ESOCS Devotional 14 May 2022
TEXT: EPHESIANS 4:17-32
MEMORY VERSE: “In the Lord’s name, then, I warn you: do not continue to live like the heathen, whose thoughts are worthless and whose minds are in the dark.” Ephesians 4:17 GNB
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In our text today, Paul charged the Gentile Christians to live in the light of the truth. He warned them against living like the unbelieving Gentiles, who persist in walking after the lusts of the flesh. Paul insists that by walking after the lusts of the flesh, one’s ability and mental powers are wasted on the things of the world (Rom 1:21-32, Col. 3:1-17). Paul also teaches that when someone walks in a manner that is directed by worldly things, his thoughts are not directed toward orcontrolled by God.
As a matter of fact, even today, some believers have given themselves over to their own lusts. By so doing, their consciences are now hardened against moral living. They are no longer wholly directed by the word of truth. Theybecome morally corrupt or debased. They thus give themselves over to lasciviousness. Their lives are no longer governed by the sincere Word of God (Matt. 7:21-22, Rom 13:13).
In contrast to the worldly lifestyle, believers are cautioned to continue to live the Christian life they embraced from theirconversion. They should not behave as their unbelieving neighbours. They should shun all forms of debased moralconduct. All believers should therefore, embrace the strict moral principles of Christian living – to reflect the character of Christ Jesus.
In summary, therefore, every believer is expected to live in the light of the truth. There is no doubt that when one obeysthe Gospel, the Old Man of sin is put to death (Rom 6:3-6). He then begins (without struggle) to portray the life of Christ.His journey on the road to becoming like Jesus is then sustained.
- With the level of debased and heretic teachings today, what would you advise true believers to do?
- Lord Jesus, please I need your grace to develop the true character of a true believer. Help me Lord.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Exodus 12:15-51; 2 Kings 4:18-37; John 20:1-11
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ESOCS Devotional 14 May 2022
