Good morning,

Today we will be studying Ephesians 5.

Ephesians 5

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling savor. (5:2)

Introduction

Walk in love (5:1-2)

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;² And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor.

Holy conversation (5:3-5)

But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;⁴ Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. ⁵ For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Be not deceived (5:6-7)

Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.⁷ Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Walk as children of light (5:8-14)

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:⁹ (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)¹⁰ Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. ¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.¹² For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.¹³ But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. ¹⁴ Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Redeem the time (5:15-17)

See then that ye walk circumspectly (prudent and cautious), not as fools, but as wise, ¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.¹⁷ Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Be filled with the Spirit (5:18-20)

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;¹⁹ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;²⁰ Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Relationship between Christ, the husband, and the wife (5:21-33)

 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.²² Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.²³ For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body. ²⁴ Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;²⁶ That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,²⁷ That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.²⁸ So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.²⁹ For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:³⁰ For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.³¹ For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.³² This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.³³ Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

CONCLUSION

Walk in love

Live righteously

Do not be deceived

Walk in the light

Redeem the time

Be filled with the Spirit

Submit yourselves

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

Good morning,

From the very beginning, God loved us with a love beyond our comprehension. He created a perfect world, gave us freedom to make our own choices, and redeemed us when we failed. As you read this devotional, keep this in mind.

The love that surpasses knowledge!

(Horatius Bonar, “The Chief Among Ten Thousand”)

“To Him who loves us, and has freed us from our sins by His blood!” Revelation 1:5

The name of Him who loves us is not given, because it would be superfluous to state it. Only One could be meant. His is love like Himself . . .
infinite,
unchanging,
never ending,
yet free!

Love stronger than death or the grave–love that loves us . . .
out of sin,
out of the grave,
out of Hell,
into Heaven!

It is the love whose breadth and length, depth and height, are immeasurable–the love that surpasses knowledge!

“May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should–how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is!” Ephesians 3:18

“May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully!” Ephesians 3:19

~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Were it not for Jesus willingly going to the cross, shedding His perfect blood for our sins, rising from the dead on the third day, and seen by over five hundred, we would be lost and headed for hell.

Unfortunately, the understanding of the cross in Jesus time and the understanding of the cross today are not the same. We have denigrated the cross to a meaningless piece of wood.

A. W. Tozer compares the cross of Jesus time and the cross of some of today’s church’s.

The cross of popular evangelicalism!

(A.W. Tozer)

“If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

The cross of popular evangelicalism is not the cross of the New Testament.

It is, rather–a new bright ornament upon the bosom of a self-assured and carnal Christianity.

The old cross slew men–the new cross entertains them.

The old cross humbled men–the new cross amuses them.

The old cross destroyed confidence in the flesh–the new cross encourages it.

The old cross brought tears and blood–the new cross brings laughter.

The flesh, smiling and confident, preaches and sings about the cross. Before that cross it bows, and toward that cross it points with carefully staged histrionics—but upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach of that cross, it stubbornly refuses to bear.

We must do something about the cross, and only one of two things we can do–flee from it, or die upon it.

The man who takes up the cross no longer controls his destiny–he lost control, when he picked up his cross. That cross immediately became to him an all-absorbing interest, an overwhelming passion. No matter what he may desire to do, there is but one thing he can do–that is, move on toward the place of crucifixion!

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world!” Galatians 6:14
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

God has done a great work in our lives. He used our own wickedness as a counterpoint to God’s love and mercy.

If Jesus had not been their Savior, their Shepherd, and their Shield!

(John Newton)

The gracious purposes to which the Lord makes the sense and feeling of our depravity subservient, are manifold.

Hereby His own power, wisdom, faithfulness and love–are more signally displayed.

His power is displayed–in maintaining His own work in the midst of such opposition, like a spark burning in the water, or a bush unconsumed in the flames.

His wisdom is displayed in defeating and controlling all the devices which Satan–who, from his knowledge of the evil of our nature, is encouraged to practice his wily arts against us.

The unchangeableness of the Lord’s love, and the riches of His mercy, are likewise more illustrated, by the multiplied pardons He bestows upon His people–than if they needed no forgiveness at all.

Hereby the Lord Jesus Christ is more endeared to the soul; all boasting is effectually excluded; and the glory of a full and free salvation is ascribed to Him alone.

After a long experience of their own deceitful hearts, after repeated proofs of their weakness, willfulness, ingratitude, and insensibility–they find that none of these things can separate them from the love of God–and Jesus becomes more and more precious to their souls. They love much–because much has been forgiven them.

They dare not, they will not ascribe anything to themselves, but are glad to acknowledge that they would have perished a thousand times over–if Jesus had not been their Savior, their Shepherd, and their Shield.
When they were wandering–He brought them back.
When they were fallen–He raised them.
When they were wounded–He healed them.
When they were fainting–He revived them.

In a word, some of the clearest proofs they have had of His excellence, have been occasioned by the mortifying proofs they have had of their own vileness. They would not have known so much of Him—if they had not known so much of themselves!

These are some of the advantages and good fruits which the Lord enables us to obtain from that bitter root, indwelling sin.
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 714-4001

Good morning,

I will uphold you with My victorious right hand!

(“Every Day!” Author unknown, 1872)

“Having obtained help from God–I continue until this day.” Acts 26:22

This is the testimony of the great apostle of the Gentiles. Many were the perils to which he was exposed, and many were the hardships which he endured–but he was borne up and carried through them all, by the help of God his Savior.

Just so, He who was the Helper of the great apostle–is the Helper of the feeblest child in His family, or the weakest lamb in His flock.

He is your Helper, beloved Christian reader! He who has redeemed you, not with corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with His precious blood–will assuredly afford you seasonable aid. Look then to Him, in the discharge of your daily duties–for all needful wisdom and strength.

In domestic cares and trials–remember that your Helper is near.

In every hour of weakness and sorrow–cast yourself on His sustaining grace.

In the hour of your extremity, when human help avails nothing–then cling to Him, and listen to Him as He says,
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you!
Do not be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will uphold you with My victorious right hand!” Isaiah 41:10
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Ephesians 4 has a lot of practical lessons to be learned and applied.

Ephesians 4

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. (4:32)

Introduction

The unity of the Spirit (4:1-6)

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;³ Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;⁵ One Lord, one faith, one baptism,⁶ One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Christ’s gifts to the Church (4:7-12)

But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.⁸ Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.⁹ (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?¹⁰ He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)¹¹ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Different members work for the same purpose (4:13-16)

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:¹⁴ That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;¹⁵ But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:¹⁶ From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Put off the old life and be daily renewed (4:17-29)

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,¹⁸ Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: ¹⁹ Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. ²⁰ But ye have not so learned Christ;²¹ If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:²² That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;²³ And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;²⁴ And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.²⁵ Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.²⁶ Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:²⁷ Neither give place to the devil.²⁸ Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.²⁹ Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Be kind to one another (4:30-32)

And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.³¹ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:³² And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

CONCLUSION

Be unified in the Spirit of God

Christ has given us gifts for the edifying of the body of Christ

Put off the old man and renew your mind

Be kind to one another

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

 

 

 

Good morning,

I was intrigued by this devotion from Pastor Adrian Rogers.

The Bible is very clear, that if a person is unwilling to work, he should not eat. If government is feeding people who refuse to work, who is actually paying for that meal? The people who work.

The only money government has is what it takes from its working citizens.

Read this and think about what Pastor Roger’s is saying.

That my dear friend, is about the end of any nation!

(Adrian Rogers)

“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work–he shall not eat.’ We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy–they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ–to settle down and earn the bread they eat.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

You cannot legislate the poor into freedom–by legislating the wealthy out of freedom.

What one person receives, without working for–another person must work for, without receiving.

The government cannot give to anybody–anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.

When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work, because the other half is going to take care of them; and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work, because somebody else is going to get what they work for–that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation!

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Many of us grew up with the teaching of Pastor Adrian Rogers. He is still on radio and TV today.

These quotes will encourage us and challenge us.

Short pithy quotes from Adrian Rogers
   ~  ~  ~  ~

Our sins were the nails that nailed Him to that tree–and our hard hearts were the hammers that drove those nails!

~  ~  ~  ~

Reputation is what others think about you.
Character is what God knows about you.

~  ~  ~  ~

If you live for this world–then you are in the junk business. It’s all just premature junk!

~  ~  ~  ~

Some people go to Hell—with a chest full of Sunday school attendance pins!

~  ~  ~  ~

Anything you love more, fear more, serve more, or value more than God–is your idol!

~  ~  ~  ~

To be almost saved–is to be totally lost!

~  ~  ~  ~

The devil would just as soon send you to Hell from the pew–as from the gutter!

~  ~  ~  ~

God is sovereign–so live confidently.
God is holy–so live reverently.

~  ~  ~  ~

Where God leads–He feeds.
Where God directs–He protects.
Where God guides–He provides.
~  ~  ~  ~

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Psalm 103 is such an encouragement to me. The first nine verses tell us of God’s blessings. Verses 10-18 explains His great mercy to sinners. Verses 19-22 tell us about the heavenly entities the bless the Lord.

Count the blessings and then determine what the responsibilities are. Then “Bless the Lord”.

Psalm 103

The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. (8)

1. WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US (1-9)

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.² Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:³ Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;⁴ Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;⁵ Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.⁶ The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.⁷ He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.⁸ The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.⁹ He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

2. MAN’S SIN-GOD’S MERCY-MAN’S RESPONSIBILITY (10-18)

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. ¹¹ For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.¹² As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.¹³ Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.¹⁴ For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.¹⁵ As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. ¹⁶ For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. ¹⁷ But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children;¹⁸ To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

3. HEAVENLY BEINGS BLESS THE LORD (19-22)

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. ²⁰ Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.²¹ Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.²² Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Everyone loves a good mystery. Ephesians 3 tells of a mystery that has been hidden for thousands of years. Paul presents the mystery and then tells us the fulfillment of the mystery.

Ephesians 3

Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) ⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;⁶ That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (3:4-6)

A. God’s mystery and man’s place in it revealed

1.(Eph 3:1-5) Preface to the revelation of the mystery

For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,² If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:³ How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,⁴ Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)⁵ Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

2.(Eph 3:6-7) The mystery described

That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:⁷ Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

3.(Eph 3:8-9) Paul’s presentation of the mystery

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;⁹ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

4.(Eph 3:10-12) The purpose of the mystery

To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, ¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

5.(Eph 3:13) Paul’s current personal participation in the mystery

Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

B. Paul prays in light of the mystery

1.(Eph 3:14-15) Introduction to the prayer

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

2.(Eph 3:16-19) Paul again prays for the Ephesians

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

3.(Eph 3:20-21) A glorious doxology

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001