it is being made clear that the relationship between husband and wife is really about Jesus and the local assembly. Marriage is used as a comparison for the eternal relationship between God and His people: which is a fascinating comparison, in marriage some couples find the greatest meaning for their lives while other couples are miserable and find their version of hell on earth.
            Along with this thought consider the three things we learned about one from John 17; love, glory, and complete. Do these three things have a part in this discussion? They actually have an important part in this discussion.

            Verse 22: Wives submit yourselves unto your husbands as unto the Lord..
            This could be read as, "members of the church, submit all of your all unto Christ Jesus who is our Lord"?
            Yes, a little wordy, but there is a lot of teaching that is being summed up in this verse. Christ Jesus is that heart of this discussion, and the part that the people of God have in Christ Jesus is close to the heart of this discussion.

            Verse 23: For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.
            If the readers of this passage only get one thing from it, may it be; For Christ Jesus is the head of the wife to be, i.e. the bride. If the bride cannot submit to the groom then the marriage is doomed before it has begun.

            Verse 24: Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
            The church, the wife to be, is in subjection to Christ.
            Let him that is without sin cast the first stone, Jesus said. Many a rock is hurled at the ladies who are deemed to not be doing as they should, by men who make a mockery of Christ, and His body by the lives that they live and the words they speak. Fleshly people complaining about the lack of spirituality in others, never able to see their own robes of flesh stained with sin.
            This example encompasses male and female, and is measuring by a spiritual standard. As Jesus said, let him that is without sin cast the first stone. That discussion about husband and wife which seems to be the point of most discussions from this passage, are not referring to eternal spiritual, or heavenly things. That discussion is about the flesh and only speaks to the flesh; which might explain why is it a major point of interest to people who live in the body of flesh.

            Subject = 5293 hupotasso {hoop-ot-as'-so} Meaning: 1) to arrange under, to subordinate 2) to subject, put in subjection 3) to subject one's self, obey 4) to submit to one's control 5) to yield to one's admonition or advice 6) to obey, be subject 5743 Tense - Present (See 5774) Voice - Passive (See 5786) Mood - Indicative (See 5791) Count - 271

            This is teaching about the kingdom. As the Lord's Prayer says, God is in heaven, and He is Holy. God the Father is over all things and all things are to be subject to Him, and it is He that saves, as such the assembly should be fully yielded to the Father.
            Another metaphor, Christ is the head of the body, the body is to be subordinate to Christ as He is subordinate to the will of the Father.

            Verses 25-28: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 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.
            As Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, … that it should be holy and without blemish.
              Christ loved the church. Here is the first of the three things that we learned about 'one' in John 17. Modern thinkers might ask, what does love have to do with it, as if there is no value in love. The relationship under discussion in Ephesians 5 would not exist without love. The love of the Father sent (John 3:17) Jesus out of heaven, the love of Jesus for the Father and the church put Him on the cross. The scriptures have no meaning without love.
              Glory, there is a lengthy discussion of glory coming, and it is glorious. It is hard at this point to explain in any detail this glorious subject. But the following is offered as brief part of the whole thought that is discussed later. There is an interesting relationship between the Father and the Son in the matter of glory. Jesus Christ sought to do the things that allowed people to see that the Father is glorious, He did not seek for people to see Him as glorious (John 17:1-5). The Father in turn emphasized Jesus and wanted Jesus to be seen as glorious by mankind. It is a very interesting part of the discussion of glory (John 13:31).
              Complete, does this word have application into the marriage relationship? Can a husband and a wife be complete together as the people of God are complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10 different word for complete = full; 1John 4:12, Hebrews 2:10-11 through sufferings; John 17:1-5)?

            Three verses that refer to Christ Jesus in every verse. Christ is named in the 25th verse, and is the 'He' of verses 26-27. Christ is found in verse 23-24, and as the Lord of verse 22.
            The teaching about the kingdom continues; God loves the assembly, and has given till it hurts for the assembly. God (husband) has separated and cleansed the assembly (wife), that it (she) might be sinless, glorious, and like God (Holy).
            The one relationship previously discussed in John 17 is clearly seen. Christ Jesus is the head of the body, that is, He is one with the body (John 13:31, c.f. bb). Stephen saw the glory of God). The assembly is espoused to one husband to become one. Fascinating.

