7.24.2010

To Us - Who Are Gentiles

In the book of Ephesians, Paul insist that those of us who are Gentiles no longer live as Gentiles, Eph.4:17, but that we be very careful how we live, Eph.5:15. Paul admonishes us to, "not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
One of the most important things we must do to understand the Lord's will is to know what is not the Lord's will.
In the book of Proverbs 6:16,17, and 18, we find that "there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him:
Prov.6:17, haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood,
Prov. 6:18, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and, a man who stirs up descension among brothers.
You say, Preacher, how do we no longer live as Gentiles, how do we avoid the seven things that are detestable to the Lord?
Again we turn to Paul's writing to the Ephesians, about where they had come from and also, where they should be seeking to go, Paul commands the Gentiles to, Eph.6:10, "finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, Ep.6:11, put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Paul enlightens us by letting us know, Eph.6:12, "for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Paul says, that we are to, Eph.6:13, Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand, Hallelua, Eph.6:14, stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, (this will give you the ability to ward off haughty eyes and lying lips), with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (this will avoid a heart that devises wicked schemes), and Eph.6:15, with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, (this will prevent feet that are quick to rush into evil).
And, Eph.6:16, in addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, glory to God, with the shield of faith, you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Isn't it just wonderful to know that we are inheritors of the kingdom of God. We no longer need live as Gentiles. Praise God. Amen.

No comments: