Tag: Ephesians

Digging in Deeper: Ephesians 4:17-18

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“Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.  They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

Understanding that by “Gentiles,” Paul is talking about people who are not followers of Jesus, this is an uncomfortable verse.  It’s not so bad that Paul calls us not to do life as they do.  The uncomfortable part–especially given our culture’s embrace of pluralism and a particular understanding of tolerance–is what comes next.  Paul describes them as futile of mind, darkened in understanding, alienated from God, ignorant, and having hardened hearts.  Try tweeting that out sometime. Read the rest…

Morning Musings: Ephesians 6:14-17

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“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

There has been much attention given to the armor of God Paul describes here.  I don’t need to try and re-say any of that.  What I do want to point out, though, is an observation I have only ever heard once (although it has no doubt been made many more times).  As you look at the various pieces of armor, there is not anything to protect our backsides.  Our role in the kingdom is to push constantly forward for its advancement.  There are not opportunities to turn back and move the other way.  If we try, we are guaranteed to take a shot in the back.  These will hurt a great deal more than anything we might face in front of us.

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus, things only move in one direction: Forward.  What’s more, Jesus is always on the move.  If we stand still, He will leave us behind.  There are times for rest and He will provide that, but our way is always forward.  This armor will do us no good if we don’t use it.

Morning Musings: Ephesians 6:12

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“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

Does it feel like it is more and more of a battle to be a follower of Jesus in the U.S. these days?  Welcome to life for most of the rest of your brothers and sisters in Christ around the world and throughout history.  Jesus followers have always tended to be more of a persecuted group than not.  This really shouldn’t be much of a surprise either.  Jesus Himself guaranteed it would happen. Read the rest…

Digging in Deeper: Ephesians 4:29

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Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.  (ESV – Read the chapter)

Paul’s focus here is on our words which is pretty important.  Most of us have a tough time staying out of trouble there.  James makes a convincing case for this in his letter (read it here).  We are able in most cases to whip up a mean batch of foot stew at a moment’s notice. Read the rest…

Morning Musings: Ephesians 6:4

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“Father, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

As a father of three boys, this verse has always struck me with a particularly strong force.  The first part of this little section important, to be sure.  My children should obey me because that is right and life will go better for them if they do.  But, am I being the kind of father who invites obedience? Read the rest…