[But among you there must not be even a hint of] … or of any kind of impurity
Summary: Paul’s admonition to expel any kind of impurity leads us to ponder what an impurity is and how we get rid of it.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:3b – More Jesus”Ephesians 5:3a – What God Thinks
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,
Summary: People argue about all sorts of things, including morality and what it means to be “moral.” Paul tells us to avoid “even a hint” of immorality. Unpacking that concept in Christian terms opens the door to important insights about God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:3a – What God Thinks”Ephesians 5:2b – The Second Chance
… just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Summary: Why was it necessary for Jesus to die on the cross? Is it possible for us to fully understand the answer to that question? Probably not, but Scripture provides us with many clues.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:2b – The Second Chance”Ephesians 5:1b-2a – The Way of Love
[Follow God’s example,] therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love,
Summary: Understanding what love is requires a knowledge of the different kinds of love. When we understand that, we can better understand the way of love that Paul wants us to follow.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:1b-2a – The Way of Love”Ephesians 5:1a – Wrath & Patience
Follow God’s example …
Summary: When we think about God, we find ourselves drawn to the God revealed in the Bible. At first glance, the Old Testament God seems different than the New Testament God. But as we get to know God, we find that he is the same in the Old and the New.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:1a – Wrath & Patience”Ephesians 4:32b – Avoiding Hell
… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Summary: Today’s passage is for many the heart of the Gospel message: In Christ, we are forgiven for the things we have done to hurt others, offend God, and that ultimately wound our own souls.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:32b – Avoiding Hell”Ephesians 4:32a – Road Rage
Be kind and compassionate to one another …
Summary: Why does Paul tell us to be both kind and compassionate? They are very different and both are necessary, if we are to successfully share God’s love.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:32a – Road Rage”Ephesians 4:31 – The Golden Plate
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Summary: Paul gives us a blunt instruction to “get rid” of all things unholy. Before we come before God asking for his favor, we need to examine ourselves carefully.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:31 – The Golden Plate”Ephesians 4:30b – The Day of Redemption
… with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Summary: Paul takes us on a quick journey to his theological playground, where he wrestles with concepts like predestination, faith, and redemption.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:30b – The Day of Redemption”Ephesians 4:30a – The Fast One
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
Summary: Paul’s instruction not to grieve the Holy Spirit is not as hard as it sounds. Our Father loves us and is a forgiving father.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:30a – The Fast One”