            Question. Is Jesus pictured in both roles in this passage? As the husband and the Father? Christ gave Himself for the church that He might cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He might present it to Himself, ...? Present it to Himself?
            In the Old Testament the blood of the sacrifice (Christ) was taken into the Holy place and sprinkled in the presence of Jehovah.
            So, is Jesus pictured in both roles in this passage? Hmm, could be, but if He is, then it shows the oneness of the Father and the Son that God's people will share.

            Verse 28: So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
            This one verse has no reference to Christ in it, nor to the will of Christ regarding the church. This verse addresses what man should do with regard to their wives. Men should love their wives as their own bodies (an odd thought considering most people do not take care of their bodies) which is a very fitting illustration in light of the overall discussion.
            But, the author asks, does this have application regarding relationship between Christ and the assembly? One might also wonder at the love that Christ had for His body: from the viewpoint of the flesh He allowed His body to be tortured; from the viewpoint of the spirit He gave the life of the age (eternal life) to His body. Interesting how different it is to see through the spirit than through the flesh, at times what harms one benefits the other.
            He that loveth his wife loveth himself. This is a wonderful explanation for they two shall be one flesh, each is a part of the other. If you do not love your wife, you do not love yourself.

        Verse 29-30: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
            The discussion returns to Christ and the church because it never truly left it. Jesus does not hate His body, that He purchased with His own blood, He will nourish His body to perfection, i.e. maturity, completeness, with tender love. We are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones ... note this expression that is explaining one in terms of the flesh: they two shall be one flesh: the same body flesh and bone.
            In the beginning of this discussion this was said, Is it possible that this is teaching spiritual, or heavenly things: teaching the people of God about the kingdom of God? In the kingdom of God these things will be understood, because the people of God will be living as one with God. Although we hope to understand now, if it be the will of the Father.

            This verse also presents an ideal, where people treat their bodies like their lives depend on it.

            Nourisheth = 1625 ektrepho {ek-tref'-o} Meaning: 1) to nourish up to maturity, to nourish 2) to nurture, bring up Origin: from 1537 and 5142;; v Usage: AV - nourish 1, bring up 1; 2 5719 Tense - Present (See 5774) Voice - Active (See 5784) Mood - Indicative (See 5791) Count - 3019
            Cherisheth = 2282 thalpo {thal'-po} Meaning: 1) to warm, keep warm 2) to cherish with tender love, to foster with tender care Origin: probably akin to thallo (to warm); v Usage: AV - cherish 2; 2 5719 Tense - Present (See 5774) Voice - Active (See 5784) Mood - Indicative (See 5791) Count - 3019
            In this study these two words are a reminder of the discussion about Our Father in the first section of this study (Our Father), the study that teaches us about the love of our Father.
              Isaiah 1:2-3 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. 3 The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.
              ... I have nourished and brought up children
          … Continued.
              The book of Isaiah begins with words of God's love for His children. Raising children is more than just bringing them into the world; they need to grow (nourished). The Hebrew word for nourished means grow, to make great, powerful; God the Father from the start caused His children to grow both materially and Spiritually. God has nourished up, or raised up children, and Israel became a mighty nation, elevated in any standard of the world, and elevated in the eyes of God.
              The maturation of children is just not about physical growth; children also need to mature intellectually, and spiritually; the hope is that all these items come together at the same time. God made every effort for His children to mature physically, providing water, food, and raiment along the way; while giving them the lessons needed to mature intellectually and spiritually. The word of God and lessons of faith.

              Deuteronomy 1:28-33 Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there. 29 Then I said unto you, Dread not, neither be afraid of them. 30 The LORD your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes; 31 And in the wilderness, where thou hast seen how that the LORD thy God bare thee, as a man doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, until ye came into this place. 32 Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God, 33 Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.
              In Deuteronomy we find the love of God, as a Father; who carries his son on a long journey when the child grows weak and tired. As such the love of the Father is illustrated as He bares the burden of the children. The desires of the Father are placed secondary to the needs of the children.
              No matter how you carry that child, in your arms or over your back, the weight will begin to wear quickly. This is where patience comes into the discussion since patience is the ability to bear up under the load. How much patience has the Father shown with His children collectively and individually?
              The hopes of the parents about their children are high, is it any different with regard to God the Father and His children? God's expectation for His children is that they will rule over nations of people.

            What is verses 29-30 saying about Christ and the church? The example is found in a marriage, can two people nourish and cherish each other? Oh, please say yes. Please understand the divine blessing. What love, what joy is present when two care this deeply for each other. The study of glory upcoming will show this aspect of the one of the Father and the Son.
            If these verses are speaking with regard to the physical, when two adults marry, how does one nourish up to maturity the other? It seems that this is not referring to physical growth, but to a different aspect of growth. A growth that is also true in the marriage relationship, as the couple grows together, becoming ... one.

            Teaching of the kingdom: As was discussed in the Lord's Prayer study, it is God who raises up children, spiritual children who He has prepared for their role in that heavenly realm. The tender love of the Father is a beautiful thing to witness as He carries His children in their weakness, and encourages them in their strengths.

            Verse 31-33: 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. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
            An expression of the kingdom, in this passage, ... and they two shall be one flesh. Forget the physical and earthly aspects of this statement and consider the spiritual, or heavenly aspects of this statement. ... What does this mean? Two individuals are joined to become one. They have separate bodies, separate minds, but they have a bond that ties them together as one. What might the bond be? They should have love, a shared glory ... seen in each other, and are heading towards a shared sense of being complete ... in each other; in Christ, Christ Jesus can be added to each of these three items giving the relationship a deeper meaning.

            Verse 31 is quoting Genesis 2:24, which is amazing. Something that is written in the Bible from thousands of years previous is set in its context, teaching the people of God about heavenly things in the kingdom of God; and what is not understood now will be clear in the Kingdom of God, thine is the Kingdom.
            A question for y'all. Did Adam, or any of the people of the Old Testament understand that Genesis 2:24 was referring to Christ and the church? And that it is also teaching of the kingdom of God? How many people today understand, even in part, what the meaning of Genesis 2:24 might be? What marriage is teaching about? What do we actually understand? Quit being so arrogant, so little is known.

            Another interesting thought that comes from this passage. Since Christs relationship with the church is compared to a marriage, some conclusions can be deduced. Are there troubled times between the Lord and the assembly? Does the Lord and the assembly have to work through these troublesome times? Might there be a little bit of compromise (submission, forgiveness) involved in this relationship as it matures? As can be seen, the whole relationship between God and mankind can be looked at through different eyes; and the language can be that of a marriage; is God an unforgiving Lord and Master, or is He a stern but loving husband?

            Verse 32: This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
            This verse is stating what has been discussed here; there is much more to this discussion than what is seen and it might not be easy to understand. This is a great mystery (3466), and a mystery is something that is hidden, a secret thing.
            Is the mystery being referred to speaking of the last phrase of the previous verse, that they two shall be one flesh? Remember that marriage is not the primary point of this passage, marriage is used as an example Christ, the church, and the Father in the eternal kingdom. The bride and groom, the husband and wife, the body and its head; all these are figures used because mankind is familiar with them, that are teaching mankind other lessons.

            Verse 33: Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
            Great last words. After telling the reader that this is about Christ and the church, the final words are that each one is to love his wife and the wife is to respect her husband. This lesson might not be speaking directly about marriage, but do not ignore the words that are spoken.

      3. One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
      4.     Ephesians 4:1-7 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
            That is a lot of one. Are these examples of one comparable to our previous discussions about one? We will have to consider the matter carefully.

            We have one body found in Romans 12 and 1Corinthians 12. We have one Spirit found in I Corinthians 12. There is one hope of your calling, there is one kurios (Lord) which is a word used of the Father and the Son (Matthew 3:3, 1:20), there is one faith (4102 noun), one baptism. Finally, one God and Father of all, who is over all, through all, and in all.
            It is the last one that brings the beginning of a meaning to this passage, because when you consider all that is said, it is the one God and Father that ties all things together, specifically the things listed in this passage. He is the God and Father of all, above all, and through all, and in you all.
            Therefore, do we find in this reading various elements that appear to stand alone but are actually one/united in the Father? The sixth verse about the Father broadens the focus of the whole discussion.

            Why are these seven 'one's' mentioned: are these things not obvious? Is there a reason, a need, to give the list of seven one's? Maybe, there is some understanding to be found in the preceding verses.

            Verse 1: "... walk worthy of the vocation (calling) where with you are called".
            Is there a problem with the lives that the people of God are living? Are they living a life that is worthy of the one who has called them, and the calling that they have been given? IF they are walking worthy then there would be little need for this challenge to be issued. Can we consider this as a challenge and not a rebuke?
            Worthy = 516 axios {ax-ee'-oce} Meaning: 1) suitably, worthily, in a manner worthy of, Origin: from 514;; adv, Usage: AV - worthy 3, as becometh 2, after a godly sort + 2316 1; 6

            Verse 2: With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
            Lowliness is humility, meekness is gentleness/mildness; longsuffering is patience, forbearing is to hold up; one another is mutually. Considering this the verse could also be translated as, ...
            With all humility and gentleness, with patience, hold up mutually in love.
            A beautiful verse that addresses the needs of the individual and the needs of the body. Hold up mutually in love, in particular addresses the individual and the body.

            Are some of the people of God high minded, harsh, impatient, not supporting in the love of God themselves, or others that are the people of God?

            Verse 3: Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
            The unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is quite a statement. Could it be that it is not an issue and the Spirit is just reinforcing teaching? Not really, the language used, endeavor, is a strong statement that says that this is much more than just reinforcing teaching.
            Are the people of God desirous to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? With what effort are they willing to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?

              Endeavoring = 4704 spoudazo {spoo-dad'-zo} Meaning: 1) to hasten, make haste 2) to exert one's self, endeavour, give diligence Origin: from 4710; TDNT - 7:559,1069; v Usage: AV - endeavour 3, do diligence 2, be diligent 2, give diligence 1, be forward 1, labour 1, study 1; 11

              2 Timothy 2:15 Study (4704) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
              Love this verse and the message of this verse, 'shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, cutting straight (3718) the word of truth'. The important thing is to shew thyself approved unto God something that is more than a simple task. Hence the word endeavor. Make haste to show thyself approved unto God.
              Rightly dividing is not referring to common practice of dividing the word by the things that certain individuals like to hear. Rightly dividing is saying the opposite, to cut straight: do not make allowances for one thing at the expense of another, ignoring the things that are not liked.

              Hebrews 4:11 Let us labour (4704) therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
              We have come into the middle of a significant discussion, but for the moment we will have to be content with this one verse. Make haste therefore to enter into that rest, strange words considering the popular teachings of Christianity in this day and age. Still, this is a part of the word of God and as such should be weighed equally with the rest of the word of God.
              Make haste to keep the unity of the Spirit, make haste to shew thyself approved unto God, make haste to enter into that rest. Any willing heart can see and understand the manner in which this word is used on many occasions, and can see that these things are important.

              2 Peter 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence (4704) to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
              For the sake of time we again will take one verse hoping that the hearers are familiar with the context; and a beautiful context it is. Make haste to make your calling and election sure. Mm, mm, mm. Make haste so that you do not stumble, by making your invitation and choosing firm.
              This is a reminder of Ephesians 4:1, beseech you that you walk worthy of the calling wherewith you are called. C.f. 2 Pet. 3:13 (14) 15.

            The first three verses of Ephesians 4 suggest that there is a need in the assembly at Ephesus, among the people of God; that is why this incredible reminder of what is the one thing that is important is written. And that one thing is not the individual, their desires or opinions.
            Unity in verse three comes from 1520 which is translated as one seven times in the next two verses. In other words, unity is one and one is one. When it says make haste to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace what is it saying? Make haste to watch over the one of the Sprit in the bond of peace.

        1. One Body
        2.     One body = The church started by Jesus. Matthew 16, actually started prior to this (John 3:29). The one body represents one man. A man that is devoted to praising God and serving God, a man that gave His body (life) so that others could have life (new body). There is also another body that discussed in great detail in the scriptures, mankind has a body and a spirit, a body and spirit that are at odds with God (Galatians 5:16).
              Consider the following discussion on one spirit and note the overlap with one body. There are two bodies, but only one inherits the kingdom, interestingly the one that inherits the kingdom actually starts with the two united, flesh in submission to the Spirit, which becomes a new creation, a body made alive by the Spirit, according to the purpose of God. Jesus Christ Himself being our example. Hence one body, not two, one body in submission the will of God that will be changed into that one body that is shared with Christ Jesus.

        3. One Spirit.
        4.     One Spirit = Sent by Jesus, from the Father (John 15:26) to the one body (church), becoming part of the oneness of the body. Jesus said He would not leave us comfortless (John 14:13-18).
              It is interesting to see that there are two bodies and two spirits discussed in the scriptures. After all, God created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:7), and God is a spirit (John 4:23-24). So mankind is a spirit that resides in an earthly body of flesh.
              There are two bodies and spirits under consideration in the scriptures. The body of the flesh and its associated spirit that each individual possesses, and the body of Jesus Christ (not the body that died on the cross), which in reality is a Spiritual body (Holy Spirit came to the faithful assembly), which each individual needs to become a part of. The scriptures teach us that these two are at odds (Galatians 5:16-26) and that the faithing need to be part of the assembly, and live as if they are Spiritual beings. The church, the body of Jesus Christ, is where the faithing are to learn to be a Spiritual body, and to be one Spirit (Ephesians 4:16-32). The body of flesh (old man) died and then was buried in baptism (Romans 6:1-6) and a new man was raised from that grave, a man that is not flesh and blood, but one that is made alive by the Spirit of God (1Corithians 15:42-50).
              But this discussion does not end at this point. The one Spiritual body, the church, is made of many individuals who must learn to be one/united in Christ as the body of Christ.

                The body is one, united in Spirit.
                Romans 12:1-9 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world (aion): but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
                Interesting, consider a brief overview of the context. Present your bodies a living sacrifice, not of this age, make new your mind and be changed into something else, speaking to individuals in the assembly at Rome. Do not be haughty, spoken to the same individuals, control your passions - be in your right mind. For as we have many parts (limbs) in one body, and all of the parts do not do the same thing. In like manner the body of Christ has many parts that do different functions but are one body in Christ and each member is one with the other members. Some of the different functions are prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, ruling, and mercy. Do not be hypocritical in your love, hate evil, hold on to the good.
                The assembly is one, many are one body in Christ and members of each other. This is the one body, different parts, each with a different measure of faith: different functions (purpose) to accomplish the will of God. This is a beautiful picture where each member of the body of Christ is important in their place, they are beautiful in their place.
                Are we surprised to see that Lord's plan? It takes the exercise of the Spirit of God, and patience for God's plan to come to fruition.

                This is related to ...

                
            1 Cor. 12:12-27 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body? 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

                One body, which hath many members. By one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, and drink into one Spirit; the one Spirit is the common ingredient between each individual member. The Spirit of God is one, the body is one, but the body is many ... members, but one. Be careful of the input of the flesh into this discussion, mankind can introduce another spirit and destroy the work of God.
                There is only one Spirit of God, beware of spirits that disrupt and destroy the body and will of God.
                The Spirit, which is always indicated when discussing the Father and the Son, is pleasantly obvious in this reading. Might this explain the part of 'one'? It certainly offers an explanation for 'one' at this time.
                As to the context, the body of Christ is being discussed (verse 27), the members of that body are being discussed, and the relationship of the members to each other is being discussed.

        5. One Hope. Consider examples of hope = can scripture references be added?
        6.     One Hope = Interesting, hope is something that seems so unimportant to people that emphasize the physical manifestations of service over any aspect of the Spiritual. After all, a person hopes for that which is not seen (Romans 8:16-25). What are we hoping for? Do the scriptures about 'one' exceed our hope?
              Following the developing pattern, considering that there are two bodies and two spirits being discussed; would it not follow that there are two hopes which can confuse mankind? The flesh and its associated spirit have the things that they hope for, and then there is that hope that comes from knowing Jesus Christ, it is a hope associated with the heavenly or spiritual body, which is made alive by the Spirit, and being one with that Spiritual body.
              There is no eternal, Spiritual, hope apart from Jesus, who was foreordained to live the life He lived, to suffer, and to die; before the foundation of the world. c.f. Ephesians 1:17-23, Colossians 1:27.

        7. One Lord.
        8.     One Lord = By definition Lord means, he to whom a person or thing belongs, that which He has the power of deciding, lord, master. Who is the master of you, i.e. to whom has a person submitted themselves? Who should be the master of you? Divided loyalties are a problem, you cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:19-25).
              The people of God should be under authority to Jesus; therefore, they belong to Jesus; and Jesus lived under authority to God the Father, and therefore belongs to God the Father. Which means that the people of God are also under the authority of God the Father and belong to the Father. Think love, glory, and completeness.
              The one Lord, Jesus Christ, is the head of the one body (Colossians 2:10-20, Ephesians 4:11-16). In the description as the head of the body it is clearly seen that Jesus is one with the body, but in a decisive role as the leader of the body.

