We need to build a strategy from growth and change as a believer, and that change must be built on the foundation of the gospel. We need to understand that there is an essential difference in our who we are now that we are a follower of Jesus Christ. The Doctrinal truths found in Ephesians are not given in a vacuum. God is most honored when His children make genuine, specific concrete changes in and through His power. The principles found in Ephesians 4:17-2 can go a long way toward helping us achieve that purpose. We are given a contrast between an unbelieving lifestyle in verse 22 and the saved lifestyle in verse 24. The hinge on which this contrast turns is essential for understanding the nuts and bolts of how to change. Verse 22 speaks about an approach to life that is characterized as “being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit.” The opposite of this approach is seen in verse 24, which is to live “in the likeness of God” according to the “righteousness and holiness of the truth.” This means that spiritual growth requires a gospel-centered focus on living less by our feelings and desires ad … READ MORE

Looking at sinful bitterness through the lens of God’s Fatherly discipline is one of those principles that will give us an ability to stand firm in the face of trials and difficulties. So often sinful bitterness could be avoided if we would choose to view our situation through the lens of sanctifying purposes of our loving heavenly Father. Hebrews 12:15 reminds us, “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by this many become defiled;” As we see purpose in our circumstances, we can bear up under the weight of the trial. The bottom line is that bitter people will be in regular turmoil with themselves, with the Lord, and with the other peo[le around them. If we allow God’s discipline to have its intended effect, the resulting sanctification will make it far easier to live at peace with others. … READ MORE

Every child needs parents to help them learn to walk in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, and their community. In the same way we need God’s discipline in our lives to expose the potential idolatry in my often-wandering heart as quickly as possible. The fact that God is willing to provide the right balance of trials and blessings in my life is proof that I am one of His children. the negative effects from the lack of a father who loves his children enough to discipline them are apparent in many ways in our society. Every time we choose to become sinfully bitter about something that is not going our way, we have forgotten the blessing of his fatherly discipline. God disciplines us not only because He loves us, but because we have been adopted into His family. As our heavenly Father, God will help to prepare us to serve Him, and to demonstrate who He is to our community. … READ MORE