Tag: Ephesians 4:1-16
Living wisely in evil times
Scripture reading for November 29: Ephesians 1-6
Ephesians contains amazing spiritual truth and insight for those in Christ’s church. There is a wealth of encouragement and some fantastic prayers that lift us into the realm of God. The Gospel is explained in Ephesians 2:8-11 in an easily understandable form. The church and it’s purposes are laid out in Ephesians 4:1-16. There are practical instructions for wise living for those in Christ. The last chapter helps us to understand our need for spiritual armor for the spiritual battle against the forces of darkness.
“Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20
The only way for believers to live wisely is to be continuously filled with the Holy Spirit! This is not a one-time experience of speaking in tongues or an emotional high at a Christian meeting. It is a personal relationship with God the Holy Spirit. As we live full of the Holy Spirit, we live a life of worship. When we are filled with the Spirit, we speak graciously to others. Our speech is pleasing and in harmony with the Spirit of God and blesses those around us.
Our speech is to be filled with thanksgiving to God the Father for everything. We realize that our strength, health, and our material possessions are gifts. We are blessed by our relationship with God and realize all the blessing of being in Christ! (Ephesians 1:3-12) Christ is the reason for all that we have and we bubble over with thanksgiving and melodious speech. Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs come from our hearts as we are filled with thanksgiving!
This is our secret to wise living in evil days! Ask the Lord to fill you afresh with the Holy Spirit today! Begin your day with worship! Read some psalms or sing a spiritual song of love or thanksgiving to the Lord from your heart! Decide to speak in harmony with the Holy Spirit to everyone you meet today! May God unveil all the spiritual blessings that are yours today in Christ Jesus! You will overcome in victory!
Gifts to equip the Body!
Scripture reading for September 25th: Ephesians 4:1-16
It was God’s amazing love that birthed the church from both Jew and Gentile. Paul prayed that the church at Ephesus might be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit and that Christ might dwell in their hearts by faith. He prayed that this amazing love would establish them and unify them in spite of any previous differences. As he prayed, he knew and confessed that Christ was able to do more than he could even ask or think about! (Ephesians 3:20-21)
God’s plan to save Jew and Gentile through the Gospel was made known to the church. God then raised up an army of those who would equip the church for the works of service that God required to advance His plan. These gift-people included apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The purpose of these gifts to the church was to equip the body of Christ. God wanted each member of His body to come into unity of purpose and have a full understanding of the Son of God.
When a person is first born again, that person is like an infant baby. They must be fed and cared for so that they can grow properly. Good food with a balance of proper nutrition must be given the infant. They need milk in order to grow. (1st Peter 2:2) In the church at Ephesus, as in other churches, there were some false teachers who might try to persuade these new infants to eat from junk food that they were serving. These false doctrines would toss them about and prevent them from growing up as mature believers in the faith. (Ephesians 4:14) As each appointed part of Christ’s body did their part, the church would grow up to be like their head, Christ.
The church today needs God’s gift people more than ever. There are many opportunities for infants in Christ to be tossed about by winds of doctrine and deceitful counterfeits. Church leaders must use discernment and preach the Word. Evangelists must preach the Gospel of Christ and birth infants. Apostles must plant churches and take the Gospel where it has not be preached. Prophets must expound the Word of God, keeping the church in God’s grace. Pastors and teachers must make disciples and care for Christ’s sheep by feeding and shepherding them. When all work together, Godly growth into the fullness of Christ results!
Gifts to prepare the Body!
Scripture reading for September 25th: Ephesians 4:1-16
It was God’s amazing love that birthed the church from both Jew and Gentile. Paul prayed that the church at Ephesus might be strengthened with power through the Holy Spirit and that Christ might dwell in their hearts by faith. He prayed that this amazing love would establish them and unify them in spite of any previous differences. As he prayed, he knew and confessed that Christ was able to do more than he could even ask or think about! (Ephesians 3:20-21)
God’s plan to save Jew and Gentile through the Gospel was made known to the church. God then raised up an army of those who would equip the church for the works of service that God required to advance His plan. These gift-people included apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The purpose of these gifts to the church was to equip the body of Christ. God wanted each member of His body to come into unity of purpose and have a full understanding of the Son of God.
When a person is first born again, that person is like an infant baby. They must be fed and cared for so that they can grow properly. Good food with a balance of proper nutrition must be given the infant. They need milk in order to grow. (1st Peter 2:2) In the church at Ephesus, as in other churches, there were some false teachers who might try to persuade these new infants to eat from junk food that they were serving. These false doctrines would toss them about and prevent them from growing up as mature believers in the faith. (Ephesians 4:14) As each appointed part of Christ’s body did their part, the church would grow up to be like their head, Christ.
The church today needs God’s gift people to use their talents. There are many opportunities for infants in Christ to be tossed about by winds of doctrine and deceitful counterfeits. Church leaders must use discernment and preach the Word. Evangelists must preach the Gospel of Christ and birth infants. Apostles must plant churches and take the Gospel where it has not be preached. Prophets must expound the Word of God, keeping the church in God’s grace. Pastors and teachers must make disciples and care for Christ’s sheep by feeding and shepherding them. When all work together, Godly growth into the fullness of Christ results!