ESOCS Devotional 6 January 2023
TEXT: EPHESIANS 5:1-14
MEMORY VERSE: “You yourselves used to be in the darkness, but since you have become the Lord’s people, you are in the light. So you must live like people who belong to the light.” Ephesians 5:8 GNB
Clearly speaking, it is the nature of children to follow in the footsteps of their fathers. Therefore, as children of God, Christians should seek to follow the nature of God the Father. In order to achieve this, we must look up to Jesus, (Matthew 5:48, Luke 6:36, 1 Cor. 4:16). Moreover, Christians must walk in love. The Book of 1 John 4:7-8 admonishes that everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God. Conversely, therefore, he who does not love does not know God. (John 13:34-35, Colossians 3:12-14).
It is thus advisable that we imitate God in everything we do, since we have chosen to be God’s children. There is a cogent need to live a life filled with love – following the example of Jesus Christ. He loved us so much that He offered Himself as a sacrifice to atone for our sins.
We should, practically speaking, shun all manners of sexual immorality, impure thoughts, and greed. Such sinful acts should have no place amongst God’s children. In likewise manner, immoral stories, foolish talks, as well as wild jokes should not be part of true believers in Christ Jesus.
Moreover, no immoral, filthy or greedy person, will inherit the kingdom of Christ and its righteousness. Besides, every greedy or lascivious person is a potential idolater, worshipping worldly things – including uncontrollable lust for material wealth.
Ironically, many worldly-minded people try to excuse these sins. Be careful of such persons, and don’t be partakers with them of these things that God hates. Do not be lured in any way, for the anger of God will certainly fall on all who disobey Him.
Remember, you were once in darkness, but now you have the light of God in you. So, live as people of light. For this light in you produces only what is good, right and true. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness. Instead, expose them – to the glory of God. It is shameful, even to talk about these awful things that God condemns. Let every child of the light beware.
- Do light and darkness have anything in common? Discuss.
- Lord Jesus – You are the Father of light, give me the grace to live as a child of light.
FURTHER READING: Leviticus 25: 1-14; Song of Songs 3: 1-11, Luke 6:39-49
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
Thank you for reading the ESOCS Devotional today. Please share and follow us on all our platforms to contribute to the spread of the Gospel.
ESOCS Devotional 6 January 2023
