Monday, December 5,2016: Ephesians 4-6

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ephesians 4-6

A few things jumped out for me from today's readings:

from verse 4:15

15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

We are, as Christians,  to speak the truth. If we believe what the Bible says, then some things that society has professed as true are not true. However, I think the key words in this verse are "in love". I think too often Christians come across as judgemental and thinking/acting that they are above someone just because they sin differently. We are to grow to be like Christ and to encourage others to do likewise but admitting our own faults and shortcomings and show compassion and love as Christ does to us.

from verse 4:24

 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

We become a new creation in Christ. When I read this verse, it made me think of the renovation Conrad and I are doing. As we work we put on old clothes and are not really worried about them getting ripped or stained as we work. However, we don't wear those clothes in public. We put on new clothes and clean clothes and we don't want those clothes to get wrecked. Likewise, our lives and our actions should change too and we should try not to "stain" our lives after we receive a new one.

from verse 5: 1-2

5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


I've been following this company's instagram page for quite some time now. Their mission is: Walk in love. is dedicated to selling well-designed, high quality t-shirts with a positive and inspiring message. That message is a reminder to imitate God by loving others every chance we get - no strings attached. We believe that Jesus came and showed us how to be that message.  We want you to walk in love.

How we live our lives IS a reflection of who we are in Christ. I know I don't always walk in love. I like also how it says WALK in love. It doesn't say stand still in love, or lie down in love, or even run in love. We are told to walk...not to miss anything and show love as we go along our lives.

from verse 5: 18
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Kaden's hockey team had a parent's party this weekend. Conrad and I made an appearance at the beginning of the party but have little interest in all of the alcohol consumption that goes on during these kinds of events. Neither of us grew up in homes that drank at all and we just don't feel the need to participate in behaviour that could have such disastrous consequences. Many of Kaden's friends have already been drinking and that kind of lifestyle is just not one we are very familiar with. When people can't remember what happened the night before or choose to drive after drinking or a whole host of bad choices that come from alcohol clouding good judgement it's no surprise that the bible warns us about getting drunk.

from verse 5: 22 - 25

22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

So many people have such a difficult time with these verses. This is how God designed marriage. It is counter cultural to what society thinks about how husbands and wives should be. Marriage by design is a partnership with each partner having their own unique roles.

from verse 6: 1 & 4

6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 
 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Everyone seems to know verse 1 but I think verse 4 is just as important. As parents we should be consistent and set out clear expectations and consequences so that kids know what they need to do and what will happen if they don't do it.

from verse 6: 10-17

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 

We can't go into battle without the right equipment. God has given us everything we needed.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Philipians 1-4