God’s blessings

From Stealing to Sharing

From Stealing to Sharing

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. (Ephesians 4:28)

This verse is part of Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians on how to live as new creations in Christ. It is a practical and ethical application of the Gospel, which transforms us from being selfish and sinful to being generous and righteous.

It reflects the heart of God, who gives us everything we have and expects us to use it for his glory and for the good of others.

In this devotional, we will explore four implications of this verse: the problem of stealing, the purpose of working, the power of sharing, and the promise of blessing.

Problem of Stealing

The first thing that Paul addresses in this verse is the problem of stealing. Stealing is taking something that belongs to someone else without their permission or consent. It is a violation of God’s commandment and an offense against our neighbor.

It is a manifestation of our fallen nature, which is greedy, covetous, and rebellious. It is a sign of our lack of trust in God, who provides for our needs and desires. It is a symptom of our discontentment with what we have and our dissatisfaction with who we are.

We may think that stealing is not a big deal or that it does not apply to us; rationalizing that we are only taking what we deserve or what we need. We may even justify that we are only borrowing or using what is not ours.

But the truth is that stealing is a serious sin and a harmful habit. It dishonors God, who owns everything and gives us everything.

It damages our relationship with others, who are made in God’s image and deserve our respect. It destroys our character, which is shaped by our choices and actions.

Purpose of Working

The second thing that Paul teaches in this verse is the purpose of working. Working is doing something useful with our own hands, using the abilities and opportunities that God has given us.

It is a way of expressing our gratitude and stewardship to God, who created us and gifted us; a way of fulfilling our role and responsibility in God’s kingdom, which is advancing and growing.

We may view work as a curse or a burden, or complain that it’s difficult or tedious. It’s possible to resent the fact that work is necessary or obligatory, and we might even avoid it because it’s challenging or demanding.

However, the truth is that work is a blessing and a privilege. It honors God, who himself works and rests.

Work benefits us by providing for our needs and allowing us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. It also helps others who depend on us and appreciate our contributions. Ultimately, work reflects our dignity, which is both derived from and affirmed by our labor.

Power of Sharing

The third thing Paul emphasizes in this verse is the power of sharing. Sharing is giving something that we have to someone who needs it.

It is a demonstration of our love and generosity to God, who loves us and gave his Son for us.

Sharing what we have is a gain and a joy. It pleases God, who sees and rewards. It enriches us, who give and receive.

Promise of Blessing

The fourth thing that Paul reveals in this verse is the promise of blessing. Blessing is the favor and grace of God that he bestows on us and through us.

It is the result and reward of living according to God’s will and way. It is the evidence and testimony of God’s presence and power in our lives, and the hope and assurance of God’s future and plan for us.

Conclusion

God wants us to live as His children, who are transformed by His grace and empowered by His Spirit.

He wants us to stop stealing and start working, so that we may have something to share with those in need. He wants us to experience His blessing and be a blessing to others.



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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Things Freely Given

Things Freely Given

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:12)

As Christians, we have been given an incredible gift – the very Spirit of God dwelling within us, providing divine wisdom, revelation, and discernment. Through the Spirit, we can grasp the depths of what God has graciously given us in Christ.

Seeing With Spiritual Eyes

Paul tells the Corinthians that believers have “not received the spirit of the world.” On our own, we are like blindfolded people, unable to comprehend spiritual truths.

God has given us His Spirit to open our eyes. He enlightens the eyes of our hearts, revealing the hope and riches of God’s glorious inheritance (Ephesians 1:18).

The Spirit searches the deep things of God and makes them known to us (1 Corinthians 2:10). With the veil removed, we can understand gospel truths that seem absurd and offensive to the darkened minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

Ask the Spirit to illuminate Scripture and give insight into the precious realities you have in Christ.

Discerning All Things

The Spirit enables us to “discern all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15), sifting truth from falsehood. As we stay connected to God in prayer and saturate our minds with Scripture, the Spirit will lead us into truth and prompt our conscience.

We can check ideas, philosophies, and advice against biblical wisdom – assessing if they align with God’s character and priorities. The Spirit guards us from deception, protecting the gospel message entrusted to us. Let us cling to the Spirit’s discernment each day.

Living By the Spirit When we received Christ, we gained the Spirit’s indwelling power and presence. Paul urges us to “live by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) – submitting to His leadership continually. As we walk in step with the Spirit, He will bear good fruit in our lives.

By God’s amazing grace, we have inherited blessings that go far beyond earthly wealth. Cherish this gift of the Spirit and rely fully on His divine enabling.




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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration