Paul encouraged the Ephesians to live wisely. Act on the good opportunities and try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. Don't get drunk, instead be filled with the Spirit. Paul advised them to speak kindly to one another and to always praise God, giving Him thanks for everything. Wives were to submit themselves to their husbands. Husbands were to love their wives as completely as Christ loved the church (He gave up His life for it.)
Children obey your parents. It is the first commandment that has a promise attached to it: "so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land." (Eph 6:3; Deut 5:16) Parents, don't vex your children. Help to welcome them into the body of Christ. The Lord will reward everyone for their good works. Finally, Paul urged the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God in order to strengthen themselves fully against the Devil's evil tricks. Wear truth as a belt around your waist, righteousness as a breastplate, shoes to announce the Good News of peace,(might this be a good reason to buy a new pair of shoes?) Always carry faith as a shield, accept salvation as a helmet, use the word of God from the Spirit as the sword. Pray and ask for God's help, whenever the Spirit leads you. Paul asked for their prayers for him since he was in prison. Paul ended this letter by tellling the Ephesians that he was sending them Tychicus with news and encouragement. Paul bid them God's peace and blessings.
Philippians
Paul gave thanks to God for all God's people in Philippi every time he thought of them. Paul expressed his deep affection for the people and encouraged them to keep growing closer to God and Jesus Christ. Paul was pleased that he was able to do the Lord's work even in prison and tell the guards about Jesus. He knew that his confinement gave others an opportunity to share the message, and he was happy that Christ was being preached however it was done. Whatever Paul did, he wanted to bring honor to Christ. He spoke honestly about being alive or dead and the benefits of both. The important thing was that they lived the Gospel.
Paul said, "Your life in christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another." (Philippians 2:1) Paul urged them to take care of each other. He expressed his throughts with the words of an early Christian hymn. (vv6-11) Paul encouraged the people to continue working because God is always working in us to make us able and willing to obey His purpose. Paul urged them to live in love, peace and harmony so that they would shine like stars among the corruption around them. Paul expressed feeling about Timothy like a father to a son. Timothy would bring them news when Paul knew how things would turn out. Paul told them about Epaphroditus, who had been so sick he almost died. Epaphroditus was unhappy to have caused the Philippians distress, but he was anxious to see them again.
Tomorrow read Philippians 3-4; Colossians 1
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