Today we will be finishing Luke's narration of the Jesus's Sermon on the Plain in which Jesus calls us to deep personal reflection and taking stock of our spiritual walk. Luke 6:43-49

In a world that encourages us to grow in assertiveness, domination and control, Paul tells us that people who are filled with the Spirit will grow in the opposite direction. As the Spirit increases in us, our pride will decrease.

Are you stuck? Maybe there was a season in your life when you were really growing, but now you've slipped into a rut. You know that God has more for you, but you can't seem to motivate yourself to press in. If this is true then this passage is for you.

Bible scholars agree that chapter 4 functions as the hinge of the book of Ephesians. Here, Paul shifts from theology to morality. Paul is going to start laying out some instructions – some commands – for the church.

Not only is the message "love your enemies" a part of the Christian life – it is one of the major displayers of your faith.

As we have seen over the last two Sundays, Paul has been proclaiming a message of unity to this Ephesian church. He's been reminding them that all the old divisions – particularly the divisions between Jews and Gentiles – can now be overcome in Christ! There is UNIFYING POWER in the gospel! Ephesians 3:14-21

While reflecting on this passage, the expression, "talk is cheap" comes to mind. It reminds us of Paul's example that, while it is one thing to SAY the right words, it's another thing entirely to back up those words with your actions.

While the language that the Apostle Paul uses in today's passage may feel foreign – the need that he addresses is not. Paul is speaking to the problem of isolation – the pain that comes when we sense that there is a chasm between us and God and between us and other people.