Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 17, 2023
Ephesians 4:11-16
11 He gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. 12 His purpose was to equip God’s people for the work of serving and building up the body of Christ 13 until we all reach the unity of faith and knowledge of God’s Son. God’s goal is for us to become mature adults—to be fully grown, measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. 14 As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer who can be tossed and blown around by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. 15 Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ, 16 who is the head. The whole body grows from him, as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part.
Good Morning; Jesus speaks the truth with love.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he shares what it means to become mature adults in Christ. This means that we are not easily fooled and swayed by those who are trying to deceive us. We seek truth! In the first verses of this Chapter, Paul says, As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
The people of Ephesus are young converts in need of teaching and molding. At this time, many were trying to extract wealth and power by imitating these Christian leaders. By reminding the Ephesians of Jesus’ truth, Paul is working to open their hearts and minds as they come together as one body. There is also a need for unity among the former Jews and Gentiles so that the one body can grow.
Paul’s words are still relevant to us today. We need constant reminders of Jesus’ truth which stands in direct opposition to the earthly values that surround us. When we are divided, we are weak, but when we come together as one body, we can withstand all the challenges thrown at us. We must remain attached to the foundation upon which we are built, or we will be tossed and turned by every storm.
Jesus promises to be with us always.
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. You gave us Jesus to show us the way of truth. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Work together to share Christ with the world.
One Body! One Faith! Pastor Liz
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