Ephesians 4:17-32 (Good News Translation) God’s Word: Source of Praise and Thanksgiving Introduction Ephesians 4:17-32: 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. Todays Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. Todays Reading 17 In the Lords name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless 18 and whose minds are in the dark. They have no part in the life that God gives, for they are completely ignorant and stubborn. 19 They have lost all feeling of shame; they give themselves over to vice and do all sorts of indecent things without restraint. 20 That was not what you learned about Christ! 21 You 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. 23 Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, 24 and you must put on the new self, which is created in Gods 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. 27 Dont give the Devil a chance. 28 If 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. 29 Do 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. 30 And do not make Gods Holy Spirit sad; for the Spirit is Gods mark of ownership on you, a guarantee that the Day will come when God will set you free. 31 Get 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. 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. Prayer Concern Those harboring grudge
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 00:05:33 +0000
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