Foundations November 9, 2012

Read Ephesians 4-5:14
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.)

God wants His Body to be holy and mature. He desires that we would “walk in a manner worthy of the calling we’ve received” (4:1). Without grace, this calling would merely be another law that brought death. The beauty of this calling is that He offers us everything we need to carry out this task. In this passage of Scripture alone we see three key ways God brings believers to maturity. First, He empowers people with gifts (4:8-11; the Fivefold Ministry is specifically mentioned here). These gifts aren’t to be used for personal gain, but rather to help the church reach “unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature” (4:13). Second, God provides us with warnings against falling back into our former lives (4:17-24, 5:2-14). Finally, God helps us reach maturity by giving us specific guidance. He uses His Scriptures to give us a picture of what it looks like to live a life honouring to Him (4:25-5:1)

Prayer and Meditation

1.      God wants you to “put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Are there any areas where you haven’t put off your old self (for example, habits, using your tongue to curse rather than bless, how you spend your time, harmful relationships, etc.)? Confess these to God.

2.      Ask God to show you how He wants you to grow in character. Be willing to take any practical steps He might show you.

3.      Spend some time praying for Christians in the marketplace. Their character is a huge factor in how people in their spheres of influence view Christianity. Pray that God would guide and empower them to live in a manner worthy of their calling.