"For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. " In the previous verses, Paul has told us what to do when those things we have tested turn out to be works of darkness. He builds on that idea now. "Those things which are done of them... Continue Reading →
Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.Ephesians 5:11 Having instructed the reader to prove what is acceptable to God, now the apostle directs the reader on what to do when those things tested do not hold up. What happens when the coin is not made of the metal... Continue Reading →
Genesis 23:4 – Burying the Dead
"I am a stranger and a sojourner with you: give me a possession of a buryingplace with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight. "Genesis 23:4 After decades of closeness and companionship, Abraham finds personal tragedy overtaking him when his wife Sarah dies. She who was loved and loving. She who... Continue Reading →
Ephesians 5:10 – The Judgmental Christian
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.Ephesians 5:10 It's no coincidence that after declaring the nature of the fruit of the Spirit, Paul now directs the reader to prove what is acceptable. The word for 'proving' can also be translated as 'testing'. In the Greek word, it is closely linked to the idea of metals,... Continue Reading →
The God We Want
There's a beautiful song by Casting Crowns called 'Somewhere in the Middle' that is one of my longtime favorites by them. In this song is this line: With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who isBut will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in... Continue Reading →
Ephesians 5:9 – the Fruit of the Spirit
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)Ephesians 5:9 Previously, we have seen that God gives light to his children. This light comes in the form of knowledge, an internal light. This light - this knowledge - requires us to transform from the inside out. Knowledge should lead to... Continue Reading →
Ephesians 5:8 – Children of Light
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: For you were sometimes. Sometimes is probably better read as 'previously', thus, For you were previously darkness. In case you should think highly of yourself, don't forget where you were in the past: darkness. There was a... Continue Reading →
The Day of Pentecost: Tongues of Fire and a Mighty Wind
Why was there a sound of a mighty rushing wind and tongues as of fire on the day of Pentecost? Read on to find a powerful example of the principle of two or more witnesses to establish truth!
Ephesians 5:7 – Don’t Touch It
Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (KJV) Therefore because of what has been spoken in the previous sentence - the wrath of God will fall upon the children of disobedience. Because of the coming judgement, says Paul, be not ye partakers with them! Them is speaks back to the children of disbelief, and by partaking,... Continue Reading →
Ephesians 5:6 – Deception’s Afoot
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Having laid out 6 behavioral categories/speech/actions that do not belong in the life of a saint, Paul gives a warning to the reader: deception is afoot. Let's go! Let no man deceive.... Continue Reading →
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