For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
Summary: Once again Paul points us to the truth that there are reasons we wait, have faith, and hope.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:5 – Waiting in Faith and Hope”Galatians 3:6 – When God Says, “Jump!”
So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Summary: The whole point of believing in Jesus is so we can be clothed in his righteousness when our time comes to be judged. In this passage, Paul begins talking about what that means.
Continue reading “Galatians 3:6 – When God Says, “Jump!””Ephesians 6:18a – Doing What Is Right
And pray in the Spirit …
Summary: If we are to pray in the Holy Spirit, we need to have the Holy Spirit in us. How that happens is a simple process, but “simple” is not always easy.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:18a – Doing What Is Right”Ephesians 6:14b – The Righteousness That Saves
… with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Summary: Turning to the breastplate of righteousness, we discover that the word “breastplate” is a bit of an understatement.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:14b – The Righteousness That Saves”Ephesians 5:15a – So What?
Be very careful, then, how you live —
Summary: Once again, we are confronted by the question of “works.” Paul tells us to be careful how we live, yet we know that we are justified by faith and forgiven by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7-8). So what’s the big deal?
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:15a – So What?”Ephesians 5:9 – The Ship of State
(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)
Summary: Paul mixes metaphors and combines fruit with light. It works because the food value of this fruit is spiritual.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:9 – The Ship of State”Ephesians 4:26a – Anger Checked
“In your anger do not sin”
Summary: There is a right way to be angry and a wrong way. Most of the time, we humans end up doing it the wrong way.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:26a – Anger Checked”Ephesians 4:24c – The Seven Step Plan
… in true righteousness and holiness.
Summary: Today’s passage marks the end of the beginning. In the beginning of Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul lays out a seven point plan culminating in living a life that is “true righteousness and holiness.”
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:24c – The Seven Step Plan”Ephesians 2:8a – Why Does God Bother?
For it is by grace you have been saved,
Summary: Once again, we find ourselves pondering the meaning of “grace.” Paul points out that we are saved by grace, and as we explore this topic, we discover a beautiful picture of a loving God.
Continue reading “Ephesians 2:8a – Why Does God Bother?”2 Peter 2:21a — The Way
It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness…
Summary: The way of righteousness is in knowing Jesus as Savior. Knowing about Jesus is not the same thing as knowing and following Jesus.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:21a — The Way”