Chapter 4 of Ephesians is a turning point in the Apostle Paul’s message. All of the truths revealed in the first three chapters are beginning to be fleshed out and shown exactly how they apply in to daily living. The good news that God forgives people and gives them a new start in life is not just an idea. Instead, that news transforms every relationship imaginable. The topic of forgiveness is a one major way that Christians practically apply the gospel in their lives. This is an area in which we all have room to grow. How are you doing at forgiving the people who have hurt you?

In Ephesians Chapter 3, the Apostle Paul continues to call for unity in diversity among the people who make up the church. As daunting as this might seem for 21st century Christians, Paul assures us that God can do far more for us than we have even thought of or asked for. That sounds like good news, but what does it actually mean? What has God promised to do more of in our lives? What if God wants to do more in making our lives count for something far bigger than all of us? Will we be ready to take the next step?

The division between the Ephesian Jews and Gentiles weren't so different than those between modern day black and white Christians. The sad reality is that while we claim to be one church, it is rare to find a congregation that resembles the diversity found in their city. This was not God's design of the church. In order to see the multicolored family of faith assembling weekly, and doing life together daily, we all must intentionally build relationships with people who we don't naturally drift toward. The church should be leading the way in this regard. Unfortunately, Sunday mornings in the United States of America remain arguably the most segregated hours in our country today.

Only when we have a correct view of God can we begin to understand our place in relationship with him. The sinful selfish condition of our flesh will constantly wage war for control of our life. In the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul helps us recognize the vastness and generosity of God. Our salvation has been made possible by God's redemptive work through His Son Jesus. Even after we become Christians, we will be tempted to take credit for spiritual victory. In that way we are like a child on the beach, who's parent helped him by building a sandcastle only to have the child take credit for the work.

God's spiritual blessings are evidence of both his generosity and grace. In the Apostle Paul's letter to the believers in Ephesus, he encourages, challenges, and instructs them in how to live lives that show Jesus to the world. In chapter one we see the incredible blessings God has bestowed on his children. When we recognize how undeserving we are, and how generous God is, we begin to live the humble and thankful lives we were created to live.

God is FOR you! Many people live in the assumption that if there is a God, he must either be extremely disappointed in them, or he simply doesn't care about them at all. Thankfully, both of those assumptions are incorrect. In fact, God responded to our inability to live without sin with His own sinless Son, Jesus. Scripture tells us over and over again that not only is God FOR us, but He also promises to be with us. God's work among man is for His own glory and our good. That means whatever glorifies God is ultimately good for us.

It's one thing to know that you need to be anchored; it's another thing all together to know how to be anchored. In the second half of his letter to the church, Jude gives five instructions on what it looks like to be anchored in Christ. While none of us will be able to follow these instructions perfectly, if we truly love Jesus we will live our lives straining to obey. The most beautiful truth Jude shares is a promise that it is God who in fact makes us blameless and keeps us until Christ's return.

Sometimes the most loving and genuine thing you can do is call someone out for their sin. The relative-truth culture we live in today might call that being judgmental. That's exactly what the Bible would call it as well; except Jude, for instance, isn't using that word in a negative light. In the biblical letter of Jude, we read a call for judgement and accountability. As a church, we must keep a close watch on the teaching of our leaders, and the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. The first step in a sinful wandering away from God begins with a distortion of His instruction.

Where we choose to store our treasure depends largely on where we think our home is. No one would pack kitchen supplies or lawn equipment to take on a three month trip to France. However, most Christians treat money and possessions as if our time here on Earth was all that exists. We fail to recognize that any and all financial blessings God has given us is ultimately intended for His glory and the advancement of the Gospel. In the end, our giving level indicates not our understanding of finances, but our understanding of God's grace.

Where your treasure is your heart will be also. Most Christians know the previous statement and believe it to be true. Unfortunately, many of those very same believers struggle to give as the Bible teaches. Some wonder what exactly is the expectation from God concerning our finances. The fact is, they aren't OUR finances. In order to see our money and possessions through the proper lens, we must make some major, yet fundamental, changes in our approach to money and assets. Only then will what we should value become what we actually do value.