Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 4-6
Things to remember in today’s reading:
*Paul exhorts the Christians at Ephesus to unity, instructs them about using various gifts, and teaches about the new life in Christ being experienced by the Gentile Christians (4:1-32).
*Paul gives general instruction for holy living as he teaches about purity of life by avoiding evil deeds and and associations and adopting holy practices (5:1-20).
- Paul teaches about submission to others (5:21-6:9).
*Paul urges the Christians at Ephesus to put on the whole armor of God, standing in the strength of the Lord, standing firm and being constant in prayer (6:10-20).
*Paul concludes his letter by greeting various individuals who have meant so much to him in his Christian walk (6:21-24).
Things God is teaching me in today’s reading:
*There is a “walk” that we are to practice that must meet a certain standard! That standard is “the calling to which we have been called.” The grade we are to achieve is called here by Paul, “worthy.” Not just any half-hearted attempt will do!
*This “walk” will cause us to eagerly desire to “maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace”! It will motivate us to celebrate the “ones” we have in common in Jesus!
*What a wonderful work He has given us, this work of the ministry for building up the body of Christ!
*When we do not equip ourselves appropriately, and “grow up in every way…into Christ,” we expose ourselves to the dangers enumerated by Paul: being carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, and by craftiness in deceitful schemes!
*We all need to be renewed in the spirits of our minds.”
*The model for pure living for us to strive for is described here.
The model for the family relationships for us to strive for is described here.
Things to act on in today’s reading:
*I will speak the truth in love to my neighbor!
*I will let no corrupting talk come out of my mouth, but only that which is good for building up!
*I will put away all bitterness, and wrath and anger and clamor and slander!
*I will be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to my brothers and sisters in Christ!
Things to pray about in today’s reading:
*To be renewed in the spirit of my mind, everyday putting on the new self created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness!
*Courage and love to motivate me to speak the truth with my neighbor!
*To be angry and sin not
*That I give not opportunity to the devil!
Thanks for reading with me dear friend. Have a blessed day!!
— Randy Sexton