Tag: faith

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study

Image Bearers

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, From the Beginning to Forever/w1d2

Read: Genesis 2:4-17; SOAP: Genesis 1:26-27 – KJV

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

27 So God created human beings in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.

Genesis 1:26-27 NLT
Made in God’s Image

This verse is breathtaking in its implications and puzzling in the questions it raises.

bibleref.com

Among other questions that it raises, it begs us to explore what it means to be made in the likeness or image of God. As bibleref.com points out: “This statement does not mean that God created humans to resemble Him physically.” John 4:24 makes it clear that God is a Spirit, or as bibleref.com goes on to clarify: “He is not simply a more complex physical being, or a limited creature … restricted to seeing, hearing, or being in a single location, like the false gods of most religions.” In other words, we do not physically look like God, but “we do possess God’s capacity to experience and understand love, truth, and beauty.” Because we share this capacity, He has called us to be His representatives here on earth. We are to share His truth with ‘the world’ (Matthew 28:19-20) and we are to love others just as Jesus (our role model) has loved us (John 13:34). Actually, as Paul taught the Colossians, “whatever we do and say, we are to do as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. In other words, we are not just to be His representative, we are to represent Him so well that others will see Jesus in us and be drawn to the Father.

As human beings, this side of sin, when we contemplate our “image,” we may not feel as carefree and natural as our ancestors, Adam and Eve. Instead, we may balk at the idea that it is made after the “likeness of God, because unlike Adam and Eve, we were born with sinful natures, inherited from Adam after the fall (Rom. 5:12; Prov 22:15; Ps 51:5 and 58:3). Sin marred the innocence that Adam and Eve knew “in the beginning.” Before the fall, Adam and Eve had no insecurities or shame and did not know any evil. As Bibleref.com explains, “Their lack of shame was not due to ignorance: it was due to innocence.” The commentary explains, “As chapter 3 will make clear, the shame we feel over being naked is tied to an awareness of one’s own sinfulness and rebellion.” Now, only when we are made new in Christ1 (born again) is the old sinful nature (that came to us through Adam) traded for the new nature of Christ’s Spirit, who lives in us and was given to us by God.2 So that we no longer have to live under the power of sin.3 You see, God made a way where there was no way! Though we were once slaves to sin, we are now, through faith in Christ, sons and daughters of the living God. He has legally adopted us through Christ and has given us the Spirit of adoption, allowing us to live in a relationship with Him – free from the chains of the old nature.

Wonder and Awe

21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.

23 “At last!” the man exclaimed.

“This one is bone from my bone,
    and flesh from my flesh!
She will be called ‘woman,’
    because she was taken from ‘man.’”

Genesis 2;18-23

From the first ‘sighting’ of the Trinity (1:26) to the first ‘surgery’ by the Great Physician (Genesis 2:18-23), this passage is filled with God’s wonder and leaves me standing in awe of His power and creativity, and praising Him for creating me in His image. Friends, may we never forget that we are made in the image of God so that we might have a relationship with Him and reflect His character to those around us – that He might be made known through us and receive glory, honor, and praise. Oh, that He might continue to work within us through the power of His Holy Spirit so that we do not live by the old nature but faithfully by our new nature through Christ and His Spirit in us.

The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

The Right Words

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And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. 20 I am in chains now, still preaching this message as God’s ambassador. So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.

Final Greetings

21 To bring you up to date, Tychicus will give you a full report about what I am doing and how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper in the Lord’s work. 22 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you.

23 Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. 24 May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 6:19-24

Paul, who was currently in chains but still preaching the gospel, followed up the list of instructions for God’s armor with the instruction for prayers and petitions (specific requests). He urged the believers to stay alert so they would know how to pray through the battles. Then, Paul gets personal and shares a prayer request for himself. I am always blessed and inspired when I read his words. This man had been changed from the inside out, transformed from a hater and enemy of Christ followers to a bold and faithful proclaimer of the Gospel. Yet, he understands that he is in the midst of a battle that he cannot fight in his own strength. He understands the need for God’s strength and guidance. He understands the power of prayer and calls on the believers to pray for him, that God would give him the right words so that, even in chains, he could boldly explain God’s mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike. He reminded the believers that he was in chains, but remained God’s ambassador, preaching the gospel message. He asked them to pray that he would keep on speaking boldly for God, as he should.

Gotquestions.org defines Paul before his conversion as “a religious terrorist,” and rightly so, based on Acts 8:3, which states, “Paul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.” However, the narrative of Paul changes in Acts 9:1-22 where we read of Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus. A road he was traveling for the purpose of bringing any known followers of Jesus back to Jerusalem to put them in prison. However, after meeting Jesus along the way, his life was forever changed1 from that of a “religious terrorist” to a missionary taking the Gospel of Christ to the Gentiles.

Friends, this verse/passage is a beautiful reminder and vivid example that we are never alone in the battle(s) we face. Not only is God with us, but His people, our brothers and sisters in Christ, are a battalion of soldiers (whether side-by-side with us or in the trenches of prayer)’suited up” and ready to march into battle with us. May we, like Paul, understand the importance/necessity of prayer for every battle and never hesitate to share our needs and situations with one another so that we are covered with the prayers of God’s people.

The More We Know

For more insight on today’s journey, read today’s LGG blog

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

Mighty Warrior

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w6d4

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:13-18

Because we are fighting a spiritual battle against the rulers and powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil, Paul says for the second time, we must take up the full armor of God! Paul is not simply being redundant here – he is emphasizing the need for the armor. The battle may not be physical, but taking up the full armor of God requires deliberate action on our part. Standing firm…fastening on the belt of truth…putting on the breastplate of righteousness…fitting our feet with the Gospel of peace…taking up the shield of faith…extinguishing the flaming arrows of the evil one…taking the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit…praying…being alert…persevering…and petitioning God for specific needs are not passive actions. We cannot sit by doing nothing while the battles wage around us. If we want to be ready for any assault the enemy brings our way, then we must be engaged mentally, spiritually, and yes – even physically, so that we can stand firm

So, if it is a spiritual battle, why and how can we prepare physically? The first and crucial preparation is spending time with God in His Word. You see, God has equipped us with both the Spirit and His Word; through their power, we are strengthened for victory in every battle. That is why Peter wrote that we have everything we need to live a godly life.1 But friends, we must be invested in His Word, reading it, gaining wisdom for the battles, using it as a weapon to stand firm. We must hide it in our hearts, have it ready on our phones, or in our car to pull out and use as a sword against the enemy’s assaults. We must stay actively engaged in prayer and be devoted to it, as Paul wrote to the Colossians.2 This doesn’t mean we walk around with our eyes shut and our heads down, but that we pray with His promises and Word in mind, for nothing can stop the enemy quicker than the Word of God. We need to stay alert to the Spirit’s prompting3

 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

John 14:26

Father, help us to stay alert, never forgetting that our enemy, the devil, prowls around, like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Help us to be on guard – to know Your truth and walk in Your ways. The breastplate of righteousness not only offers great protection, but it also identifies believers in the battle. So help us to put it on and wear it well. Help us to truly understand the message of the Gospel, and to be prepared to talk about its good news wherever we go. Help us take up the shield of faith, that we might be protected from the weapons of the enemy, even his fiery darts. May we be faithful to wear the helmet of salvation, not only for protection but for comfort and peace, since the mind is often the easiest and/or primary target. Your Word, o Lord, is a powerful weapon against the enemy (Matt 4:1-11)- train us well that we might use it well. – Thank You for not leaving us defenseless and for the privilege of wearing Your armor. – Amen and Amen!

The More We Know
  1. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:3-4 ↩︎
  2. Colossians 2:4 ↩︎
  3. John 14:26 ↩︎

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

God’s Full Armor

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w6d3

Read: Ephesians 6:10-12/SOAP: verse 12

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Ephesians 6:10-12

Oh, how I love this passage! It is one of my top 10 favorite passages. I love when God gives us the “what to (be strengthened in the Lord), how to (by putting on the full armor of God), and the reason to (so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil)” do what is needful to live as He has called us to live. Perhaps the best part is knowing that we are not expected, nor should we try, to rely on our own strength to live as He has called us to live. Instead, we are trained and encouraged to depend on God’s power. Only then will we be able to overcome the battles and faithfully live out the real-world scenarios and warnings that Paul has given throughout his letter. His instructions have called us to love, obedience, and faithful living, to forgiving others, putting others first, and everything that comes with putting off the old nature and putting on the new. Because our new nature is from Christ (2 Cor 5:17), we are blessed to be able to put on God’s full armor, which Paul will elaborate on in the next section of this passage.

I love when God gives us the “what to (be strengthened in the Lord), how to (by putting on the full armor of God), and the reason to (so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil)” do what is needful to live as He has called us to live.

Me from the Inside Out🦋

Friends, to truly resist the devil as James warns us1, we must daily and deliberately put on and use every weapon God has made available to us. The devil, as Paul points out, is strategically scheming and purposefully coordinating plans to destroy the people of God and/or their obedience and good works. However, we have nothing to fear, for we can rest in and celebrate the truth that the enemy is no match for the power God has given us to “stand against2” the devil’s schemes!

Ephesians 6:12 clearly indicates that the conflict with Satan is spiritual, and therefore no tangible weapons can be effectively employed against him and his minions. We are not given a list of specific tactics Satan will use. However, the passage is quite clear that when we follow all the instructions faithfully, we will be able to stand, and we will have victory regardless of Satan’s strategy.

Gotquestions.org

I do not like being in the dark about things, which is why verse 12 is one of my favorites in this passage. While I may not know precisely how Satan will attack, I like that Paul tells us exactly who, what, and where the battle comes from. God has trained me, and continues to train me, that I need to stop seeing people as my enemy. For, as Paul so beautifully describes, this is not a physical battle but a spiritual one. The devil may use people3 or things as part of his attack, but our true enemy, according to God’s Word, is the devil/sin itself, and the only way to overcome him is to heed Paul’s ‘how to’ instructions daily. The armor is a great gift and accessory of our faith, and if we hope to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, we must never lay it aside or forget its incredible power.

The More We Know

Dear reader, only those who have believed in Jesus as their Savior have access to the full armor of God and the power to stand against the enemy. If you have not trusted in Christ, I would love to share Him with you. The Bible says that there is salvation in no one else! I encourage you to connect with me in the comment section and to visit the “Know These Truths“ link below.

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

It’s All About The Attitude

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w6d2

Read: Ephesians 6:5-9; SOAP: verse 7

Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling1, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ, 6 not like those who do their work only when someone is watching—as people-pleasers—but as slaves of Christ doing the will of God from the heart. 7 Obey with enthusiasm, as though serving the Lord and not people, 8 because you know that each person, whether slave or free, if he does something good, this will be rewarded by the Lord.

9 Masters, treat your slaves the same way, giving up the use of threats, because you know that both you and they have the same master in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Ephesians 6:5-9 NET (or KJV)

“Obey right away, all the way, and in a cheerful way.” This was one of the mantras my girls were taught by Mrs. Stanley, their first-grade teacher. She wanted them to learn that doing what they were told to do was about more than the action; it was about the attitude of their hearts. It also taught them that they had to listen to the instructions so that they would know what was expected of them. I couldn’t help but think about this little ditty as I considered Paul’s words in today’s journey.

“Obey right away, all the way, and in a cheerful way.”

While Paul specifically addresses ‘slaves’2 and ‘masters’ in today’s passage on the matter of obedience, he also explains the attitude they should have. As we have seen throughout our journey through Ephesians, this principle is true for all believers. Obedience is vital to having a right relationship with God and others. However, Paul makes it clear that attitude matters more than our ability or performance. He wants them to understand that these instructions are not about ‘people-pleasing’ but about serving the Lord from the heart. Friends, we should want to please the Lord, but to do so, we must understand what He expects from us. We must listen to and read His Word and then obey Him, “right away, all the way, and in a cheerful way”.

Godly actions are required by every believer regardless of our earthly status.

Bibleref.com

I understand that for some people, the word obedience is a challenging word because they don’t like being told what to do. If that’s you, allow me to offer you this encouraging perspective from Paul’s letter to the Colossians: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” As believers in Christ, we are His representatives to the people we work for or with, live with or around, and/or serve or have authority over. Our attitudes and actions will either draw these people to God or push them away from Him. May God grace us with strength and peace to obey Him and those who have charge over us, not with grumbling and complaining, but with enthusiasm that flows from wanting to please Him.

 Hear ye the Master’s call, “Give Me thy best!”
For, be it great or small, that is His test.
Do then the best you can, not for reward,
Not for the praise of men, but for the Lord.

Hear ye the Master’s call, “Give me thy best”
Author: S. C. Kirk (1912)
The More We Know

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

It’s the Right Thing

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w6d1

Read: Ephesians 6:1-4; SOAP: verse 1

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

Ephesians 6:1-4 NLT or KJV

Today, Paul zeros in on the parent/child relationships. As parents or grandparents, we are to instruct and encourage our children to obey. We are also to lead by example in our relationship with God – and others, in our actions, reactions, and speech. After all, the Scriptures teach us that obedience is the evidence of a loving relationship. I don’t know about you, but when I became a parent, it was an eye-opener to my relationship with God, or perhaps my lack thereof. It was a huge revelation to me that my Christianity wasn’t meant to be just about a religion, it was intended to be about a relationship established by faith an love with God the Father, Son, and Spirit. This was such a timely gift/revelation from God, as it enhanced all the lessons that come with learning to be a parent. From peace and patience to training and loving and giving of oneself, my parenting and relationships with my children were made sweeter because I was walking and growing in a loving relationship with the Triune God.

 “If you love me, you will obey my commandments.”

John 14:15

Paul makes it clear to his readers that our relationships are fundamentally important, not only in our growth and oneness with God and others, but also in our call to be lights in this dark world. How we live as children of God, whether in the church body, in our marriages, or as children with our parents and/or parents with our children, how believers live and love matters. Why? Because how we live with others is to be a reflection of Jesus in us and us in Him (John 13:34).

We are to live and love in all situations and relationships like Jesus. Loving God with all of our hearts, souls, minds, and strength and loving others as ourselves are the two greatest commandments (Mark 12:29-31). There is no good excuse for anything less. Actually, anything less is a reflection of not loving God (1 John 4:7-21).

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

Be Careful How You Live

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based on the LGG Study, Secure In Christ/w5d3

Read: Ephesians 5:15-21; SOAP: verses 15-16

Therefore consider carefully how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 taking advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, which is debauchery, but be filled by the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:15-21 NET or KJV VERSION

Friends, this one stirred up some ‘ouch moments’ from the past. They are moments I wish never happened, moments I know would be great examples of the “foolish lifestyle” Paul mentions in his letter. Careless carefree moments that to anyone paying attention would have left them wondering and or whispering, why I looked more like the world than a child of the light. Friends, our carefree moments in life should never lead to careless testimonies; even if we don’t care about our reputation, we should always care about how we represent Christ and influence others for God.

As children of the light, we must first belong to and walk in the light, and we must carefully consider how we live. This takes wisdom from God (Eph 1:8 and 17). We should never be careless in our lifestyle – this doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life and have carefree moments, but we must do so without laying aside the will and pleasure of God, the things that please Him, and those that don’t. Then we must intentionally choose to walk in the way that is good and right and steer clear of the way that leads us away from God.

As Paul taught, we must keep in mind that we are to be lights to the world, and we must “take advantage of every opportunity” to reach others who are still in sin or those who might be easily led away by believers who foolishly live and talk like the world. Keep in mind, we are called to be representatives of the Lord Jesus in whatever we say or do.

The More We Know
Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Secure In Christ

Live In The Light

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w5d2

Read: Ephesians 5:6-14; SOAP: verse 8

Let nobody deceive you with empty words, for because of these things God’s wrath comes on the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be sharers with them, 8 for you were at one time darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live like children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth— 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. 13 But all things being exposed by the light are made visible. 14 For everything made visible is light, and for this reason it says:

“Awake, O sleeper!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you!”

Eph 5:6-14

We were all, at one time, children of the darkness. We may not like thinking about ourselves like this, but it is reality, and it is something we must not forget. Whether we were saved at a young age or in our older years, it is vital to our understanding and appreciation of God’s love through Christ that we understand we were born sinners. From the fall of man in the garden (Genesis 3:6), no child is born ‘good’ (Romans 3:10-11). Perhaps you know someone who isn’t saved but seems to live a good life. Their speech seems wholesome, their actions good, they may even go to church, but apart from the saving grace of God, they are a sinner condemned unclean (Romans 3:23). Which is why the Scriptures teach we must be born again, made new in Christ. (John 1:12-13),(2 Cor 5:17).

Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!” 21 God made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we would become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Friend, while we were born into sin’s curse, we are not without hope. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him would be saved (John 3:16). Jesus, the Son of God, is the hope and salvation of all who believe in His name (Romans 10:13). So that though we were, as Paul said, once in darkness, now we are light in the Lord and should live like the light. which Paul describes in verse 9 as being the evidence of Christ in us, or “fruit of the light” which will reflect Christ’s goodness, righteousness, and truth in us. Now, rather than participating in the deeds of darkness, we expose the darkness through the Light of Christ in us (John 8:12). 

When we live in the Light we expose the darkness –

This may be a kid’s rendition of the message Paul preached but it totally pulled me in and had me singing along and asking God to make it an everyday refrain of my life. So I’m sharing it with you, praying it encourages you as well. Sing along, and let it inspire you to make the message of Paul a brighter reality in your life today – and every day.

The More We Know

Today’s journal entry includes some very helpful insight/examples of ways we compromise with darkness today … too good not to share. May it be a blessing.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Love, Secure In Christ, Thanksgiving

Imitators of God

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w5d1

Read: Ephesians 5:1-5; SOAP: verses 1-2

Therefore, be imitators of God as dearly loved children 2 and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God. 3 But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind, or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints. 4 Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting—all of which are out of character—but rather thanksgiving. 5 For you can be confident of this one thing: that no person who is immoral, impure, or greedy (such a person is an idolater) has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Ephesians 5:1-5

Paul has been teaching/reminding the believers how to live the Christian life. Specifically, he has been teaching them not to live by the sinful nature as they used to before salvation, but to live by the Spirit, living and loving like Jesus. Specifically, here Paul says, they are to be kind to one another, they are to be compassionate and forgiving, “just as God in Christ” forgave them.

Living He loved me…dying He saved me…buried He carried my sins far away…rising He justified, freely forever…one day He’s coming…O glorious day! ~hymn/chorus, Glorious Day

As believers, we are to live and love like Jesus, or as Paul writes here, we are to be imitators of God. When we follow Christ, we choose to consistently live and love like Him. We are to purposefully practice His way of life, which Paul explains to the Ephesians was not only a life of love, but one of sacrifice that pleased God.

Paul leaves no ‘wiggle room’ for the believers. He not only makes it clear what imitating God looks like. He makes it very clear what it does not look like, namely, sexual impurity of any kind…greed…vulgar speech…foolish talk…and/or coarse joking. Paul says that all of these things are out of character for a believer/follower of Jesus and goes on to say that our words should instead be filled with gratitude/thanksgiving. – Please note the More We Know section for helpful explanations on this list of ‘things not to do’.

While verse five is not our focus today, I believe it is important to understand the meaning behind it. God makes it very clear in His Word that we cannot lose the gift of salvation that He has graciously given to all who believe in His Son, (Eph 2:8-9) However, as Paul rightly points out here, when/if we are still choosing to live, act, speak, think in the ways of the old sinful nature that once ruled us, we would be wise to ask ourselves why. As Scripture says, we cannot serve the true and living God and the gods and the pleasures of this world. We must choose “whom we will serve” – the true and living God or the gods of the world and the flesh.

As you take this choice into consideration, consider first the words of Paul to the believers in Rome. He makes it very clear that one leads to death and the other to life.  For if you live by the sinful nature, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. As you evaluate yourselves, be careful and honest in your evaluation. If you are living by the sinful nature ask God for help to turn from those practices and choose instead to walk in the power of His Spirit in you. Choose you this day whom you will serve; will that way lead to death or life and peace?

6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. 8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
9 But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) 10 And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 13 For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

Romans 8:6-13

May God help us be careful in our evaluations of ourselves. May we make no excuses for any actions or words that are not pleasing to Him. May we put to death anything in us that leads us away from God, and may we be filled and living faithfully by His Spirit.

The More We Know

 But among you there must not be either sexual immorality, impurity of any kind,or greed, as these are not fitting for the saints.

Neither should there be vulgar speech, foolish talk, or coarse jesting—all of which are out of character—but rather thanksgiving. 

Still living by the old sinful nature? Want to know the power and gift of life in the Spirit? Check out Know These Truths and let me introduce you to my Jesus, God’s gift of love and grace.

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Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time, Secure In Christ

Put Off/Put On

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based on the LGG Study, Secure in Christ/w4d5

Read: Ephesians 4:25-32; SOAP: verse 32

Therefore, having laid aside falsehood, each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, because we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on the cause of your anger. 27 Do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 The one who steals must steal no longer; instead he must labor, doing good with his own hands, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need. 29 You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 You must put away all bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice. 32 Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Being secure in Christ gives us the freedom and the courage to live like Christ.

From the Inside Out 🦋

Paul has just told the believers of Ephesus to put off their old, sinful nature and put on their new nature, created in God’s image to reflect the righteousness and holiness of Jesus Christ (Eph 4:22-24). Today’s passage is a practical application of putting off and putting on. Paul lists out seven things that should not characterize our lives: lying, anger, Satan’s influence, stealing, unwholesome words, and grieving the Holy Spirit with a hardness toward sin. Thankfully, Paul doesn’t stop here but continues with a practical list of sins that grieve the Holy Spirit: bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and slanderous talk—indeed all malice. He then continues with a list of godly/Christ-like characteristics we should put on, namely: kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (noting that we aren’t just to forgive but to forgive just as God in Christ has forgiven us).

While kindness and compassion may not always come easily, I believe forgiveness can be the most difficult of the three. I have talked to many women who say the same, and more often than I can count, I have had them tell me, “I just can’t or won’t forgive that person.”

God promises that, when we come to Him confessing our sin and asking for forgiveness, He freely grants it for the sake of Christ (1 John 1:9). Likewise, the forgiveness we extend to others should know no limits (Luke 17:3–4). The forgiveness we extend to others is an act of the will. We do not deserve God’s forgiveness; likewise, our forgiveness is not granted because a person deserves to be forgiven. No one deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a deliberate act of love, mercy, and grace. Forgiveness is a decision not to hold something against another person, despite what he or she has done to us.

Adapted from Gotquestions.org/What is Forgiveness?/emphasis mine

I love that today’s reading also included the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35.

“I give you a new commandment—to love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 Everyone will know by this that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another.”

John 13:34-35

This is a passage I believe all who follow Christ should have hidden in their heart/minds. After all, there is no greater commandment than loving God and loving others (Mark 12:29-31). Loving others, like forgiveness, isn’t always easy; loving others just as Jesus loved us can be even more difficult, for His love knew no limits, not even death on the cross. Friends, we may not lose our lives on a cross like Jesus, but we are called to put off (lose) the old life and put on the new. When we do this, when our life is characterized by kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (all of which require love), we will be the light that points others to Jesus.

Paul writes that our words, thoughts, and actions should point others to Christ and not away from Him. The way we do this is by keeping love at the forefront of all that we do and allowing forgiveness to be our first response to others (John 13:35).

From the LGG Journal, Secure in Christ/p135

The More We Know

Visit LoveGodGreatly.com for more insight on today’s journey