Charles Spurgeon

in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.

“IT appears from the preceding verse that the predestinating purpose of God deals not only with salvation as a whole, but with the details of it—it includes faith as well as salvation which comes of faith.”

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins,

“OUR translators, as you observe, have put in the words, "has He quickened," because Paul had thrown the sense a little farther on and it was possible for the reader not to catch it.”

in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

“FROM this verse it is clear that Paul fully expected the Gospel of the Grace of God to be preached in the ages to come.”

not by works, so that no one can boast.

“I shall call your attention to the near neighborhood of these two phrases, "Not of works" and, "Created in Christ Jesus unto good works."”

And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit.

“UNDER THE OLD Mosaic dispensation God had a visible dwelling-place among men. The bright shekinah was seen between the wings of the cherubim which overehadowed the mercy-seat; and in the tabernacle while Israel journeyed in the wilderness, and in the temple afterwards, when they were…”

His purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,

“THE "principalities and powers in heavenly places" to whom the Apostle here refers, are, no doubt, the angels.”

But this is not the way you came to know Christ.

“THE first two words of our text call attention to the distinction which must always be drawn between true Christians and other people, "But you."”

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

“IT is a very clear proof of the Personality of the Holy Spirit that He can be grieved. Now, it would be very difficult to imagine an influence, or a mere spiritual emanation being grieved.”

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

“THERE IS SOMETHING very touching in this admonition, “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.” It does not say, “Do not make him angry.” A more delicate and tender term is used—“Grieve him not.””

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

“THIS is the great argument of awakened sinners when they seek mercy at God's hands. Once they could boast of their own righteousness.”

Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children,

“WE shall read the text as it should more properly be translated—"Be you therefore imitators of God, as beloved children." Upon the word, "imitate," our discourse will hinge.”

Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

“SINS, especially the grosser vices, are "works of darkness." They delight in concealment. They are not fit to be seen. They flourish in the darkness of the unrenewed heart.”

So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

“WE have not time this evening to enter into the question as to where this quotation came from. There does not appear to be one exactly like it in the compass of the Old Testament—but we must remember that the Apostle very frequently quotes the…”

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

“WHILE I was reading to you just now, in the fourth and fifth chapters of Paul's letter to the Ephesian Believers, I could not help feeling that you could little understand the elevation and the purity of the precepts of the Apostle, as they must…”

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“THE position of our text in the Epistle is worthy of observation. It follows the precept with regard to sacred song in which Believers are bid to speak to themselves and one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in…”

Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,

“THIS sentence was expressly addressed, in the first place, to "servants," which term includes and, first of all intends, those who unhappily were slaves. There were many slaves in the Roman Empire and the form of bondage which then existed was of the bitterest kind.”

and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.

“THE Christian was evidently intended to be in motion, for here are shoes for his feet. His head is provided with a helmet, for he is to be thoughtful. His heart is covered with a breastplate, for he is to be a man of feeling.”

And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

“To be a Christian is to be a warrior. The good soldier of Jesus Christ must not expect to find ease in this world—it is a battlefield! Neither must he reckon upon the friendship of the world, for that would be enmity against God.”