In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.
Summary: Paul gives us husbands a lesson in caring for our wives.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:28a – Knowing Jesus”Ephesians 5:25b-26a – The Holy Within
… and gave himself up for her to make her holy,
Summary: Understanding spiritual matters is a challenge for all of us. We are all born of the flesh first, and born spiritually second. Learning to “see” spiritually is a skill, like learning to walk physically.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:25b-26a – The Holy Within”Ephesians 5:24 – Invitation to Love
Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Summary: Paul uses the church as an example of unity, but in today’s world, that example leaves something to be desired.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:24 – Invitation to Love”Ephesians 5:21 – The Answer to Everything
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Summary: “Me first” is a concept that goes back to the beginning of human history. It is the essence of our sinful nature rolled up into two words. Putting Christ first in our lives radically changes this concept, turning it upside down and inside out.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:21 – The Answer to Everything”Ephesians 5:20b – In His Name
… in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Summary: Coming in the name of Jesus carries with it both responsibility, and power and authority.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:20b – In His Name”Ephesians 5:6b – The Choice
… 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”Ephesians 5:5b – Who Then Can Be Saved?
— 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?”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 4:27 – Right and Wrong
… and do not give the devil a foothold.
Summary: The NIV Bible uses an interesting word to describe giving the devil an opportunity to sway your thinking and actions. The word is “foothold.”
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:27 – Right and Wrong”