I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Today I focus on Ephesians 4:17-24 where Paul pivots from discussing how church leaders equip us to both understand His Word but also grow in spiritual maturity. In the text today, Paul sets and expectation that this maturity bears fruit that old ways of life are gone, replaced by more Godly ways. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: V24: God is true righteousness and He is holy. We are to be holy because He is holy - see also Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv17-19: Unbelievers minds suffer from futile thinking - believing in and worshiping false gods. They are darkened (with hardened hearts) in their understanding because they don't have the light of God in them and do not see Him when He reveals Himself (although they have no excuse in Creation - Romans 1:20-23). As a result, they have "given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity." Vv20-23: Believers on the other hand, do have right thinking (assuming growing maturity in Christ). They have already seen heart and life change in their own lives and continue to pursue Him as He sanctifies us and helps us shed our old ways of living - we are "renewed in the spirit of [our] minds." See also Romans 12:2.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid hardness of heart and callousness. Claim the promise that Christ renews our hearts and minds and creates a new self through heart and life change. Acknowledge and confess sin and accept Christ is Your Savior.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that renews minds and regenerates new life through heart and life change. I have seen Your hand in my life - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings nor how You love and save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
