Ephesians 4
Unity in the Body of Christ
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it[a] says:
"When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men."[b] 9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions[c]? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Living as Children of Light
17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
20You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26"In your anger do not sin"[d]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Footnotes:
[a] Ephesians 4:8 Or God
[b] Ephesians 4:8 Psalm 68:18
[c] Ephesians 4:9 Or the depths of the earth
[d] Ephesians 4:26 Psalm 4:4
3 comments:
Sorry for the delays, getting back in the saddle. Hope all is well with you all.
In Christ,
ER
On behalf of CRB I am posting this from his email:
21 Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, 22 throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24 You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness ˆ righteous, holy, and true. 25 So put away all falsehood and "tell your neighbor the truth" because we belong to each other. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry,
Wow- another "handbook chapter". I read this in The Message and then again in the New Living Translation. I find this is one of those motivational chapters where Paul instructs us to completely overhaul our life again, calling us out that we have no excuse, we know Jesus, and therefore we must change, therefore we must be transformed, because that's what God wants us to do.
24 You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God's likeness ˆ righteous, holy, and true.
Father, help us to become new, be reborn, finally begin making those changes we need to make to grow into the image you want us to be in. Help us to truly watch our actions and words, and let them only be done or spoken to be a further testament to your love and your mercy. We pray these things and thank you again for the prospect of a new year and a new us.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
CRB
Eph 4
Wow is right. You nailed it buddy. Another one to read every morning.
Tough stuff here: note the word everything.....
29Don't use foul or abusive language. Let EVERTHING you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Imagine if you could actually do this all the time::::
31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Father God, renew us all this year. Help us to commit to this accountability whole heartedly for your sake Father. May we continue to strive to be Christ-like in all that we do.
In Christ,
cas
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