The Vine: August 26, 2024
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. 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.
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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians is often referred to as the “Queen of the Epistles,” and for good reason. The first three chapters of St Paul’s letter contains some of the richest Christian doctrine in the Bible and uses beautiful imagery to the describe what Christ has gloriously and gracefully made possible for all of us who were “...without hope and without God in the world.” (2:12). Ephesians 4 begins the second half of this letter where Paul makes a dramatic shift from doctrine to practice, from Christ living in us to Christ living through us. The single word, “Therefore...” found in this scripture reading signals this change, and is God’s invitation to live into a brand new way of life reflecting our identity in Christ.
Christianity is more than just about getting information into our heads; it’s ultimately about the transformation that happens when Christ lives and grows in our hearts. So, Paul encourages believers to put off their old self and “...put on the new self, created to be like God...” (4:24) and then describes what this new life looks like. Destructive, deceitful, and hurtful behaviors are now exchanged for “the way of love” (5:2) that reflects the kind, compassionate, and forgiving heart of our Lord Jesus. This radical way of living and loving is as much a shock in our self-absorbed culture today as it would have been in first century Ephesus. There is still no more powerful witness to our faith than when the Holy Spirit expresses kindness, compassion, and forgiveness through transformed lives. Paul, the one who once “breathed out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1), is a poster child for how this change is possible for anyone by God’s love and power.
The great preacher and founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, was once approached by a man lost in the grip of unbelief. The man asked him, “What religion do you preach? What is it good for?” Wesley replied,
What religion do I preach? The religion of love. The law of kindness brought to light by the gospel. What is this good for? To make all who receive it enjoy God and themselves, to make them like God, lovers of all, contented in their lives, and crying out at their death, and calm assurance, “O grave where is thy victory! Thanks be to God, who giveth me victory, through my Lord Jesus Christ."
What a magnificent portrait of the Christian life! Wesley echoes Paul’s invitation to follow God’s example by treating others as he treats us. How our world longs to see glimpses of our risen Lord through kind, compassionate, and forgiving followers of Jesus who are walking in the way of love. In today’s times this kind of love is rare, but it is ever so possible because the transforming power of the Holy Spirit is wonderfully at work in and through each of our lives!
PRAYER
Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace, mercy, love, and immeasurable forgiveness toward me. May I reflect You in my thoughts, words, and deeds. I pray that I will be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward others, just as You forgave me. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.
Questions for Reflection:
Read the opening verses of this scripture and focus on the behaviors Paul is asking the believers to stop doing. What do these behaviors do to our relationships, and why is this important to Paul? Are some of these behaviors more challenging for you than others?
Read through the new behaviors that are found at the end of chapter 4. Read them as a description of how God acts towards us. How does that make us think and feel differently about the whole passage?
Charles Spurgeon wrote, “The more you see God, the more of God will be seen in you.” Do you agree with this statement? What does this have to do with a transformed heart?
Considering Wesley’s comment, how would outsiders describe the religion our church preaches? What does our “religion” communicate about God, people, and the world?
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