Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Secret of Paul's Success - Examining Ephesians – September 30 Readings: Ephesians 6:21-25


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 6:21-25


21 Tychicus, our dearly loved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me so that you may be informed. 22 I am sending him to you for this very reason, to let you know how we are and to encourage your hearts. 23 Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all who have undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ.


Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 3-4, Galatians 2, Psalm 109:13–19, Proverbs 24:3–4

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Secret of Paul's Success


Today's passage contains Paul's personal greetings to the Ephesians. In some of his books, this final greeting section is long, and contains many statements. Some are brief and to the point, like this one. Paul had many friends in Ephesus, dear friends, but for some reason, he did not elaborate. 

Evidently, Tychicus was his traveling companion who was delivering the letter. He was "Asian," meaning he was from Asia Minor, likely from Ephesus. He delivered both Paul's letter to Ephesus and the letter to the Colossian church which was nearby. Paul calls him dearly loved, a faithful servant, and trusted him to cheer the hearts of the church. He remained faithful to Paul and to Christ, appearing in greetings in both Titus 3 and in 2 Timothy 4:12, where he has been sent back to Ephesus when Paul's death is imminent. 

Paul's ministry wasn't just about theology or systems or strategies, it was about people. Everywhere Paul went he poured himself into men like Tychicus and Timothy and Titus and Luke and Aristarchus - men who would carry on his ministry when the evil Emperor had his way. A successful man or woman of God is not known just by how great his or her gifts are, how much he or she accomplishes, but by the people left behind, the lives into which he or she pours ministry and effort. When Paul was gone, he left behind men who knew how to continue in ministry. 

It was the Secret of Paul's success. 

Father, help us to be like Paul, focused on future generations who need you. 

Think and Pray:

Are you building into the lives of future generations, preparing them to follow along behind you? 



Tuesday, September 29, 2020

The Prayer War - Examining Ephesians – September 29 Readings: Ephesians 6:18-20


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 6:18-20


18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. 20 For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

Through the Bible Readings: Jeremiah 1-2, Galatians 1, Psalm 109:6–12, Proverbs24:1–2

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  The Prayer War   


Preaching and teaching about spiritual warfare has been subjected to much extrabiblical mythology and hype. It is interesting that after telling his readers to “put on the full armor of God” and describing that armor in detail, Paul’s next command is found starting in Ephesians 6:18.

Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints.

This passage is taken by some to be a reference to what is called “praying in tongues” but that is an unwarranted assumption. The passage doesn’t mention tongues and such an idea would go against the clear teaching of Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. All of us are to pray in the Spirit but Paul was clear that not everyone was supposed to speak in tongues. So, praying in the Spirit is something else. Romans 8:26-27 opens up our understanding of this passage.

In the same way the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

 Too often, our praying is mechanical, working through prayer lists and telling God what we want, what we think, what our heart’s desires are. But this verse lays out a clear truth. We do not know what we should pray for, because our minds are not yet fully conformed to Christ. So the Spirit intercedes for us. He connects us to God and moves in our hearts to reveal to us what is on the heart of God. Praying in the Spirit is not just telling God what we want or what we think, but it is being moved by the Spirit to pray what is on God’s heart. Sometimes, these verses tell us, we don’t even know what to pray for and our prayers become deep inner groanings of pain and hope and joy.

When we pray in the Spirit, our prayer life becomes less about telling God what we want and seeking to get him to do what we want him to do and more about letting the Spirit of God align our hearts with God’s. He stands between us and our God, revealing God’s heart to us and helping us as we pray. 

It is important to remember that our prayer is war, a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness for which we need every bit of our armor to engage in properly. We must put on the full armor of God to pray in the Spirit. 

Father, by your Spirit give me a passion to pray and guide me as I pray. 


Think and Pray:

Is your prayer life accurately described as a battle against the forces of darkness? 
Do you actively rely on the Holy Spirit when you pray?  



Monday, September 28, 2020

ALL that God Has - Examining Ephesians – September 28 Readings: Ephesians 6:10-17


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 


Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 6:10-17


10 Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. 13 For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. 14 Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, 15 and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. 16 In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah66, 2 Corinthians 12–13, Psalm 109:1–5, Proverbs 23:34–35

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: ALL that God Has  


I am not good at bargaining. On our way back from the villages, we always stop for a day in Ziguinchor, Senegal, and we go to the Artisan compound to do a little bit of souvenir shopping. Our guide, Alioune, is a master at haggling down the price. He won't settle until he gets the lowest possible price. I tend to give in and pay way too much. I settle.

