1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 6:1–9
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, 6 not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, 8 knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free. 9 Masters, do the same to them, and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.  

2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What does this passage reveal about God?

• Through Paul's commands in this passage, we can learn about God's character. These commands connect with Paul's earlier instruction to imitate God (Ephesians 5:1). Unlike imperfect human authorities, God is our loving and just Father who cares for us, guides us in the right way, and shows no favoritism. He desires not merely our obedience but also our growth in faith and wisdom (v. 4). He does not rule through threats or oppression but holds those in authority accountable for how they treat others (v. 9). He also sees and rewards faithful service, regardless of a person's social status (v. 8). 
• Through these passages, we ultimately see Jesus Christ, the perfect image of God and the true human who perfectly reveals God's character. Jesus was the obedient Son, submitting to the Father even to the point of death. He is the Servant who came not to be served but to serve, and the Lord and Master who humbly washed His disciples' feet. Through the cross, Christ reconciles people to God and brings them together as one people, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility.

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• In the same way that we discovered God's character in this passage, we can also understand our sinful human nature and how we need to be transformed. Unlike God, who leads with love and justice, we often misuse authority, seek our own interests, and treat others unfairly. We may demand obedience without showing care, become harsh toward those under our authority, or serve others only when we expect recognition or reward (vv. 4–6, 9). However, as followers of Christ, we are called to put away selfishness, pride, and favoritism and instead grow in love, humility, and integrity. We must learn to use our authority to nurture others, serve sincerely from the heart, and treat everyone with fairness and respect, remembering that we all serve the same Lord (vv. 6–9).

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
Throughout my journey through Ephesians, I am reminded that following Jesus means reflecting God's character in every relationship. However, I often become impatient when people do not meet my expectations. I may focus on their mistakes rather than their needs, or become frustrated when I have to give more time and energy than I expected. But God's character reminds me that true love seeks the good of others. Jesus demonstrated this love by serving others and giving Himself for them.

Through this passage, God reminds me that He calls me not only to obey His commands but also to grow in His love, justice, humility, and care for others. As I look to Jesus Christ, who perfectly reveals God's character, I see both the example I am called to follow and the Savior who transforms my heart. I pray that the Holy Spirit will soften my heart and help me respond with patience, compassion, and understanding, especially toward the people closest to me.


4. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me to reflect Your character in every relationship. Please soften my heart and help me grow in love, patience, humility, and compassion. Through the Holy Spirit, help me serve others sincerely, treat everyone with fairness and respect, and follow Your example in my daily life. May all my relationships bring glory to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Louise Perry was raised in a vaguely Christian environment but never read the Bible and was never exposed to Christianity in a direct way. In her own words she became “an annoying atheist” as a young teenager after reading The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. As a young person growing up in this secular environment, Louise had little reason to question the assumptions of liberal, “sex-positive” feminism which sprang from the sexual revolution of the 1960’s.

However, her experience working in a rape crisis center began to open her eyes to issues she never noticed before. This led to a journey analyzing the conventional wisdom regarding sexual ethics which culminated in her first published book, The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21 Century. A long-time campaigner for women’s rights, Louise Perry’s main goal in her book is to persuade her audience that adopting a consent-based sexual ethic under the guise of setting women free has, for the most part, worked against women’s interests. Perry is certainly not the first person to point out the adverse impact of the sexual revolution, but what has made her voice so compelling is that she writes from a non-religious, feminist perspective.

In an article reviewing both Perry’s book and another widely acclaimed book detailing the negative impact of the sexual revolution, Derya Little writes:

“The impact of that revolution is far-reaching, and the deterioration of marriage as a social institution is one of its most detrimental consequences. We now live in a sex-saturated society in which hook-up culture is the norm on university campuses and staying chaste until marriage is about as common as a unicorn. After sixty years, we are standing where Chesterton’s proverbial fence once stood, staring into the chaos unleashed by “free” sex.¹

In our secular society, where morality and ethics are formulated without regard for God-ordained revelation (i.e. the Bible), people find themselves adrift in a sea of moral confusion and sexual chaos. They have become unmoored from the truth about human nature and the purpose of our sexed bodies.  Many professing Christians are in the same boat because, while wearing the label “Christian”, they only pay lip service to the notion that the Bible is “God’s word”. As a result, they neither look to, nor submit to scripture as an authoritative guide in matters related to sexual conduct. The confusion and chaos surrounding the subject of sexual morality is evidenced by the new language which has been introduced into the discourse of the dating scene in western cultures. It is now commonplace for people to refer to their number of sexual partners as their “body count” and discovering the “body count” of a prospective romantic partner has now become an important factor in the “get to know you” stage of forming these relationships.

On May 8, 2025, the NY Post published an article by Marissa Matozzo titled, What’s the ‘ideal’ number of sexual partners? Study reveals the sweet spot — and it’s not what you think. Matozzo writes, “A new study revealed the socially acceptable number of sexual partners for each gender — and it might surprise you. According to the study, featured in Social Psychological and Personality Science, the magic number for guys is 4 to 5 lifetime partners — with 2 to 3 of them being casual hookups. The study also revealed that a first roll in the hay for men often happens between the ages of 18 and 20. For women, the magic number shrinks to 2 to 3 partners — with only 1 to 2 casual flings.” ² 

You might wonder, why are these numbers considered “ideal”? According to the author, “The reason why these numbers are described as “ideal” is what you’d probably expect -there is less judgment from society if someone (man or woman) has a low body count.”³

In other words, determining the “ideal” number of sexual partners is not arrived at by moral reasoning which appeals to human nature and human flourishing. It is far less sophisticated than that. The “ideal” is determined simply by an appeal to one’s desire for social acceptance. In response to this one might reasonably ask, “Why should the judgments of a particular social group possess the authority to define sexual morality for me?” To add to the confusion, how does one explain why the “ideal” number of sexual partners for a woman is lower than for a man? And why, as the author points out, do men get judged more for having too few sexual partners than women?

Consider the following quotes from other writers commenting on this study: “In short, moderation is hot. Too much, and you’re “too much.” Too little, and people wonder what’s wrong. Social norms haven’t totally caught up with sexual freedom, but they might be getting slightly more nuanced. Just don’t expect them to make sense anytime soon.”⁴
The key statement in the above quote by Ashley Fike is her word of caution against expecting our social norms to “make sense anytime soon”.

Salva Mubarak responded to the research with an opinion cautioning against treating the results as if they provide us with an objective measure that should be determinative for sexual ethics. She writes,
“It’s important to note that the study had several limitations, the biggest one being that it focused on German residents only. This means that the results could differ in different societies, as cultural contexts and sexual norms could be vastly different. It also failed to capture the nuances of individual attitudes. So, take this finding with a pinch of salt and live your truth!”⁵  Sarah Mubarak is correct to point out that if people from different cultures were polled, the “ideal” number of sexual partners may be considered very different from this one study of people in Germany. However, her comments only serve to reinforce the notion that the appropriate (i.e. ideal) number of sexual partners is subject to a person’s cultural norm or individual preference.

While there is clearly no consensus about the morally acceptable number of sexual partners one has, it is also clear that most people have an intuitive sense that the “ideal number” shouldn’t be “too many”. That begs the question. What counts as “too many”? The reason secular society has not arrived at a consensus about how to define “too many” sex partners is because a consensus cannot be reached when your morals are grounded in subjective moral relativism. The retreat from God’s objective standards into subjective moral relativism leads to Salva Murbarak’s lofty sounding, yet morally vacuous call to, “live your truth”. These words offer no moral wisdom and guidance. They are an expression people cling to for psychological comfort while living adrift in a sea of moral confusion and chaos.

The moral confusion within our culture is also evident in the disagreement among people regarding the ethical boundaries for initiating a sexual relationship. Under what conditions is sexual activity morally acceptable? A strong consensus has developed among proponents of the sexual revolution that the only ethical principle necessary to guide sexual conduct is mutual adult consent. However, there are some significant problems with a consent-based sexual ethic.

First, an objective standard to measure “consent” is very difficult, if not impossible, to arrive at. In many instances it is very clear that one party did not consent to sexual activity, such as when there is forcible rape. However, there are other factors that make consent a lot more subjective. When individuals consume alcohol and drugs in combination with sexual activity, the judgment of the parties involved becomes impaired and consent is often wrongly assumed to be granted. Then there are the issues of psychological coercion and relationship power dynamics which can make consent much more ambiguous.

Second, even when sexual activity is mutually consented to, that doesn’t mean it should have been! We often willingly engage in conduct that is not healthy for us physically, spiritually, or emotionally. Christine Emba made this rather obvious point in the Washington Post. “Nonconsensual sex is always wrong, full stop. But that doesn’t mean consensual sex is always right. Even sex that is agreed to can be harmful to an individual, their partner or to society at large.” ⁶ 

In a response to the article by Christine Emba and another article which expressed a similar dissatisfaction with the consent-based sex ethic embraced by most westerners, Trevin Wax offered a challenge to Christians to seize the opportunity in front of us to demonstrate the better sex ethic taught in our scriptures. He wrote, “Neither Lewis nor Emba appear to be so radically rethinking sexual norms that they’d entertain the Christian sexual ethic. But these are baby steps, important ones, that indicate a sense of angst and anxiety underneath the commonsense cultural ethos surrounding sex. The church has an opportunity to offer a better way here, but only if our lives match our teaching.”⁷

What is the Better Way?
Before we can attempt to define the boundaries of morally permissible sexual behavior, we must first answer the question, “What is sex for?” 

The secular answer: Sex is for whatever purpose consenting adults want it to serve.
The secular perspective does not consider life to have any sacred order or meaning to it, so we are free to assign meaning and purpose to our lives, including our sexual relationships, as we wish. As feminist author Camille Paglia expressed it: “Fate, not God, has given us this flesh. We have absolute claim to our bodies and may do with them as we see fit.”⁸ Paglia argues that nature is a tyrannical force which we have not only a right, but an obligation, to defy rather than a sacred order we must conform to.

God’s answer: Sex Brings Glory of God by Conforming to His Creational Purpose
The good news for those who are confused and conflicted by the contemporary consent-based sexual ethic is that there is a sacred order and meaning to the sexual function of human beings. As persons created in the image of God and redeemed by Jesus’ sacrifice, the Christian’s body belongs to the Lord and is to be used for the glory of God. In a warning to Christian men about the spiritual dangers of engaging in sex with prostitutes, Paul wrote,

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body. -1 Cor. 6:18-20

A consent-based ethic is insufficient from a Christian perspective because our bodies do not belong to ourselves. Rather, they are a gift from our creator which we must steward for his glory. Consent is an insufficient criterion for sexual relations because, as God’s image bearers, we don’t have absolute claim to our bodies despite Camille Paglia’s claim. Karlo Boussard offers the following explanation: “But my consent has no legitimizing power unless the activity that I authorize is subject to my authorization. Suppose, for example, that I tell you that you have my permission to steal your neighbor’s car. My consent would not thereby give justification to the act because I don’t have the right to authorize it in the first place. Valid consent, therefore, is not valid by the mere fact of consent. It requires a preexisting right to authorize a course of action.”9

How Does Sex Glorify God? Sex glorifies God when it fulfills His two-fold creational purpose.

