TOS170 Ephesians-Blueprint of God’s Plan

Truth of the Spirit with Patti Brunner follows the Lord’s prompting to take passages of scripture and discern its meaning for daily life. This episode is “Ephesians- Blueprint of God’s Plan”. Paul received a personal ‘download’ of God’s Plan as Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Paul’s unique wisdom and wit is the flavor given in this letter. His sense of urgency, especially in the instructions for the spiritual battle is clear. For the video, audio, or to read the script of this episode please continue reading below.

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A major step in discerning God’s plan for us is to discern the Word of the Lord in Sacred Scripture. If we open our ears to hear we can discover what is hidden in plain sight of God’s plan for us in St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. I used to skip over the beginning of Ephesians and go straight to Chapter 6 and the Armor of God. If that is your interest, too, just keep listening all the way to the end. Listen along the way, too, because this letter has much more to offer as it spells out the Father’s Plan for us; it’s a sort of blueprint. Paul’s unique wisdom and wit is the flavor given in this letter. His sense of urgency, especially in the instructions for the spiritual battle is clear. The Spirit continues to help the Church to follow this blueprint of the Father’s Plan. And the Fathers of the Church, the Doctors of the Church and the Body of the Church continue to discern the general and the specific Will of God in fulfilling God’s Plan. There’s a whole Catechism from the Church designed to share specifics! These words in Ephesians written down by St. Paul are inspired by the One who loves you enough to send his beloved Son among you to reveal the Truth and then to offer the ultimate sacrifice to overcome the death caused by sin.

Welcome to Truth of the Spirit. I am your host Patti Brunner. In this series we are following the Lord’s prompting to take passages of scripture and discern its meaning for daily life. This episode is “Ephesians- Blueprint of God’s Plan”.

The New Testament’s Letter to the Ephesians starts with the “Father’s Plan of Salvation”. In Ephesians, Chapter 1, the Holy Spirit powerfully reminds us that God our Father has “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,^*” Let that sink in just a moment. God’s plan is for us to live our lives with every spiritual blessing in the heavens! And He has made it available to us! Do you feel like you are in darkness as you make your course of action? Then you are not building your life with God’s blueprint, because His plan is for you to live with every spiritual blessing.

Twenty-five years ago, after I was baptized in the Spirit and was suddenly aware of God’s awesome spiritual blessings, I wondered out loud, “Why didn’t anyone ever tell me about this?” This past week-end, a friend who had just had a spiritual experience wondered out loud, “Why didn’t anyone ever tell me?” Like me, she had been told about it but she didn’t have ears to hear yet. I could have stood there and shared the times she had been invited along with the parish to Life in the Spirit Seminars, Healing Masses, Witnesses, and Prayer Group meetings, but I knew I had been just like her before I my ears finally heard God’s invitation to a conversion of power in my own life. Paragraph #1229 of the Catechism says that since the time of the apostles, the Christian “journey can be covered rapidly or slowly.” The Lord does not force his grace but he generously pours it out daily on his people. You cannot teach conversion of heart but it comes by allowing his grace to come in. Only grace can affect the change.

How do we allow and accept grace? Recognizing the need for grace is half the battle. The Lord in Jeremiah Chapter 29 says, “11 For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. 12When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. ^f 13 When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will let you find me”. Surely this is why retreats and conferences can be a powerful meeting tent filled with God’s graces. When you give the Lord an inch, He responds with a mile! He fulfills his promises.

Ephesians Chapter 1 reminds us that God chose us “4 before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him.” In love, He chose us and his plan is for us to be holy and without any blemish! If you are asking yourself how this is possible, Ephesians tells us that the fulfillment of God’s plan is through Christ. He “5 destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will. ^e ” Baptism is the legal adoption! As adopted sons and daughters of God, our Father, we are given everything and more as our inheritance! “7 In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace ^g 8 that he lavished upon us.” All the wealth of the world is like useless rubbish compared to the richness of God—and the benefits of the riches of his grace!

When Paul had his supernatural encounter with Christ, reported three times in the Acts of the Apostles, God revealed truth. God laid out the amazing blueprint of the Father’s plan for us to Paul. Paul shares in Ephesians Chapter 1 that “In all wisdom and insight, ^h 9 he has made known to us the mystery^* of his will in accord with his favor that he set forth in him ⁱ 10 as a plan for the fullness of times, to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth. ^j” And it wasn’t just Paul that was chosen for the inheritance through the Holy Spirit. Through Christ “11 we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will. ^k”

All of heaven praises the glory of God when they see what He does with us through Jesus Christ! Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we become one with him so as share in the accomplishment of mankind being be filled with the Holy Spirit! In him we are “sealed^* with the promised holy Spirit, ^l 14 which is the first installment^* of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory. ^m” The seal of the Holy Spirit is God’s stamp of approval. It is by the authority of God that we are given freedom. And the seal of Baptism and Confirmation lasts forever. When you look for Him you will find Him. Yes, when you seek Him with all your heart!