Paul warns us, in Ephesians 6, not to settle for less than all that God has for us. We can't afford to settle. That is not some kind of motivational-guru, "be-all-you-can-be" call to reach your full potential. Paul is warning us that the days are evil and the enemy is powerful. You and I cannot afford to go into battle poorly armed and shoddily prepared. It's foolish. It's spiritual self-destruction.

The enemy is always ready, always prepared, always going about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The Christian who goes out without the full armor is destined to fail in his battles with the principalities and powers.

Each of those pieces of armor represents two things - they represent Christ and they represent the power of the Word. You need to walk daily in the fullness of the Spirit, as chapter 5 commanded, but you also need to be in the word so that the power of Christ will be fully revealed in you. Your head, your heart, your feet, all of you need to be immersed in the word of God so that the power and presence of Christ will be seen through you.

Don't settle for anything less than the full armor of God. 

Father, clothe me today in the full armor of your Son!

Think and Pray:

Are you settling for less than the full armor of God, or are you putting on all the resources God has given you, and walking in the full armor of God?



Sunday, September 27, 2020

Paul and Slavery - Examining Ephesians – September 27 Readings: Ephesians 6:5-9


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 6:5-9



Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as you would Christ. [6] Don't work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, do God's will from your heart. [7] Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to people, [8] knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. [9] And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. 

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah64-65, 2 Corinthians 11:16–33, Psalm 108:6–13, Proverbs 23:31–33 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: Paul's Teaching on Slavery 


In our racially charged world, with the social unrest that is going on today and the sad history of racism, slavery,  and the brutalization of minority communities by White Americans with the approval of White churches,  few passages could be more uncomfortable to read than Ephesians 6:5-9. 

This text has been used as cover by those who would say that the Bible authorizes slavery and that seeking social justice is contrary to God's word. That is not the point of this passage and the American slavery system was a despicable abomination.  Our years of segregation, dehumanization, and oppression of minorities will gain no support from a proper reading of this text. Permit me a few points. 

1. There is a significant difference between the slavery practiced in biblical days and American slavery. The slaves referred to in this passage generally were conquered enemies or often those who had fallen into debt. Slavery was more economic than racial. 

American slavery was the devaluing of human beings, people made in the image of God, based on the color of their skin. Black families were broken apart, there were lynching, false imprisonments, and all kinds of injustice.  Blacks, Natives, Asians, Hispanics,  now Arabs, are treated as if they matter less, as if their lives hold less value. 

This is an insult to the God who made us all, who sent his Son to die for us all, and who is working to redeem one worshipping people from every language and tribe on earth. Our slavery offended God and racism today does the same.

2. This passage is about spirit-filled behavior and doesn't focus on social issues. The prophets, Jesus himself, and several of the epistles tell us that our faith must be expressed in caring for the poor and oppressed. 

A Christianity that fails to stand with victims of racism, that is not moved by the plight of the refugees and social outcasts is a malformed Christianity,  not pleasing to the Savior.  

3. The admonition to Masters to care about how they treat those under them is stunning.  Slaves and servants being told to have good attitudes would have been the norm. Masters being told to honor Christ in treatment of slaves would have been a new thing. 

4. Some apply these teachings to employees and employers. That is fine, but must be done with care. Employees have rights slaves do not. A Christian employee has freedoms that a slave did not. Still, the principles can be applied. 

This passage must be handled with care. It speaks God's truth but only if it applied properly. 

Think and Pray:

Consider your behavior both in relationships when you have power and when you do not. 
Are you careful to value people who are different? 



Friday, September 25, 2020

Stable Home, Strong Societies - Examining Ephesians – September 26 Readings: Ephesians 6:1-4


Note: I am hospitalized with COVID pneumonia. I am going to set these next several to post, and will add my devotional if I am able. 

Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 


Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 6:1-4


Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. 4 Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah62-63, 2 Corinthians 11:1–15, Psalm 108:1–5, Proverbs 23:29–30

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Stable Homes, Strong Society 


In all the commands of the Bible,  this one stands alone as a fundamental building block of culture. When verse 3 tells us this command, to honor our parents, is the key to a good and long life, it is directed nationally at Israel. 

Yes, obedience tends to make our lives better, but what this passage tells us is that it is how strong societies are built. Loving parents raising obedient children.  

Somehow, the concept of discipline has fallen into disrepute but not in God's kingdom. 

As far as stirring up wrath in children,  there seem to be several ways to do that.

*Harsh, unloving discipline causes wrath. 
*Belittling words cause wrath. Discipline is action, not badgering.  
*Permissiveness without standards communicates a lack of concern. 
*A failure to be consistent causes anger. 

We need to discipline in love- that is the key. 

Father, help us to build homes that glorify you. 

Think and Pray:

Examine your relationship to parents and children in light of this passage 



Biblical Marriage - Examining Ephesians – September 25 Readings: Ephesians 5:22-33


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 5:22-33


22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, 23 because the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. 27 He did this to present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless. 28 In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, 30 since we are members of his body. 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32 This mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 To sum up, each one of you is to love his wife as himself, and the wife is to respect her husband.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 60-61, 2 Corinthians 10, Psalm 107:36–43,Proverbs 23:26–28 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Biblical Marriage   


This will be short today. I received my positive COVID test today and my fever returned tonight. I lack the energy to dig into this difficult passage of Scripture. I would make some simple observations. 

1. This is an outflow of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Tremendous damage is done when people (yes, especially men) try to operate "Biblical Manhood" in the power of the flesh. Godly leadership becomes fleshly domination and submission turns to subservience. Do NOT try this at home without the fullness of the Holy Spirit. 

2. While verse 21 does call for us to be submissive to one another, there is no way to study this passage and avoid the concept that men and women have different roles in a marriage. Paul commands women to submit and commands men to sacrificially love their wives. 

3. The command to submit is middle-voice and is directed to the women. This is key. Literally, it says, "Wives, submit yourselves..." There is absolutely nothing in Scripture that gives me the right to demand, coerce, or force my wife to submit. It does not say, "Husband, bring your wife under submission." Many husbands seem to think their job is to assert their authority and "bring their wives under authority." The Scripture commands my wife to submit, but it NEVER authorizes me to cause her to submit. 

For her to submit is obedience. For me to cause or coerce her submission is a form of abuse. 

4. My job is to love my wife as Christ loved the church - which means I am to put her needs ahead of mine. Husbands, don't complain about your wife's "lack of submission" until you've answered the question of whether you have represented Jesus Christ in your marriage. 

Chances that you've done a better job of being Christlike than she has of submitting are slim, right? 

5. The doctrine we advocate is called "complementarianism" which means "we work together to make each other better." The whole idea of much of the teaching today about "manhood and womanhood" is about how to keep women in their place, not about how to be partners in making our homes better. 

6. This passage focuses on Jesus, his Lordship and greatness. He is the model for marriage. 

7. For each of us, the key is to focus on ourselves and our failings, not on others and their issues. If I read this passage and think about what my wife is doing wrong, I am in the wrong. If she reads it thinking about my failings, she is doing it wrong. Each of us needs to examine ourselves first. 

This passage can be emotional and can elicit defensiveness and anger, but it is God's word and it is divine truth. 

(Okay, this turned out not to be so short)

Father, help me to be the husband you've called me to be. 

Think and Pray:

Consider your marriage and how it matches up to Christ and this passage. 



Thursday, September 24, 2020

Filling Your Tank - Examining Ephesians – September 24 Readings: Ephesians 5:18-21


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 5:18-21


18 And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit: 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music with your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of Christ.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah58-59, 2 Corinthians 8:16–9:15, Psalm 107:29–35, Proverbs 23:24–25

This familiar passage commands us to walk in the full

Devotional:  Filling Your Tank 


What happens when you continue to run your car without filling the tank? This question makes a point that is both heavy-handed and flawed, but still a needed point. Automobiles do not run without fuel. Our bodies need nutrition to function properly. Electronics need power – we live our lives today at the mercy of cords and batteries. In the same way, a Christian needs the sustaining power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to function properly, to walk in holiness, and to serve in power. Of course, the Holy Spirit isn’t some external substance we seek, like gas or food or electricity; he is the indwelling presence of God, the third person of the Trinity, Still, his filling in the believer is as essential as gas is to a car or electricity is to a phone. As we study the great works of God in the book of Acts, we see that they were consistently carried out by men filled by the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus, the perfect Son of God, walked in the fullness of the Holy Spirit during his earthly ministry, according to Luke 4:2.

New Testament believers live in the great in-between, in what some have described as the “already-not yet.” We have already been given every spiritual blessing in Christ and have the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in us. We have eternal life and the guarantee of God’s great work in us. We also walk daily experiencing the reality of the not-yet. I may have the fullness of God in Christ and may have received all the blessings of Christ, but I have not inculcated these into my daily life. In Christ, I have many “great and precious promises” which I am still seeking to make a reality in the way I live my life. My relationship to the Holy Spirit is an already/not-yet phenomenon. I already have the Spirit and his power dwelling in me, but I need to seek his fullness and his power every day. The fuel for my Christian walk dwells in me at all times – I already have all I need. I have not yet accessed all of that power and need to learn to walk in the power I already have. The essence of the Christian life is seeking to experience daily what is already mine eternally.

Do you walk too often in the valley, feeling as though your tank is nearly empty, your soul is parched, your battery indicator is flashing critical? Do you read Bible stories and see God using average folks in extraordinary ways and wonder why there’s so little of the display of the power of God on a daily basis? Do you long for more, for a filling and empowering by the Spirit of God who dwells within you? That is also what God wants for you! He desires to fill you and use for his kingdom purposes in this world. No Christian was meant to wander in spiritual impotence or to live life without fruit. God saved us to use us in his great battle against the forces of darkness. The fact is that there is more than most of us have lived. We are studying the filling of the Holy Spirit in hopes that you will find what it means to be filled and experience all that God has for you.


Father fill us and use us. 


Think and Pray:

Are you walking daily in the fullness of the Holy Spirit? 



Wednesday, September 23, 2020

In Evil Days - Examining Ephesians – September 23 Readings: Ephesians 5:15-17


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 5:15-17

15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah56-57, 2 Corinthians 8:1–15, Psalm 107:22–28, Proverbs 23:22–23
 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  In Evil Days    


Would you agree that the days are evil? Natural disasters, pandemics, political intrigue, economic uncertainty - the days we live in certainly qualify as the kind of days that Paul discussed. In such evil days, we have to live carefully and not let our guard down. 

Does it ever feel that life is relentless pressure, criticism, unending demands, and too often, little reward? The more life is like that, the harder, more difficult life is, the more important it is to make sure you are walking in obedience to God, living life on God's agenda, and making the most of the time he has given you. 

You never know when those days can be cut short, when it could all be over. Our duty is to make the most, in God's power of whatever opportunities he gives. 

Father, help me to make the most of the opportunities you have given me 

Think and Pray:

In these evil days, are you making the most of your opportunities? 



Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Walk in the Light - Examining Ephesians – September 22 Readings: Ephesians 5:6-14


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 5:6-14


6 Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. 7 Therefore, do not become their partners. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth— 10 testing what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Don’t participate in the fruitless works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what is done by them in secret. 13 Everything exposed by the light is made visible, 14 for what makes everything visible is light. Therefore it is said:       
Get up, sleeper, and rise up from the dead,                                                                             and Christ will shine on you.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 54-55, 2 Corinthians 6–7, Psalm107:15–21, Proverbs 23:19–21 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Walk in the Light    


Wait a minute. That can't be right. I must have read it wrong. Let me check it. No, that's what it said. "God's wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things." Paul just finished a diatribe about sexual immorality and impurity and is about to expand that to a discussion of walking in the light of Christ instead of the darkness which once marked the lives of unredeemed. In a phrase that echoes his call to walk worthy, Paul tells us to walk as children of the light, because we have been made light in Christ. 

His words in verses 11-14 are particularly direct and shocking, especially since they are directed at Christians and at churches. We ought not to participate in the pointless deeds of darkness that bear no spiritual fruit. Note that Paul does not say it is impossible that such should happen, but it is totally inappropriate. In fact, those sinful deeds are even shameful to mention. Paul is likely using hyperbole here to show just how careful we ought to be about our Christian walk. 

Then, he gives an admonition - Wake up! Too many Christians sleepwalk through life as if spiritual things did not exist or did not matter. Paul calls us to awaken to the reality of holiness, of careful spiritual living. Enough of the careless, sloppy living we have become accustomed to and comfortable with in American Christianity. 

Father, help me to walk in the light of Christ, fully awakened to your power and glory every day. 

NOTE: I hope to keep these devotionals up, but the next few days might be a bit of a challenge. When I woke up Monday, I realized I had no sense of smell and very little sense of taste. As you probably know, those are symptoms of COVID. Who knows? It's now Monday night and I feel pretty awful. I'm going in for testing on Tuesday. 

