Ephesians 5: 14 - No More Sleep

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Exposition

Yesterday we prayed about one who is separated from God or dead to God. Today we will assess if we are sleeping spiritually and pray. A man who is dead is gone and lost to the world while the one who is asleep though not dead physically is not conscious of what is happening around him. Just as a true believer in Jesus Christ can become a sleeping Christian, so also a Church can be alive but asleep. Such a Church is described as a lukewarm Church which God said in Revelation 3:16 He will spew out of His mouth if they did not change their ways.

The Christian who is sleeping was connected to Jesus Christ but is now no longer connected. How would you know whether you have slipped into a sleeping position? Your faith is now treated as routine. Miracles are nothing to rejoice about. It is no different to ticking boxes. Attend Church – yes, bring offering – yes, pray before meals – yes, home Fellowship – no, not today. You are operating in minimal obedience and compliance. The love of Christ is not the motivation for the things you do. If this is the case, then you are sleeping.

Closely aligned to the point above, when you treat your faith as something that has to be done not something that you should do is another indication of sleep. For example reading your Bible does not stir your faith and there is no new revelation. When your faith is now a burden, there is a problem that needs solving.

You have never served in Church or you have now become a bench warmer in Church. For example, you used to sing in the choir or work in a unit and you no longer do so. Excuses are easy to reel out than overcoming obstacles to service. The passion for the things of God is no longer in you. You would put time and energy into a relationship or what you are passionate about. When you are no longer passionate, you are sleeping.

You are sleeping when you are not concerned about what is happening around you. A sinner dying and going to hell is unimportant. You do not see any opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. The needs of your community, large or small have no impact on you.  We are sometimes lulled into a false sense of security because we and possibly immediate family are saved. Jesus Christ said the harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few. Proverbs 11:30 says he who wins souls is wise. Therefore if evangelism is not for you, then you are sleeping.

Relaxing after victory can also lead to sleeping. Improved financial status and answered prayer can also lead to sleeping too. The times of trials were a time of fasting and prayer. If prayer and fasting have now suddenly become difficult, a sleepy state will result. This, unfortunately, will open the door to the enemy who goes about like a roaring lion seeking whom to devour.

Tomorrow by God’s grace we’ll pray for the “Sitting Christian”.

Prayer

Lord, please open my eyes to the opportunities for evangelism. Let me start to care for the people around me. Let there be compassion in my heart for souls that the enemy has clamped down.

Take away every pride that has lulled me into false security. Let me continue to depend on you. I pray that I will continue to appreciate everything you have done and will continue to do for me.

Let me be more passionate. Draw me close to you my Father. Let me start enjoying spending time with you again.

Help me to keep good company so I do not fall into the hands of those who are sleeping.

I do not want to be found asleep on the day that you will come. Help me, Lord, to stay awake in Jesus name. Let your grace draw me close again in Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 45

Exodus 18-19

Judges 21

Psalm 3

Jeremiah 45

Luke 1

2 Corinthians 1

Ephesians 2: 1 - Do Not Be Separate from God

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Exposition

It is clear to both young and the old that death is the opposite of life. The body of the dead person is separated from the soul and spirit. Before Adam and Eve sinned, they were in direct contact with God. Their sin led to separation from God. Psalm 51: 5 says for I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. Therefore the nature of sin was inherited.

Yes, a nature of sin is inborn, continuing a life of sin will contribute to the separation of the man, though alive physically but is spiritually dead. The person who is dead does not have the capacity to love God and obey Him. That person is a lone ranger. Such a person has been described as a “dead man walking”. Romans 2:5 lets us know that people who are dead to God await His wrath in judgment.

Luke 1:79 lets us know that men who are separated from God are in darkness, held captive by satan and are operating in the shadow of death. Men who die separated from God here on earth will continue to be separated in eternity. (Spending eternity in hell must not be an option for any man). This is because the wages of sin is death and the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ. God in His love has provided a way out of the certain death that awaits the sinner. While we were yet sinners God sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die in the place of every man, including those who haven’t been born yet.  

