Cover-to-Cover

Ephesians 4 Ephesians 4 starts with “I therefore.” Remember this is one long letter. Chapter and verses were added later. Whenever we see “therefore,” we can ask, “What is the therefore there for?” In chapter 3, Paul spoke of the love and power of God available to those who walk in God’s grace instead of their own strength. We can walk in grace when we’re confidence of a love we...

Ephesians 3 In verse 10, Paul writes about the manifold wisdom of God now known by the church, shown in demonstration before principalities and evil powers. The Greek word for “manifold” is polupoikilos, and one of its definitions is multicolored. In creation, there are hundreds of hues of colors. God’s wisdom has many sides or folds to it. In the previous verse, Paul describes spiritual mystery, truth that can only...

Ephesians 2 You were once far off, but now are brought near because of Christ (verse 13). Do you remember being far from God? We didn’t know Him. We were lost, but now we’re found. We were blind, but now we see. What about the people who are still far from God? How do we treat them? Do they feel loved or condemned? What are we doing to reach them?...

Ephesians 1 There are 10 references to being in Christ is just this first chapter of Ephesians. Before Christ, we were trying to live in our self-sufficiency. Before Christ, we tried to be in control of our own lives. To enter into Christ, we have to die to self. We have to humble ourselves, recognize our need for Him, and yield ourselves to His loving authority. When we do, we...

Galatians 6 Self-righteousness has a superior, condemning attitude toward those who sin or who are overtaken in a misconduct. Paul has been addressing spiritual pride in Galatia, and he concludes this letter by instructing the Galatians to help bear one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults rather than push them down (and lift themselves up). Walking someone on a journey of faith takes a humble heart that understand grace. It’s...

Galatians 5 There are a few things that hinder a move of God. One, Christians living in sin. Two, Christians living in legalism or religious pride. In this chapter, we see how to overcome sinful desires. If we were to compare desires to fires, the more you feed them, the more they grow. To overcome the sinful desires of the flesh (unregenerate soul and body), then feed the spirit. Starve...

Galatians 4 Paul writes to the Jewish believers in Galatia, teaching them the purpose of the Law was to lead them to their need for redemption through Christ, their Messiah. He used the illustration of a child with an inheritance in a trust, unable to receive that trust until the child was of age. The inheritance was always theirs, but it wasn’t until Christ that their inheritance could be received....

Galatians 3 How would you like it if your pastor said this to you, “O you poor and silly and thoughtless and unreflecting and senseless church members! Who has fascinated or bewitched or cast a spell over you?” This is what Paul wrote to the Galatians. As we read through Apostle Paul’s writings, we often see where he is continually trying to keep his church family on track. When they...

Galatians 2 Do you ever feel unnoticed? Unimportant? Insignificant? Paul writes in verse 6, “God is not impressed with the positions that men hold and He is not partial and recognizes no external distinctions.” If we are trying to please people or be recognized by people, there is little satisfaction. However, when we aim to please God and serve His purpose, there is a fulfillment and peace of knowing Him...

Galatians 1 No matter what your past, if God calls you, God will qualify you. Paul had made wrong choices that hurt Christians in his past, and many of them questioned his motives and integrity. When Paul stepped out to obey God in ministry, he set his focus on God’s acceptance, not the acceptance of people. If you are concerned about what people will say about your imperfections, your past...

2 Corinthians 13 Do we need help living a life for Christ? Yes, we do! When Paul speaks to the Corinthians about living a holy lifestyle, he says of Christ, “He is not weak and feeble in dealing with you, but is a mighty power within you.” Paul says in verse 4, Jesus was crucified in weakness, “yet He goes on living by the power of God!” Then Paul reminds...

2 Corinthians 12 God’s grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Our weakness describes the lack we have in ourselves, but celebrating the more-than-enough we find in a dependent relationship on God. If we boast, we should credit the Lord for what He can do through a yielded heart. Let’s remember that Paul is continuing his response to the Corinthians in regard to false apostles...

2 Corinthians 11:16-33 Stay humble. Stay meek. No matter what they say about us or do to us, God needs our hearts to stay pliable and yielded to Him and others. Has anyone ever tested your love? Questioned your integrity or ability or message? Remember that Paul has been criticized by a group that is trying to deceive the people who follow him, to lead them away from his leadership...

2 Corinthians 11:1-5 The enemy excels at deception. It’s important that we are spiritual aware and on the lookout for counterfeiters that will draw us away from God’s plan for our lives and our communities. Here we see the love of a spiritual Father for the people he invests in and for whom he is spiritually responsible. Other so-called apostles were also coming to Corinth, trying to pull people away...

2 Corinthians 10 We should not compare ourselves with others, but focus on being true to ourselves. We should not try to take away from the ministry that someone else has established, but focus on reaching people who have not been reached yet. Paul speaks from experience. People are often impressed or attracted to leaders who have charisma, can draw a crowd, and have a bold and loud expression. However,...