At the very least, I will post Scriptures for you to read. 

Think and Pray:

Are you walking in the light of Christ? 



Monday, September 21, 2020

Living Clean in a Dirty World - Examining Ephesians – September 21 Readings: Ephesians 5:1-5


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 


Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 5:1-5


Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. 4 Obscene and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, but rather giving thanks. 5 For know and recognize this: Every sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, does not have an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 52-53, 2 Corinthians 5, Psalm 107:8–14, Proverbs 23:15–18

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Living Clean in a Dirty World    


I remember many years ago going out shopping for my elementary-aged daughter and being amazed at how provocative the clothing was the stores were selling for 7 and 8-year-old girls. That is the kind of world we live in. Pornography is our most profitable industry and the entertainment industry works hard to convince us that it is normal and acceptable for us all. We do not have to go looking for explicit entertainment today, it seeks us out, on TV, on the airwaves, and on the internet. 

Attitudes among many, even Christians, have changed. It is true that people have always violated God's standard of sexual purity, but today people disregard it entirely. People live in open sexual immorality without any shame or embarrassment but are offended if the church sets forth a standard of any sort. 

In Ephesians 5:1-5, Paul makes God's standard absolutely clear. After a reminder to live in real love (not to be confused with physical, sexual expressions of love) he makes it absolutely clear that sexual immorality and impurity should have no place among Christians and in the life of the church. The standard of God remains the same as it always has been - one man, one woman, pure before marriage, faithful after marriage, till death do us part. 

This is no technical command Paul gives. Sexual immorality has no place, but neither does the impurity of pornography or sexually explicit entertainment. He says these things are unsuitable for those who would walk worthy and should have no place among us. Even obscene talk and coarse joking are out of place. 

Verse 5 does not teach a salvation by works or the idea that sexual sin is beyond the boundaries of God's forgiveness. David's beautiful Psalm 51 makes it clear that God forgives and restores even the worst of sinners. However, sexual sin, perhaps even more than any other sin, is antithetical to the life of the believer - totally inappropriate. We cannot walk in spiritual power and sexual immorality. 

Father, keep me pure in mind and body by the power of your Spirit. 

Think and Pray:

Are you walking in sexual purity of mind and body? 


Sunday, September 20, 2020

Living NEW - Examining Ephesians – September 20 Readings: Ephesians 4:25-32


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 


Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 4:25-32   


25 Therefore, putting away lying, speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and don’t give the devil an opportunity. 28 Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need. 29 No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. 30 And don’t grieve God’s Holy Spirit. You were sealed by him for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice. 32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 50-51, 2 Corinthians 4, Psalm 107:1–7, Proverbs23:13–14

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: Living NEW  


Those who would walk worthy of the calling of Christ must understand that while our salvation is secured by the grace of God and comes to us through faith and not through works, there are certain behaviors that are appropriate to those who have been saved and certain behaviors that are not. The things that are inappropriate - basically everything that comes naturally to us - needs to be put off or put away and the things of Christ, those behaviors empowered by the Holy Spirit need to be put on. 

  • Recognizing that we belong to one another in the Body of Christ (this is still, essentially, a teaching on unity in the Body of Christ) the practice of lying, a reflection of Satan, not Christ, should be put away and replaced with truth. 
  • The next teaching is instructive. It has been much argued and the fine points will not be settled here, but the main point is clear. Though anger is a powerful and natural human emotion, we must not allow it to have its sinful and destructive effects. "Do not let the sun go down on your wrath" means to resolve it quickly because the other option is to give Satan a foothold in your heart, your family, and your church. The most destructive force in our lives is unresolved anger. 
  • Thieves are to seek honest work. Simple and direct. 
  • We are to avoid "foul language" and only speak what builds one another up. This is often used to admonish people for their four-letter words, and those may be included here, but I believe the word refers to destructive words that tear down. Foul language is not necessarily dirty, but destructive. If you are vicious and unkind, if you speak harshly in anger, you violate this as much as if you fire off a salvo of words that curl a sailor's hair. Our words should build up. 
  • We are not to grieve the Spirit in our rebellion or our unbelief. We must walk in his fullness and in obedience to him. 
  • We must do away with bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting, and slander - these things ought not to be the stock in trade of the Christian vocabulary and behavior. Instead, we are to be kind and compassionate to each other by demonstrating Christlike forgiveness. The forgiveness of Christ ought to drive our behavior, not the behavior of others. 
This list is not exhaustive, but exemplary. The life of Christ is our standard now and since we hve been saved by God's grace we must now live in the light of it. 


