8/3/2021 0 Comments Out of PlaceIn absolute contrast to God’s holiness and love, such sins as these exist, by which satan seeks to destroy God’s divine work in His children and turn them as far away as possible form His image and will. As do many other Scriptures, these verses show the close connection between sexual sin and other forms of impurity and greed. Paul talks about how these sins are “out of place” in the life of the believer. He tells how the Ephesians are to obey in the light of their present identity as saints (v3). Obscenity and course joking have become so commonplace that we begin to take them for granted. Paul cautions that improper language should have no place in the Christians conversation because it does not reflect God’s gracious presence in us. Such language and licentiousness is not only “out of place”, but the person whose life is characterized by this “has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (v5).
Questions for further thought: 1. In what ways have I spoken coarsely or minced words in my speech this week? 2. How will I seek to remedy my answer to question #1? Challenge: Commit to praising God and reminding others of His goodness by speaking words of life instead of course language.
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8/2/2021 0 Comments ImitationI have heard that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Who then better to imitate than our God? The Christian has no greater calling or purpose than that of imitating his Lord. That is very purpose of sanctification, where the Christian grows in Christlikeness while serving Him on earth. Just as children tend to imitate their parents, we should imitate Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord demonstrated the supreme example in His self-sacrificing love for lost sinners. He took human sin upon Himself and gave up His very life that men might be redeemed from their sin, receive a new and holy nature, and inherit eternal life. Believers are therefore called to be imitators of His great love in the newness and power of the Holy Spirit, who enables them to demonstrate divine love.
Questions for further thought: 1. In what ways have I seen the power of the Holy Spirit in my ability to love? 2. Why do you think it is so impossible to love unconditionally without the power of the Holy Spirit? Challenge: Take time this week to examine your heart and mind to determine how the Holy Spirit might be calling you to love someone. |
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May 2024
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