Meditation

Hi there,

Today, Paul continues his call to unity by showing its connection to purity.

When believers are built up and build up others, the church grows healthier and more effective.

In today’s verses (17–19), Paul sounds almost like a drill sergeant. Joining the military means a new uniform, a new code of conduct, a new identity—and with it, new expectations.

So it is with following Christ.

In Him, we are one, and there’s no going back.

The new birth brings new beliefs, new behaviors, and a new way of life. Problems in the church arise when those who profess Christ cling to their old ways. Old beliefs and identities create dysfunction in the body.

Paul's wording shows the pattern of self-destruction;

Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity

So his command is clear: a unified walk must also be a purified walk.

Believers do not return to what they once were. Instead, they live in the new life Christ has given, showing evidence of real transformation before moving further on His mission.

Paul is making sure before we go any further, we assess whether we truly are in Christ.

Today's verses are Ephesians 4:17-19 (and are marked in black. Subsequent verses are shown in grey for context).

Instructions for Christian Living

¹⁷ So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.

¹⁸ They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

¹⁹ Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

²⁰ That, however, is not the way of life you learned ²¹ when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.

²² You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; ²³ to be made new in the attitude of your minds; ²⁴ and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁵ Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

²⁶ “In your anger do not sin” : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold. ²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Encouragement

^"16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

2 Corinthians 5:16-17

Steve Pawley

God's word in your hand

I've attached this explanation of Ephesians from The Bible Project to accompany this season's copy work.

Be Encouraged. Join our 1000 strong Facebook Group

Post a picture of your completed page to our Facebook Group today.

Join over 1000 club members doing the same. Your pictures will be a great encouragement to everyone else in the club

...and don't worry about your handwriting.

It is as unique as you are, and God's word looks beautiful in it.

P.S. BCC is even better when shared

If you know someone who would also benefit from Bible Copy Club's daily prompts to copy out scripture by hand, please forward them this ​link​.​