March 30th, Monday: Ephesians 3- 4

Eph 3

The purpose for this reason.

Refers to what Paul wrote at the end of chapter 2 – the building of the church.

Now that was the reason behind his praying and his ministry.

Jesus said, 'I will build my church.'

But He uses people – you and me to help get the job done.

Is the building of the church your motivation to pray and serve?

And the word 'Gentiles' put Paul in prison.

God gave him a special commission to evangelize to the Gentiles and to explain to Jews and Gentiles, God's mystery, sacred secret in Christ.

Believing Jews and Gentiles are one and share the same spiritual riches.

He builds His church in this world.

God is putting things together.

Are you helping Him?

Are you involved?

Prayer.

This prayer is for spiritual vision – to see and lay hold of the greatness of God's love and power.

God wants you to be concerned about the whole building, the whole family that is, the whole body and all the saints.

Is narrowness in your life leading to shallowness and weakness?

Eph 4

To give place to the devil is to allow unconfessed sin in your life that gives opportunity for Satan to take over.

Some sins to avoid are discussed here.

One is disunity.

Believers are all one in Christ Jesus.

But we must endeavour to make that spiritual unity a practical reality in our daily lives.

Satan uses people who like to have their own way.

We'll also learn about immaturity.

Spiritual birth must lead to spiritual growth as we become more like Jesus Christ.

If we are maturing in Christ, we'll show it by being able to speak the truth in love.

Satan is a liar and a murderer.

And have a difficult time being successful when believers practice truth and love and unity.

And we'll also read about impurity.

You've been set free from the old life.

So why live in those old sins anymore.

Anything evil from the old life that is brought into the new life will give the devil a beachhead.

Paul names such things as lying, losing your temper, stealing, corrupt speech, bitterness and an unforgiving spirit.

These sins invites Satan into your life.

And they hurt you, they harm the church and grieve the Spirit of God.

Is it worth it?

Of course not!