January 19, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Ephesians Chapter 5
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The fifth chapter of the letter to the Ephesians, written by the Apostle Paul, focuses on Christian living in daily life. After describing in the previous chapters the fundamental unity of believers in Christ and the spiritual armor, Paul now turns to practical instructions. Chapter 5 emphasizes the necessity of walking in love as followers of God, maintaining moral purity, and applying Christian principles in interpersonal relationships, especially in marriage and family. It calls on believers to be the light of Christ in a world often filled with darkness and to separate themselves from the works of darkness.
Commentary
Verses 1-2: Following and Love
Paul begins the chapter with a call to be imitators of God as beloved children and to walk in love, just as Christ has loved us. This discipleship requires self-giving and sacrifice that are pleasing to God.
Verses 3-7: Avoidance of Sin
Here, Paul warns against immoral actions, impurity, and greed, which are inappropriate for the saints. Such behaviors exclude individuals from the inheritance in the kingdom of Christ. He emphasizes that believers should not be led astray by seductive words that lead to unbelief.
Verses 8-14: Living as Light in the World
Paul reminds the believers that they once lived in darkness, but now they are the light of the Lord. He encourages them to walk in the fruits of the Spirit – goodness, righteousness, and truth – and to avoid and expose the works of darkness. The image of light illustrates the openness and transparency that should characterize Christian life.
Verses 15-20: Living Wisely
Believers are urged to live carefully and wisely, making the most of their time and recognizing the will of the Lord. Paul warns against drunkenness and instead calls for a life filled with the Spirit. Fellowship and gratitude toward God should shape daily life.
Verses 21-33: Christian Household
Paul addresses interpersonal relationships within marriage. He calls for mutual submission in the fear of God, with the wife being subject to her husband as the church is subject to Christ. At the same time, husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loved the church – with self-sacrifice and devotion. This mutual love and respect should form the basis of a holy and unblemished community.
Summary
Ephesians chapter 5 provides a comprehensive guide for Christian life, characterized by love, purity, and wisdom. Paul calls on believers to be imitators of God in love and to avoid sinful behaviors that are detrimental to the saints. As the light in the world, Christians are to bear witness to Christ through their good works and righteous way of living. Additionally, Paul sets clear guidelines for the household, especially marriage, emphasizing the importance of mutual love and submission in accordance with divine principles. Overall, chapter 5 calls believers to lead a life that honors God and strengthens the community of believers.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 1—God’s Love for Man
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
The first chapter of the book The Way to Christ powerfully depicts God’s immeasurable love for humanity. It shows how this love is made visible through nature, revelation, and especially through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God is described as the source of life, joy, and truth, whose actions are always directed towards blessing and redeeming humanity. Even in a world marked by sin, His love remains visible, whether through the beauty of creation or through the redemptive work of Jesus, which clearly reveals God’s nature and His plan for salvation.
Commentary:
Chapter 1 offers a profound reflection on God’s love, which is evident throughout creation and in the redemption through Christ. A central theme is that God continues to love humanity despite their sin and strives to reconcile them with Himself. The depiction of nature as an expression of God’s care is particularly moving: every sunbeam, every flower petal, and every bird’s song is interpreted as a testimony to His immeasurable love. This reminds us that God’s care is not abstract, but tangible in every facet of life.
The chapter also addresses the dark reality of sin, which destroyed the world’s original state of perfection and freedom from suffering. Interestingly, the suffering that entered the world through sin is not portrayed as meaningless or arbitrary but as a tool that, within God’s salvation plan, serves an educational and restorative purpose. This perspective invites us to seek God’s intent even in difficult moments and to recognize that He does not abandon His children, even in suffering.
Another highlight of the chapter is the description of Jesus Christ as the perfect revelation of God’s love. Christ assumed human nature to show the world the true nature of God and to provide the way for human salvation. The chapter emphasizes that Jesus was not only a teacher or prophet but the living embodiment of divine love. His acts of healing, kindness to the weak, and willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice on the cross demonstrate the depth of God’s compassion and selflessness.
At the same time, an important misconception is addressed: Jesus’ sacrifice was not meant to move God to love or forgive humanity, but it was the result of His pre-existing love for humanity. John 3:16 is highlighted here as a central theme: God gave His Son because He loved the world. This truth not only forms the foundation of the Christian faith but also serves as a call for readers to be transformed by this love.
The chapter is not only a theological discourse but also an invitation to personal reflection. It encourages readers to contemplate the depth and breadth of God’s love and to respond by turning to Him in trust and gratitude. Particularly striking is the depiction of how, through Christ, people can become “children of God” — a calling that carries both dignity and a special responsibility.
Overall, Chapter 1 serves as an encouraging and inspiring introduction, connecting the reader to the central message of the Christian faith: God’s love is infinite, it seeks us, and it desires to draw us to Himself, regardless of our faults and weaknesses. This love is the path to true joy, peace, and hope.
Summary:
Chapter 1 of The Way to Christ describes God’s immeasurable love for humanity, which is revealed through nature, revelation, and the life of Jesus Christ. Creation reflects God’s care, and even the suffering that came into the world through sin is understood as part of His salvation plan. Through Jesus’ life and sacrifice, God’s nature is made visible — a nature full of compassion, selflessness, and a will to redeem. Christ not only revealed God’s love but also made it possible, through His death on the cross, for people to become “children of God.” The chapter invites readers to reflect on this love and find in a personal relationship with God the hope, joy, and salvation He offers.
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