Ephesians 4:17-32
Ephesians 4:17-32
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 neighbour, 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.
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 neighbour, 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.
How to S.O.A.P.
Use your 21 Days of Prayer Journal, if you don't have one you can do this with a piece of paper.
S — SCRIPTURE - Which verse stood out to you?
Listen to the reading for today again a couple of times and allow God to speak to you. Is there a verse that particularly stands out? If so, write it in your journal.
O — OBSERVATION - What is God saying to you?
What do you feel God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal something to you.
A — APPLICATION - How can you apply it today?
Personalise what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life. Perhaps it is an instruction, an encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P — PRAYER - Ask God to help you use what you’ve learned.
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or even a prayer for a greater insight on what the Spirit may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so also listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
www.stmaryslondon.com/21daysofprayer
S — SCRIPTURE - Which verse stood out to you?
Listen to the reading for today again a couple of times and allow God to speak to you. Is there a verse that particularly stands out? If so, write it in your journal.
O — OBSERVATION - What is God saying to you?
What do you feel God is saying to you in this scripture? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and reveal something to you.
A — APPLICATION - How can you apply it today?
Personalise what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life. Perhaps it is an instruction, an encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life. Write how this scripture can apply to you today.
P — PRAYER - Ask God to help you use what you’ve learned.
This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this scripture, or even a prayer for a greater insight on what the Spirit may be revealing to you. Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so also listen to what God has to say! Now, write it out.
www.stmaryslondon.com/21daysofprayer
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