Category: Christian Living

In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul described the characteristic walk of worldly people. He refers to them here as “the rest of the Gentiles” (17). For the Jew, Gentiles were considered to be unclean (cf. Acts 10:16). God declared that under the new covenant the important thing was not your nationality, but whether you have faith in Jesus Christ. “For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God” (Romans 2:28-29). Therefore Paul’s reference here to the Gentiles is not to the physical Gentile but the man who has not been washed or sanctified before Him.

His description of them? They were futile in their thinking, with darkened understanding. They had given themselves over to lewdness, uncleanness and greediness.

This type of behavior is antithetical to being a Christian, an inward Jew. This is why in verse 20 of Ephesians 4, Paul wrote, “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus.” Christ teaches us that when we are separated to God through faith, we are to live our lives as a “new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (24). Learn from Him!

An examination of 2 Corinthians 1:3-14, as the Apostle Paul gives instructions to the young evangelist Timothy concerning his faith and ministry.

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A discussion of Ephesians 4:17-24 as the apostle describes the New Man in Jesus, contrasting him with the old man before our conversion.

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“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity” ( Ecclesiastes 11:9-10).

This text clearly indicates God’s expectation and desire that we enjoy our time here on the earth. He does not require on principle for us to suffer. In this particular context, He shows that the times of our youth are to be greatly treasured. Follow your passions and interests, and have fun!

However, consider this one statement of warning. “But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.” This establishes two important truths. First, God expects faithfulness to Him above all things. Second, you don’t have to be worldly to enjoy your life on the earth. This is the devil’s lie. The end of sin is destruction and death, not fun and frolic!

There is no value in sowing your wild oats, or following your own heart into sin. A life lived without God is a life of vanity and ruin. God does not want that for you in this life or in eternity! Serving God both brings joy and is “man’s all” (12:13).

Our faith needs to permeate every aspect of our lives.  Our homes, our schooling, our jobs, our interactions socially.  We should emanate the reflected light of our Lord!

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It is time to take inventory – a new year has begun. There is nothing about the beginning of the new year that is anything special. New Year’s resolutions are entirely arbitrary. However, God does expect us to self-examine and adjust as needed to ensure that our standing with God is as it should be!

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:50).

This is key. We need to consider what is most important. Resolutions about our physical lives have merit and can lead to important lifestyle improvements. However, they do not compare to resolutions that are spiritual in nature. “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Do you pray enough? Are your prayers the “effective, fervent prayer [-s] of a righteous man”? (cf. James 5:16). How about your fervency of faith? How about your Bible Study and reading? How about your worship and attendance habits? How about your love? Faithfulness? Faith? Virtue? Righteousness? Your relationship with your brethren? Your relationship with your family? Your relationship with the world? Are any changes needed?

The Bible makes a very clear contrast between wise behavior, and the characteristics of foolish action.  Don’t be a fool!

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Having established that “the Lord is gracious” (3), Peter additionally refers to Him as “a living stone.”  This refers to Jesus as a foundation stone promised by God, a Messianic prophecy (cf. Isaiah 28:16). Christ is the foundation upon which God’s redemptive promise is founded, though He was rejected by men.

The key here is to determine our responsibility to the One responsible for our reconciliation with the Father.  We have been told to  put off evil and desire His will (1-2), now Peter tells us to approach Jesus (the foundation stone) as living stones! We are called to action. It is our responsibility as Christians to live moral lives in service to God. The words Peter uses here “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” mirror the words of Paul in Romans 12:1-2 calling us to be transformed in the lives we live.  No longer are we to live our lives for ourselves. We are to sacrificial, offering up ourselves in service to the Lord. God saved us through Jesus. Our response to Him should reflect that.

A discussion of Psalm 15.  Who is it that may dwell in the Presence of the Almighty?

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Each of these articles in past weeks have emphasized our responsibility to help each other. At this point we recognize the importance of expressing love for our neighbor, and the emphasis that the Lord places on our good treatment of other brethren. The imperative of love is what divides the righteous from the unrighteous.  The Lord emphasized this truth, distinguishing between two groups as He talked of future judgment. His statement, “Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning of the world” (Matthew 25:34), was directed at those who were benevolent and loving to others. A peculiar part of our culture is the pride (or perhaps other motivations) that cause some to refuse the help or friendship of others. This should never be the case with a Christian. Why would we ever put an obstacle in the way of another’s potential reward in Judgment?

Hopefully we will be quick to offer friendship, care, benevolence and hospitality to those we love. We should be quick to ask, “What can I do?” And to “rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Consider the very next verse of that context, where Paul admonishes the Romans, “Be of the same mind toward one another…” (16). If we are ready to help our brothers, but unwilling to ask for or receive the same from them, how can we be described as being of the same mind? Part of being gracious is our willing reception of the help offered by our brothers and sisters in Christ. We should not let pride, or a desire “not to be burden” to impede their efforts to do what God expects of all of us. Continue reading “(13 of 13) My Individual Responsibility to Accept Your Friendship” →

The book of Esther is examined, noting the similarities to our day, such as immorality and oppression.  It is noted that God’s providence works in every age, and that one righteous person can make a difference in the world.

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A discussion of extreme contrasts found in God’s word.  They show us the need to make choices that God’s commends rather than condemns.

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Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (4:1). He then goes on to describe aspects of that walk.  Consider:

It is a walk of lowliness: having a humble opinion of oneself, humility, modesty (Thayer).  “…But in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

It is a walk of gentleness: mildness, meekness (Thayer). “To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men” (Titus 3:2). Continue reading “The Worthy Walk” →

A discussion of the first 10 verses of 1 John 3, detailing the love shown us by God, and the consequences to all the sanctified.

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“Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

The idea of imitating God can be a bit daunting. While we know that we can never attain the pristine heights of God’s righteousness, He nevertheless requires that we do the best we can. The idea is effort, change, commitment. And it is amazing what we can accomplish regarding holiness if we put our hearts and wills to it!

There are two major points here. The first is simple —  walk in love. That is encompassed in the keeping of God’s commandments, and treating others with kindness and benevolence in accord with their needs.

The second point is found in verses 3-7. We must avoid sin.  As verses 8-11 say, “For you were once in darkness, but now you are light in the world. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

This is simple to understand. God is for love, and against unrighteousness. To be His, we must be as well!