SCRIPTURE:
1 Timothy 5:21 ESV - In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

OBSERVATION:
In 1 Timothy 5, Paul outlines the order of support and discipline within the church. Whether we rebuke, exhort, support, or discipline, everything must be done without prejudice and partiality.

Paul emphasizes how we are to treat others in the church—with the same honor and respect we show our own family:

• Older men as fathers
• Older women as mothers
• Younger men as brothers
• Younger women as sisters

This doesn’t mean older individuals are beyond correction or that younger people are less valuable. Respect must flow both ways. Paul’s point is that everyone should be honored appropriately—regardless of age or position.

Paul also makes a clear distinction about support in the church. Those who labor in preaching and teaching are worthy of special honor and provision—even more than widows, who were typically the primary recipients of church support:

1 Timothy 5:18 ESV - For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer deserves his wages."

Paul is teaching us the importance of impartiality in how we lead and serve the church—so that favoritism or preconceived judgments do not cloud our actions.

Paul isn’t telling us not to exhort, correct, or support. He says to do so rightly—with love, fairness, and spiritual integrity.
 
“…without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.” — 1 Timothy 5:21

APPLICATION:

This truth reminds us that at the judgment seat of Christ, all will be measured not by status or favoritism but by grace, mercy, and truth.

So, in the church, let us treat others as God has treated us—with compassion, equity, and mercy. No favoritism. No prejudgment. Just grace and truth, all rooted in love.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for Your daily grace and mercy toward me. Help me resist the temptation to prejudge or show favoritism. Thank You that in You there is no partiality—only justice, truth, and love.

John 3:16-17 ESV - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

SCRIPTURE:
1 Timothy 4:12 CSB - Don't let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

OBSERVATION:
In 1 Timothy 4, Paul reminds Timothy—and us—that youth is relative. Just because someone is young doesn’t mean they lack wisdom, and being older doesn’t automatically make someone wise.

Paul's message is clear: age is irrelevant—maturity counts.

Apparently, some in Ephesus looked down on Timothy because of his youth. Sadly, not much has changed. Even today, many still believe that young people should be seen and not heard, assuming they lack the maturity to be true examples of the faith.

But Paul calls Timothy to do just that—be an example. This calling isn't limited to Timothy. It’s a command for all believers, regardless of age.

Paul encourages us to model:

• In word – what we say
• In conduct – how we live
• In love – how we treat others
• In spirit – our attitude and demeanor
• In faith – our trust and faithfulness
• In purity – our moral integrity

These traits can—and should—be lived out by both the youngest and the oldest among us.

APPLICATION:
We are all called to be examples—age aside. Young or old, we can inspire and encourage one another through how we live.

I know what it feels like to be told I’m “too young” or “inexperienced.” While that may have been partly true, it didn’t disqualify me from being an example. And I’ve seen young adults do exactly that—live out Paul’s list and transform the church’s mindset.

On the other hand, I’ve also seen older, more experienced individuals fail to model these qualities—reminding us that maturity is measured not by years but by Christlike character.

So let us all, young and old, commit to living as examples. May our lives point others to Jesus and to the finished work of the cross.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You that I can be an example—whether to the young or the old. Help me live out the exhortation Paul gave Timothy:

• In what I say (word)
• In what I do (conduct)
• In how I love
• In my attitude (spirit)
• In my faithfulness
• In my purity

Let my life reflect You in every way.

SCRIPTURE:
1 Timothy 3:16 CSB - And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

OBSERVATION:
In 1 Timothy 3, Paul declares that the church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” He then presents six core truths—the very pillars that uphold and define the church:

1. He was manifested in the flesh
2. Vindicated in the Spirit
3. Seen by angels
4. Preached among the nations (Gentiles)
5. Believed on in the world
6. Taken up in glory

Manifested in the Flesh - Jesus, fully God and fully man, came in human likeness to redeem humanity.

1 John 1:1 CSB - What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life --

Vindicated in the Spirit - Jesus was declared righteous and divine by the Holy Spirit—affirmed at His baptism, through His miracles, and ultimately at His resurrection.
 
“He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.” — 1 Peter 3:18

Seen by Angels - The heavenly host witnessed and ministered to Jesus at key moments.

1. Temptation – Mark 1:13
2. Gethsemane – Luke 22:41-43
3. Resurrection – Matthew 28:2-7

Preached Among the Nations (Gentiles)—this mystery revealed—Salvation for all—was the heartbeat of Paul’s ministry. The gospel was no longer just for Israel but for every tribe and tongue.

Believed on in the World - The global spread of the Gospel is the fruit of Christ’s commission and the church’s obedience. From Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, people have responded in faith—and still do.

Taken up in Glory - This points to Christ’s ascension (Luke 24:51), His completed work (Hebrews 1:3), and His present role as intercessor (1 John 2:1).

APPLICATION
Let us hold fast to these foundational truths. These six declarations are not merely theological statements—they are essential pillars of our faith, identity, and message as the church.
We do not waver because our foundation is unshakable. We do not drift because our truth is eternal. We stand because Christ holds us up.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for being the pillar and foundation of the church—and of my life. Help me stand firm in these truths and rest in the strength and stability found in You. Let Your church hold fast, proclaim boldly, and worship reverently.

SCRIPTURE:
1 Timothy 2:5-6 CSB - For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.
 
OBSERVATION:
In 1 Timothy chapter 2, Paul presents four beautifully articulated truths about salvation:

• One God (unity and sovereignty)
• One Mediator (exclusivity and access)
• Christ Jesus (His humanity and divinity)
• Ransom for All (His substitutionary sacrifice)

One God - There is one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—working in perfect unity to accomplish our salvation. The Father planned it, the Son fulfilled it, and the Holy Spirit calls us and seals us in response to the cross's finished work.

Ephesians 1:13-14 CSB - In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

One Mediator—Jesus alone stands between God and man; His exclusivity grants access.
John 14:6 CSB - "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Jesus is not a way—He is the way.

But there is one way—and that is Jesus.

Christ Jesus — the mediator — must understand both parties. Jesus is fully God and fully man—perfectly suited to stand in the gap.

• Christ means Messiah—the Anointed Savior.
• Jesus means “Yahweh is salvation.”

He is the God-man, our perfect representative and Redeemer.

Ransom For All - Because of who He is, Jesus became a ransom for all—a price paid on our behalf.

1 John 2:1-2 NKJV - My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

“Propitiation” means satisfying God’s just wrath against sin. Jesus didn’t just offer the payment—He is the payment. The sacrifice. The substitute. God’s just wrath

APPLICATION:
Because the Father planned, the Son accomplished, and the Spirit seals, we now have access to the Father through Jesus, our Mediator. We must never stray far from the cross—it is the crux of our faith, where heaven’s justice and mercy meet.

These four truths form the foundation of our hope: One God, One Mediator, Christ Jesus, and Ransom for All.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for being my Mediator and my Ransom. I could never pay—or repay—the debt of my sin. You took my place and gave me peace with God. Because of the cross, I have access to the Father and the promise of eternity through Your Spirit. Let me never forget that my salvation cost You everything. May I live with gratitude, grounded in these glorious truths.

SCRIPTURE:
1 Timothy 1:15 CSB - This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" -- and I am the worst of them.

OBSERVATION:
1 Timothy is one of four personal letters Paul wrote to three pastors—Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Timothy held a special place in Paul’s heart. Paul called him a “true son in the faith.” When Paul pastored in Ephesus, Timothy was a young man—believed to be about 19 or 20 years old. Paul wrote to him with encouragement and instruction, helping him set in order the things that were lacking in the church.

In chapter 1, Paul emphasizes a central, foundational truth of the Christian faith:
 
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." — 1 Timothy 1:15

This is at the very core of the Christian faith – without Jesus coming to save sinners, we would all be without hope.

But Paul goes even further: “...and I am the worst of them.”

This wasn’t a clever phrase—it was Paul’s deep conviction. He clearly remembered his past: the persecution, the imprisonment, and the death he brought upon the early church. In his mind, that made him “the chief of sinners.”

Yet, Paul explains the reason behind his salvation:

1 Timothy 1:16 CSB - But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.

Paul says, "If Jesus can save me, He can save anyone." He is the living proof of God’s extraordinary mercy and patience.

Paul assures Timothy—and us—that this truth is trustworthy and fully worthy of acceptance. Christ came to save sinners, not the self-righteous. What a glorious promise!

APPLICATION:
When this truth sinks in—as Paul wanted it to for Timothy—it stirs the heart to worship. That’s why Paul bursts into praise:

1 Timothy 1:17 CSB – Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Let’s live today, grounded in this trustworthy and glorious doctrinal truth: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.

Rejoice in this: Jesus came not for the perfect but for the broken. Not for the righteous but for the rebellious. The only “prerequisite” for salvation is to be a sinner—and some of us have excelled at it. Yet the grace remains.

If He saved Paul, He can save you. If He saved me, He can save anyone. Let that truth stir your heart to praise.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for saving a sinner like me. May I never forget this glorious truth. You didn’t come for the righteous—you came for the lost, for me. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

SCRIPTURE:
2 Thessalonians 3:13 CSB - But as for you, brothers and sisters, do not grow weary in doing good.

OBSERVATION:
How often do we grow weary in doing good? I think the answer may surprise you and me. Growing weary does not happen overnight. It takes time. Often, we grow weary when we feel there is no fruit, or when we perceive there is none. But is this a good sign or a reason to grow weary? I have to admit, in my own mind, I often see it that way.

The Greek phrase for grow weary means to be utterly spiritless, wearied out, and exhausted.

The church in Thessalonica could have easily given up. It appears they were under persecution, had been led to believe they had missed the rapture and were facing the wrath of God, and that many had stopped doing the work of the Lord.

We often feel this way as well. But we must remember that our feelings often mislead us, while God never will. He is faithful, even when we don’t always see it.

APPLICATION:
Don’t give up! God is on our side. He is with us and will see us through. That family member, friend, ministry, job, or calling has been given to you to minister to or serve. He will see you through.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 CSB - Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though the flocks disappear from the pen and there are no herds in the stalls,  yet I will celebrate in the LORD; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! The LORD my Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like those of a deer and enables me to walk on mountain heights!

Let us be determined, even if WE don’t see the fruit. He does, and He is STILL working because we are still here!

Galatians 6:9 CSB - Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don't give up.

At the proper time, God will do it… Don’t give up! The world needs the Gospel. It’s not too late!

PRAYER:
Jesus, change my despair into hope. When I feel like giving up, remind me not to. When I don’t see the fruit on the vine, cause my heart to rejoice in You, because You are still working! May the growing weariness be turned into rested hope for Your kingdom and glory.

SCRIPTURE:
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 CSB - May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

OBSERVATION:
In 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, we see why Paul wrote a second letter to the church. Somehow, they had gotten the idea in their minds that the Great Tribulation was happening and that they had missed the rapture. It is not clear whether this was a misunderstanding or a twisting of Paul’s teaching from the first letter. Some believe it stemmed from false teaching or a false prophecy. Either way, the people were greatly disturbed. Paul now takes time to encourage the believers with “good hope by grace.”

Paul points out two major events that occur after the rapture of the church and during the Great Tribulation.

1. Great falling away – This could mean that before the rapture of the church, and even during the tribulation, there is a great awakening (Revelation 7:9-14) followed by a great rejection (Revelation 9:20-21 and 17:2-6).
2. The Man of Lawlessness – the Antichrist – is restrained by the church. How? Because the Holy Spirit, who is working in us and keeping us, is restraining Him. When the church is gone, he will be free to rise up.  

APPLICATION:
Clearly, for you and me, we are to be looking not for a great falling away and the Man of Lawlessness, but for Jesus. We are to be looking for His return. Paul told the church in his first letter.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 CSB - For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
 
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 CSB - For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

As we see the day approaching, pray this prayer for one another, as Paul prayed for the Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 CSB - May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

May HE truly encourage our hearts and strengthen us in every good work and word. We have a message of HOPE BY GRACE for a lost, confused, scared, and ripe-for-harvest world.

PRAYER:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.

SCRIPTURE:
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 CSB - In view of this, we always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified by you, and you by him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

OBSERVATION:
Have you ever struggled with how to pray for others? I don’t mean praying for their needs (this is important), but really praying and interceding that God would work in them, more than just providing for their needs.

Paul gives us a list of things to pray for, but before listing them, he takes time to give thanks by reminding us of what God has been doing. Paul says, “In view of this.”

He began by saying, “We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters.” This is a great way to deepen our prayers for others. Acknowledge God’s work in them.

2 Thessalonians 1:3 CSB - We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, since your faith is flourishing and the love each one of you has for one another is increasing.

Next, Paul says, “we ourselves boast you among the churches.” This is a concept we struggle with. Let’s admit it; we struggle to sing the praises of others. We would rather sing the praises of ourselves. Paul said in Philippians to “esteem others higher than yourselves.”

2 Thessalonians 1:4 CSB - Therefore, we ourselves boast about you among God's churches -- about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring.

Lastly, Paul says, “It is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy.” As we acknowledge God’s work in them, sing their praise to God, and give thanks for the evidence that God is working in them (even if it is in a small way), HE sees them counted worthy of God’s Kingdom.

2 Thessalonians 1:5 CSB - It is clear evidence of God's righteous judgment that you will be counted worthy of God's kingdom, for which you also are suffering,

APPLICATION:
The key to truly praying for others is to begin by acknowledging what God is doing. Then, as Paul does, he gets to the heart of the matter.

Pray that:

1. God will make you worthy of His calling.
2. By His power, fulfill your every desire to do good and the work your faith produces.
3. So that you will glorify the name of our Lord Jesus, and you by him.
4. All in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

In light of all that God is doing, we can pray for others that God would move in even greater ways.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You that You prayed for us and still do, that we would be strong in You. Thank You for interceding for us at the right hand of the Father. Help us pray for others in the same way. Even if we don’t see much fruit, help us see what You are doing, and direct us to pray as Paul prayed for the Thessalonians.

SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 5:8-9 CSB - But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled and put on the armor of faith and love, and a helmet of the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

OBSERVATION:
In the opening verses of chapter one, Paul for the first time uses the familiar phrase “faith, hope, and love.” This would later be the summation of the thirteenth chapter of Corinthians. We know it as the “love chapter.”

1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV - And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

In the opening verses, Paul says that the fruit of the “three great Christian virtues” was evident in their lives. Even though they had issues, the fruit of these three virtues was evident.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 CSB - We recall, in the presence of our God and Father, your work produced by faith, your labor motivated by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

At the conclusion of this first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul makes something very clear. First, that we, as believers, will be caught up (raptured – the English word for the Latin “caught up”).

1 Thessalonians 4:17 CSB - Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

One day, because of the promise of Jesus and the work He accomplished on the cross, we WILL be caught up with Him and will remain with Him forever!

Second, Paul reminds us not only that we will be caught up, but also that we are not appointed to God’s wrath. God’s wrath (all of it) was poured out on Jesus on the cross. Jesus took ALL the punishment for our sins. When we receive the free gift of Jesus (salvation), we will NO LONGER experience God’s wrath. There is no need to pour it out on us, since Jesus took it. BUT those who refuse the free gift of Christ are saying they can receive the fullness of God’s wrath. This wrath will come in the form of “the great tribulation.” During this period, the totality of His wrath will be poured out on the UNBELIEVING.

Paul, in his masterful way, opens and closes with the same message. “Faith, Hope, and Love.” Not just the virtues, but the fruit of them. They will be evident to those who see us when you and I live out our lives loving Jesus, loving others, and waiting for His return. The fruit is not only evident but also fruitful. It will affect others.

APPLICATION:
Just as Paul uses the words “Faith, Hope, and Love” twice in this letter, he uses the word “encourage” twice.

1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11 CSB - Therefore encourage one another with these words… Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.

Paul wants you and me to encourage one another with the Fruit of “Faith, Hope, and Love.” As we see the day approach, these three will cause us to be excited about our Savior’s return. They will motivate us in love to share with the lost. They will bring great comfort to those who believe, even when facing great trials and testing.

Keep loving Jesus! Let the fruit of Faith, Hope, and Love overflow in us so those around us may be encouraged to look to Jesus. He is faithful!

PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, for the love You have given us. Thank you that we will not experience God’s wrath because You took it upon Yourself. May the fruit of “Faith, Hope, and Love” be so evident in our lives that when people are around us, they are encouraged to look to You!

SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 4:1 CSB -  Additionally then, brothers and sisters, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received instruction from us on how you should live and please God -- as you are doing -- do this even more.

OBSERVATION:
The word "additionally" in the CSB is finally in the NKJV. This is not the closing of the letter but a transition from the greeting, prayer, and encouragement section. Paul used this word often. In some of his letters, he uses the word "finally" multiple times. It tells us that this is the heart of the letter.

Paul does just that. The heart of the letter is to keep going! Keep walking in the Lord! Keep allowing the Lord to sanctify you, to set you apart from the world we live in. This does not mean we are not part of it, but we should look and act differently. The world should see Jesus in us, not religious zealots who act holy with an attitude of self-righteousness, but as those who were once like them. The only difference between them and us is that we are sinners saved by grace. Still sinners (we will be until we see Jesus face to face), the only difference is that we have found forgiveness at the cross. God then begins to work in us – sanctify us. Paul says to the Thessalonians, and to you and me, “as you are doing -- do this even more.” God is working in you; let that continue. He is faithful to complete us. The question is, will we fight Him in the process?

APPLICATION:
Paul uses this phrase twice in this chapter. In it, he brings home three points.

First: Sexual Immorality (within marriage, adultery; outside of marriage, fornication). Immorality is the opposite of morality. The point is that anything outside of marriage, including adultery, is immoral and should be avoided.

The ancient writer Demosthenes expressed the generally amoral view of sex in the ancient Roman Empire: “We keep prostitutes for pleasure; we keep mistresses for the day-to-day needs of the body; we keep wives for the faithful guardianship of our homes.”