                Our Lord is one.
                Deuteronomy 6:1-9 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: 2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son's son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: 5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. 8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. 9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
                It might be nothing, but when a person reads the fourth verse it says that Jehovah, our Gods, is one Jehovah. The author does not mean to sound blasphemous, but elohym (God) is plural. There is some rule of the Hebrew language that due to, whatever, it is understood in the singular, but it is plural.
                But if we take what is written as it written, it means that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are one Lord.
                Also realize that this passage is speaking of freewill service to God from the heart, a heart full of love for the Father. And speaks of this freewill service in a manner which is not used in regard to the sacrifices, although if the Lord is loved then His words will be lovingly followed. Verses 7-9 show the love, from the heart, for God and His words that were taught this day. This love for God will be evident in our words, in our lives, in our dwelling places.

                Mk. 12:28-34 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all? 29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices. 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
                The first commandment is, 'Hear O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord'.
                Fascinating, loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, is the fast track to the kingdom of God. Again this is speaking of freewill service to God the Father and the Son out of love that comes from the deepest depths of mankind, the heart.

        9. One Faith.
        10.     One Faith = A transcending subject, without beginning, but which might come to an end when faith is realized. Or is there more to believe in in the eternal kingdom?
              There are at least two faiths in the bible. The faith of mankind, which is oddly denied even in the face of overwhelming examples, and the faith of Jesus Christ, which is the expression of the faith of God. These two must become one, which only happens when the faith of mankind is placed in Jesus Christ.
              One faith is another reference to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:22-29), and not to anything in mankind. There is a promise that comes out of the faith of Jesus Christ; before faith came (Jesus Christ) the people of God were held in custody being kept as prisoners until Jesus Christ was revealed, that the faithing ones might be declared righteous (justified), and be called the sons and daughters of God by faithing (believing) in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:22-29).

        11. One Baptism.
        12.     One Baptism = To add some complexity to 'one baptism', there is more than one baptism in the New Testament, (Hebrews 6:1-2); both baptisms are important. How can we understand which of the two is the one that is being referred to? Water baptism is into (put on) the body of Christ (Galatians 3:22-29) and is about the death, burial, and resurrection of the flesh (Romans 6:1-6). The body of Christ, saved baptized believers, was later was baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-5, 2:1-4). Which, interestingly enough, followed the pattern set down in the consecration of the Aaronic priesthood and tabernacle (Exodus 40, Leviticus 8).
              So which baptism is the one baptism? Water baptism is about the individual becoming part of the body of Jesus Christ. The baptism of the Spirit is about the body coming into its place in the Father the Son and the kingdom of the Father and the Son. Still no clarity on which one of the two is the one baptism. Does it take two baptisms to fully become part of the body of Christ, the body in heaven (Hebrews 12:18-24)? (c.f. consecration of the Aaronic priesthood).
              Strange to consider, but could two baptisms, each doing their part, be the one baptism??? ... (Galatians 3:22-29) Yes, one fulfills the types that to the second which points to the kingdom of God.

        13. One God and Father of us all.
        14.     One God and Father of us all = who is over all, through all, and in all.
              In the consecration of the Aaronic priesthood example all is not complete until God fills the tabernacle - although all had been done according to God's command.
              There is only one God the Father! Mankind was created in the image of God, but mankind rejected any relationship with God by rebelling against God.
              It is because of the Father that all things work as they should. Our Father, was the beginning of this study, three sections are devoted directly to our Father, it is so easy to forget the greatness of God. God the Father is the center of the discussion, He directs, and it is His will that is being done. Without the Father there would be no Jesus, no hope, no Holy Spirit, no body, no faith, and no baptism. God the Father is the all of the discussion and it is in the Father that all of these various elements become one. A blessed and glorious one that is accomplishing the will of God while glorifying God. Our Father has brought many sons to glory through Jesus Christ, but the glory they receive is the glory of the Father.

              This passage needs further consideration. It is possible that there are eight items listed. The 3rd verse, "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace", could be considered along with the other seven. The word unity (1775) comes from the word one (1520). If we can accept that the unity (one) of the Spirit in the bond of peace, is different than one Spirit; we have eight. And we have another thought that needs consideration as this would add tremendous weight to the words of the third verse. Or is the third verse actually telling what one --- means? Could the third verse mean, to exert one's self to maintain the one of the Spirit in the bond of peace? Thereby teaching that effort is required in all items mentioned to keep the oneness; important point to consider. Do not be deceived, the divisions amongst the people of God only furthers the work of Satan; leading to many Lord's, many Baptisms, many faiths. Hmmm What do we do with one God the Father who is over all, through all, and in all?
              Divide and conquer is a sound strategy, if the goal is to destroy someone or something.