Think and Pray:

In light of this passage, are you seeing progress in putting off the things of the old life and putting on the new life? 


Saturday, September 19, 2020

Everything Changed - Examining Ephesians – September 19 Readings: Ephesians 4:22-24


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 4:22-24   


22 to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah49, 2 Corinthians 3, Psalm 106:42–48, Proverbs 23:11–12

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Everything Changed   


"Old Uncle Buford lived quite a colorful life. He was a hard-drinking, wild-living kind of guy. He never much darkened the door of the church. Of course, when he was a boy, there was an evangelist came through town and he went forward. As we all know, once saved, always saved, so we know where Uncle Buford is!" 

I have heard a statement like that many times during the years. We rely on the precious doctrine of eternal security to cover over the fact that someone made a profession of faith some time back but it made absolutely no difference in their lives. There is no evidence that Jesus changed them in any way, but we bank heavily on their "conversion experience" when the end comes. 

I remember what an old seminary professor said many years ago. "There will be two things that surprise us when we get to heaven. Them that's there and them that ain't." Well put, Doc. I have never been issued a paperback copy of the Lamb's Book of Life, so I try not to determine who is in and who isn't. That's above my pay grade. 

I have read the Bible a time or two, though, and as my dad used to say, you will find a white blackbird in the Bible before you will find a person who met God and remained unchanged. It just doesn't happen. People who meet God are transformed. That is not a condition of salvation but it is a product of it. 

Paul, here, describes it like changing clothes, taking off the old clothes of sin and putting on the new clothes of righteousness. In Christ, I take off the dirty clothes that I wore before my redemption, piece by piece - everything that belonged to the old self which was corrupted by sinful desires. It is a lifelong process. In the power of the Spirit, who produces the character of Christ in me, the Fruit of the Spirit, I gradually put on new clothes, ones which reflect the likeness of Christ and his righteousness. 

The Christian life is ups and downs, good days and bad - none of us is perfect. Still, if someone shows no desire to be Christlike and does not seek the things of God, it is certainly disturbing. In Christ, we are new creations, in a process of being conformed to Christ. 

Father, thank you for your life-changing power. Help me to be conformed to the image of Christ. 

Think and Pray:

What are the most remarkable changes God has made in your life since you were saved? 
Is there clear evidence of his life-changing power at work in you? 



Friday, September 18, 2020

New Clothes from Christ - Examining Ephesians – September 18 Readings: Ephesians 4:17-21


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 


Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 4:17-21     


Therefore, I say this and testify in the Lord: You should no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thoughts. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them and because of the hardness of their hearts. 19 They became callous and gave themselves over to promiscuity for the practice of every kind of impurity with a desire for more and more. 20 But that is not how you came to know Christ, 21 assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus,            


Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 47-48, 2 Corinthians 1:12–2:17, Psalm 106:35–41, Proverbs 23:9–10
 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional: New Clothes from Christ     


 was doing yard work and I was muddy, dirty, and covered with grass and weeds and all sorts of grunge. I was nasty. What I did next was simple. I stood at the porch door and brushed as much stuff off me as I could. I made my way to my room where I took off all the filthy clothes, got a hot shower, and put on new, clean clothes. Now I was fresh as a daisy.

That is how Paul illustrates the new life of the Christian. We are full of sin, living according to the ways of the world and following the dictates of our own sinful hearts. Our spiritual state is comparable to my condition coming in from working in the yard - sin makes us dirty! In Ephesians 4:17-32, Paul instructs his hearers to walk worthy of their call to salvation by taking off their old dirty clothes and putting on some new clean clothes. Today, we will look at the entire passage, then in the next couple of days look in more depth at what we are to take off and what we are to put on.

This metaphor speaks of the old ways that were part of our natural, sinful nature. Those are the old dirty clothes that verse 22 tells us to "put off." Then, verse 23 tells us to put on the new clothes of Christ - clean and pure.

Our God is truth, so verse 25 tells us to get rid of the dirty clothes of dishonesty and clothe ourselves in truthfulness. Of course, though this command comes to us, it is actually only possible for us to obey the command as we walk in Christ and in the power of the Spirit. The Spirit of Truth can empower us to put on the clean clothes of truth.