Though our world around us resembles ancient Roman society, we should be different.

Second: Brotherly love not just in morality, but in how we treat one another. We should know better! But do we? Let us love one another (and those outside) with brotherly love!

Third: Work and live a quiet life. Mind your own business, and don’t look to stir things up with others. Don’t be a “sin sniffer.” That means don’t point out others’ sins to make yourself look better. If you see someone caught in sin, first pray for them and ask God to open a door to encourage them to turn. Our job is to bring them to Christ, not to bring their sin to light so all can see.

Paul concludes this with the following words.

1 Thessalonians 4:12 CSB – so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.

We need to behave properly in the presence of outsiders. This means you and I need to be more like Jesus. People are watching. What are we portraying? We may be the only Jesus they see!

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me to do as Paul encouraged the Thessalonians, “As you are doing – do this even more.” As I submit to You daily, will You sanctify me? May I be more like You so that I may “behave properly in the presence of outsiders.”

SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 3:13 CSB - May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.

OBSERVATION:
Paul concludes the first three chapters of Thessalonians by encouraging holiness. In the first two chapters, he emphasizes that their faith, hope, and love are a witness to all. He also encourages them in their assurance. By and through the Holy Spirit, we have full assurance of the salvation God has given us through His Son Jesus Christ. Indeed, Jesus has “rescued us from the wrath to come.”

In Chapter two, Paul reminds them of his deep care for them. He does so by preaching the gospel to them and by giving his life in service to them because they are dear to him.

Paul knew the Thessalonians had issues (don’t we all), but before jumping into what needed to change, he wanted to encourage them by reminding them that God is at work! He is faithful! That is evident! So, with us, God is at work. Part of that work is holiness.

Holiness means being set apart for use. Its origins trace back to the temple instruments and utensils. They were to be set apart for the work of the Lord, for His desires and purposes. They were His, and His alone. So are you and I.

How does holiness happen in us? It’s not by us but through Him. May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God. Because of Jesus’ work on the cross, we have been made positionally holy.

2 Corinthians 5:21 CSB - He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

This is what we call imputed righteousness. It is NOT ours but HIS. Because He knew no sin, we have been made righteous.

Along with positional holiness, God is making us more like His image each day. This is what we call practical holiness. Just as the instruments and utensils were set apart as holy, they were used daily in holy acts. God is working in us, perfecting us, and completing us.

Philippians 1:6 CSB - I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

APPLICATION:
This practical holiness is often tested in what we call trials. God uses the afflictions and trials of life to mold and shape us. We often see trials and afflictions as bad. Some teach that believers should never go through them. Yet we see that even Jesus experienced them. If He did, we will as well.

What do we do when we face them? Rejoice! God is at work. It may seem strange, but this is God’s furnace, molding and shaping us.

1 Peter 4:12-13, 16 NKJV - Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. ... Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Truly, we are blameless in holiness because of the work of the cross and because we are being perfected, blameless in holiness through the work of God in our lives. Positionally, we are; practically, we are being made into it.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank you for making me holy. Thank you that I can stand before the Father because of what You did at the cross. I don’t deserve it! Thank you that You are setting me apart for You daily in holiness. Continue to purify me and lead me through the trials and afflictions I face, making me more like You. Thank you that when I do face them, I am not alone. You give me strength to endure with grace, love, and mercy, guided by the Holy Spirit!

SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 2:8 CSB - We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

OBSERVATION:
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” The quote underscores the importance of demonstrating genuine concern and compassion before conveying knowledge or expertise.

Care, concern, and compassion before conveying knowledge. This is an important principle to learn. Paul would say that before he conveyed the message he needed to bring to the Thessalonians, he made it a point to care. Not just care, but to show genuine concern and compassion for them.

He not only shared the gospel (the most important), but he also shared his life. He was willing to serve them with love, compassion, and care.

Sometimes, in our concern for others, we go straight to conveying knowledge. “Here is what you need to do to fix the problem!” “If you change this, God will do this.” We tend to focus on the problem rather than the person facing it.

In Thessalonians chapter 2, Paul makes it clear that he genuinely cares for them. He was willing to do anything for them, and he did.

The NKJV uses the words “affectionately longing for” for the word care. 

APPLICATION:
As we live our lives out daily as children of God, let us not just come across as knowing everything, having all the answers to the world’s problems (we do – it’s the gospel of Jesus Christ), and getting frustrated when they don’t see it. Let us show that we care, are concerned for them, and extend compassion and empathy to a lost and hurting world.

Remember, the gospel is a message of HOPE, FREEDOM, and FORGIVENESS in Jesus Christ. Let us share the truth in love and, at the same time, show that we care. Like Paul with the Thessalonians, let us – “care so much that we are pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you are dear to us.”

PRAYER:
Jesus, give us Your heart for those in our world. May we love them with the gospel, care for them, and share our concerns for their lives, all with compassion, mercy, grace, truth, and, most importantly, You.

SCRIPTURE:
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 NKJV - We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,

OBSERVATION:
Paul, in his typical fashion, opens the letter (Epistle) to the Thessalonians with thanks. Paul was the master encourager; he always offered encouragement in his letters before getting down to business. He knew firsthand the importance of being thankful, even when major problems plagued the church. Paul understood that as long as people are part of churches, there will ALWAYS be sin and imperfection. Why? Because we are flawed, sinful, and STILL IN NEED OF A SAVIOR!

David Guzik brings a key point home. Something we should be mindful of when serving, working with, and ministering to those we serve with.

APPLICATION:
Paul uses three words we are familiar with – Faith, Hope, and Love. This sums up the chapter on love in 1 Corinthians 13.

1 Corinthians 13:13 CSB - Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love -- but the greatest of these is love.

These three are known as the “three great Christian virtues.”

What was happening? These virtues were bearing fruit – even amid all the necessary correction, their failures, and the issues that needed to be addressed. The fruit of faith, hope, and love was evident and being produced.

For you and me today. Keep loving Jesus, keep walking with Him, and remain in His word. He WILL perfect the things concerning you. Let the fruit of the “three great Christian virtues” be evident in your life today.

Have you ever seen a tree try, strive, or struggle to produce fruit? No! It’s a natural part of how God designed them. They do not stress, strain, or force it. When it’s time to produce fruit, it happens naturally. So too with you and me. When we walk with Jesus, His Spirit produces the “fruit of the Spirit.” It’s not us grunting, straining, and striving. It happens naturally and supernaturally.

May these three—faith, hope, and love—remain, be evident, and produce fruit in you and me. The greatest of these is love.

PRAYER:
Thank you, Jesus, that You are faithful to cultivate in us the fruit of faith, hope, and love. Thank you that through faith, hope, and love You are working out what concerns us. Just as the Thessalonians, we all have “issues,” but thank you that we have Your Spirit and the Word of God to change us. Father, if today we are not producing the fruit of faith, hope, and love, would You, as You did with the Thessalonians, bring to our attention what needs to be changed and, by Your Spirit, bring the fruit of change?

SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 4:16-17 CSB - After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And tell Archippus, "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."

OBSERVATION:
Paul closes his letter to the Colossians with a charge—not only to the church in Colossae but also to the nearby church in Laodicea. He commands that both congregations read the letter aloud.

In his final remarks, Paul singles out a man named Archippus and says: Colossians 4:17 CSB - "Pay attention to the ministry you have received in the Lord, so that you can accomplish it."

Who was Archippus, and what was his ministry?

While Scripture provides limited information, a few clues help us piece together a picture:

• Archippus is also mentioned in Philemon 1:2, where Paul calls him a “fellow soldier.”
• He is listed alongside Philemon and Apphia, likely indicating he was part of Philemon’s household. Many scholars suggest that Archippus may have been their son.
• Some traditions hold that Archippus was a church leader in Laodicea, located about 12 miles from Colossae.

Whatever the case, we know two things:

1. He had received a ministry from the Lord.
2. Paul felt it necessary to exhort him to complete it publicly.

That encouragement should stir all of us to pay attention to the ministry God has given you—and finish it.

APPLICATION:
A common misconception today is that ministry is primarily the pastor’s job. While pastors carry a unique calling, the church’s ministry is not reserved for the pulpit.

Paul clarifies the pastoral role in Ephesians 4:12 (CSB):

“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.”

• The pastor’s job is to equip.
• The church’s job—the saints’—is to do the work of ministry.

Sadly, in many churches today, a small percentage—often just staff and leadership—handles most ministry, while the rest of the church merely spectates. Imagine the impact if every believer fulfilled the ministry God has given them.

What can we learn from Paul’s charge to Archippus?

Pastors: Are we equipping the saints? Have we allowed other demands to distract us from our calling to prepare God’s people for their ministries?

Believers: Are we fulfilling our God-given ministries, or are we waiting for someone else to do what God is asking of us?

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me fulfill the ministry You’ve given me today—both personally and pastorally.
Guard my heart against distractions and lesser things. Help me stay focused on preaching the gospel and equipping the saints. Give me eyes to see the ministries You’ve entrusted to others—and the courage to call them out and encourage them. May Your church rise up, with every part doing its part so that You may be glorified through us all.

SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 3:17 CSB - And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

OBSERVATION:
How many of us struggle with a lack of filter—saying or doing things we later regret? Sometimes we realize we've done more harm than good. Other times, we're unaware of the impact our words or actions have had.

But Paul gives us a solution: We have a filter. His name is Jesus.

When we run our thoughts, words, and actions through the filter of Jesus, we begin to reflect His character. That’s exactly what Paul exhorts believers to do in Colossians 3:12–16 (CSB).

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

When we rely on Jesus as our filter, we become more like Him.

• Compassionate
• Kind
• Humble
• Gentle
• Patient
• Forgiving
• Loving

These lead to two powerful outcomes: peace and thankfulness (v. 15).

The key to it all is found in verse 16: “Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you…”

Scripture is the filter that brings the life of Jesus into our everyday words and actions. It keeps our hearts aligned with His. Be in His word daily – moment by moment.

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

APPLICATION:
When we allow God's Word to dwell richly in us, it becomes the filter through which we speak, act, and respond. The result? The very qualities Paul outlined begin to grow in our lives.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart today. Let His Word be your filter. Let His life shape your speech and actions. When we do, we experience not only inner peace but also relational peace—peace with those around us. Our lives begin to reflect not only what we believe but who we belong to.

PRAYER:
Jesus, forgive me for the times I’ve spoken or acted without filtering through You. Too often, I respond in ways that do not reflect You. Today, help me let Your Word and Your peace rule in my heart. May I see every situation through the lens of Your character. Give me strength by Your Spirit, clarity through Your Word, and a life that points others to You.

SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 2:14 CSB - He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

OBSERVATION:
In Colossians 2, Paul tells us something amazing: The debt we owed because of our sin has been paid in full—nailed to the cross as a public sign of legal fulfillment.

The Law was a certificate of debt—a binding legal document whose obligations we could never fulfill. It was not only against us; it opposed us. We stood guilty.

But Jesus took that certificate and nailed it to the cross. He didn’t destroy the Law; He fulfilled it.

Matthew 5:17-18 NKJV - "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

Only Jesus could fulfill the Law's righteous demands. In doing so, He took our failure—our spiritual bankruptcy—and fully satisfied it through His death.

The act of nailing our debt to the cross was both symbolic and judicial, declaring: “Paid in full.”

No more guilt. No more striving. No more condemnation. Reconciliation accomplished. Justification secured.

Not by works. Not by religion. But by grace.
 
APPLICATION:
Don’t fall into the subtle trap of “grace plus.” We are not saved by grace only to be kept saved by keeping the law. If we couldn’t fulfill the Law before Christ, we certainly can’t do it after receiving His grace.

Live free today. Not in lawlessness—but in the liberty of grace. Walk in the Spirit. Let the grace of God transform you and sustain you, not out of fear, but out of love.
  
Ephesians 2:8-10 CSB - For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift -- not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for canceling the debt I could never repay. You fulfilled the law I could never keep. What amazing grace! Let my life reflect that grace today, not just in words but in how I live, love, and serve. May my walk be shaped by freedom, not fear—by gratitude, not guilt.

SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 1:21-22 CSB - Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him.

OBSERVATION:
Paul, in the opening chapter of Colossians 1, reminds us of the glorious doctrine of salvation through reconciliation.

David Guzik teaches us that both Justification and Reconciliation offer two distinct ways to understand human need and God’s salvation.

• We can see God as the judge, and we are guilty before Him. Therefore, we need forgiveness and justification.
• We can see God as our friend, and we have damaged our relationship with Him. Therefore, we need reconciliation.

Both of these are true; neither one should be promoted at the expense of the other.

We are the guilty party. Our relationship with God was broken, and Paul describes what that looked like:

Alienated - The Greek word translated as alienated (apellotriomenous) means “transferred to another owner.” This transfer of ownership, from God to Satan and self, affected us in both mind and behavior.

Hostile in our minds – We were once unfriendly and antagonistic toward the gospel. The idea of salvation by grace was foreign to us.

Evil actions – Our sin kept us from having a relationship with God. There was nothing we could do to justify our sin or repair our relationship with God.

But then Paul gives us hope: “But now He has reconciled you…” (Colossians 1:22).

Through Jesus, reconciliation has come. It reveals itself in three beautiful ways—all in the perfect tense (meaning ongoing results from a completed action):

Holiness - Because of the cross, we are made holy—not by our nature, but by the blood of Christ. The One who is perfectly holy has made us pure and set us apart for Himself.

Faultless - Because of the cross, we are faultless. Our record is clean, and the stain of sin is gone. As Psalm 103 reminds us, our sins have been removed “as far as the east is from the west.” God remembers them no more.

Blameless - Because of the cross, we are blameless. We are seen as morally upright—not because we are perfect, but because Christ is. To be blameless is not to be sinless, but to live with a heart focused on righteousness, obedience, and grace-driven transformation.

APPLICATION:
We, once enemies of God, are now reconciled—not by our efforts, but by grace alone.
So, what should we do with this?
 
Walk in reconciliation - live like someone who’s been made right with God. Holiness, faultlessness, and blamelessness are now part of your spiritual identity. You will still sin—but your sin is no longer counted against you. You are redeemed.

Will we ever be sinlessly perfect on this side of eternity? No. But because of Jesus, we can live lives marked by holiness, integrity, and grace.

Let the Apostle John remind us of the tension we live in:

1 John 1:8–9 CSB - “If we say, ‘We have no sin,’ we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
 
We aren’t perfect, but we are forgiven and being made more like Christ every day.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for making a way for me to be reconciled through the cross. Because of You, I am holy, faultless, and blameless in the Father’s eyes. Not perfect—but forgiven. Help me walk in that reconciliation today. Let my life reflect Your glory so others might see their need for the same grace You’ve shown me.

SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 4:13 CSB - I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

OBSERVATION:
Philippians 4:13 is one of the most-quoted verses in the Bible: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

It’s especially popular among athletes—as a kind of spiritual rallying cry: “We can win because God is on our side!” But that raises a good question: Does God have a favorite sports team or athlete? Of course not.

Yes, God cares deeply for His people. Yes, He gives us strength to face challenges. But this verse is often taken out of context. Paul wasn't speaking of victory in competition—he was speaking of victory in contentment.
 
Paul gives us three points to bring clarity to this verse:

• Don’t worry—pray (vv. 6–7)
• Dwell on these things (v. 8)
• Learned contentment (v. 12)

It’s in this context that Paul says: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

APPLICATION:
Don’t Worry—Pray. Our first instinct in a crisis is often to worry. It’s human nature to ask, “What am I going to do?” Paul reminds us to ask, “What is God going to do?”

Someone once said, “Worry is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.”

Paul had learned to replace worry with prayer. That shift brought him peace—and strength.
Dwell on These Things - Paul gave us an inexhaustible list to dwell on. He exhorts us to dwell on them. He concludes his list with the words, “If there is anything praiseworthy – dwell in these things.”

But our default is to focus on the negative. Grumbling comes naturally—it has been that way since Eden.

Paul calls us to be different. He challenges us to dwell intentionally on what is good. “Put altitude in your attitude.”

When we learn to praise God—especially in the storm—we gain a new perspective. In that renewed perspective, we begin to discover real strength in Christ.
Learned Contentment - Paul says he learned the secret of contentment—whether in plenty or in want.

Contentment doesn’t come automatically. It grows through experience—through prayer rather than panic and through praise rather than complaint. This is where the true meaning of Philippians 4:13 comes into focus: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

It’s not about winning the game. It’s about being at peace whether you win or lose. It’s about trusting Christ to be enough—always.

That’s the kind of strength Paul described. And it’s available to you and me today.

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me live out these truths today. Teach me to stop worrying and start praying. Train my mind to dwell on what is good and praiseworthy. Lead me to the contentment Paul experienced—so I can truly say, in all things, “My strength comes from Christ.”

SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 3:12-14 CSB - Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:
In Philippians chapter 3, Paul encourages us to live in the present and press forward—not backward. Many of us either relive the "glory days" or remain stuck in the shame of our past. Paul exhorts us to do neither. Instead, he urges us to recognize that God is at work right now, in this present moment.

Paul highlights two key truths that help us move ahead:

• He has not yet reached the goal or been perfected.
• He pursues the prize promised by God in Christ Jesus.

Perfected - One of my favorite quotes from church history is from George Müller, who said:

Charles Spurgeon adds this powerful insight:

Paul—of all people—could have claimed to have arrived. Yet he humbly tells us he hasn’t. Instead, he shows us that spiritual maturity means recognizing we are still in process.
He reminds us:

Philippians 1:6 CSB - I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

APPLICATION:
We are all in the process of being perfected. This is the Holy Spirit's daily, moment-by-moment work in our lives. One day, we will be perfect—but not on this side of heaven.
So what should we do now?

We make every effort—through the power of the Holy Spirit—to take hold of what Christ Jesus took hold of us for. But we must remember: it’s not our strength, ability, or self-righteousness that brings the work to completion. It is God at work in us.

Prize - We are all running toward a prize—a goal promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

Don’t get caught up in the glory days or the days of shame. Be present in the moment, walking with Jesus, led by the Spirit, pressing toward the prize. It is a continual work. But don’t be discouraged. He is faithful to complete the work He started!

PRAYER:
Lord, help me press forward—not looking back at the glory days or the days of shame. Teach me to live in the present moment, walking with Jesus, led by Your Spirit, and pressing toward the goal You have set before me. Thank You for the promise that You will complete the good work You started in me.

SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 2:3 CSB - Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.

OBSERVATION:
In Philippians chapter 2, Paul teaches us how to live an other-centered life—how to put others first. He highlights four key areas that shape this mindset:

• Ambition
• Conceit
• Humility
• Others

Ambition - Not all ambition is bad. There is godly ambition—ambition that seeks to glorify God. But there is also selfish ambition, which seeks only to promote ourselves.

When my ambitions are selfish, I find it hard, nearly impossible, to think of others first. When I do think about people, it’s often only in terms of how they can help me get what I want.

Conceit – It makes it easy to believe the lie that we are the “greatest thing since sliced bread.” When I think that way, I’m not putting others first. I’m putting myself first—something that is completely contrary to Christ’s nature.

Paul challenges this mindset directly in Philippians 2:
 
Philippians 2:5-8 CSB - Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death -- even to death on a cross.

Humility - In the New King James Version, Paul uses the phrase “lowliness of mind”—a way to express humility.
 
In ancient Greek culture, humility was not a virtue—it was a flaw.

Not much has changed. Our culture still rewards assertiveness and self-promotion more than it rewards humility.

Others - In his book Not Beyond Reach, Aaron Pierce (of Steiger Ministries) shares a story about a barista wearing a pin that read, “Other People.” When he asked what it meant, she replied, “Think of other people first.” She didn’t even realize she was quoting a principle straight from Philippians!

Aaron goes on to point out that this younger generation so wants to follow biblical principles that they don’t even realize they are trying to.

That’s the beauty of an other-centered life.

APPLICATION:
As a society—and even within the Church—have we lost the “others first” mindset? Have we become more focused on how we think the world should be, rather than on humbling ourselves and genuinely valuing others above ourselves?

Have we perhaps lost sight of the heart of the Gospel?

I would argue that if we took more time to sit with the younger generation and practiced what Paul preached—considering others first—we’d witness powerful transformation in both their generation and ours. The question is: Will we?

PRAYER:
Jesus, help me be other-centered. Teach me to put others first. Let my ambitions be driven not by selfishness but by a heart that seeks to value others above myself. Help me walk in humility and compassion. May I become more like You—gentle, humble, and full of love and concern for those around me.

SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 1:6 CSB - I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION:
In Philippians chapter 1, Paul reminds us of an essential truth in our Christian walk: completion—God finishes what He starts.

Have you ever started a project with great enthusiasm, only to get frustrated, bored, or too busy to see it through? I can think of many examples. One in particular is learning to play the banjo. After a month of trying, I lost interest because I wasn’t progressing—and partly because I didn’t make (or have) the time to practice.

Isn’t that how many of us feel about our walk with Christ? We don’t see changes fast enough, so we either give up or try to “complete ourselves,” especially if we lean toward perfectionism or OCD (or CDO—for those who need it alphabetized).

But Paul encourages us with three important points in this verse:

• We can have confidence that the work will be completed
• The completion is promised.
• Christ is the source of the confidence and completion.

Confidence - Our confidence should be in Christ—not in ourselves. We can be confident that the good work God began in us will be completed.

Completion - The work will not remain unfinished. God doesn’t walk away from what He starts. Completion comes through Him, and He completes what He starts.

Christ - This confidence in completion is in Christ alone. We will be completed—not by our own striving—but when we see Him face to face.

APPLICATION:
Though we may struggle with confidence—or wonder whether we’ll ever “get there”—we can hold on to the promise that God is not finished with us yet.
Until then, we are under construction.
 
Much like the never-ending roadwork and the signs, our lives may feel messy and incomplete. But God is not just putting up signs—He is working and will one day finish us.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the promises in Your word that You will complete the good work in me. You are perfecting me and making me more like You. Though I know I’ll never reach perfection this side of heaven, I can look forward to the day when I see You face to face—and I’ll be made complete. Help me have confidence that You complete what You start. When I see the construction and the signs in my life, help me be patient and confident that You are working—and that You finish what You start.

SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 6:19-20 CSB - Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should.

OBSERVATION:
In Ephesians 6, Paul gives us three important considerations for sharing the gospel—the Good News—with the world around us.

He encourages us to:

• Pray for boldness
• Make known the mystery of the gospel
• Be ambassadors, even in chains

Boldness - After exhorting us to put on the full armor of God, Paul tells us to take up two weapons: the sword of the Spirit and prayer.

As he continues his exhortation on prayer, Paul says, “Pray for me.” He sets the example. Twice in this epistle, Paul prays for the Ephesians, and now he asks them to pray for him—for the very same things he prayed for them.

His request is specific: boldness. In just two verses, Paul asks twice for boldness in proclaiming the gospel.

In Greek, the word for boldness has two main meanings:

• Freedom in speaking; unreservedness in speech
• Free and fearless confidence; cheerful courage; assurance

If we're honest, these are the very things many of us struggle with. We fear not having confidence in our words. And even when we do speak, we often lack the cheerful assurance that our words will truly reach those listening.
 
Mystery of the Gospel - To us, the gospel is no longer a mystery to be solved—but rather a wonder to be treasured: that Jesus would die for sinners like you and me.

For the unbeliever, however, it often seems like an enigma—“How can this be?” This is a common response when someone first hears the gospel.

Paul is asking for the ability to understand better the grace of God—that Christ would die for sinners—and to communicate that truth in a way that answers the unbeliever’s question: “How can this be?”

It’s about striking a balance: simple enough for a child to grasp yet deep enough to leave scholars in awe.

Ambassadors - An ambassador is someone of high rank, appointed by a king or government to represent them and carry out their business in another country—especially in diplomatic matters.

In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul says, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” As God’s children, we have been given the authority to represent our King—to carry the message of reconciliation, the gospel, to the world.

We are not bearers of bad news—we are messengers of Good News. This is the message we’ve been entrusted with and sent to proclaim.

APPLICATION:
Let us pray for ourselves and others in the same way Paul asked the Ephesians to pray for him:

For boldness, for a deeper understanding of the mystery of the gospel, and for the ability to live faithfully as ambassadors—proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God.

PRAYER:
Jesus, I pray that You would give me boldness—to speak the Good News of the Kingdom with clarity, passion, and cheerful confidence. May I be a faithful ambassador, bringing reconciliation through the message of the cross. Let my life reflect the character and nature of the One I represent, even in hardship. Use me to draw others to You.

SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 5:1-2 CSB - Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant offering to God.

OBSERVATION:
In the opening verse of Chapter 5, Paul gives us the key to overcoming the behaviors he warns us about throughout the chapter.

He encourages us to imitate.

Imitators - Oscar Wilde once said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.” But what Paul is talking about goes beyond flattery. He’s not referring to imitation as something that appears genuine on the outside but is the opposite on the inside. Rather, he speaks of becoming a true reflection—a living copy—of who God is.

It begins with recognizing that we are God’s dearly loved children. As such, we should walk in love, not just any kind of love, but the love Christ demonstrated at the cross: a sacrificial, fragrant offering.

Children often adopt their parents’ mannerisms, speech, and attitudes. This can be either humorous or humbling—and sometimes both. For parents, there’s no greater joy than seeing our children walk in the spiritual legacy we’ve passed down, following Jesus and making their faith their own.

So too, with God. When we follow His example—by modeling our lives after Jesus Christ, loving unconditionally in a sacrificial, fragrant way—it pleases our Heavenly Father.

Fragrant Offering - What fragrance does the world smell from you and me? Is it a fragrant offering or a foul stench? In our attempts to bring righteousness to the world, have we instead come across as the religious leaders of Jesus’ day—self-righteous and unapproachable? Or are we the sweet aroma of Christ, drawing even the hardest hearts toward God?

APPLICATION:
Oscar Wilde may have captured the idea of imitation and flattery. But when we imitate Christ, we don’t just flatter—we offer praise, honor, and glory to the Father.
Let our lives not merely flatter God but also offer Him audible praise and a sweet-smelling aroma. Let us imitate Jesus not out of obligation but because we are dearly loved children of God.

PRAYER:
Jesus, may I not merely flatter You, but praise You. In my desire to imitate You, may I do so by the power of Your Spirit—as a sacrificial, fragrant offering of love. I know I can accomplish this only by reflecting Your character, nature, and attitude.

SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 4:32 CSB - And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

OBSERVATION:
At the beginning of chapter 4, Paul urges the Ephesians to “walk worthy of the calling you have received.” In other words, just as you have been given grace, you should walk in it. Grace changes everything—including our old sinful nature. We are new creations in Christ, and our lives should reflect that transformation.

Just as Paul begins the chapter with encouragement, he closes it in the same spirit. He exhorts us to be:
 
Kind, Compassionate, Forgiving

APPLICATION:
Kind - In the same way that Jesus was kind to us, His kindness—then and now—leads us to repentance. If we, as followers of Christ, are not kind, we are not walking in a manner worthy of the calling we have received.
 
Compassionate - Another word for compassionate is tender-hearted or long-suffering. Jesus demonstrated all three. He was compassionate toward our failings, tender-hearted toward our inability to fulfill the law, and long-suffering—even today—toward our sin that so easily entangles us. If we, as followers of Christ, are not compassionate, we are not walking in a manner worthy of our calling.
 
Forgiving - Forgiveness means pardoning an offender, letting go of resentment, and releasing the wrongdoer from any punitive or moral debt. It’s a decision to move forward without holding on to anger or bitterness. The Greek word for “forgiveness” can mean to let go or to release. God has forgiven you and me in Christ. Jesus paid the penalty for our sin so that we can receive forgiveness freely.

If we, as followers of Christ, are unforgiving, we are not walking in a manner worthy of the calling we have received.

When Paul calls you and me to walk worthy of the calling by which we have been called—Grace—he means to walk as the new man, not merely claiming to follow Christ but demonstrating it through Kindness, Compassion, and Forgiveness.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the kindness You continually show me—kindness that leads me to repentance. Thank You for Your compassion, tender-heartedness, and long-suffering toward my shortcomings and sin. Thank You for Your forgiveness—as far as the east is from the west, so far have You removed my transgressions and remembered them no more. May I become more like You: kind, compassionate, and forgiving. 

SCRIPTURE:
Ephesians 3:17-19 CSB -  …I pray that you, being rooted and firmly established in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the length and width, height and depth of God's love, and to know Christ's love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

OBSERVATION:
In his second prayer for the Ephesians, Paul prays that they would be rooted and grounded—firmly established—in love.

Our foundation and roots as believers are love. We should be rooted in God’s love so that we might comprehend it and build a solid foundation upon it—enabling us to love others. If we have a wrong understanding of love, our roots will not go deep, and our foundation will be unstable.
 
Length, Width, Height, Depth: Paul gives us the four dimensions of God’s love to further illustrate how important love is. He helps us understand that there are many facets of God’s love that we should not only live in but also demonstrate to others.

APPLICATION:
As we consider the four dimensions of love, may we be drawn to the cross.

• As we ponder the length of God’s love for us, let us love others in the same way.
• As we ponder the width of God’s love, let our love be wide enough for all to see.
• As we ponder the height of God’s love, may we understand that His love reaches the heavens and goes far beyond our sin—and may we love in the same way.
• And as we ponder the depth of God’s love, may we, like David, be reminded of the miry clay and the pit from which we were rescued, and reach a hand out to those who are in the place we once were.

PRAYER:
Jesus, thank You for the cross and for all four dimensions of Your love that You have shown me. May I live in a way that shows I have—and still am—comprehending, with all the saints, the Length, Width, Height, and Depth of Your love.