Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Live as children of light …
Summary: God’s realm includes the physical world we live in, but it is much more that we can’t see. To understand what it means to live in God’s house, Paul uses different metaphors to show us what we can’t see.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:8b – Living In God’s House”For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Summary: Paul has the unenviable task of explaining realities that we cannot see with our human eyes. To give us a picture of what he is talking about, he uses an illustration of light and dark.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:8a – Spiritual Light and Dark”Therefore do not be partners with them.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are not popular in today’s world. Yet they are in the Bible, and they are consistent with the rest of God’s teachings. We are wise if we take Paul seriously on this point.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:7 – Godly and Ungodly”… for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
Summary: What is “wrath?” Is it something we should worry about? Does God really get angry with us? These questions are important when we consider where we want to spend eternity after this body of flesh we live in stops working.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:6b – The Choice”Let no one deceive you with empty words,
Summary: Words are a tool, and like tools, words can be used correctly or misused. Paul wants us to be alert to people who misuse words in an effort to deceive us. Especially God’s Word!
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:6a – Eating God’s Word”— has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Summary: Paul has some strong words for us in this passage. Looked at in the wrong way, they can seem like a death sentence for us all. Looked at through the lens of Jesus’ love for us, the meaning becomes clear. We need Jesus!
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:5b – Who Then Can Be Saved?”For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater …
Summary: What is an idolater, and what does it matter? These are the questions that Paul prompts us to ask today.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:5a – Ignoring Dad”… but rather thanksgiving.
Summary: Paul has a simple instruction for us, when we talk, we should speak words of thanksgiving. Finding something to be thankful for can be a challenge. Fortunately, when we step back and take a look at the big picture, our reasons to be thankful become clear.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:4b – Worse Than Death”Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place …
Summary: The self-checkout line at the grocery provides a metaphor for today’s passage. Paul tells us what language to avoid, and in doing so, he points to the things we should “check out” to make sure they reflect well on our relationship with God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:4a – Self-Checkout”[But among you there must not be even a hint] … of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Summary: Paul sets the goal for the Christian life impossibly high. Yet, he seems to expect that God’s people are capable of becoming a “holy people.” Fortunately, what is impossible for man is possible for God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:3c – The Power of Believing”