Reflections — Pastor’s Blog

“Why is the grass green?” “Why do stars twinkle?” As they get older children start to ask, “Daddy, why do I have to obey you?” There is a better reason than “Just because!” or “Because I’m bigger.” In Ephesians 6:1–4, Paul ties the answer in with God’s promise.

Children and parents. Children, obey your parents! (God is speaking directly to you here.) You must obey your parents. This may be difficult at times. Parents are sometimes arbitrary. They do err (at least that is true of me!). They are sinners. Look at the example of your Lord, who, though he was sinless, had parents who were not, Luke 2:51. Obedience is difficult because we are sinners by nature, not fond of authority. We want to do our own thing. God requires whole-hearted obedience. Honor includes your attitude, Ephesians 6:1,2. Seek active ways to obey. Obey in the Lord. Your relationship to the Lord provides the motive for obedience. Perfect obedience is found only in Christ, who obeyed perfectly, Hebrews 5:7-10. His obedience and suffering were done in your place and for your benefit. He obeyed because you don’t always obey! Gracious family life means that you depend on God’s grace.

Continue reading “Living with the Promise”

When you read a murder mystery, you may be asking, “Who did it?” In Ephesians 5:21–33 Paul writes about a great mystery. The passage describes not a murder or other crime, but one of the most wonderful things in creation. The question is not who — God is the one who is active. The question to look at is why God did this.

Submit? What, me submit? There is something in us, in both men and women, husbands and wives, that pushes back against the idea of submitting. We like to think that we are our own masters, and no one is going to tell us what to do. Submission is often tied to the idea of inferiority. If I have to submit, I am being placed in an inferior position. That can come to expression in a radically unbiblical manner, rebelling against any God-ordained authority and even the creation order.

Continue reading “A Great Mystery”

On the day of Pentecost, Christ poured out the Holy Spirit on his church, equipping her to serve him, giving her what was needed to do her work until the day that he returns in glory. What does the Spirit working in the church look like? Paul explains in Ephesians 5:18–21 as he calls you to keep on being filled with the Spirit.

Be filled with the Spirit. Don’t get drunk! Being under the influence of the Spirit is not to be confused with loss of self-control. In particular Paul warns against drunkenness. Excessive wine leads to debauchery–the kind of life which is the opposite of love, light, and wisdom. Recognize the temptation, and shun it. This is not a command for total abstinence, but it is a stern warning against the abuse of alcohol. It is perhaps something that we need to be particularly aware of as we react against errors of fundamentalism. But, likely the reason Paul singles out this sin is because of its influence. We talk about a DUI. We are to be under the influence, not of alcohol or any other substance, but under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Continue reading “Are You Being Filled with the Spirit ?”

As a boy, I grew up climbing the rock peaks around our town. One thing that our father impressed on us was the importance of being self-conscious about where we placed our hands and feet. In Ephesians 5:15–17, Paul calls you to be wise and aware as to how you walk through life.

Watch your step! Live (or walk) wisely. “Walk in wisdom” is the third part (along with “walk in love” and “walk in light”) of what it means to be imitators of God, verse 1. Pay attention. Look carefully. Obedience to God involves effort, not just acting instinctively. Appreciate the tension here. You have been raised with Christ and seated with him. Yet you live and walk in days that are evil. The days are not neutral. Living to God’s glory involves taking care, understanding what is going on around you. It means being aware of the attitudes and assumptions of the world around you. Evaluate them by the Word of God. Remember, and echo Solomon’s prayer. Notice how much of Proverbs is given over to practical warnings.

Continue reading “Walk in Wisdom”

Light is crucial for making your way in darkness. In Ephesians 5:8–14. Paul points you to the true light.

Be the light that you are. You were darkness. The light of God’s grace shows most clearly when it is contrasted with the darkness which we once were. Paul repeats the point made in Ephesians 2, that we were dead in sin, blind, unable to remedy the situation. Note the strong language—not that you were in darkness, not that your eyes were dim, but that you were darkness.

But now, because you are light, walk as children of light. Now you are light in the Lord. The One who is the Light of the world has shined into your life, and you, in turn, become a light bearer. You are a lamp on a lampstand. Moses on Mt. Sinai stood in the presence of God until his face shone. You have the glory of the risen Lord permeating your life. You are characterized by light. Because of what you are, walk that way. Walk as children of light. Bear the fruit of goodness, righteousness, and truth. Understand God, soak yourself in his Word, and learn what pleases him.

Continue reading “Live in the Light of Christ’s Resurrection”