No Partakers With Them Ephesians 5:7

The Ephesian church members, according to Paul the apostle, were not to allow any person to “deceive” them “with vain words: for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience”. In chapter five and verse seven of his letter, Paul told the Ephesians not to be “partakers with them”. We read:

Be not therefore partakers with them.

The verse begins, “Be not therefore...”. Paul began with the words “be not” which is the Greek phrase “ginomai mē ginomai” means “do not become, allow to come into existence, happen, or pass; begin to be, arise, appear in history or come upon the stage” “therefore” which is a conclusion word that means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so”. Paul directed the church members' attention toward the words which he had already wrote to them.

The verse continues, “...partakers with them”. Paul added, “partakers” or “co-participants together” “with them” which refers to those who “deceive” with “vain words” and in doing so invite the “wrath of God” upon them. The Ephesians were not to be involved in any activities with which the “deceivers” sought to invite them.

When we think through these words of Paul, we should heed his warning not be participants in any of the activities and “vain words” of those who attempt to “deceive” us. There are people in the world who desire to “trip up, trick, delude and victimize” those who follow Jesus Christ. We must pay attention to men's words, compare them to the holy scriptures and walk only in those words, thoughts, concepts and ideas that align with almighty God.

Next time Paul tells the Ephesian church members how they were “darkness” but now “are in the light”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Let No Man Deceive You Ephesians 5:6

As Paul the apostle wrote to the Ephesian church members, he listed “fornication, all uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking and jesting” as behaviors that were not becoming of “saints” or “pure and holy ones”. He also stated how “no whoremonger, nor unclean person, covetous man, who is an idolater has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God”. In chapter five and verse six of his letter, Paul warned the Ephesians to “let no man deceive you with vain words” where we read:

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things

comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

The verse begins, “Let no man deceive you with vain words:” Paul began with the words, “Let no man deceive” which is Greek phrase “apataō mēdeis apataō” and means to “Do not allow, permit or license anyone to cheat, delude or trick” “you” which refers to the Ephesian church members “with vain” which means “empty, devoid of truth or places and vessels which contain nothing” ”words” or “speeches, uttering and anything someone has said which embodies a conception or idea”. Paul warned the Ephesians concerning those who would attempt to “trick or delude” them with “empty and devoid of truth” concepts and ideas.

The verse goes on to say, “ for because of these things comes the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Paul continued, “for” which means “even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore and verily” “because” or “through, by means of, by reason of, on account of and for this reason” “of these things” which refers to “the sins Paul mentioned in the previous verses” “comes” or “appears, arises, shows, establishes and finds a place of influence” “the wrath” which means “anger, temper, agitation of the soul, impulse, violent emotion and indignation” “of God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “upon the children” which refers to “the offspring of men, descendants and posterity” “of disobedience” or “obstinate opposition to the divine will who exhibit rebellious unbelief”. Paul shared the “wrath of God” as the consequence for those who follow after “vain words” of these deceivers.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we should be warned concerning those who promote “empty and vain” ideas and concepts of worship. First, we should recognize a warning would not be necessary if there were not “vain words” of which we are to be concerned. Secondly, we must compare any ideas that come from men with the holy scriptures. If their concepts do not align with the word of God, we must cast them aside because the consequence of following them would be “the wrath of God” not only upon those who perpetrate them, but also upon those who follow them. May the Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit keep us aware of those who would lead us away from the truth of God, and may we be separated from the “wrath” that God will pour out upon those unbelievers.

Next time Paul tells the Ephesian church members not to “be partakers with them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

No Inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ Ephesians 5:5

Paul the apostle exhorted the Ephesian church members not to have “fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness” “named among” them. They were to be as “saints” and not allow inconvenient “filthiness, foolish talking, jesting” but rather “giving of thanks” to be their manner of speaking. In chapter five and verse five of his letter, Paul continued his incitement as he informed them concerning those who have no “inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God” where we read:

For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

The verse begins, “For this you know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater,...” Paul began with the word “For” which means “even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore and verily” “this you know” or “the same has been or belongs”, “that no whoremonger” which is the Greek word “pornos” and refers to “a man who prostitutes his body to another's lust for hire, a male prostitute, a man who indulges in unlawful sexual intercourse and a fornicator”, “nor unclean person” which means “not cleansed and impure in thought and life, morally lewd, demonic and foul”, “nor covetous man” which refers to “one eager to have more especially what belongs to others and greedy of gain” “who is an idolator” or “a worshipper of false gods who participates in the worship of heathen feasts and eats of the remains of offered victims; a covetous man as a worshipper of Mammon”. The list of sins given by Paul includes “male prostitutes”, “lewd and foul” men, and those who are “greedy of gain”.

The verse continues, “...has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Paul added, “has any inheritance” which means “property received, what is given one as a possession or patrimony” “in the kingdom” or “royal power, kingship, dominion, rule and authority” “of Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “and of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Those who participate in the previously mention sins shall receive no “property” or place in God's kingdom.

When we think through these words of Paul, woe should be upon those who take part in the sins he mentioned. Jesus Christ came to save people from their sins, and if their lifestyles, thoughts and activities align with those he mentioned, they are candidates for His salvation. Christians are never to have these activities as part of their lives, and if they do, they endanger their eternal future.

Next time Paul tells the Ephesian church members to “let no man deceive you with vain words”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

No Filthiness, Foolish Talking or Jesting Ephesians 5:4

Paul the apostle began to share specific sinful behaviors which the Ephesian church members were not to be engaged. They included “fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness” which were contrary to “walking in love, as Christ also has loved us”. In chapter five and verse four of his letter, Paul included, “filthiness, foolish talking and jesting” in his list of unseemly behaviors. We read:

Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting,

which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

The verse begins, “Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting,...” Paul began with the words, “Neither filthiness” which means “obscenity and shamefulness”, “nor foolish talking” or “silly talk or buffoonery” “nor jesting” which means “humor, facetiousness, scurrility, ribaldry and witticism”. The words which were spoken by the Ephesians were not to be “obscene, silly or scurrilous”.

The verse goes on to say, “...which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.” Paul added, “which are not convenient” which in Greek is “anēkō ou anēkō” and means “fit or proper”: “but rather” or “more, to a greater degree, much, by far, sooner, more willingly and readily” “giving of thanks” which means “thankfulness and gratitude”. “Filthy, foolish and jest-filled” speaking of the Ephesian church members was not “proper” and should be replaced with “thankful gratitude”.

When we consider these words of Paul, we should be challenged in our speaking. As Christians, our conversations and words should be carefully observed, and there should be an absence of the “normal” “worldly” talk that is “filthy, foolish and jesting”. As Christians are “thankful” in their speech, they exhibit words that are like unto their Lord Jesus Christ. Let us allow the Holy Spirit of God to convict us when we lean toward “unfit” speaking, and may the praise and thanks of Jesus be on our lips at all times.

Next time Paul shares with the Ephesians concerning those who do not have “any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Sins Not Once Named Among You Ephesians 5:3

Paul the apostle desired for the Ephesian believers to “follow” God and “walk in love” even as “Christ has loved us”. This behavior would be a “sweet-smelling savor” and as a “sacrifice” unto God, and in chapter five and verse three of his letter, Paul gave specific “sins” that were never to be “named among” them. We read:

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,

let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints;

The verse begins, “But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness,...” Paul began with the word “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “moreover, nonetheless or nevertheless”, “fornication” which is the Greek word “porneia” and literally means “illicit sexual intercourse, adultery, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals and close relatives” and metaphorically means “the worship of idols” “and all uncleanness” which refers to “the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living of impure morals”, “or covetousness” which means “greedy desire to have more or avarice”. Paul began with a sinful list of behaviors that should not be exhibited in the lives of the Ephesian Christians.

