BE WHO YOU ARE
Opening Prayer
Jesus, show me a little bit more of who You are today. Show me who I am in You.
Read Ephesians 5:1–7
5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.[a] 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
Footnotes
- Ephesians 5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Does knowing Whose you are impact knowing who you are?Verses 1,2. Paul alternates between commands and their reasons – Gospel truths. We are to follow God’s example as ‘dearly loved children’ (1); to live a life of love – ‘as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us’ (2). Even in the middle of his writing about Christian behavior, Paul cannot resist returning to Christ’s victory.
While he describes the cross as being ‘for us,’ it is ultimately a ‘fragrant offering’ to God. Here, he picks up imagery from Leviticus about sacrifices in the tabernacle and Temple (Leviticus 1:13; 2:1,2). Why do you think Paul does this?
Verses 3–7. Observe how Paul’s alternating between commands and their reasons continues through these verses. Again, he focuses on our words (4:29), although it is not restricted just to what we say. His words challenge western Christians who assume that sexual behavior is the most important ethical issue. Yet, most are unable to point fingers at the world because of their inconsistent application of verse 3. And what is the connection between greed and idolatry (5)? What are you most prone to idolizing, or relying on, for your security, in place of trusting Christ?
Apply
Are there aspects of your identity in Christ that you find hard to accept? Pray for the Lord to deepen your sense of security in those areas. You can walk like the child of God that you are!
Closing prayer
Loving Savior, I want to be more like You. Help me to truly realize who I am in You.
Book and Author Intros
Extras
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