John 3:16 says for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Colossians 2:13 asserts that every sin has been forgiven. The key word in John 3:16 is believe. Believe that Jesus has paid the price, job done. Keep it simple, call on Jesus now as Romans 10: 13 says that - for whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Tomorrow by God’s grace we’ll pray for the “Sleeping Christian”.

Prayer

I do not want to be separated from you either here on earth or in eternity. The death of Jesus Christ concerning me, will not be in vain. You have said anyone that calls on you will be saved. I call on you now, please bring to my remembrance all my sins. I confess them and I ask that you forgive me. As you have promised, wipe them off and let me become a new man from this moment in Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)

Day 44

Exodus 16-17

Judges 20

Psalm 2

Jeremiah 44

Mark 14

1 Corinthians 16

Ephesians 3:20 - God is Able

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Exposition

Now to Him who is able to do – God is able to do, because human beings are limited in what they can do while He, the Almighty has unlimited power. God is omnipotent (all powerful) and He is the Most High, meaning He is higher than whatever is the highest. With God all things are possible. You should for a minute think about what happened at creation and be in awe of Him.

exceedingly abundantly – These double words are translated from the Greek word “perissos”. It means over and above, more than necessary, extraordinary and superior. It also means ‘to an extent that which cannot be expressed’.  There is no limit to the extent God can go for you!!

above all that we ask or think – You are free today to ask for anything which God has promised in His word. You can imagine the things you know and those that you don’t. You can go beyond what is indescribable. Nothing is beyond the Master.

according to the power that works in us – This is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of this power in you is that you were touched by this power and God brought you into His family by grace through Jesus Christ.

Have you doubted God? Have a change of heart today. Have faith in the divine ability of God to see you through each and every situation.

Prayer

I bow down and worship you, Almighty God. You are too marvellous for words. Father, you are indescribable. Thank you for putting me in a position where I can ask you for anything. Thank you for making me aware that nothing is too much for you to do for me.

Help me Lord to ask according to your will. Do not delay in answering every single prayer. Thank you Father in Jesus name. Amen

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Ephesians 6:10 - Strong in the Lord

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Exposition

Many are not aware that the struggles of life are as a result of opposition from the powers of darkness whose sole purposes are to kill, steal and destroy. Their agenda is to keep you from God and from heaven. Those under the grip of Satan suffer on earth and end up in hell with him.

There is a solution. Firstly understand there is a battle against you and your future generations. Secondly understand that if you are on the side of Jesus, you are on the side of Him who has never lost a battle and He who has paid a price for your life. Thirdly start taking steps to enforce the victory.

Finally, be strong in the Lord – Accept you have no strength of your own. God gives us the strength that we need. Paul says in Philippians 4:13 that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  

and in his mighty power – God is Almighty. He is the lion of the tribe of Judah. He is the Lord of hosts – the hosts of heaven are at his beck and call. He sits on His throne in heaven and the earth is His footstool. The winds respond to His arms and waters to His voice.

Do not give up. Stand up and fight.

Prayer

Help me to be conscious of the situation that I am in. Help me Lord to depend on you. Help me father to apply myself to the battles at hand. Help me to resist every temptation designed to wear me down in Jesus name. Help me father to learn how to use the weapons that are available to me in Jesus name.

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Ephesians 3:11-12 - Access the throne room with boldness

This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,

in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.

Prayer

Thank you for loving the world.

Thank you for appointing Christ Jesus to fulfil your eternal purpose for mankind – salvation.

Thank you for all the blessings and promises that are available to me in Christ Jesus.

Help me O Lord to use the boldness that I already have to come to you at all times.

Let my faith in Christ never grow dim; let me grow in faith every day in Jesus name. Amen

Ephesians 3:6 - I am a member of the family of God

This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Prayer

I shout it to the world.

Thank you father for allowing me into your family.

I am now your child.

I am now a partaker of the blessings of heaven.

I am not saved from death by my faith in Jesus Christ.

I enjoy all the benefits of being that of the body of Christ.

I will praise you forever in Jesus name. Amen