The verse goes on to say, “...let it not be once named among you, as becomes saints;” Paul added, “let it not be once named” which is the Greek phrase “onomazō mēde onomazō” or “never to name, utter, make mention or bear the name” “among you” which refers to the Ephesian church members, “as becomes saints” which means “stand out, conspicuous, eminent, seemly and fitting for the most holy, sacred, blameless or religiously and ceremonially consecrated”. The sinful behaviors Paul shared with the Ephesians were never to be “named” among them because they were to be the consecrated, pure and holy “saints” of God.

When we think through Paul's words, we may find these to be great challenges in our society today. People are prone to these horrific behaviors, and with the influx of available “pornographic” (the root of this word is porneia) material through printed media and the internet, there is more and more temptation to fall into all these areas. As Christians, we must strive to “let it not be once named among” us, as the world is watching our actions, and should we fall into “greediness” and illicit behaviors, we will bring reproach to the name of Jesus Christ. May God Almighty through the Holy Spirit help us to keep away from these sins, and may we be “the saints” of Jesus Christ as He desires.

Next time Paul tells the Ephesians not to be involved with “filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient:”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Walk in Love as Jesus Ephesians 5:2

As Paul the apostle continued to instruct the Ephesian church members, he shared how they were to be “followers of God, as dear children”. In chapter five and verse two of his letter, Paul told them to “walk in love” while using Jesus “Christ” as their example where we read:

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and has given himself

for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.

The verse begins, “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us,...” Paul began with the words, “And walk” which means “make progress and due use of opportunities; regulate and conduct living” “in love” or “affection, good will, love, benevolence and unconditional brotherly love” “as Christ” who is “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “also” which means “even, indeed, and” “has loved us” or “welcomed, entertained, is fond of, well pleased, contented at or with Paul and the Ephesian church members”. Using the standard in which “Jesus Christ” “loved” Paul and the church members of Ephesus, they were to conduct themselves in the same way toward one another.

The verse goes on to say, “...and has given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.” Paul added, “and has given” which means “delivered to one something to keep, use, take care of and manage into the hands of” “himself” which refers to “Jesus” “for us” which refers to the Ephesians and Paul “an offering” which means “a bringing to, a gift and sacrifice” “and a sacrifice” or “the act or the victim” “to God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “for a sweet-smelling” which literally means an “odor of acquiescence, satisfaction” and metaphorically means “a thing well pleasing to God” “savor” which means “smell or odor”. Jesus' love for Paul and the Ephesians was like unto a “satisfactory and sweet” “offering” to God.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how God loves the “sweet odor” of people who walk “in love” toward one another. Like the aroma of a saccharine “sacrifice” to God, “love” between believers in Christ pleases Him. Jesus demonstrated how we are to “love one another”, and as we follow His example, we offer to God that which He desires to see among those who belong to His church.

Next time Paul instructs the Ephesians concerning “fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Be Followers of God Ephesians 5:1

As Paul continued his exhortations to the Ephesian church members, he told them to “be kind one to another, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven” them. In chapter five and verse one of his letter, Paul told the Ephesians to be “followers of God” where we read:

Be therefore followers of God, as dear children;

The verse begins, “Be therefore followers of God,...” Paul began with the words, “be therefore followers” which in Greek is “mimētēs oun mimētēs” and means “an imitator or mimicker” “of God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. As the Ephesians were obedient to the instructions of Paul, they were to be “imitators” of God Almighty and “mimci” His behavior, attitude and actions.

The verse goes on to say, “...as dear children;” Paul continued, “as dear” or “beloved, esteemed, favorite and worthy of love” “children” which refers to “offspring who are especially dear to God”. As the Ephesian church members “followed God” so closely, they would be as His “beloved and esteemed” “children”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we are challenged to “follow God” like we are His very special and “dear children”. God Almighty desires a “close” walk with us, and as we “imitate” Him day by day, we align ourselves with the very nature of our Heavenly Father.

Next time Paul tells the Ephesians to “walk in love, as Christ has also loved us”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Be Kind and Forgive Ephesians 4:32

Paul the apostle continued to give the Ephesian church members exhortations for living as believers in Jesus Christ. They were not to “grieve the Holy Spirit”, and they were to allow “all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking, to be put away” from them “with all malice”. In chapter four and verse thirty-two of his letter, Paul told the Ephesians to “be kind to and forgive one another” where we read:

And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,

even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.

The verse begins, “And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another,...” Paul began with the phrase, “And be kind” which means “be fit for use, useful, virtuous, good, mild, pleasant and benevolent” “one to another” which refers to “into, towards, for and among each other reciprocally and mutually”, “tenderhearted” which means “having strong bowels, compassionate, pitiful and sympathetic” “forgiving one another” or “to do something pleasant or agreeable, do a favor to, gratify, grant, bestow and graciously restore one to another as in preserving a person in peril”. The Ephesian church members were to be “good and pleasant to one another” as well as “compassionate” and “gracious” too.

The verse goes on to say, “...even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.” Paul continued, “even as” or “according to, in proportion, in the degree that, since and agreeably to the fact that” “God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit” “for Christ's sake” which is the Greek phrase “en Christos en” which means “in the same way the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God” “has forgiven you” which means “to do something pleasant or agreeable, do a favor to, gratify, grant, bestow and graciously restore one to another as in preserving a person in peril”. Jesus Christ “forgave” the Ephesians, and they were to act in the same manner as He.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see Jesus as the challenge and the standard for our “kindness and forgiveness to one another”. Christians are to exhibit compassion toward one another, and they are to forgive each other when they are guilty of misdeeds. Jesus is “kind” to us, and He “forgives” us when we do wrong. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will recognize when we should show kindness to each other, and if we are wronged in any manner, the “forgiveness” of Jesus will be the standard in our hearts and minds.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Paul encourage the Ephesians to be “followers of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Bitterness, Wrath, Anger, Clamor and Evil Speaking Put Away Ephesians 4:31

Paul the apostle told the Ephesian church members not to “grieve the Holy Spirit, whereby” they “are sealed unto the day of redemption”. In chapter four and verse thirty-one of his letter, Paul addressed several practical behaviors among the Ephesians including “bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking”. We read:

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor,

and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

The verse begins, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor,...” Paul began with the words, “Let all bitterness” which means “raise up, elevate, lift up, bear and carry off or away each, every, any, the whole and every bitter gall, extreme wickedness and hatred”, “and wrath” or “passion, heat, anger forthwith boiling up and soon subsiding, glow, ardor and inflaming wine” “and anger” which means “the natural disposition of temper, movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, violent emotion and indignation” “and clamor” or “crying, outcry, tumult and grief”. The Ephesians were not to be “bitter, wrath-filled and tumultuous” people.

The verse continues, “...and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:” Paul added, “and evil speaking” which is the Greek word “blasphēmia” and means “slander, detraction, injurious, impious and reproachful speech to divine majesty”, “be put away” or “raised up, elevated, lifted up, bore and carried off or away” “from you” which refers to the Ephesian church members, “with all malice” which means “each, every, any, the whole and everyone with maliciousness, evil, wickedness and naughtiness”. The Ephesians were to remove themselves from “all” “reproachful, slanderous and injurious speech” against one another.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand there were reasons for him to give these directives. People tend to become “bitter”. They may be prone to “wrath, anger” and “outcrying grief”, and they often speak in an “evil” way against one another to “injure” one another especially if they feel wronged. Paul's exhortation was to “put” these “away”. This makes the Christian different than the world, and one who does so becomes like Jesus Christ. He is our example, and if anyone had occasion in which to have these characteristics within His life, Jesus did. May the Holy Spirit help us to “put away” all of these behaviors and exhibit the grace of Christ.

Next time Paul instructs the Ephesian church members about being “kind one to” and “forgiving one another”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Grieve Not the Holy Spirit Ephesians 4:30

As Paul the apostle continued his exhortations to the Ephesian church members, he included “putting away lying” and “speaking every man truth with his neighbor”, being “angry” and not “sinning”, not allowing the “sun” to “go down upon” their “wrath”, nor “giving place to the devil”. He told them to “steal no more, but rather” “labor”, and he instructed them to not allow “corrupt communication” to “proceed out” of their mouths. In chapter four and verse thirty of his letter, Paul continued his discourse as he told them not to “grieve” “the Holy Spirit of God” where we read:

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.

The verse begins, “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God,...” Paul began with the words, “And grieve not” which means “in addition, also, even and indeed do not make sorrowful, affect with sadness, cause grief, offend, make one uneasy and cause a scruple to” “the Holy Spirit” which refers to “the most sacred, awful, pure, morally blameless and ceremonially consecrated third person of the triune God, coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Son” “of God” who is “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. The Ephesian church members were not to “cause grief to, offend and make sorrowful” God's “Holy Spirit”.

The verse goes on to say, “...whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Paul continued, “whereby” which means “in, by, with and about which” “you are sealed” or “marked with security, kept secret in order to prove, confirm, authenticate, place beyond doubt or attest a thing” “unto the day” which refers to “into, to, towards for and among the last day of this present age, the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment and perfect his kingdom” “of redemption” or “the releasing effected by payment of ransom, deliverance and liberation procured by the payment of ransom”. The “Holy Spirit” “seals” believers in Jesus Christ unto the day when their “release effected by payment of ransom” is completed.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we enjoy the thought that Jesus Christ “seals” Christians with His “Holy Spirit” to show “ownership” of them. Like a “deposit” that is given to secure and hold a product that will be purchased at a future time, God Almighty has “sealed” or “made His deposit” upon all who “rely upon, trust in and cling to” His Son Jesus Christ. This is an statement of “earnest” whereby those who are “sealed” can have confidence in the purchase of their “redemption” and “liberation”. Though we do not know the day when our “purchase” shall be completely fulfilled and our “ransom” carried out, we may know this, we are “claimed” by God, and our “redemption day” will soon be revealed.

Next time Paul instructs the Ephesian church members to “grieve not the Holy Spirit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

No Corrupt Communication Ephesians 4:29

Paul the apostle continued to give instructions to the Ephesian church members concerning “putting off the old man” and “putting on the new man” which were references to their old way of worldly living and their new way which followed in the steps of Jesus Christ. In chapter four and verse twenty-nine of his letter, Paul shared concerning the Ephesians “communication” where we read:

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,

but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

The verse begins, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,...” Paul began with the words, “Let no corrupt” which in the Greek is “sapros mē pas sapros” which means “do not allow, permit or license rotten, putrefied, worn out, poor quality, bad, unfit for use and worthless” “communication” which means “speech, a word, uttered by a living voice, what someone has said, a decree, mandate or order” “proceed” or “go forth, depart, issue and proceed” “out of your mouth” which means “the part of the body which conveys speech”. The Ephesian Christians were not to say anything that is “bad, rotten, putrefied and of pour quality”.

The verse goes on to say, “...but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Paul continued with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously stated, “moreover, nonetheless or nevertheless” “that which is good” or “of useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent and distinguished benefit” “to the use” which means “necessity, need, duty and business” “of edifying” or “building up and promoting Christian wisdom, piety, happiness and holiness”, “that it may minister” or “give, reach out, bestow, let have, supply, furnish and deliver” “grace” which means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, goodwill, lovingkindness and unmerited favor” “unto the hearers” which refers to “those who are endowed with the faculty of hearing, not deaf, and able to attend to, consider, understand and perceive the sense of what is said”. Rather than speaking “corrupt” things, the Ephesian church members were to use their words to “build up” others so they would receive “unmerited favor” from those who share with them.

When we think through these words of Paul, we understand how important our words are. Our words can be used for “corruption” and destruction, and they can be used to “edify” others. Jesus Christ demonstrated the way we should speak, and with the help of Him and the Holy Spirit, may those who are Christians use their voices to “bless” and not “curse” others.

Next time Paul instructs the Ephesian church members to “grieve not the Holy Spirit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Steal No More Ephesians 4:28

Paul the apostle gave spiritual instructions to the Ephesian church members that would enable them to be “unified” with one another. This would take place as they “put off the old man” or old way of living and “put on the new man” which was after the ways of Jesus. In chapter four and verse twenty-eight of his letter, Paul continued his exhortation as he wrote, “Let him that stole steal no more”. We read:

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs.

The verse begins, “Let him that stole steal no more:” Paul began with the words, “Let him that stole” which is the Greek phrase “kleptō kleptō” or “commits a theft, take away by theft or stealth” “steal” which again is the word “kleptō” and means “commits a theft, take away by theft or stealth” “no more” or “no longer or hereafter”. Christians who used to “steal” things are never to do so again.

The verse goes on to say, “but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good,...” Paul added, “but rather” which means “moreover, now, also and nevertheless” “let him labor” or “grow weary, tired, exhausted with wearisome effort and toil”, “working” which means “doing labor, trading, making gains by trading, exercising, performing, committing, causing to exist and producing” “with his hands” which refers to “the help or agency of the hands and by means of the hands” “the thing which is good” or “that which is of good constitution or nature, useful, salutary, pleasant, agreeable, joyful and happy”. Paul desired for the Ephesian church members to “work” “good things”.

Finally the verse says, “that he may have to give to him that needs.” Paul ended this verse by writing, “that he” which refers to “the person who used to steal and now labors” “may have” or “own, possess, hold fast, keep and regard or consider or hold” “to give” which means “to impart and share” “to him that needs” which means “to a person who has necessity, lack and want”. The “labor” done by the person who used to “steal” was now to be used to help people who are in need.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see the benefit of “laboring” to provide for ourselves. Those who “steal” from others do not consider how their theft will affect them and are not in “unity” with them at all. “Theft” is part of the “old nature”, and Christians should have no part in it. Rather they should “work” for their sustenance with the idea of helping others who are “in need”. As the Lord Jesus helps us to be more like Him, stealing will be far from our behavior, and the care for others will become our central focus.

Next time Paul instructs the Ephesian church members concerning the way they “communicate”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

No Place for the Devil Ephesians 4:27

As Paul the apostle continued to give instructions to the church members in Ephesus, he included the idea of “speaking the truth” and not “lying” to one another because they were “members one of another”. He also told them to “be angry, and sin not” as they were not to “let the sun go down upon their wrath”. In chapter four and verse twenty-seven of his letter, Paul added another instruction – do not “give place to the devil” where we read:

Neither give place to the devil.

The verse begins, “Neither give place...” Paul began with these words which mean “do not grant, let have, supply, furnish, reach out, extend or present any portion or space marked off as it were from a surrounding place like a city, village or district”. Paul warned the Ephesians against giving away the “conditions, stations held, opportunities, powers or occasions for acting” that were “places” in their lives.

The verse goes on to say, “...for the devil”. Paul continued with a reference to “the devil” whose name literally means “prone to slander, false accuser, calumniator and slanderer” and metaphorically means “opposing the cause of God which may be said to act the part of the devil or to side with him”. The Ephesians were never to “allow” or “give an opportunity” for the “devil” to invade their lives.

When we consider these words of Paul, we understand his warning in this area. Peter the apostle wrote in the book of First Peter chapter five and verse eight, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:” The “devil” wants to invade our “places”, and we are never to allow him access to do so. Many people and ministries have been destroyed because the “devil” was allowed a “place” for eradication. Only by the grace of Jesus Christ through the power of His Spirit and help of God Almighty will we be able to accomplish this. May the Lord Jesus remind us daily to ask, “does this give place to the devil?”, and if it does, let us run from it with all our might.

Next time Paul tells the Ephesians not to “steal” and rather “labor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.