Light and darkness have stood for metaphorical opposites of righteousness and evil since Genesis 1 when God called light out of darkness. We are to walk in the light of love. Darkness describes the character of someone who is unconverted with sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness. Paul says let no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking come out of your mouth. Paul quotes Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Awake, O'sleeper and arise from the dead! We can't walk in darkness while claiming to have fellowship with God.

Paul exhorts believers to walk according to their calling recognizing the diverse gifts and building up in love. Be eager to maintain unity of the Spirit, having ONE mind, NO divisions. There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father of all. Trinitarian Unity

Paul reveals the promise of God to dwell among his people being fulfilled in Christ residing in us through the indwelling Spirit. Through the resurrection of Christ we have hope of life beyond the grave. In Paul's prayer for the church, think about what it is to know the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.

Today Paul shows us that while we were once dead in our sin Christ has made us alive in Him! Through the work of God we are brought near and are now fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God!

Paul reflects on the triune God's accomplishment of our salvation. 1. God the Father chose his people before the foundation of the world. [Elected by the Father] 2. God the Son accomplished redemption for his people. [Redeemed by the Son] 3. God the Spirit applies applies redemption to us and assures us that the inheritance is ours. [Sealed by the Spirit] Read as if this were a letter from Paul written to your own church. Pay attention to what stands out as unique or significant. Write down your thoughts. Paul begins by answering questions such as: 1. How is salvation accomplished? 2. Why did God bestow His grace on us? 3. What does the future hold for those who put their faith in Christ? John MacArthur Study Guide

Paul demonstrates his great endurance and the authenticity of his work as an apostle sent from God. The world needs to see our joy in Christ in the midst of suffering and sorrow. Paul points out God’s power working through his weakness. Paul also warns not to join hands with false teachers.

Paul tells us of our future hope of physical resurrection and the present offer of reconciliation with God that is secured with the guarantee of the Spirit. We are alienated from God as fallen sinners, but in Christ, God draws us near and has restored us relationally to him. The initiative was wholly God’s! This is GRACE!