In continuing his exhortation to the Ephesians to put off the old self and instead put on the new, the Apostle Paul addresses two issues that have the potential to destroy the bond of peace within the body of Christ if not completely put away from us: corrupting speech and unforgiveness. By allowing literally “rotten” talk to come […]

The old self, that Paul is encouraging the church to put off and be replaced by the new man, was one completely defined and corrupted by deceitful desires (Eph. 4:22). Having been deceived by Satan to chase after the lusts of the flesh, the pleasures of this world, and the pride of life, we chose to find our […]

The good news of salvation in Christ Jesus is not only that we have been reconciled to God but that we have also been adopted into his family. We are now “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19). In view of this glorious calling, we are to walk in a manner worthy […]

Paul, called to be an apostle to the Gentiles and compelled by the love of Christ, gave his life to the stewardship of God’s grace that had been given to him (Eph. 3:1-2). Amidst persecution, suffering, and imprisonment for the sake of Christ, he continued to proclaim the mystery of the gospel to the known world. But why […]

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Eph. 2:19). Thus Paul concludes this magnificent chapter with a stunning picture of sinful humanity, both Jew and Gentile, being built together into the temple of God. This holy dwelling place is built upon […]

The Psalms of lament are a wonderful source of encouragement, relief, and hope for those enduring times of affliction. They have often served as the prayers of the saints throughout the centuries.Though both Psalm 42 and 43 are full of questions, grief, and doubt, and though our souls are often downcast and surrounded by the storms of turmoil […]

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Gal. 6:8). As we move towards the end of the letter to the Galatians, Paul has been explaining some practical ways in which believers can demonstrate […]

It is often the case that believers, though justified and made new creations by God’s grace, find themselves struggling with sin. Yet, instead of receiving help and encouragement from their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, they instead encounter haughty judgment and condemnation. Here Paul teaches that one of the most practical ways for the church to demonstrate the reality […]

As Paul continues to recount his experiences in Jerusalem, we learn that the gospel message he had been proclaiming – of justification by faith alone for both the Jew and Gentile – was ultimately accepted by the other Apostles: “when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave […]