2022_11_23 Insight Post- Rusty Coram
This week’s reading- Ephesians 3 & 4
The two chapters this week could easily be turned into a lengthy message series – deep theological principles coupled with practical handles for living as a devoted follower of Jesus. One section that is particularly valuable is in chapter 4, where Paul says, “let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes” (verse 23), and then he explains how this renewal works. All too often, we attempt to make changes by merely stopping a bad or unhealthy behavior. While stopping something negative is a good thing, that alone will not lead to sustainable change. What we need to do is stop the bad behavior and replace it with something healthy and good. For example, if you want to get physically health but eat mostly junk food, you need to stop eating the junk, AND you need to eat healthy foods in its place. Paul gives us three examples of renewal that we need if we are going to have the kind of healthy relationships Jesus wants for His church:
- Stop lying and start telling the truth (verse 25)
- Stop stealing and start giving to others (verse 28)
- Stop using foul, abusive language and start speaking words of encouragement (verse 29)
This is simple and brilliant. All of us have areas of our lives that need attention. God is ready to help us in very practical ways, and He has provided His Holy Spirit and Truth (Bible) to equip us. What is something that you believe He wants you to stop and start today?
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor