God’s Word of Faith
Introduction
Ephesians 4:17-32: The apostle Paul draws a distinction between the ways in which Christ’s followers lived before they knew him and after they experienced God’s grace. He says that they must give up their foolish ways and bad habits and instead live, by the help of the Holy Spirit, in ways that reflect God’s likeness.
Scripture Reading
The New Life in Christ
17In the Lord’s name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. 19They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint.
20That was not what you learned about Christ! 21You certainly heard about him, and as his followers you were taught the truth that is in Jesus. 22 So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to—the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. 23Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in God’s likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.
25 No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ. 26 If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day. 27Don’t give the Devil a chance. 28If you used to rob, you must stop robbing and start working, in order to earn an honest living for yourself and to be able to help the poor. 29Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you. 30And do not make God’s Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is God’s mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free. 31Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. 32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.
Today’s Key Verse: Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ.
Reflect
Paul says that living without Christ is like living in the dark. What does such “darkness” mean to you? List the things that are part of a Christian’s “old life,” and list the “rules” for the “new life.” Is anything about trying to live this new life hard? If so, why?
Pray
Lord God, help me get rid of all my bitterness, passion, and anger. Release me from shouting, insults, and hateful feelings. Fill me with kindness and tender-heartedness, that I may forgive others as you have forgiven me. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Ephesians 5:1-20: The apostle Paul admonishes the Lord’s followers to live in the light.