Author: evangelist_breland

Ephesians 5:14-17

Since light makes everything visible, Paul commanded the Ephesian believers, saying, “you who are sleeping, wake up and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (v.14). Sometimes believers fall into a spiritual sleep and may feel as if they have lost connection with the Lord; a re- connection requires a wake-up call to get them up out of the unfruitful state of darkness and return to the promise that Christ will give them light. 

Paul said, “See that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (v.15), “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (v.16). Children of light are encouraged to live purposefully in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us. Don’t live recklessly as fools; “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside” (Col. 4:5) the household of faith. Use the time God gave you today, making the most of every opportunity to stand firm against the challenges of spiritual battles and evil forces.

Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (v.17). He wills that His children walk in wisdom, knowing that “the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” (v.9). The enduring hymn “Amazing Grace,” has a line that says, “I once was blind, but now I see.” Metaphorically, you wander around spiritually blind outside God’s ark of safety unable to see your way. But when you come to your senses as children of light, you should live wisely according to the will of God. 

Lift your voice and shout “Glory!”

  Ephesians 5:7-13 NKJV

Being in a relationship with God demands believers to imitate Him and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave His life for our sins. Our conduct and manner of speech should always reflect who we are and whose we are.  “Therefore, do not be partakers with children of them” (v.7) who are the children of disobedience and rebellion against God. Believers are not to “team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness” (2 Cor. 6:14 NLT)?

In v.8 Paul declared two things metaphorically about the identity of children of God. You “were once darkness,” but now “you are light.” Who they once were and who they have become is the result of being “in the Lord.” When you were darkness, you were and conformed to the world. Now that you are light, you are transformed by the renewing of your mind and commanded to “walk as children of light.” Since you are no longer alienated from God, your life should reflect all goodness, righteousness, and truth, which is the effect of the fruit of the Light(v.9). Now by experience you should be “finding out what is acceptable to the Lord” (v.10). 

The apostle continued his instruction, commanding believers to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove, or expose, them by their godly character (v.11). Yet, Paul declared that it is shameful for those of the Light to focus their conversation on things that ungodly people do in secret (v.12). “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible” (v.13 ESV). 

Lift your voice and shout “Glory!” 

Ephesians 5:3-7 NKJV

Here Paul continue addressing the saints of God in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. It is no secret that children are imitators of their earthly parents. In the same manner there is no secret that believers are imitators of their heavenly parent – God the Father. Believers are urged to live righteously. As His dear children, they are called to imitate Him and walk continually in love. He demonstrated His love for the world by sending His Son Jesus in the flesh to die for our sins. Therefore, Believers’ character and conduct should reflect their relationship with Him. 

Paul continued his instruction, informing them of six common sins that are condemned. He told the saints of God that these sins should not even be mentioned among themselves: fornication, uncleanness, covetousness (v.3), and disrespectful language that takes followers of Christ out of character: filthiness, foolish talking, and jesting (v.4). “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs” (Eph.4:29). There is no grace or thanksgiving to God in Believers’ unholy behaviors and foul language.

He then told them that there are five classes that are lost. “For this you know that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (v.5). The apostle warned them in v.6 of deceivers and the consequence of disobedience. “Therefore, do not be partakers with them” (v.7).

Lift your voice and give God glory! 

1 Peter 3:17-18 NKJV

When it comes to suffering, honestly speaking, none of us – believers and unbelievers alike – want to suffer. Yet, all people will experience suffering because we live in a fallen world. Due to man’s disobedience, sin entered the world, resulting in death. So, in His infinite wisdom God uses suffering as a means of bringing about spiritual growth for His children, leading them into a more intimate relationship with Him. In scripture we are told; “Don’t be ashamed to suffer for being a Christian. Praise God that you belong to him” (1 Pet. 4:16 CEV). Therefore, it is essential that believers live so that their lives will daily reflect who they are in Christ. Jesus taught us in Matt. 5:11 that you are blessed when the world revile and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for His sake.

Peter continued his instructions on suffering: “For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (v.17). Since we are “children of God, and if children then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Rom. 8:16-17). “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us (you) to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit” (v.18). God wills that even in the face of opposition believers suffer for doing good not for doing evil. 

Lift your voice and shout “Glory!”

1 Peter 3:13-16

Apostle Peter continued addressed Jewish converts, who were dispersed temporarily throughout Asia Minor due to persecution (1:1). He urged them to be confident in who they were, knowing that they who do good are always in the Lord’s hands. Being in relationship with a kind and loving God, gives them assurance that He always watches over them and is attentive to their prayers (v.12). 

He continued: “Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good” (v.13)? He knew full well the righteous may be harmed or threatened, but their greatest assurance against the unrighteous’ eagerness to bring harm   would be their trust in God. Peter told them that even if they should suffer for righteousness’ sake, they are blessed and should not allow threats from their enemies cause them to be fearful nor troubled (v.14). Jesus suffered for us, giving His life while we were enemies. Therefore, the little troubles we are going through are temporary and getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. So, for peace sake trust God, and keep your minds stayed on Him not the trouble of the world. 

Peter encouraged these believers to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts” (v.15). Set Him apart as Lord, ruling in your hearts. He told them to always be ready to defend who they are to everyone who asks why they have hope. In doing this they are “keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against their good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (v.16 NIV).  

Lift your voice and shout, “Glory!”