Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Romans 15:5-6 - May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Ephesians 2:14-16 - For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Application:
· Do I keep the unity, that God produced through the reconciling death of Christ, from being disturbed?
· If my conclusions are different than other believers, do I agree to disagree in love?
· Does the attitude of peace rule in my relationships? Or, does the attitude of bitterness and quarrelsomeness rule?
· Am I part of a united body of believers?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Bearing With One Another
Ephesians 4:2,15-16 - Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love…Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Ephesians 1:4-6 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Conclusions:
· Do I put forth every effort to live the godly life?
· Do I speak the truth in love?
· Do I help others in the growing process?
· Am I holy and blameless in His sight?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Colossians 3:12 - Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Ephesians 1:4-6 - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Conclusions:
· Do I put forth every effort to live the godly life?
· Do I speak the truth in love?
· Do I help others in the growing process?
· Am I holy and blameless in His sight?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Friday, November 5, 2010
Confidence
Ephesians 3:12 - In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Hebrews 3:14 - We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
1 John 4:17 - This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
Application:
· Do I belong to Christ and participate in the blessings?
· Does Christ stand ready to give immediate and sympathetic help when I am tempted?
· Am I like Christ? Does He live in me? Do I have confidence that on the day of judgment I will be saved?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Hebrews 3:14 - We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Hebrews 4:16 - Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
1 John 4:17 - This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
Application:
· Do I belong to Christ and participate in the blessings?
· Does Christ stand ready to give immediate and sympathetic help when I am tempted?
· Am I like Christ? Does He live in me? Do I have confidence that on the day of judgment I will be saved?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Eternal Purpose
Ephesians 3:10-11 - His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 1:7-12 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Application:
· Is Christ head over me?
· Do I have a meaningful future destiny (in relationship to Christ)?
· Do I look forward to the time when everything is under the headship of Chirst?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Ephesians 1:7-12 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
Application:
· Is Christ head over me?
· Do I have a meaningful future destiny (in relationship to Christ)?
· Do I look forward to the time when everything is under the headship of Chirst?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Rulers and Authorities
Ephesians 3:7-11 - I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ephesians 1:3,18-21 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ…I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Application:
· Is the power that raised Jesus from the dead at work in and through me?
· Christ is above all beings!
· Do I lash out against human opponents when they are not the real enemy?
· Are my spiritual struggles against flesh and blood or spiritual forces warring against God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Ephesians 1:3,18-21 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ…I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Ephesians 6:12 - For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Application:
· Is the power that raised Jesus from the dead at work in and through me?
· Christ is above all beings!
· Do I lash out against human opponents when they are not the real enemy?
· Are my spiritual struggles against flesh and blood or spiritual forces warring against God?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Not Made Known To Men In Other Generations
Ephesians 3:4-6 - In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Romans 16:25-27 - Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Ephesians 2:14-16 - For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Ezekiel 47:22 - You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
Romans 15:8-9,12 - For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”… And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
Application:
· Do I believe and obey Him?
· Do I share in the promise of Christ Jesus?
· Have I been created a new man?
· By God's grace I am considered one of God's chosen people!
· Have I come to know the true God? Do I glorify Him for His mercy?
· Do I hope in Him?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Romans 16:25-27 - Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Ephesians 2:14-16 - For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.
Ezekiel 47:22 - You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.
Romans 15:8-9,12 - For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”… And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
Application:
· Do I believe and obey Him?
· Do I share in the promise of Christ Jesus?
· Have I been created a new man?
· By God's grace I am considered one of God's chosen people!
· Have I come to know the true God? Do I glorify Him for His mercy?
· Do I hope in Him?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Monday, November 1, 2010
Mystery
Ephesians 3:2-3,6 - Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly…This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Romans 11:25-26 - I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
Ephesians 1:7-10 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Application:
· Has God revealed to me by His Spirit what He has prepared for me?
· Does God's merciful plan to include me in His great salvation plan humble me or fill me with arrogance?
· Do I share in the promise of Christ Jesus with other heirs?
· Do I look forward to the time when everything is brought into meaningful relationship under the headship of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 - However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Romans 11:25-26 - I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
Ephesians 1:7-10 - In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Application:
· Has God revealed to me by His Spirit what He has prepared for me?
· Does God's merciful plan to include me in His great salvation plan humble me or fill me with arrogance?
· Do I share in the promise of Christ Jesus with other heirs?
· Do I look forward to the time when everything is brought into meaningful relationship under the headship of Christ?
All Scripture verses taken from NIV
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)