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?
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