Many believers shipwreck their lives by holding onto anger, by letting grudges grow and becoming bitter. Paul warns them to deal with their anger quickly, in verses 26-27 so that they do not sin and do not give Satan a foothold in their lives.

In verse 28, thieves are told to take off those dishonest clothes and put on the robes of integrity.

Verse 29 takes up the matters of the tongue. No corrupting talk - words that tear down, spread poison and sin, that abuse and degrade - are to come from our mouths. Those words are to be replaced by words that build up, edify and encourage.

Perhaps verses 30-32 are the best known of these verses. They tell us to stop grieving the Spirit with bitterness, wrath, and anger, and to put away all slander and hurtful words - basically, all the clothes of the sinful flesh.  Instead, we are to treat others as Christ treated us - being kind, compassionate and forgiving.

One thing is clear in this passage. God is not pleased when his redeemed and sanctified people walk around in the filthy clothing of the world. Since we have been redeemed, we ought to take off the nasty stuff and put on the things of Christ.
Father, forgive me for when I have walked in this world wearing the clothing of sin instead of being clothed in the righteousn

Think and Pray:

Are you comfortable in the old clothes of sin, or are you putting on daily the new clothes of Christ?



Thursday, September 17, 2020

Grown-up Christians - Examining Ephesians – September 17 Readings: Ephesians 4:14-16


Ephesians: A Worthy Walk 

Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3. 

Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template for Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically. 

As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage. 

Today's Reading:  Ephesians 1-6    Focus Passage - Ephesians 4:14-16


14 Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching, by human cunning with cleverness in the techniques of deceit. 15 But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ. 16 From him the whole body, fitted and knit together by every supporting ligament, promotes the growth of the body for building itself up in love by the proper working of each individual part.

Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 45-46, 2 Corinthians 1:1–11, Psalm 106:28–34, Proverbs 23:6–8
 

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Devotional:  Grown-up Christians


As Paul discussed a worthy walk, as he talked about unity and diverse ministries in the church, he made it clear why all this was so important. In Ephesians 4:14-16, Paul says that his desire is for Christians to be mature and full-grown, not childish. His teaching here mimics what he said in 1 Corinthians 3, when he admonished the Corinthians church to grow up and not to be babies in the faith. Their childishness was seen in their divisiveness (I am of Paul and I am of Apollos) and Paul wanted them to leave behind the milk and go on to the solid food. 

Childish Christians are blown around by every wind of doctrine, not grounded in the faith. This passage must be combined with 1 Corinthians 3, which tells us that petty sectarianism, following a man and his doctrines instead of God's word, is evidence of immaturity and must be left behind. Still, it is the teaching and preaching of God's word that helps us grow in the faith and become mature, avoiding the wiles of the enemy, who uses human beings to speak with "cleverness in the techniques of deceit." Children are gullible and easily deceived while the mature understand truth and are able to process information. God's word enables us to filter this world's lies. 

Children have unbridled tongues, saying what they think and feel. They tend not to guard their tongues or filter their words. Childish Christians say whatever they think or feel, without guarding their words. So much conflict in the church, in families, and in relationships is caused by the tongue. Paul here gives an amazing five-word formula, "Speak the truth in love." Our words are to be governed by two competing values. We must always speak the truth but we must do so in love. Love speaks not to "get it off my chest" but for the good of the person who is listening. The mature Christian doesn't vent but speaks God's truth in a loving way. James said such speech is the sign of a mature believer. 

When we are properly built up, every part does its part and the body works together properly. The Body of Christ is meant to work, not just to play. Children play, and that's okay. They should have chores and gradually learn that life is not just a party, but children grow up and play, and play, and play. Grown-ups have to work. We have jobs and bills and responsibilities. Mature Christians recognize that while there is joy in Christ, we are saved to serve the kingdom of heaven. We are saved to serve God and to serve others in the kingdom. 

Maturity is an evidence of maturity, of healthy Christianity. What is sad is how often the things Paul defines as immaturity are seen by Christians as evidence of their maturity. Some see their divisive doctrinal beliefs as evidence os spiritual superiority. Paul calls it immature. Others think their unbridled tongues which "speak the truth" or their truthless love are grown-up when they are not. The Spirit of God is working to unite us as One Body in Christ. 

Father, help me to be mature in Christ. Help our church to be mature. 

Think and Pray:

Do you value unity in the same way Christ does? 
Do you allow petty doctrinal differences to divide you from other believers? 
Do you speak the truth in love?