A. Procreation. God commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. The primary gift of sex is that it enables procreation, the gift of new life. Unfortunately, the sexual revolution has taught people that the purpose of sex is primarily pleasure. The problem is that procreative sex entails responsibility and commitment which often inhibit pleasure. Therefore, as pursuing sex for pleasure has become more highly valued, the reproductive function of sex has been devalued. Nancy Pearcey writes, “In a culture that says we have the right to the pleasures of sex while denying its biological function – many will end up treating babies as the enemy – intruding where they are not wanted or welcome.”¹⁰ No one should be surprised to discover an increased aversion to reproduction and the alarming decline in birth-rates following
the sexual revolution.

B. To strengthen the loving bond between husband and wife. To understand the purpose of sex you must understand the purpose of marriage. God ordained marriage to form a loving bond between a man and woman. The pleasure of sex has a bonding purpose to it. It enhances the parental bond while becoming the vehicle for creating new life! By adhering to God’s design for marriage and sex, children enjoy the benefits of being nurtured by a mother and a father who love them and each other.

The sexual revolution was intended to free human beings from the traditional restraints that God’s word places on sexual expression. It has been successful at providing people with an abundance of sexual pleasure, but at a very high cost. All around us we see the harmful fallout from unhitching sex from the marriage relationship and emptying it of any higher value and purpose than physical pleasure. Peter’s warning about those who promise freedom while they are themselves slaves of corruption is strikingly applicable to the advocates of “sexual freedom”. The corrupt fruit of this “freedom” is evident in the massive number of abortions, std’s, and children being raised in unstable homes. It has led to an explosion of pornography, the most socially corrosive and de-stabilizing force in our world today. Our secular priests who serve the ‘god’ of recreational sex promised “life” through freedom from God’s “repressive restrictions” on sexual conduct, but what they delivered is a world where human bodies have been reduced to commodities for personal consumption. Sexual exploitation has become embedded in our culture.

God is not anti-sex, He is pro-love. It is for this reason, because God is pro-love, that He designed sex to be an expression of love. But here is the rub. Commitment free sex is not love because true love entails commitment. Love is commitment centric, not commitment free. Having sex and making love are not the same thing if the act is taking place outside the bounds of commitment, no matter how pleasurable the experience is. Commitment free love is an oxymoron. Until you say “I do” to commitment you haven’t said “Yes” to love. The choice to refrain from making a commitment is in effect saying “no” to love. God’s plan for sex to be expressed within the bounds of a marriage covenant is beautiful because it connects sex with love, an unconditional devotion to another’s well-being.

The procreative function of sex reveals God’s intention for sex to be an expression of love, a love which is oriented towards responsibility and commitment. To attempt to engage in sex recreationally and impersonally is to lie to ourselves. It ignores or denies our own biological design. In her book “Love Thy Body” Nancy Pearcey writes,

“Scientists first learned about oxytocin because of its role in childbirth and breastfeeding. The chemical stimulates an instinct for caring and nurturing. It is often called the attachment hormone. After pointing out that oxytocin, the attachment hormone, is also released during sexual intercourse she writes, “The upshot is that even if you think you are having a no strings-attached hookup, you are in reality creating a chemical bond – whether you mean to or not.”¹¹

In a rebuke of men in Corinth who were treating sex as if it was merely a means of sexual gratification devoid of any deeper sacred meaning, Paul wrote, “Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” (1 Corinthians 6:16) Lauren Winner, alluding to these words of Paul, offers her own incisive statement about the bonding nature of sexual intercourse when she writes, “Don’t you know that when you sleep with someone your body makes a promise whether you do or not”. ¹²

C.S. Lewis offered a perceptive warning about the danger of trying to isolate the physical act of sex from its personal bonding function. He explained it this way: “The monstrosity of sexual intercourse outside marriage is that those who indulge in it are trying to isolate one kind of union (the sexual) from all the other kinds of union which were intended to go along with it and make up the total union. The Christian attitude does not mean that there is anything wrong about sexual pleasure, any more than about the pleasure of eating. It means that you must not isolate that pleasure and try to get it by itself, any more than you ought to try to get the pleasures of taste without swallowing and digesting, by chewing things and spitting them out again.”¹³

Conclusion:
When trying to persuade people of the beauty of Christian sexual ethic, it is important to help them see that Christians aren’t the only ones making judgments about sexual ethics. As we have seen, secular people make judgments about how many sexual partners one ought to have and about how casual or risky one ought to be when engaging in sexual activity.

The sexual revolution envisioned, and promised, a world where people would be free from the “repressive sexual moral codes” of religion to enjoy judgment free sexual gratification. However, most can’t seem to shake themselves free from making moral judgments due to their intuitive sense that sex is more than a casual act, devoid of any meaning other than physical pleasure. Those who have embraced the ‘sex-positive’ ethic in theory are finding that it doesn’t seem to work well in the real world. They are internally conflicted. On the one hand, their intuition inclines them to make moral judgments about sexual behavior, yet, on the other hand, they do not have any solid ground (i.e. moral framework) upon which to base their
judgments.

Sacred scripture (The Christian Bible) has provided the Christian with a moral framework upon which to define sexual morality. The Christian claim that sex is part of God’s good creation, designed and intended for the covenant of marriage, is consistent with nature. Science teaches us that sex is not an impersonal physical act. It involves the whole person in a deeply personal way. The biological nature of sex, with its inherent procreative and bonding functions, reveal that it is oriented towards commitment and responsibility. Because God designed the sexual function of our bodies to be oriented towards commitment and responsibility, he therefore ordained marriage – a life-long covenant of love between one man and one woman - as its proper context.

Sexual immorality violates the first and second greatest commandments, the commands to love God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves. Sex outside the covenant of marriage violates the first commandment because it disregards God's design for sexual intimacy. It is an act of defiance against God. Sex outside the covenant of marriage violates the second great command to love people. It fails as an expression of love because it creates a physical bond, a sense of love, while denying each other the substance of love, an enduring commitment.

To treat a person as your sex partner but not your spouse is to dishonor that person, whether they feel dishonored or not. Many people, usually the female partners in these non-marital sexual relationships, do in fact feel dishonored by their partner’s refusal or reluctance to commit to them in marriage. The sense of dishonor often breeds tremendous resentment, conflict, and strife.

The response of Christians to this current cultural moment must be to rise up and make disciples, young and old, who will begin a godly rebellion against the lies of the sexual revolution and return sex to the sacred space of the marriage covenant.

------------------------------------------------------
1 Derya Little, “A Tale of Two Books against the Sexual Revolution”, The Catholic World Report, March 8, 2023, https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2023/03/08/a-tale-of-two-booksagainst- the-sexual-revolution/

2 Marissa Motozzo, “What’s the ‘ideal’ number of sexual partners? Study reveals the sweet spot— and it’s not what you think”, NY Post, May 8, 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/05/08/lifestyle/is-there-an-ideal-body-count-study-reveals-asweet-spot/

3 Ibid.

4 Ashley Fike, “This Is the ‘Ideal’ Body Count. Is Yours Higher or Lower?”, Vice Magazine, June 16, 2025, https://www.vice.com/en/article/this-is-the-ideal-body-count-is-yours-higher-or-lower/

5 Sarah Mubarak, “Too Many Or Too Few Sexual Partners? This Study Has Found The Sweet Spot”, Manifest Magazine, May 12, 2025, https://www.manifestmagazine.in/trendsculture/relationships/research-on-the-ideal-number-of-sexual-partners-for-men-and-women


6 Christine Emba, “Consent is Not Enough. We need a new Sexual Ethic”, The Washington Post, March 17, 2022, https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/03/17/sex-ethics-rethinkingconsent-culture/

7 Trevin Wax, “Why Consent Isn’t Enough for a Sexual Ethic, The Gospel Coalition, March 31, 2022 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/trevin-wax/consent-not-enough/

8 Camille Paglia, “Rebel Love: Homosexuality,” Vamps and Tramps (New York: Vintage Books,
1994), 71

9 Karlo Broussard, “The Moral Limits of Consent”, Catholic Answers, Dec. 13, 2017,
https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-moral-limits-of-consent
10 Nancy Pearcey, Love Thy Body, (Baker Books, 2018), 150

11 Ibid., 127

12 Winner, Lauren W., Real Sex: The Naked Truth about Chastity. (Grand Rapids: Brazos, 2005), 88

13 Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity, (New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2001), 104–105.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5:22–33
22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.  

2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What did this passage mean to its original audience?

• Households in their world were led by the husband. In Roman society, the male head of the household held great legal and social authority, and writers of the time, such as Aristotle, wrote household codes about managing wives, children, and slaves. Paul's teaching in 5:22–6:9 would have sounded familiar in form. Paul calls wives to submit "as to the Lord" (v.22). This is framed as devotion to Christ, not a demand backed by social power, and it grows out of the mutual submission of v.21. The call to husbands would have stood out. Husbands are told to love their wives with the self-giving love of Christ (v.25), and to nourish and cherish them (vv.28–29). Marriage pointed to something bigger. Paul quotes Genesis 2:24 (v.31) and says the mystery "refers to Christ and the church" (v.32).

-  What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is a Sacrificial Savior and Lover of His People. God's heart is revealed through Jesus, who did not demand service from His bride (the church), but "gave himself up for her" on the cross (v. 25). His love is active, costly, and completely unconditional.
• God is the One who sanctifies and purifies his people (v. 26). He does not abandon us in our imperfections; He patiently works to present us as radiant, blameless, and free from every spiritual stain (v. 27). 
• God designed marriage to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church (vv. 31–32).

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• What does this passage reveal about people?
  We tend to measure love by our feelings, but Christ's love gave itself up (v.25). Our culture often defines love by feelings, attraction, or personal satisfaction. Christlike love stays faithful even when circumstances are difficult, as Jesus gave everything for His church.
• We naturally look after ourselves, and Paul asks husbands to give that same care to their wives. "No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it" (v.29), so husbands are to love their wives "as their own bodies" (v.28). Wives are not people to use or control, but people to cherish and care for.
• We are deeply connected to one another (vv.28–31). "He who loves his wife loves himself" (v.28), and the two "become one flesh" (v.31). Just as Christ and the church are spiritually one (v.30), a husband and wife now share one life together.
  Wives are called to submit "as to the Lord" (v.22) and to respect their husbands (v.33).

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
a. How does this change my attitude?
I want to see love as a choice to give, not just a feeling I wait for. Christ's love was not about what He could get, but about what He could give (v.25).

b. How does this change my affections (what I love / feel)?
As I reflect on Christ washing His church with the Word (v. 26), my heart longs to be cleansed and aligned with Scripture. Just as Christ loved the church, I truly want to love my wife and be fully committed to her

c. How does this change my actions?
I will let go of the temptation to change or control my wife for my own convenience. Instead, I will pay attention to her emotional and spiritual needs and do what helps her grow. Christ is the one who makes the church holy, and my part is to love and serve her as He does, giving myself up and nourishing and cherishing her.

When resentment or anger rises up in my marriage or in ministry, I will meditate on the breadth and depth of Christ's sacrifice and love. I will pray that He washes away everything in me that is lacking or unclean.

When part of my body hurts, I don't blame or condemn it. By instinct, I bind it up and take care of it. In the same way, when I face my wife's weaknesses, I will accept her and care for her gently. We are one flesh, so a problem in our relationship is not one person's problem. It belongs to both of us.

4. PRAYER:
Father, thank You that Christ loved me and gave Himself up for me. When I am tempted to control or blame, help me remember His love, and wash away what is unclean in me. Teach me to nourish and cherish my wife, and to care for her weaknesses gently, as I would care for my own body. Holy Spirit, fill me and help me walk as a child of light, loving with humility and patience. In Jesus' name, amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5:15–21
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.  

2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What did this passage mean to its original audience?
"Walk" was Paul's key word. His readers had already heard it in 4:1, 5:2, and 5:8. Verse 15 continues the thread: after walking in love and as children of light, believers should walk wisely.

Believers sang together. Verse 19 mentions "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs." Scholars discuss the exact differences between the three, but the picture is clear: believers gathered to sing to the Lord and to encourage each other. Early churches often met in homes (for example, 1 Cor 16:19, written from Ephesus), so this singing was likely close and personal.

Mutual submission would have stood out. Roman society was strongly hierarchical, and status and honor mattered a great deal. When Paul tells all believers to submit "to one another" (v.21), he describes a community that runs on humility, with Christ as the reason. Verse 21 also leads into Paul's teaching about households in 5:22–6:9.

-  What does this passage reveal about God?

•  God wants us to understand His will and gives us His Spirit to live it out. Paul tells us to "understand what the will of the Lord is" (v.17) and to "be filled with the Spirit" (v.18).
• God desires a worshipful, grateful, and loving community (vv. 19–21). He calls believers to worship Him, give thanks, and serve one another in reverence for Christ.
• 
  

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• We can walk "as unwise" or "as wise" (v.15), so we need to look carefully at how we live. Because we are God's beloved children and light in the Lord (5:1, 8), we are called to walk wisely. We are to make the best use of the time (v.16), be filled with the Spirit (v.18), sing and encourage one another (v.19), and give thanks to God the Father always and for everything (v.20).
  
  

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
a. How does this change my attitude?
I often catch myself scrolling aimlessly on social media or letting time slip by without any eternal focus. I want to stop living on autopilot and become more intentional about my choices.

b. How does this change my affections (what I love / feel)?
This passage reminds me that only the Spirit can truly fill me (v.18). I often reach for something to calm me down, cheer me up, or help me escape. I want to want Him more. I also want my heart to be a place where worship (v.19) and gratitude (v.20) come up naturally.

c. How does this change my actions?
I'll look honestly at how I spend my time, especially on my phone. I'll choose one block of time to give to something that really matters, such as prayer, Scripture, or time with someone I love. When I feel stressed, tired, or sad, I'll pray, "Holy Spirit, fill me." and I'll play or sing a worship song on my commute or while I work.

4. PRAYER:
Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving me Your Word and the Holy Spirit to guide me. Please teach me to walk wisely and use my time in ways that honor You. Help me recognize Your will and not be distracted by the values and temptations of the world.

Holy Spirit, fill me each day. Transform my thoughts, desires, and actions so that I reflect the character of Christ. Give me a grateful heart, a joyful spirit, and the humility to love and serve others.

When I feel uncertain, guide me. When I am tempted, strengthen me. When I become distracted, help me return to You.

In Jesus' name, Amen.  

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5:1–14
Walk in Love
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper, 
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”  

2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What did this passage mean to its original audience?
They lived in a city full of pagan worship. First-century Ephesus was a major Roman center, known for the temple of Artemis (Acts 19:23–41). Religion and magic were part of daily life (Acts 19:19), and many believers had once been part of it, so "darkness" (v.8) described the life they came from.

Their old culture was tied up with immorality and greed. Paul's list in vv.3–5 would have sounded familiar to them. Calling greed "idolatry" (v.5) would have hit home in a trade city where a whole business depended on selling silver shrines of Artemis (Acts 19:24–27).
Everyday speech needed to change too. Paul even addresses "filthiness," "foolish talk," and "crude joking" (v.4), so leaving the old life showed up in how they talked.

They needed a clear identity. To a small group surrounded by a very different culture, "you are light in the Lord" (v.8) reminded them who they were: they had a new Father (v.1). Instead of blending in (v.7), they were meant to shine as light and invite others to wake up and come to Christ (vv.11–14).

-  What does this passage reveal about God?

•  God reveals His loving heart as a Father who calls His children to imitate His character (v. 1), and He shows us the true meaning of love through Jesus Christ, who gave Himself up for us (v. 2).
• God is holy, he takes sin seriously and He sets a clear standard for His people (vv. 3–7).
•  God is light, and he brings people out of darkness and gives them a new identity in Christ (v. 8).
  
  

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• Human beings were originally created in the image of God (Gen 1:26–27), reflecting His character and representing His purposes in the world. But because of sin, we are unable to reflect His character fully on our own. Yet in Christ, who is the perfect image of God (Col 1:15), God is restoring us. As a result, believers receive a new identity as "beloved children" (Eph 5:1) and as "light in the Lord" (v.8). We are called to be "imitators of God" (v.1), to "walk in love" (v.2), and to "walk as children of light" (v.8), reflecting His restored image in our daily lives.
  
  
• Believers are explicitly instructed not to partner with or participate in "unfruitful works of darkness" (vv. 7, 11). Instead, Christians are called to actively discern what pleases the Lord (v. 10) and expose darkness by letting Christ’s light shine through their holy conduct (vv. 11–14).

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
a. How does this change my attitude?
I am a beloved child of God (v.1), and I am light in the Lord (v.8). Therefore, I want to be like my Father. I want to become like the holy, merciful, and loving God: to stay away from sin, to love others, and to live as light in this dark world.

b. How does this change my affections (what I love / feel)?
It fills me with thankfulness. Christ loved me and gave Himself up for me (v.2). It also gives me a desire for what pleases the Lord (v.10). I want to enjoy what is good and right and true (v.9) more than what only feels exciting for a moment.

c. How does this change my actions?
This week, I will be deliberate about my language. I won't join in gossip or crude jokes at work, and I won't tear others down. Instead, I'll say something thankful or encouraging. At the end of each day, I'll tell God three things I'm thankful for. I'll also take an honest look at my entertainment choices, such as social media, shows, and music. I don't want to enjoy the very "works of darkness" that Christ gave Himself up to save me from (vv.2, 11).

4. PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am Your beloved child and that You have made me light in the Lord. Help me to be like You: holy, merciful, and loving. Thank You, Jesus, for loving me and giving Yourself up for me. Fill my heart with thankfulness, and teach me to want what pleases You more than what only feels exciting for a moment.

This week, help me watch my words, and keep me from gossip, crude jokes, and tearing others down. Help me to choose wisely what I watch and listen to, so I don't enjoy the works of darkness. Holy Spirit, help me to walk in love and live as light in this dark world.

In Jesus' name, amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:25–32
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. 

2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What did this passage mean to its original audience?
The Ephesian church was made up of people from many backgrounds, and it was a young church in a busy, mixed city. Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, and people from different social levels were now sitting together in the same community. That created real chances for misunderstanding, pride, and tension. Paul had just spent chapters 2–3 explaining that Jew and Gentile had been made into one new people, and he now shows how that unity is protected: through honest speech, quick peace, generous work, gracious words, and forgiveness.

Each command also spoke to real life. Lying and exaggeration were everyday habits for many people in the ancient world, so "speak the truth" was a clear change. Stealing was a real temptation for people struggling to get by, so Paul offers a better way: honest work and generosity. Quick, hot tempers and public arguments could easily tear a small church apart, so Paul gives them a simple rule: deal with anger before the day ends. And in a church family with people who had hurt each other, "forgive one another" must have been challenging and powerful. Paul didn't tell them to try harder. He pointed them to the cross: forgive, because you were forgiven.

-  What does this passage reveal about God?

• God wants me to deal with anger before it becomes sin and division (vv. 26-27).
• God is personal, relational, and deeply sensitive (v. 30). The Holy Spirit is a living, personal God who resides within us. He loves us so intimately that when we harbor bitterness or throw hurtful words at one another, it genuinely grieves His heart.
  
  
• God is the ultimate standard of grace and forgiveness, he has forgiven us completely, at great cost (v. 32). He is kind, deeply compassionate, and lavishly forgiving. God did not wait for us to apologize or clean up our lives before loving us—He freely forgave us in Christ while we were still sinners. His forgiveness toward us is the pattern and power for how we forgive others. Therefore, our forgiveness of others isn't based on how deserving they are, but on how generously God in Christ forgave us. He is a forgiving, compassionate Father who initiates reconciliation.
  
  

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• We are interconnected (v. 25).  "one body", What affects one part of the body affects the whole. We cannot live as isolated individuals; our words and actions directly impact our brothers and sisters.
• We have old clothes of sin (falsehood, anger, stealing, bitterness) that we need to intentionally "put off," and new habits of grace (truth, hard work, generosity, building words, kindness) to "put on."
• Forgiveness is a choice we are called to make. The list ends with a command to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. These are things we can choose, with God's help, even when our feelings don't want to.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
a. How does this change my attitude?
It's so easy to justify myself with thoughts like, 'They hurt me first,' or 'I have every right to be upset.' But Paul reminds me of a deeper reality: the forgiveness I have already received in Christ far outweighs anything I will ever be called to forgive. That truth fundamentally changes my starting line. I also want to stop making excuses for my words and anger. I can no longer hide my sharp tone or silent grudges behind the phrase, 'That's just my personality.' The Holy Spirit truly lives within me, and every word I speak and every action I take matters deeply to Him.

b. How does this change my affections (what I love / feel)?
When I remember that God forgave me "in Christ," my heart softens, and it's much easier to be gentle with others. It also stirs up care for the Holy Spirit. I don't want to make Him sad. When I think of my bitterness or harsh words as something that grieves a God who loves me, I feel sorrow, and I want to turn away from it, not because I'm afraid, but because I love Him.

c. How does this change my actions?
I want to be honest in the small things, not just the big ones—no exaggerating to make myself look good, no hiding the truth just to avoid conflict, and no half-truths.
Before I speak, I want to form the habit of asking: 'Is this good? Does it build others up? Is it fitting for this moment?' I choose to replace complaining and gossip with genuine encouragement. Today, I will bring the one person I've been holding a grudge against honestly before God, asking Him for the grace to forgive them just as He has forgiven me.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
thank You for forgiving me in Christ. When I think of how much You have forgiven me, I'm humbled, and I'm so grateful. Thank You that You have sealed me with Your Holy Spirit and that You will finish what You began in me. Holy Spirit, I'm sorry for the times I've made You sad with my lies, my sharp words, and my hidden bitterness. Please search my heart and show me any anger or grudge I'm still holding on to. Help me to speak the truth in love, to use my words to build people up, and to work and give with a generous heart. Soften my heart toward the people who have hurt me, and give me the strength to forgive them the way You forgave me. Make our church a place where people can see Your kindness in how we treat each other.
In Jesus' name, amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:17–24
The New Life
17 Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 But that is not the way you learned Christ!— 21 assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.  

2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What did this passage mean to its original audience?
The believers in Ephesus were mostly Gentiles — non-Jews who had grown up in a city full of idol worship, wild festivals, and loose morals. Ephesus was famous for the temple of Artemis, and sexual immorality and greed were often tied to temple life and city culture. For these new Christians, their old lifestyle wasn't far away; it was right outside their front door, and many of their friends and family were still living it.

So when Paul says, "you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do," he's asking them to stand out in a big way. The picture of "put off" and "put on" was easy for them to understand. In those days, people changed clothes to show a new identity — for example, when someone became a citizen or joined a new group, they would put on different clothing. Paul uses this picture to say: you've got a new identity in Christ, so dress like it.

Paul is reminding the Ephesians that following Jesus isn't just about adding new religious rules to their old routine; it requires a complete transformation of how they think, live, and view the world.

-  What does this passage reveal about God?

• God created us for His likeness. The "new self" isn't a human improvement project—it is directly "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." God gives us His own character to wear.
  
  

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• Without God, our hearts slowly grow hard. When that happens, we stop feeling how serious sin is, and we start making selfish choices and building harmful habits. That's why our minds need to be renewed every day. God has already made us new in Christ, but we still have a part to play. Each day, we choose to "put off" the old ways and "put on" the new life He has given us.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
a. How does this change my attitude?
I've often not taken my quick temper, my critical spirit, and my lazy attitude toward God seriously. Because of that, I often feel my understanding grow dark and my heart grow hard. Paul describes this exact problem in verse 18. From now on, I don't want to give my heart over to negative thoughts, bitterness, or spiritual numbness. Instead, I want to choose on purpose to renew my mind with God's Word, with thankfulness, and with the truth.

b. How does this change my affections (what I love / feel)?
Sin often comes from "deceitful desires." I want to love what is true and good more than what is only exciting for a moment. I also feel thankful, because I didn't create my new self. God did. When I remember that He made me to be like Him, I feel more drawn to Him than to my old ways. I want to keep a tender heart that feels sorry quickly when I sin and turns back to God quickly.

c. How does this change my actions?
Put off: I will name one old habit that doesn't fit who I am in Christ, such as gossip, complaining, careless screen time, or harsh words. Then I will take it off by confessing it honestly to God and asking Him for help.

Put on: For every habit I take off, I will put something good in its place. If I put off complaining, I will put on thankfulness. If I put off harsh words, I will put on kindness. Taking something off leaves an empty space, and putting on something new fills it.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for pulling me out of darkness and giving me a brand-new life in Jesus.
Lord, forgive me for the moments I still reach back for those dirty, old clothes. Forgive me when I let my heart grow callous or let my mind wander into futile thoughts.

Today, I choose to put off my old self. Holy Spirit, please renew the way I think. Soften my heart where it has felt hard, and give me a love for what is good, pure, and true.
Help me to put on the new self You created for me—to walk in true righteousness, kindness, and holiness.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:7–16
7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”  9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.  
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
-  What did this passage mean to its original audience?

• Paul’s words in vs 8 allude to Psalm 68:18 which refers to God’s triumphant victory over his enemies. Paul was depicting Jesus as fulfilling the imagery of Yahweh ascending in victory over his enemies when he, after descending from heaven to earth, rose again in victory over sin and death, and has now ascended to his throne in heaven. Psalm 68 concludes with Yahweh giving the gifts of power and strength to his people from His sanctuary. Paul reveals that Jesus, from his heavenly sanctuary, has also given gifts to his people. The gifts Jesus has given to the church are leaders who will equip them to serve God in power. When each member of the church works according to how he/she is equipped, the church will be unified in their knowledge of God. They will become spiritually mature and Christ-like. This will enable them to avoid deception and remain steadfast in their faith. The whole church will grow to reflect the love of Christ. 

-  What does this passage reveal about God?

• Jesus is fulfilling his promise to “build His church”.  He has raised up individuals and gifted them to be able to lead his church to function like the body of Christ, representing Christ to the world as doing the will of God.  God’s plan for his body is for it to grow! This growth includes adding new members to it and developing each member to become mature in the faith.

-  What does this passage reveal about people?

• Although Jesus is causing his church to grow, each one of us has a responsibility to contribute to the growth of Jesus’ church by working “properly”. This means each of us must do the specific work God has called us to according to the gifts He has given us.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — I must see myself as an individual member who belongs to Jesus’ body, His church. I must reject the radical individualism that is often promoted by our culture. I don’t belong to myself. I belong to the other members of the body of Christ. I must not view myself as the head of the church even though I have a leadership role. Jesus is the head of the church. My job is to equip others, not do everything myself.

2. Affections — I love the church. After 40 years of ministry I thank Jesus that he did not only save me from my sin and grant me eternal life when my life on this earth is over. I love being a part of His body. I love getting to see other people experience God’s grace, love and life-transforming power.  

3. Actions — As a Pastor I must fulfill my calling to equip others to do ministry rather than try and do everything myself. I must speak the truth in love. I must humbly put my personal interests aside and submit to Jesus as the head of the church.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, help me live like you are the head of the church. Help me serve you by equipping others to minister according to their gifts. Help me to recognize that I need to serve others and receive ministry from others.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 4:1–6
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?

•    Paul wrote Ephesians from a prison in Rome. His urgent plea to his readers to “walk worthy of their calling” meant that they must live in a manner that was consistent with their status as children of God and followers of their Lord, Jesus Christ. A life that looks like Jesus will be a life of humility, gentleness, patience and love.  Paul also urged them to live in unity with their brothers and sisters in Christ.  He did not instruct them to be unified,  but to maintain the unity  which God had created when he reconciled them to himself and to one another through the cross of Jesus. Because they serve the same God, were saved by the same Savior and Lord and were indwelt by the same Spirit, they must be one.

- What does this passage reveal about God?

•  The triune nature of God is the ultimate expression of unity in diversity.  

- What does this passage reveal about people?

•  As God's family and the body of Christ, we must reflect the beautiful unity in diversity that defines God's very nature. The ultimate virtue of Jesus was humility (See Phil. 2:1-11). Those who follow Christ will be known for their humility.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — I must have the same humble attitude that Jesus had.  I must view other Christians as my brothers and sisters. I must consider them to be part of my family.

2. Affections - I must desire what Jesus desires. I must love to see unity among God’s people.  I must love the virtues of humility, patience, and gentleness.

3. Actions — I must act in a manner that protects the unity of the church which God had made one.  I must decide to humble myself in my relationship to others. This means I will not insist on always having my own way. I will listen to the ideas and opinions of others. I will make an effort to honor others rather than seeking to receive honor from others.

4. PRAYER:
Lord, help me remember that humility is not a sign of weakness but Christ-likeness. Help me to do what I can to protect the unity of the church and correct me if I do anything that creates division among your people.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
 

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:14–21
- Prayer for Spiritual Strength
14 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16 that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?
 Chapters 1-3 say what God has done. Chapters 4-6 say how to live. This prayer sits right between them. Before Paul says, "Walk worthy" (4:1), he prays for strength to do it. The word "strengthened" here also connects to 6:10, "Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." In chapter 3 we receive strength in prayer. In chapter 6 we stand in that strength.

Paul's own situation. Paul was sent to tell the Gentiles that they now share in God's promises as full members of one body (3:6) However, he is now "a prisoner for Christ Jesus" (3:1) and, in 6:20, "an ambassador in chains." The man with the mission looks like the weakest person in the room.  

So, his prayer shows them where their strength ultimately comes from. It comes from the Father, through the Spirit, with Christ dwelling in their hearts through faith (vv. 14–17).

- What does this passage reveal about God?

•  God is a Father of every family who hears and answers prayer (vv. 14-15).  He is the one we come to for help and strength.  Note. In Greek, "Father" (patēr) and "family" (patria) sound alike. Every true family gets its name and identity from the Father.
•  God is Trinity at work (v. 14-17). The Father is the one asked, the Spirit strengthens us inside, and Christ lives in our hearts. All three are active in one prayer.
• God gives us strength to fulfill His mission according to His riches (v. 16). He does far more than we can ever ask or imagine (v. 20).
• 
  

- What does this passage reveal about people?

• We are weak for the mission, so we need God's strength to fulfill His mission. 
• We cannot fulfill God’s mission on our own. Just as the Triune God works in unity, we must unite and work together as we are rooted and grounded in the love of Christ. 
• We are meant to grow together in God's family (v. 18). We grow as we love, forgive, encourage, pray for, and serve one another.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes —  I often catch myself treating ministry as a task to complete by my own strength. But Paul kneels first, and I desire to do the same. I am not enough, but God's riches are more than enough.

Just as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit work together, on this journey to fulfill His mission, I am not alone. I am deeply grateful for the fellow pastors, leaders, and saints who carry this call with me. Together 'with all the saints,' and rooted in Christ’s love, I commit to leaning into closer partnership and deeper unity with them. Teamwork makes the dream work!

2. Affections —  I want my heart to be filled with gratitude for both God’s strength and the people He has placed around me. I want to love God's family more deeply. I want to love the people I serve and minister out of the love displayed at the cross, where the width and depth of Christ's love is clearest. I want to pray for them, forgive them, and keep loving them.

3. Actions —  I will intentionally work with others, ask for help when I need it, and look for ways to encourage and strengthen them. I will also pray for the people God has placed around me.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Father,
Thank You for being my Father and for giving me strength through Your Spirit. I know I cannot fulfill Your mission by myself. Help me depend on You and work together with Your people. 
Teach me to love, forgive, encourage, and serve others as part of Your family. Root me deeply in Christ's love and help me trust that You can do far more than I can imagine.
Use me and Your church for Your purpose.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
 

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:7–13
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. 13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.  
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?
Paul was writing while imprisoned because of his ministry to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1). His suffering could have discouraged the Ephesian believers, making them wonder if God’s plan was failing. But Paul told them not to lose heart because of his suffering (v. 13). His imprisonment was not a defeat. It was part of his faithful calling to preach the gospel and bring Gentiles into God’s family. So he wanted them to understand that his suffering was ultimately for their sake and for the sake of the gospel. Instead of seeing his chains as a reason to be discouraged, they could see his faithfulness as an encouragement to remain faithful themselves.

- What does this passage reveal about God?

•  
• "according to the gift of God’s grace" : God calls us into His mission by His grace. He chose us not because we are worthy or capable, but because He is gracious (v. 7).  
• "by the working of his power." God gives His divine strength to help us fulfill His calling (v. 7). Just as He empowered Paul, God’s power enables us to do what we could never accomplish on our own.
•  "the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord” Jesus is the center of God’s eternal plan. In Jesus, God revealed His heart, His salvation, and His desire to unite all people into one family. God brings all nations together through Jesus. He breaks down every barrier and makes people who were once divided into one body and one family.
   

- What does this passage reveal about people?

• We are called to fulfill His plan.  God, in His grace, chooses people like us—weak, unqualified, and undeserving—and brings us into His mission. He doesn’t just call us; He strengthens us with His power so we can accomplish what we could never do by ourselves. Because of His grace and power, we now carry the gospel to the nations and join in the unfolding of God’s eternal plan.

• "through the church the manifold wisdom of God " God works through the church to display His wisdom. So, the church is not simply a place where people attend worship services. The church itself is meant to show the world what God is like. When people from different backgrounds become one family in Christ, when believers forgive one another, serve one another, love one another, and worship Jesus together, the church becomes a living picture of God’s wisdom.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes —  My calling is rooted in God’s grace, not in my qualifications. Instead of feeling discouraged by my weaknesses or focusing on what I cannot do, I want to trust that God will give me what I need to fulfill His purpose. I do not have to be perfect or fully prepared before God can use me. His grace is enough.

Looking at Paul’s life, I also realize that following Jesus is not always easy or comfortable. Being faithful to God can sometimes bring sacrifice, rejection, and difficult seasons. But when I face difficulties while serving God, I want to look at them differently. Hard situations do not mean that God has abandoned me, and they do not mean that His work has failed. Instead, I want to trust that God can still work through my struggles and use them for His purpose.

2. Affections —  I want to care more about being faithful to Jesus than just living a quiet, easy life. Instead of being afraid of hard times, I want my heart to trust that God is always working, even when I cannot see it and remain faithful, even when the path is difficult, remembering that God’s purpose is bigger than my present circumstances.

I also want to love the church more deeply and help create a community where people can experience the love and wisdom of God. When we love, forgive, serve, welcome, and worship one another together, we show the world what God is like. I want my life to help build that kind of community

3. Actions — Just as Paul wrote to encourage the Ephesians, I will reach out to people who are going through a tough time and remind them that they are loved and that God has not given up on them. I will encourage them, welcome them, pray for them, listen to their stories, serve behind the scenes, and help them feel that they belong.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Father,
Thank You for calling me by Your grace. Help me trust You when life is difficult and remain faithful to Your purpose. Teach me to love Your church and encourage people who are struggling. Use my life and small acts of service to show Your love and wisdom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 3:1–6
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.  
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?

• Paul wrote Ephesians while imprisoned in Rome. By calling himself a "prisoner of Christ Jesus," he was asserting that Jesus was the one who determined his destiny, not the Roman authorities. Jesus had allowed Paul’s imprisonment for a greater purpose. Paul had been entrusted with preaching “the mystery of Christ”. The “mystery” which was not understood by previous generations of Jews has now been revealed by the Holy Spirit.
  
    The mystery is that “Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.  No longer do Gentiles need to become Jews via circumcision and adopting the Law of Moses to be part of God’s Family. Faith in Jesus is the condition for family membership.

- What does this passage reveal about God?

• God had a purpose for Paul’s life and that purpose was not thwarted by the injustice of his Roman imprisonment. God’s purpose in saving individuals is to unite them as one family.  
  
  

- What does this passage reveal about human nature?

• The Jews often focused more on their need to separate themselves from Gentiles than to be a light to them. The first Jewish believers in Jesus struggled to accept that Gentiles could be accepted into God’s family on equal footing with them. The tendency to prefer our “in-group” and view our “in-group” as superior to others is all too common.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — I am inspired and greatly challenged by Paul’s statement in vs 1.  I need to have the same attitude and trust that God is the one who determines my destiny. This means that when I experience misfortune or mistreatment I won’t be so quick to have a pity-party but instead I will ask God to help me to think about my circumstances in light of the fact that He “works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

2. Affections — My heart is stirred to praise God for His faithfulness and his love for all people.

3. Actions — If Paul could continue to share the gospel even while imprisoned unjustly, how much more should I use the freedoms I have to preach the gospel.  I will strive to lead our church to welcome and incorporate people from all backgrounds into our fellowship.

4. PRAYER:
Dear God, thank you for what you have done through Jesus to save people from every tribe, tongue and nation. Help me trust you to fulfill the purpose you have called me to no matter what comes my way. Help me to derive my satisfaction from knowing I am fulfilling your purpose for me rather than seeking satisfaction from worldly pleasure, possessions, or positions.

In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19–22
19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.  
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?
 "... but you are fellow citizens"  The Gentile believers in Ephesus came from a wide range of social and civic backgrounds. Although many of them belonged to the dominant Greek and Roman civic culture of Ephesus, they were outside the covenant community and therefore separated from the promises that God had given to Israel. When Paul calls them “foreigners and strangers,” he is primarily describing their spiritual and covenantal alienation. In Christ, however, they have become “fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of God’s household.
 
"...grows into a holy temple in the Lord."  Ephesus was home to the world-famous Temple of Artemis, a magnificent marble structure that defined the city’s identity, religion, and pride. Paul takes that familiar architectural image and turns it upside down: God's true temple isn't a dead building made of marble or stone in Ephesus. The true temple is a living community made of human hearts, joined together across cultures, languages, and backgrounds.

Also in ancient architecture, the cornerstone was the absolute anchor of a foundation. It dictated every angle, line, and level of the entire structure. For early Christians facing societal pressure, knowing that Jesus Himself was the chief cornerstone gave them rock-solid stability and unity.

- What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is a loving Father who adopts us into His household (v. 19). He brings us into His intimate home as His own sons and daughters. They are no longer outsiders. Through Christ, we are no longer outsiders. We now belong.
• God is building His church on Christ (v 20). Christ is the cornerstone of church. Jesus is the center of our faith life. Also God is shaping people who are different from one another and building them into one spiritual household (v. 22). 

God lives among His people (v. 22). God doesn't dwell in cold, earthly shrines made by human hands. Through the Holy Spirit, He chooses to make His personal dwelling place inside the gathered community of believers.- What does this passage reveal about people?

• We were once outsiders, but in Christ we belong (v. 19).  We now are fellow citizens and members of God’s household.
• "fellow citizens," "joined together," "built together." We are not meant to live the Christian life alone. We need one another. God calls us into a family where we worship together, serve together, grow together, and carry one another’s burdens (vv. 19–22). 

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — Yes, I am living in a foreign environment, navigating a different culture, and walking into a new setting, and I often feel like an outsider who doesn't quite fit in here. But Today God said to me that "You are no longer foreigners and strangers."
My attitude shifts from insecurity and self-doubt to deep confidence. My primary passport isn't defined by my earthly background or citizenship; my true identity is a full citizen of God’s kingdom and an honored child in His household.
So now, even though we come from different backgrounds, I can say that you are my brothers and sisters in God’s household. Do you feel the same way?

2. Affections — I pray that my heart grows more open and comfortable with diversity. God is creating one single family from people of every culture, language, personality, and background. I don’t want our differences to make me uneasy or keep me isolated in my own familiar group. This is exactly why I am here at Calvary, a multicultural church that God is actively building.

3. Actions — I know being "built together" with people who are different from me can sometimes cause friction. When interpersonal friction happens in my church, I will view it not as a reason to run away, but as God’s gentle chisel smoothing out my pride and impatience. Also I want to connect, encourage, and serve others as part of God’s household. When someone feels like an outsider, I want to show them they belong.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Father,
Thank You for bringing me into Your family through Jesus. Thank You that I am no longer a stranger or an outsider, but a member of Your household. Lord Jesus, thank You for being my chief Cornerstone. When my heart feels lonely, displaced, or tempted to seek comfort only in what is familiar, remind me that my true home and security are found in You. Align my heart, my thoughts, and my choices with Your truth.

Holy Spirit, work in my life as You build us together into a holy temple. Smooth away my pride, impatience, and desire for self-centered comfort. Give me a deep love for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those from different backgrounds and cultures. May our unity reflect Your beauty, and may our community be a place where Your presence rests powerfully.

In Jesus' precious name, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:11–18
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What did this passage mean to its original audience?
At that time, the division between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) was massive. It was religious, cultural, political, and racial. Jesus didn't just turn Gentiles into Jews, nor did He turn Jews into Gentiles. Through His blood on the cross, Christ abolished the law's dividing regulations and has removed the hostility that separated these groups and has created a whole "one new humanity" (v. 15). Now, both groups have been reconciled to God and to each other through the same cross.

To the early church, this meant that the church was supposed to be a visible demonstration of what Christ had accomplished. Remember, their unity was not based on having the same ethnicity, culture, or history. Their unity was based on Christ.

- What does this passage reveal about God?

• Jesus Himself is our peace (v. 14). Through His broken body on the cross, He tore down the wall of hostility, bringing together people from completely different backgrounds and making us one in Himself (Horizontal reconciliation, vv. 14-15). Through that same cross, He reconciled all of us to God the Father (Vertical reconciliation, v. 16). Because of what Jesus has done, people who were once divided can now come together as one unified family in Christ.
  
  
•  God is Triune and brings us into His presence through Christ (v.18).  Through the Son, by the Holy Spirit, we have access to the Father. The Father welcomes us through the Son and by the Spirit.

- What does this passage reveal about people?

•  We were “separate from Christ” and “foreigners to the covenants of the promise.” (v. 12). 
• We build dividing walls. People can easily build walls based on race, culture, nationality, social status, education, personality, or even church tradition and view "the other" with hostility or superiority (vv. 11–12, 14).
• We need Christ to reconcile us. Christ has made peace between us and God and between different people, We should not be people who create unnecessary division. We are called to reflect the peace we have received from Christ.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — I was once “far off, without hope, and without God”. But Jesus brought me near through His blood. When I remember this, I want my heart to be filled with deep and humble gratitude. Jesus paid the price with His own blood. I want to live each day remembering what He has done for me.

2. Affections — If I'm being completely honest, living in a foreign land as an outsider and navigating a community made up of different cultures, languages, and backgrounds isn't always easy. I so often miss my comfort zone—being surrounded by people who share my own language, culture, and background. And truth be told, I frequently feel lonely.

However, I am reminded that Jesus died on the cross to dismantle those barriers and create "one new humanity." As I reflect on why God brought me to this specific place, I want my heart’s affections to align with His.

Just as the unity of the believers in Ephesus was not based on having the same ethnicity, culture, or history, but was grounded entirely in Christ, I want to discover my true comfort zone in Him. Instead of seeking safety in shared language or culture, I want to find my security in our oneness as one body through the same Holy Spirit. Instead of clinging to what feels safe and familiar, I want to genuinely love and celebrate the diverse, multi-cultural body of believers God is building right here.

3. Actions — I truly want to be a wall-breaker. I will be careful about creating unnecessary division. I want to be careful with my words. I also will intentionally reach out to people who come from different cultural or racial backgrounds and listening to their story, learning about their culture, and sharing life together. I want my life to reflect what Jesus has already accomplished.

4. PRAYER:
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for bringing me near to God through Your blood. Thank You for breaking down the walls that separated us and for making peace.

Forgive me for the times I have built walls between myself and others. Give me a humble and loving heart. Help me to forgive, listen, welcome, and pursue peace.

Holy Spirit, teach me to see other people through Your eyes and to love people who are different from me. Make me a person who brings people together instead of creating division. Let my relationships show the peace and love of Jesus.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:1–10
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.


 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
 What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is rich in mercy and great in love. He saved us while we were “dead” in our sin. He didn’t wait for us to try to reform ourselves. He saved us as an act of grace. He made us alive with Christ. This language is consistent with Romans 6:1-10. Because we are united with Christ we have been raised to new life so instead of being dead in our sin we can be dead to sin and alive to God. God has not only saved us by grace he has seated us with him. This means he has placed us in the highest position of honor we could ever occupy.  
  God is also going to show us even more grace and kindness in the “coming ages”. This refers to the eternal inheritance we have awaiting us.
  
  

 What does this passage reveal about people?

•  Outside of Christ mankind is “dead in sin”. He follows Satan even though he is often unaware that he is doing so.  He is a child of disobedience who is destined for God’s wrath. He lives to satisfy his own appetites and desires rather than to please and glorify God.
  
  The fact that we were “spiritually dead” in our sins reveals that we are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners.
  
  In Christ man becomes a new creation, created for the good works God intended for us to do when He created man in his image.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — The emphasis on the love, grace, mercy, and kindness of God reminds me that I don’t need to try and earn God’s approval and I don’t need to live with an unhealthy fear of God. The truth that I am created in Christ for good works reminds me that I am able by God’s grace to live a fruitful, productive life for God’s glory. I am not under Satan’s control. I am clay in the hand of the almighty potter who is molding my life into something beautiful

2. Affections — This passage fills my heart with feelings of gratitude and love for God. It also cultivates in me a desire to pursue good works rather than the passions of the flesh.

3. Actions — I will humbly give the glory to God whenever I am praised by man because I know that any good that comes from my life is because of the grace of God. I don’t need to strive to earn God’s favor or prove my worth because I am already loved. I will love God because he first loved me.

4. PRAYER:
God, I thank you for your mercy and grace in my life.  You have honored me by allowing me to be seated with Christ. You have given me a new identity and a hope for the future. I praise you because I am your workmanship. As the old song goes:

Take my heart and form it, Take my mind, transform it,
Take my will, conform it, to Yours, to Yours, O Lord.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:15–23
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 
“Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” — Ephesians 1:21

The believers in Ephesus lived in a culture where power, spiritual forces, magic, and the worship of Artemis were very real parts of everyday life. Ephesus was famous for the temple of Artemis, and Acts 19 shows how deeply magic and spiritual practices were connected to the city. When many people believed in Jesus, some of them even publicly burned their expensive magic books because they had turned away from their former practices (Acts 19:18–19). Because of this background, Paul’s words about Christ being “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” would have been deeply meaningful to them.

So when Paul prays that they would grasp the power that raised Christ and seated Him "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion," it was a direct, comforting answer to real fears they carried. His prayer was saying that the spiritual forces they used to fear or serve are nothing compared to the power now available to them in Christ, who reigns above them all.

Knowing that Christ is the supreme head over all things gave these early believers bold confidence. They didn't need to fear imperial threats or spiritual darkness because Jesus rules over "not only the present age but also the one to come" (v. 21).

For the original audience, this was a powerful reminder:
The things around us may seem powerful, but Jesus is greater.
The things people fear may seem strong, but Jesus is above them.
And the authority of Jesus will never end.

b. What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is the Glorious Father who gives wisdom and He wants us to know Him. (v. 17). He freely imparts the Holy Spirit as a Spirit of wisdom and revelation so we can know Him intimately. God opens the eyes of our hearts (v. 18). 
• God possesses incomparably great power (v. 19–20). He raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the highest place of authority, "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion."
•  God placed all things under Christ for the Church (v. 22). God uses His supreme authority to protect, build, and fill His body, the Church.

c. What does this passage reveal about people?

•  Our greatest need is spiritual sight, not just circumstance changes. We tend to focus on outer circumstances, but God cares about our inner vision.
• We are chosen as God's treasure and fullness: We are called His "glorious inheritance" (v. 18), and as the Church, we are "his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way" (v. 23). We are deeply valued and given a high calling.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — I easily get overwhelmed when looking at my own weaknesses, but I will fix my eyes on the exalted Jesus. Since He is seated far above every rule, authority, power, and title (v. 21), nothing in my life is out of His control. I can replace spiritual dread with steady, calm trust because the power working in me is the same power that emptied the tomb.

2. Affections — I often crave visible proof of success, financial safety, or quick fixes to my problems to feel at peace. I want my deepest desire to match Paul's prayer: "that I may know Him better." I want my heart to treasure my calling, my inheritance, and His power more than any temporary comfort this world offers.

3. Actions — Instead of always asking God to fix my problems or change my circumstances, I want to start praying differently. When I come to God, I want to slow down and say, “Lord, open the eyes of my heart today. Help me see You in this situation. Help me see what You are doing, even when I don’t understand it.”

When I face a situation that makes me feel small, weak, or intimidated  I quickly become worried or discouraged. But today, I want to remind myself who Jesus is. He is not just helping me from a distance. He is the Head over everything, and His resurrection power is at work in me. So when I feel weak, I will tell myself, “I may feel weak, but Jesus is not weak. I may not know what to do, but Jesus is in control. I may not see the way forward, but Jesus is with me.”

4. PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, glorious God of our Lord Jesus Christ,

I pray that You would give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that I may know You better. Please enlighten the eyes of my heart today! Forgive me for the times I get so hyper-focused on my physical problems that I forget the spiritual reality of who You are.

Help me to deeply understand the incredible hope to which You have called me. Remind me that I am Your cherished inheritance, and let my soul rest in Your incomparably great power—the very power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him above every power and name.

Open my eyes to see Jesus reigning at Your right hand. Let that vision wash away my fears, shape my choices, and give me boldness to serve You today. In the mighty and exalted name of Jesus, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:3–14
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
- What does this passage reveal about God?

• Each person of the Godhead is mutually involved in our salvation/redemption. In love, we were chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, and blessed with every spiritual blessing by the Father. He has done this in and through His Son, Jesus. When we believed in the good news about who Jesus is and what he has done for us, the Holy Spirit was given to us as a “seal”. This means that the Holy Spirit in us is the mark of authentication that we have been adopted by God and belong to him.  The Holy Spirit in us is God’s guarantee we belong to him know and will have a future inheritance that is guaranteed to us.

• All of these blessings which are ours through faith in Christ, were part of God’s eternal plan, purpose, and will.  God has been faithful to his promise! No one can take away what God has planned for us.

c. What does this passage reveal about people?

•  Those of us who have been blessed with all these amazing blessings  - blessings we have not earned but are ours by the grace of God - should respond by giving praise to God. These blessings were given to us with the intent that the result would “to the praise of his glory”!

• Salvation comes by hearing the word truth, the gospel and believing in it. When we believe we receive the person of the Holy Spirit. His presence authenticates us as children of God.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
1. Attitudes — As I think about all that God has done for me, it makes me realize how blessed I am. That  gives me reason to have a positive attitude towards my status and circumstances, even when other factors tempt me to complain.

2. Affections — All of God’s blessings cultivate a love in my heart towards God. This love is “appreciation love”. As I meditate on the fact that I did not deserve the status of being a child of God, of being adopted. When I meditate on the fact that I have been redeemed and forgiven only by God’s grace, I can’t help but feel an appreciation love towards God.

3. Actions — I will give God the praise he deserves avery day. I will choose to thank him and praise him no matter the circumstance because my earthly circumstances don’t change any of the blessings I have in Christ.

4. PRAYER:
Father, thank you for blessing me with every spiritual blessing. Thank you Jesus for giving your life as the sacrifice that made the gift of these blessings possible. Thank you Holy Spirit for your presence which reminds me that I belong to Jesus and the fulness of God’s presence awaits me in eternity!

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 1:1–2
1. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
 
2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 
Ephesus was a bustling, wealthy, port city dominated by the massive Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). The Christians living there were a tiny minority surrounded by commercialism, pagan worship, and pressure to conform. It wasn't an easy place to live out their faith. They had to go to work, raise their family, and navigate culture in a place that didn't share their values at all. So trying to follow Jesus there probably felt pretty overwhelming at times.

That’s why it meant so much when Paul called them “saints” and “faithful in Christ.” He was basically saying, “Hey, you’re not defined by this city or by everything happening around you. You belong to God. You’re set apart for Him. Your real identity is in Christ, not in Ephesus.”

And when Paul greeted them with “grace and peace,” it wasn’t just a polite hello. It was his way of reminding them that God’s grace was with them right where they lived, and God’s peace was available even in the middle of all the chaos and spiritual tension around them. They really needed to hear that.

They weren’t alone or forgotten. They were connected to God’s global family and to His bigger story. Paul wanted them to know that their faith mattered, their identity mattered, and their calling mattered, even in a tough place like Ephesus.

b. What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is the One who calls and sends. Paul is an apostle “by the will of God.” God chose him, called him, and sent him. 
• God is our father and Lord. 
• God gives us Grace and Peace. He is the Source of true blessing!

c. What does this passage reveal about people?

• We are saints and faithful ones called by God. We have been set apart by God.
• We need fresh supplies of God’s grace for our weaknesses and His peace for our worries.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
  I often catch myself tying my self-worth to my performance, my job title, or whether people approve of me. When I fail or get criticized, I feel small and insecure. But today, God reminds me that my identity is a "saint" who is set apart and cherished by God. I am a child of God. My status was granted by "the will of God" and not my own achievements. I want to walk through my week with quiet confidence instead of constantly trying to prove myself.

  I am grateful that I get to receive grace and peace directly from God my Father. Grace is God giving me what I don't deserve for today's tasks, and peace is His calm filling my hearts when life gets loud. So, today, I want my heart to value God’s grace and presence more than worldly comfort. When my soul craves security, I want to run straight to my Heavenly Father rather than trying to fix everything in my own strength.

Lastly, as Paul wished "grace and peace" upon others. I want to choose to respond with gentle grace rather than anger, bringing God's calm into tense moments.


4. PRAYER:
Father, thank You that You call me to belong to You. Thank You that I am a saint, set apart in Christ, loved and known by You. Thank You that grace and peace come from You, not from my situation.

Father God, hold these truths deep in my heart this week. When my mind slips back into trying to prove my worth, gently remind me that I am already cherished, already chosen, and already Your child. When my days get loud and my soul craves peace, draw me straight to Your feet before I try to fix things on my own.

Help me to live as someone who truly belongs to You. Teach me to be faithful where I am, to love Your church as Your family. Let my life today show that I am Yours.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  Over the next six weeks, we will journey through the book of Ephesians and discover what it means to be ROOTED. WALKING. STANDING.

  We will begin by becoming ROOTED in who we are in Christ—discovering God’s grace, His purpose, and what He has done for us. From there, we will learn to WALK in our new life, allowing the gospel to shape the way we live, love, serve, and build His church. Finally, we will learn what it means to STAND firm together as the people of God, strengthened by His power and united as His church.

  This journey is more than simply learning about Ephesians. It is an invitation to discover who we are in Christ, who God is, what He has done, His plan for His church, and how we are called to live together as His people.

#1. ROOTED (Our Identity, God’s Grace, and His Plan)
  We begin by going deeper into our identity in Christ. Before we learn how to live, we need to know who we are and what God has already done for us.

• DAY 1 Called to belong to God - Ephesians 1:1–2
• DAY 2 Blessed in Christ - Ephesians 1:3–14
• DAY 3 Open the Eyes of Our Hearts - Ephesians 1:15–23
• DAY 4 Made Alive by Grace - Ephesians 2:1–10
• DAY 5 Made One with God - Ephesians 2:11–18
• DAY 6 Made into God's Family - Ephesians 2:19–22
• DAY 7 God's Plan for One Family - Ephesians 3:1–6
• DAY 8 Called to Fulfill His Plan - Ephesians 3:7–13
• DAY 9 Strengthened for the Mission - Ephesians 3:14–21
  
  

#2. WALKING (Walk in New Life: How We Live for Building His Church)
  Knowing who we are in Christ should change the way we live. We will explore what it means to walk worthy of our calling—in our relationships, our words, our choices, our families, and our life together as the church.

• DAY 10 Walk Worthy - Ephesians 4:1–6
• DAY 11 Walk Together, Grow Together - Ephesians 4:7–16
• DAY 12 Put Off. Put On. - Ephesians 4:17–24
• DAY 13 A New Way to Relate - Ephesians 4:25–32
• DAY 14 Walk in Love and Light - Ephesians 5:1–14
• DAY 15 Walk in Wisdom - Ephesians 5:15–21
• DAY 16 Love Like Christ - Ephesians 5:22–33
• DAY 17 Serve the Lord in Every Relationship - Ephesians 6:1–9
  
  

#3. STANDING (A Church Built to Stand Together)
  Our journey ends with a call to stand firm. We will discover where our strength comes from and how we can stand together in faith, prayer, and the power of God.

• DAY 18 Stand Strong - Ephesians 6:10–24

HOW TO SOAP
  You don’t need to be a Bible expert to participate. SOAP is a simple and practical way to slow down, listen to God through His Word, and respond to what He is teaching us.
Visit the main page to find our “How to Do SOAP Bible Study" video, along with helpful resources and materials to guide you through each day.

  Each week, we will also share sample SOAP reflections every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to help you get started, reflect more deeply on the passage, and encourage you in your own study. You can use these samples as a guide—but most importantly, take time to read the Word for yourself and listen for what God is saying to you.

Read. Reflect. Respond.
  Come journey with us through Ephesians as we become ROOTED in Christ, WALKING in His ways, and STANDING together as His church.

The resurrection of Jesus is the central claim upon which Christianity stands or falls as a religion to be believed and followed. Paul confronted the issue head-on in his letter to the church in Corinth. He didn’t dance around it. He admitted clearly that whether the good news which Jesus preached is real news - not fake news – depends on the question of the historical validity of the resurrection. Because the validity of Christianity hinges on its historicity and considering the fact that the resurrection of a dead man is a bona-fide miracle we ought to be willing to take the time to help those with doubts understand the evidence that makes believing in the resurrection plausible.

The reality of the resurrection provides the best explanation for the historical realities that surround its occurrence as well as the historical realities that sprang from it. Yes, I did just use the term historical realities. Both Christian and non-Christian historical scholars agree that we have much reliable historical information about Jesus and the birth of the Christian movement although they differ as to the degree of historical reliability one can ascribe to the NT literature.

Even Bart Ehrman, the most celebrated contemporary scholar who writes from a critical perspective and personally denies the historical reliability of the resurrection, wrote:
“It is a historical fact that some of Jesus’ followers came to believe that he had been raised from the dead soon after his execution. We know some of these believers by name; one of them, the apostle Paul, claims quite plainly to have seen Jesus alive after his death. Thus, for the historian, Christianity begins after the death of Jesus, not with the resurrection itself, but with the belief in the resurrection.”¹ 
 
The fact that we have solid historical eyewitness accounts of the resurrection does not prove that it took place, but these key pieces of historical evidence are extremely difficult to explain if the resurrection did not occur. 

1. The resurrection narratives in the gospels do not bear the marks of a fabricated story.
There is little plausibility for this assertion that the gospels. The different details in the accounts of the Gospel writers does not undermine their credibility as genuine historical writings. The minor discrepancies in the accounts of the various gospel writers do not amount to contradictions, but they do reveal contrasting perspectives.  The fact that their accounts contain differing details serves as evidence that the gospel writers were not colluding to fabricate a story. Evidence of an orchestrated attempt by multiple persons to fabricate a story is a conspicuous harmonizing of the facts, the opposite of what we find in the gospels.

Another factor that bolsters the historical credibility of the resurrection narratives in the gospels is the consistent recording that the first witnesses of the resurrection were women. The testimony of women did not carry much weight in Jesus’ day. Women were rarely allowed to provide testimony in a court of law. If the gospel writers were trying to fabricate a story to persuade their audience that the resurrection were true, they would never have recorded women as the first witnesses. That would undermine, not add credibility, to the assertion.

If the gospel writers were attempting to create a legendary Jesus’ we would expect them to have depicted him much differently than they did. One would expect them to describe Jesus with superhuman qualities and a glorious appearance, but instead he looks rather ordinary. We would also expect the gospel authors to portray themselves in a better light, but they humbly depict themselves as people who were both slow to understand and believe.

The church did not give birth to a myth of the resurrected Christ, the reality of the resurrected Christ gave birth to the church.

2. The Empty Tomb & Missing Body
One common suggestion made to explain why the tomb was empty and the body of Jesus was missing is that the record of the empty tomb was a historical fiction created by the New Testament authors.

However, the disciples were proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus in and around Jerusalem in a span of weeks after the resurrection, causing a stir and angering the Jewish leaders. They could have easily shut the disciples up by producing the body or pointing to the tomb that was still sealed.

Matt Perman pointing out that early Jewish arguments against the resurrection admit the tomb was empty. He writes, “The Toledoth Jesu, a compilation of early Jewish writings… acknowledges that the tomb was empty, and attempts to explain it away.” ²  Josephus, the most famous Jewish historian of the first century, wrote that Jesus was condemned and crucified, that his disciples reported that he rose again, without offering any argument to the contrary. Josephus acknowledged the report without citing any attempts to refute it.
 
Another second explanation which has been suggested is that the body was stolen. The problem with this theory is that neither the Jews nor Romans would have had any reason to steal the body. They had nothing to gain from an empty tomb. A dead Jesus was the only kind of Jesus that would serve their interests. The suggestion that the disciples would have - or even could have - stolen the body is incredible. Are we really to believe that the same men who were hiding out, scared for their lives, worried that they would be put to death as Jesus was, would suddenly get the courage to risk their lives and try to steal Jesus body from a heavily guarded tomb?

Gary Habermas has summed it up nicely:
“But it is precisely since Jesus' grave was located nearby that we have a serious problem if it was anything but empty. Unless Jesus' tomb was unoccupied, the early Christian preaching would have been disproved on the spot. How could it be preached that Jesus had been raised from the dead if that message were starkly confronted by a rotting body? Exposing the body
would kill the message and be an easy disproof of Christianity before it even gained momentum. Thus, Jerusalem is the last place for the early Christian teachings to gain a foothold unless Jesus' grave was empty. A Sunday walk to the tomb could have settled the matter one way or another.”³ 

3. The Encounters Between Jesus and His disciples.
Some people speak about the appearances of Jesus, but they were more than appearances, they were encounters. They ate with him, touched him, spoke with him. Critics suggest they were either visions, dreams or hallucinations. That might be plausible if these were all individual encounters, but Jesus met with multiple people at a time. People don’t dream or hallucinate together!! NT Wright points out that they could have believed Jesus appeared to them in a vision, but they wouldn’t have confused that with the resurrection. Paul wrote that Jesus appeared to 500 individuals, most of whom were still living, as a means of stating the undeniable reality of the resurrection.

4. The Transformed Lives of the Witnesses
The French mathematician Blaise Pascal said, "I believe those witnesses who get their throats cut." It is very difficult to account for the willingness of the disciples to hold to their belief in the resurrection of Jesus even at the cost of their lives. The more plausible explanation is that they were convinced that Jesus rose again and compelled by it to no longer fear death themselves. Only a real encounter with the risen Jesus can account for the dramatic change in the countenance and courage of the disciples. Before they encountered the risen Christ following Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion were in despair and fear. Prior to Jesus’ resurrection Peter was too afraid to admit that he knew Jesus. Shortly after the resurrection we find Peter boldly telling the authorities who were threatening him to stop preaching, “We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20)

5. The Immediate and Dramatic Growth of Christianity.
Within the first 40 days of Jesus’ resurrection, we have a historical letter (1 Corinthians) referring to the fact that 500 people who were with Jesus after he rose from the dead, and that many of those were still alive and able to verify that fact. Within a couple of weeks of Jesus’ the disciples were boldly proclaiming that Jesus had risen from the dead, persuading at least 5,000, but probably closer to 10,000 people. Even more telling is the fact that these thousands of people were persuaded to the point of being willing to abandon their deeply cherished customs and traditions. It is a certainty that many more knew the message was true but simply weren’t willing to embrace a whole new way of life.

We must also take into consideration that the church grew as a persecuted minority. It had no political or cultural force fueling its growth. It grew in the face of political and cultural power structures which were opposed to it. The church was driven by people who were passionately persuaded that the resurrection was true.

Adrian Warnock writes, “The evidence for the rapid expansion of the church is compelling. No other successful movement has ever claimed its founder rose from the dead. Ultimately, the persistence and growth throughout history of the largest movement the world has ever seen is the strongest evidence for the resurrection.”⁴
 
Any honest evaluation of the history of Christianity does not lead to the conclusion that the resurrection is a myth created by the church. On the contrary, the resurrection of Jesus is what created the church!

Here are links to a couple of videos for those of you who want to dig deeper into the reasons to believe in the resurrection.

The Resurrection Argument by Gary Habermas

Did Jesus Really Rise From The Dead by NT Wright  

------------------------------------------------------
 1 Bart Ehrman, The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings, (Third Edition New York, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004), 276.

2 Matt Perman, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/historical-evidence-for-the-resurrection, Sept. 12, 2007

3  Gary Habermas, The Empty tomb of Jesus, https://www.namb.net/apologetics/resource/the-empty-tomb-of-jesus/ , March 30, 2016

4 Adrian Warnock, Resurrection: Fact or Fiction? Did Jesus Rise From The Dead? https://www.patheos.com/blogs/adrianwarnock/2024/03/resurrection-fact-or-fiction-did-jesus-rise-from-the-dead/, Nov. 5, 2025

1. SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 16:1-24
1Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love. 15 Now I urge you, brothers[c]—you know that the household[d] of Stephanas were the first converts[e] in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
 19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 
This chapter is Paul’s closing words to the Corinthian church, but it is much more than a simple farewell. It shows what real Christian community looks like in everyday life.
First, Paul talks about collecting money for believers in need (vv.1–4). This was likely for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. This shows that the early church was not only focused on spiritual teaching, but also on practical care and generosity.

Then Paul speaks about his travel plans and mentions many co-workers like Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, and others (vv.5–18). This shows that ministry was not done alone—it was a shared effort within a community of believers. Paul also gives strong encouragement: “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith… let all that you do be done in love” (vv.13–14). This summarizes how believers should live together.

For the original audience, this passage was a call to move from division and selfishness (which we saw earlier in the letter) to love expressed through action—through giving, serving, respecting leaders, and encouraging one another.

b. What does this passage reveal about God?

• God works through community, and He builds His church through ordinary servants. Paul mentions many people working together (Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, Aquila, Priscilla, and many others). This shows that God builds His church through relationships, teamwork, and shared service.
• God calls His people to live in love. “Let all that you do be done in love” (v.14) reflects God’s own character. Love is not optional—it is the foundation of Christian living.

c. What does this passage reveal about people?

• We are called to live in community. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. We are connected to others and responsible for one another.
• We can grow in generosity and service. Paul encourages regular giving and supporting others. We are called to reflect God’s love through practical actions. Love must be lived out.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
My faith is not meant to be lived alone. God works through community, and He has placed me in the church for a reason. Sometimes I can become independent or focus only on my own spiritual life, but this passage calls me to be connected, to serve, and to walk together with others. The people around me are not just attendees—they are co-workers in God’s work. I want to value relationships more and see others as partners in building God’s kingdom.

Love is not just something I feel or say—it must be shown through action. I will intentionally invest in relationships within the church, not just attend, but truly belong. I will look for ways to serve, even in small and unseen ways. I want my life to reflect God’s heart by living out love in community, not just in words, but in real and practical ways.

4. PRAYER:
Father God,
Thank You for placing me in a community of believers. Help me not to live my faith alone, but to love and serve others around me.
Teach me to live out love in real and practical ways. Give me a heart that cares, gives, and serves with joy. Let everything I do be done in love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
35 But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” 36 You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 37 And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. 39 For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. 40 There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.
42 So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. 49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.

2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 
The Corinthian believers were confused about what kind of body people would have after resurrection. Some likely thought a physical resurrection didn’t make sense. Paul the Apostle uses simple, everyday examples (like seeds growing into plants) to explain that resurrection is not strange—it’s part of how God already works in creation. For them, this teaching brought clarity and hope. Their future was not a vague spiritual existence, but a real, transformed life. It also corrected wrong thinking: resurrection is not just about coming back the same way, but being changed into something better and eternal.

b. What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is powerful over life and death. Just as a seed dies and becomes something new, God has the power to transform our earthly bodies into something far more glorious (v. 36–37). 
• God has a perfect plan for redemption. Through Jesus Christ, the “last Adam,” God brings life and restores what was broken through the first man (v. 45–47).

c. What does this passage reveal about people?

• We currently carry the "image of the earthly man" (Adam)—we get tired, we age, and we face illness. But we are also destined to bear the "image of the heavenly man" (Jesus) (v. 49).

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
I often get frustrated with my physical limitations. My body is weak, temporary, and sometimes feels like it holds me back. But God reminds me that my current body is not the end of the story. He will raise it and transform it into something glorious, like the seed that dies and grows into a new, vibrant plant (v. 36–38). Even though my body is weak now, it is still a gift. I desire to use it for worship, for loving others, and for serving Him faithfully. I also want to encourage others with resurrection hope. Many people feel discouraged by their physical limitations or suffering. I want to remind them that God has something better prepared.

4. PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the hope of the resurrection. Thank You that my future is not weak, broken, or temporary, but glorious, strong, and spiritual. You are the God who brings life out of death, and I trust Your promise to make me new.
Lord, help me see myself through Your eyes. When I feel weak or discouraged, remind me that this is not the end of my story. Teach me to live with hope, to honor You with my body, and to long for the day when I will fully bear the image of Christ.
Holy Spirit, shape my attitudes, desires, and actions.Help me live today with resurrection hope.
Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:12-34
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God] has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 30 Why are we in danger every hour? 31 I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! 32 What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”] 34 Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 
The Corinthian church faced confusion and division over the resurrection. Some thought the resurrection had already passed, or that it wasn’t necessary (v. 12). Paul had to remind them that the resurrection of Christ is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without it, their preaching, their hope, and their moral life lose meaning (v. 14, 17). For them, belief in resurrection wasn’t just theological—it impacted their daily courage, their hope in suffering, and their moral decisions (v. 19, 32). Paul was reminding them that because we will rise again, how we live in our bodies right now actually matters for eternity.

b. What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is the One who raises the dead. He raised Jesus from the dead, proving His victory over sin and death (v. 17). 
• God designed salvation around the death and resurrection of Jesus.

c. What does this passage reveal about people?

• We need hope for a new life. Without belief in Christ’s resurrection, life can feel meaningless, and our faith is fragile (v. 17, 19).
• "bad company corrupts good character" (v. 33). Humans are social creatures; we tend to adopt the doubts or the lifestyles of the people we hang out with most.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
I know how easily I can drift into hopeless or shallow thinking. When I forget the resurrection, I start living like this world is all there is. I get discouraged quickly, I avoid hard things, or I look for comfort in the wrong places.

However, as I reflect on this passage, I realize how much the resurrection is meant to shape the way I live today. If Christ truly rose from the dead—and He did—then my life has purpose, direction, and hope. The resurrection calls me to wake up, to think clearly, and to live with courage.

This passage also reminds me to be careful about the voices I allow into my life. “Bad company corrupts good character.” I become like the people I spend time with.

I want to choose influences that strengthen my faith, not weaken it. I want to hold onto hope when life feels heavy.
I want to make choices that honor God, not just choices that feel easy. I want to invest in things that last forever, not things that fade. And I want to encourage others with the same hope that encourages me.

4. PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the hope of the resurrection.
Help me live today with clear thinking, strong faith, and a heart awake to You.
Protect me from influences that pull me away, and fill me with courage and purpose.
Because Jesus is alive, help me live with hope and holiness.
Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
1. Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2. and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4. that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5. and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8.Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 
Some people in the Corinthian church began to doubt or misunderstand the resurrection.  In Greek culture, the body was often seen as unimportant or even bad, so it was hard for them to accept the idea of a bodily resurrection. So Paul brings them back to the core of the gospel.

He reminds them that the gospel is not a new idea or philosophy, but a real historical event. Jesus died for our sins. He was buried. He was raised on the third day. And He was seen by many witnesses. This message was a call for them to return to the foundation of their faith.  Without the resurrection, Christianity has no power and no hope.  So the gospel they believed must remain at the center of their lives.

b. What does this passage reveal about God?

• God is faithful to His promises. “According to the Scriptures” (verses 3–4) means that God had already promised the death and resurrection of Christ long ago.
• God gives grace that transforms lives. “By the grace of God I am what I am” (v. 10). Paul was once a persecutor of the church, but God’s grace changed him completely. 

c. What does this passage reveal about people?
We are sinners in need of salvation.  We can be changed by grace. God’s grace forgives our sins. It also gives us new life. Because of His grace, we are not the same as before. We can grow and become more like Christ.
 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
Today, I was reminded that my life is built on God’s faithfulness, not my own effort. God kept His promise through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Because of that, I can trust Him in my life today. Even when I feel unsure, I believe God is working according to His plan. I am a sinner who needed salvation. I could not save myself. Everything I have is because of God’s grace.
 
I thank God His grace changes me. I am not the same person I used to be. I want to depend on God more each day, not on my own strength. So today, I want to remember the gospel. When I fail, I will come back to God’s grace. In everything I do, I want my life to show the change God is making in me.

4. PRAYER:
Father God,
 Thank You for being faithful to Your promises. Thank You for Your grace that forgives my sins and gives me new life.
Help me to trust You more and not rely on my own strength. Remind me each day that I am changed by Your grace. Shape my life to become more like Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1. SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church.
36 Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? 37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. 39 So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 40 But all things should be done decently and in order.

2. OBSERVATIONS :
a.  What did this passage mean to its original audience? 

• The church in Corinth met in homes for worship. They apparently were struggling with conducting their worship in an orderly manner so Paul wrote to provide them with some guidelines so that everything that was expressed was done decently and in order. 

b. What does this passage reveal about God?

• The reason christian gatherings need to be orderly is because we meet to honor our God who is a God of peace and not confusion or chaos. The reason Paul emphasized that a public prayer or praise in tongues needed to be interpreted was because the church needs clarity and without an interpretation there would be confusion.

c. What does this passage reveal about people?

• When we are not led by the Spirit our tendency is to be preoccupied with ourselves. The lack of order in the gatherings of the church at Corinth was a symptom of self-centered worship. Because they had adopted the expressive individualism of the pagan culture they were not being considerate of others like they needed to be.

 3. APPLICATION: What does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
  If I am walking in the Spirit I will not seek my own good but the good of others. I will make room for others to use their gifts to minister to the church and not think all the “ministry” needs to be done by me.  

4. PRAYER:
Lord, help me to recognize the ministry gifts of others and to equip them to use those gifts so that there will be mutual edification in the church. Remind me that I need others to minister to me, just as much as I need to minister to them. Amen.

Pastor. Randy