20 years ago my plan in life was to buy the accounting firm where I worked part time. When my Catholic boss was ready to retire she let me know that time was near. That day I happened to be listening to John Michael Talbot singing, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” As I took the matter to prayer I realized that the Lord had a different plan for me than to be a full time owner of a CPA firm. All the plans I had considered for many years were washed away and the desire to serve God however He called me replaced them. She sold her practice to another Catholic man who was also a great boss that allowed me to be flexible with my hours to do whatever the Lord called me to do. I have never ever regretted my decision after listening with my heart to God!

In Ephesians Chapter 1 Paul is praying for our ears to be opened to truth when he writes, “18 May the eyes of [your] hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, ^q 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might. ^r ” Why didn’t someone ever tell us? We are being told! Our hearts just weren’t listening!

Starting with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, the Father put the plan into high gear, “20 which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens, ^s 21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.^t ” There is nothing too big for Jesus to accomplish. There is no one too powerful to be overcome by Jesus. There is no temptation, no stupidity on our part, no mistake on our part, no illness, no addiction, no evil that is too powerful to be overcome in Jesus! God the Father “22 put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ^u 23 which is his body, ^* the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way. ^v”

If you seek God you will discover, like Paul writes in Ephesians Chapter 2, that God’s plan is extremely generous. He is totally aware of the times in our life that we are spiritually dead due to following the age of this world, the times we follow the demonic ruler of the power of the air, following the evil spirit that is now at work in us when we are disobedient. “4But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, 5^d even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ^*.” God’s plan is to raise us up with Christ and seat us with him in heaven, “7 that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ^f” We do not “earn” heaven by being a good person. We get from death to life by grace; we are saved through faith which is the gift of God. ^g We are “created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. ⁱ”

The Father’s blueprint in Ephesians Chapter 2 says, “13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become near by the blood of Christ, ^k” breaking down the dividing wall 14^* For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of hostility and hatred, through his flesh, ^l creating “in himself one new person^* in place of the two, thus establishing peace. ^m” Most people will not chop their nose off to spite their face. In such a way, being a part of Christ’s Body allows us to find the supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding. “17 Jesus came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, ^o 18 for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” ^p “The household of God, ^q is 20 built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, ^r with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone;^*…22 in him you also are being built together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.^t”

Does it seem impossible for you or maybe some of your loved ones to get to heaven? Is there total alienation? There is hope through the plans of God. Pray for a minister, by the gift of God’s grace and to whom your loved one will listen, to cross their path with the truth of God’s love. Once we are given the initial blueprint by Paul he moves to the “Commission to Preach God’s Plan”^* in Ephesians Chapter 3. He does this by sharing that the mystery of Christ, “has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, ^d ” who are given the grace to become “a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.” ^f Paul writes, “8 To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given, to preach” “9 and to bring to light [for all]^* what is the plan of the mystery hidden from ages past in God who created all things, ^h 10 so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the principalities and authorities^* in the heavens. ⁱ ”

In Ephesians Chapter 4, Paul urges us to follow God’s blueprint, “1^* to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, ^a 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, ^b 3striving to preserve the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace: ^c 4^* one body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; ^d 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ^e 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. ^f ”

God’s plan is not a one and done. He created us with uniqueness; every thumbprint identifies only one person. To be able to follow God’s plans for us He gave us individually a “Diversity of Gifts”. These gifts of grace and charisms were “7 given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ^g” For our benefit He gave the Church 11 ^* some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, ⁱ 12 to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry,^* for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,^* to the extent of the full stature of Christ, ^j 14 so that we may no longer be infants, tossed by waves and swept along by every wind of teaching arising from human trickery” and scheming. ^k” I can personally attest to the power of God in the diversity of gifts He has given me. I have personally witnessed countless healings. I have personally witnessed conversions of hearts. I have personally witnessed lives being set free by the truth of God and the power of the Word of the Sacred Scripture. I have personally been built up in the body of Christ and toiled freely for others to be built up.

God’s plan is for “Renewal in Christ.”^* In Ephesians Chapter 4 the Lord uses Paul to declare this plan to us—the Lord says through him, “17 I declare and testify in the Lord that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds; ⁿ 18 darkened in understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance, because of their hardness of heart, ^o 19 they have become callous and have handed themselves over to licentiousness for the practice of every kind of impurity to excess. ^p” “20 That is not how you learned Christ, 21 assuming that you have heard of him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus, 22 that you should put away the old self of your former way of life, corrupted through deceitful desires, ^q 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, ^r 24 and put on ^* the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth. ^s”

I had a mentor who was a man of God. He constantly evangelized about the Holy Spirit one on one with me and with just about anyone who would listen. Later on he shared publicly that he was a recovering alcoholic which had caused a lot of problems, especially to his family. He also shared a vision the Lord gave him during a healing service. The Lord took a scrub brush and like a paintbrush started at the top of his head and went down his body inch by inch. At the end of the Lord’s ministry he felt freedom.

The Lord wants us to be successful in the renewal in the spirit of our minds so He gives us a blueprint for “Daily Conduct” and “Rules for the New Life”. It is not a repeat of the Ten Commandments but a very practical and clear blueprint. “25Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, for we are members one of another. ^t 26 Be angry but do not sin; ^u do not let the sun set on your anger, ^* 27 and do not leave room for the devil. ^v 28 The thief must no longer steal, but rather labor, doing honest work^* with his [own] hands, so that he may have something to share with one in need. ^w 29 No foul language should come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for needed edification, that it may impart grace to those who hear. ^x 30 And do not grieve the holy Spirit of God, with which you were sealed for the day of redemption. ^* 31 All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reviling must be removed from you, along with all malice. ^y 32 [And] be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ. ^z”

In Ephesians Chapter 5 The Holy Spirit gives us more guidance in the Father’s blueprint to “ be imitators of God, ^*” as beloved children, ^a 2 and live in love.” “3Immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting among holy ones, ^c 4 no obscenity or silly or suggestive talk, which is out of place, but instead, thanksgiving. ^d ” Modern movies, television programs, even children’s shows have suggestive talk! Then the Lord gives us a warning: “5 Be sure of this, that no immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ^e” That’s a pretty strong warning, isn’t it? “No immoral or impure or greedy person, that is, an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

Again, we do not “earn” heaven by being a good person; however, Paul shares that we have a “Duty to Live in the Light”. Choosing darkness and selfishness rejects God’s plan and blueprint. Sacred Scripture says, “6^f Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the disobedient. ^* 7 So do not be associated with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, ^g 9 for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth. ^h 10 Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. ⁱ 11 Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness; rather expose them, ^j 12 for it is shameful even to mention the things done by them in secret.”

At some point in time, certainly at the last judgment, “13 everything exposed by the light becomes visible, ^k 14 for everything that becomes visible is light.” “15^* Watch carefully then how you live, not as foolish persons but as wise, ^m 16 making the most of the opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore, do not continue in ignorance, but try to understand what is the will of the Lord. 18And do not get drunk on wine, in which lies debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit. ⁿ ”

Paul’s description of those filled with the Spirit sounds like a charismatic prayer meeting, “19 addressing one another [in] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, ^o 20 giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. ^p”

Ephesians Chapters 5 and 6 then shares some specific instructions for Wives and Husbands, for parents and their children, and for servants and bosses. We then are blessed in Ephesians Chapter 6 by God’s plan for us in the battle against evil. Truth of the Spirit has several episodes on the Armor of God which is God’s plan for us, our protection. We will put the YouTube playlist in the description below. In 1998 a melody started in my heart and eventually I wrote a song about the Armor of God. I’ll sing it for you at the end of this episode. The New Testament makes it clear that we battle against the powers and principalities of darkness—the fallen angels which are now trying to destroy God’s plan by the only avenue open to them: Testing and tempting the freewill of mankind to reject God’s plans. We are empowered by God to resist. Listen to the Words inspired by the Holy Spirit in Ephesians Chapter 6:

“10^* Finally, draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. 11 Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. ^g 12 For our struggle is not with flesh and blood but with the principalities, with the powers, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens. ^h 13 Therefore, put on the armor of God, that you may be able to resist on the evil day and, having done everything, to hold your ground. ⁱ 14So stand fast with your loins girded in truth, clothed with righteousness as a breastplate, ^j 5 and your feet shod in readiness for the gospel of peace. ^k 16 In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all [the] flaming arrows of the evil one. ^l 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ^m”

We receive the helmet of salvation through Baptism as well as the breastplate of righteousness which is polished in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Giving these instructions as armor helps Christians to be prepared like soldiers for the battle against evil for our eternal soul. I learned a morning prayer of putting on the armor of God like this, starting at the top: Put on the helmet of Salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the shoes of peace. Take up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God!

Paul closes his teaching on God’s Plan by telling us to remain in “Constant Prayer”. “18 With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.” I remember a story Fr. Les Farley told me about comparing praying in the Spirit in Tongues versus praying his thoughts in trying to pray in every opportunity. He was on a trip and when he prayed his thoughts he ran out of prayers and began repeating things. As he switched to praying in tongues in the Spirit, he was able to continue praying the entire way without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 verse 16 also instructs, “Pray without ceasing”. When we offer our entire life to the Lord and think of Him during the day, our lives become a non-ceasing prayer to God

Ok, I promised you my little song. Here it is called the Armor of God.

Chorus: