Alive in Him

1. Embrace God's Wisdom: Walk Carefully, Not as Fools

The riches of God’s mercy to us in Christ Jesus are headline-making facts in the church.

Discernment is key. Christians are called to live with intentionality, recognizing the pervasive influence of evil in the world. This requires a conscious effort to discern God's will and align one's actions with His purposes, rather than blindly following the patterns of the world.

• The world's values are often in direct opposition to God's values.
• Christians must actively resist the temptation to conform to worldly standards.

Redemption reframes everything. Understanding the depth of God's mercy and grace transforms how believers approach daily life. This awareness should lead to a careful examination of one's choices, ensuring they reflect a commitment to honoring God in all things.

• Gratitude for salvation motivates a desire to live in accordance with God's will.
• Every decision, from the mundane to the significant, should be made with a consciousness of God's presence and guidance.

Wisdom is not passive. It requires active engagement with God's Word and a willingness to be transformed by its truth. This involves a continuous process of learning, reflection, and application, guided by the Holy Spirit.

• Christians are called to be students of Scripture, constantly seeking to deepen their understanding of God's character and purposes.
• Wisdom is not merely intellectual assent but a practical outworking of faith in everyday life.

2. Be Filled with the Spirit: Express God's Life Through Worship

The presence of the indwelling, sealing Spirit is a testament to God’s comprehensive, unmitigated ownership over us; he doesn’t merely pay rent.

Spirit-filling is transformative. Instead of seeking worldly pleasures, believers are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, which leads to a life of worship, thanksgiving, and mutual submission. This infilling is not a one-time event but a continuous process of yielding to God's control.

• Worldly pleasures are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying.
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.

Worship is multifaceted. Being filled with the Spirit manifests in various expressions of worship, including singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, as well as giving thanks to God in all circumstances. These acts of worship are not merely outward rituals but heartfelt expressions of gratitude and devotion.

• Singing and music can be powerful tools for expressing faith and connecting with God.
• Gratitude is a key indicator of a Spirit-filled life, recognizing God's provision and blessings in all things.

Submission is reciprocal. Spirit-filling also leads to mutual submission among believers, characterized by humility, respect, and a willingness to serve one another. This submission is not based on coercion or obligation but on a genuine desire to honor Christ and build up the body of believers.

• Mutual submission reflects the self-sacrificing love of Christ.
• It fosters unity and harmony within the Christian community.

3. Marriage as a Reflection: Husbands Love, Wives Respect

There is no other god besides the Lord God.

Marriage is a sacred union. The relationship between husband and wife is a profound reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. As such, it is to be characterized by love, sacrifice, and mutual respect.

• Marriage is not merely a social contract but a covenant relationship established by God.
• It is intended to be a lifelong commitment, marked by faithfulness and devotion.

Husbands are to love sacrificially. Husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the Church, giving themselves up for her. This involves prioritizing her needs, nurturing her spiritual growth, and cherishing her as a precious gift.

• Husbands are to lead with gentleness and compassion, not with harshness or domination.
• Their love should be selfless and unconditional, reflecting the love of Christ.

Wives are to respect wholeheartedly. Wives are called to respect their husbands, recognizing their God-given role as leaders in the home. This involves honoring their decisions, supporting their endeavors, and affirming their strengths.

• Respect is not synonymous with blind obedience but a genuine appreciation for the husband's character and leadership.
• Wives can offer valuable insights and perspectives while maintaining a spirit of respect and submission.

4. Children, Obey: Parents, Nurture Without Provoking

The life we long for is not the self-seeking life that the world in its perverse drama seeks to suck us into.

Obedience is foundational. Children are called to obey their parents in the Lord, recognizing their authority as representatives of God's own authority. This obedience is not merely a matter of compliance but a heartfelt expression of love and respect.

• Obedience teaches children to submit to authority, a crucial skill for navigating life and relating to God.
• It fosters a sense of order and stability within the family.

Nurture with love and discipline. Parents are called to nurture their children in the Lord, providing guidance, instruction, and discipline. This involves teaching them about God's Word, modeling godly behavior, and correcting them when they stray from the path of righteousness.

• Discipline should be administered with love and consistency, not with anger or resentment.
• The goal is to train children to love God and live according to His principles.

Avoid provocation. Parents are cautioned against provoking their children to anger, which can lead to resentment and rebellion. This involves creating a home environment characterized by grace, understanding, and open communication.

• Parents should strive to be patient, forgiving, and empathetic, recognizing that children are still learning and growing.
• They should avoid setting unrealistic expectations or imposing harsh and unreasonable rules.

5. Slaves, Serve Sincerely: Masters, Treat Justly

The Christian faith offers the one authentic reality.

Service with integrity. Slaves (or employees) are called to serve their masters (or employers) with sincerity and diligence, as if serving Christ Himself. This involves working hard, being honest, and respecting authority, regardless of the circumstances.

• Service is not merely a means to an end but an opportunity to honor God and demonstrate His character.
• Even in difficult or unjust situations, believers can maintain a spirit of integrity and excellence.

Justice and fairness. Masters (or employers) are called to treat their slaves (or employees) with justice and fairness, recognizing their inherent dignity as human beings created in God's image. This involves paying them fairly, providing reasonable working conditions, and respecting their rights.

• Masters should avoid harshness, oppression, and exploitation, recognizing that they too are accountable to God.
• They should strive to create a work environment characterized by respect, compassion, and mutual benefit.

Equality in Christ. Both slaves and masters are reminded that they have the same Master in heaven, who shows no partiality. This underscores the equality of all believers in Christ, regardless of their social status or position.

• All believers are equally valued and loved by God.
• They are all members of the same body, called to serve one another in love.

6. Spiritual Warfare: Equip Yourself with God's Armor

The life we long for is actually the one that gladly raises its glass at every occasion of weeping, laughing, working, defending, building, submitting, leading, serving, marrying, eating, and dying to humbly affirm that all things are “to the praise of his glory.”

Reality of spiritual battle. Christians are engaged in a constant spiritual battle against the forces of evil, which seek to deceive, discourage, and destroy them. This battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers and principalities.

• The enemy is real and active, constantly seeking to undermine God's purposes and lead believers astray.
• Christians must be vigilant and aware of the enemy's tactics.

Need for divine armor. To stand firm against the enemy, believers must put on the full armor of God, which provides protection and strength in the midst of spiritual warfare. This armor is not physical but spiritual, consisting of various virtues and practices.

• The armor of God is essential for resisting temptation, overcoming adversity, and advancing God's kingdom.
• It is not a one-time application but a daily discipline, requiring constant vigilance and reliance on God's power.

Purpose of the armor. The armor of God is not merely for self-defense but for engaging in offensive warfare, advancing God's kingdom, and proclaiming the gospel to a lost and dying world. Believers are called to be active participants in God's mission, not passive bystanders.

• The armor of God equips believers to be bold witnesses for Christ, sharing the truth with love and compassion.
• It enables them to stand firm in the face of opposition and persecution, knowing that their ultimate victory is secure in Christ.

7. The Belt of Truth and Breastplate of Righteousness: Secure Your Foundation

The life we long for is actually the one that gladly raises its glass at every occasion of weeping, laughing, working, defending, building, submitting, leading, serving, marrying, eating, and dying to humbly affirm that all things are “to the praise of his glory.”

Truth as a foundation. The belt of truth represents the importance of living in accordance with God's Word and rejecting all forms of deception and falsehood. It is the foundation upon which all other pieces of armor are secured.

• Truth is essential for discerning good from evil and making wise decisions.
• Believers must be committed to seeking, speaking, and living the truth in all areas of their lives.

Righteousness as protection. The breastplate of righteousness represents the importance of living a life of moral integrity and obedience to God's commands. It protects the heart from the attacks of the enemy, providing a sense of peace and security.

• Righteousness is not self-righteousness but a genuine desire to please God and live according to His standards.
• It is a gift from God, received through faith in Christ, and manifested in good works.

Interdependence of truth and righteousness. Truth and righteousness are inseparable, working together to provide a solid foundation for spiritual warfare. Without truth, righteousness can become legalistic and self-serving. Without righteousness, truth can become cold and intellectual.

• Believers must strive to cultivate both truth and righteousness in their lives, allowing them to inform and strengthen one another.
• This involves a continuous process of learning, reflection, and application, guided by the Holy Spirit.

8. The Gospel of Peace and Shield of Faith: Advance and Defend

The life we long for is actually the one that gladly raises its glass at every occasion of weeping, laughing, working, defending, building, submitting, leading, serving, marrying, eating, and dying to humbly affirm that all things are “to the praise of his glory.”

Gospel as motivation. The shoes of the gospel of peace represent the importance of being ready to share the good news of salvation with others. This involves a willingness to go wherever God leads, proclaiming the message of reconciliation and hope.

• The gospel is not merely a set of doctrines but a dynamic force that transforms lives and communities.
• Believers are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His message of peace with a world in conflict.

Faith as defense. The shield of faith represents the importance of trusting in God's promises and relying on His power to overcome the attacks of the enemy. It is a defense against doubt, fear, and discouragement, enabling believers to stand firm in the midst of adversity.

• Faith is not blind optimism but a confident assurance in God's character and purposes.
• It is a gift from God, received through the hearing of His Word, and strengthened through prayer and obedience.

Interdependence of gospel and faith. The gospel and faith are inseparable, working together to advance and defend God's kingdom. Without the gospel, faith can become empty and misguided. Without faith, the gospel can become powerless and ineffective.

• Believers must strive to cultivate both gospel proclamation and faith in their lives, allowing them to inform and strengthen one another.
• This involves a continuous process of learning, reflection, and application, guided by the Holy Spirit.

9. The Helmet of Salvation and Sword of the Spirit: Protect Your Mind and Attack

The life we long for is actually the one that gladly raises its glass at every occasion of weeping, laughing, working, defending, building, submitting, leading, serving, marrying, eating, and dying to humbly affirm that all things are “to the praise of his glory.”

Salvation as protection. The helmet of salvation represents the importance of guarding one's mind with the assurance of salvation in Christ. This involves rejecting doubt, fear, and despair, and embracing the hope of eternal life.

• Salvation is not merely a past event but a present reality and a future hope.
• Believers must constantly renew their minds with the truth of the gospel, resisting the temptation to dwell on negative thoughts and emotions.

Word as weapon. The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, represents the importance of using Scripture to combat the lies of the enemy and advance God's kingdom. This involves knowing, understanding, and applying God's Word in all areas of life.

• The Bible is not merely a collection of stories but a powerful weapon for spiritual warfare.
• Believers must be skilled in handling God's Word, using it to discern truth from error and to proclaim the gospel with clarity and conviction.

Interdependence of salvation and the Word. Salvation and the Word are inseparable, working together to protect the mind and attack the enemy. Without salvation, the Word can become legalistic and oppressive. Without the Word, salvation can become subjective and misguided.

• Believers must strive to cultivate both assurance of salvation and knowledge of Scripture in their lives, allowing them to inform and strengthen one another.
• This involves a continuous process of learning, reflection, and application, guided by the Holy Spirit.

10. Pray Always: Stay Alert and Persevere

The life we long for is actually the one that gladly raises its glass at every occasion of weeping, laughing, working, defending, building, submitting, leading, serving, marrying, eating, and dying to humbly affirm that all things are “to the praise of his glory.”

Prayer as connection. Prayer is the vital link that connects believers to God, enabling them to receive His guidance, strength, and protection. It is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt conversation with a loving Father.

• Prayer is essential for maintaining a close relationship with God.
• It is a means of expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and interceding for others.

Alertness and perseverance. Believers are called to be alert and watchful in prayer, recognizing the constant threat of the enemy and the need for continuous reliance on God's power. This involves persevering in prayer, even when answers are delayed or circumstances are difficult.

• Alertness requires a conscious effort to resist distraction and focus on God's presence.
• Perseverance involves a commitment to continue praying, even when discouraged or weary.

Intercession for all saints. Prayer is not merely a personal discipline but a corporate responsibility, involving intercession for all believers. This involves praying for their spiritual growth, protection, and effectiveness in ministry.

• Intercession reflects a genuine love and concern for others.
• It is a powerful means of building up the body of Christ and advancing God's kingdom.

Last updated: March 13, 2025