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OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for June 2025
July 1, 2025
Ephesians 4:1 – I therefore the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.
Thought: Bible verses are often filled with lessons. This is one such verse. First, persecution is part of the Christian’s life. Paul was a prisoner of the Lord. Second, we can use our struggles to encourage others. As a prisoner, Paul pleaded with the Ephesians. Third, our Christian life is a walk, that is, a marathon and not a sprint. Fourth, we need to walk in a worthy manner. Fifth, the Christian life is a vocation to which we have been called.
Philemon 9
July 2, 2025
Ephesians 4:2 – With all lowliness, and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.
Thought: Paul is appealing to the church to be unified. This requires two things: Christian qualities and sound doctrine. Paul lists five qualities in this verse that are needed for unity to prevail. Lowliness involves how a person looks at himself. He is humble and not lifted up with pride. Meekness is simply strength under control. Long suffering simply means to suffer long with others. To forebear involves bearing up under. All is to be done in love.
Colossians 3:12-13
July 3, 2025
Ephesians 4:3 – Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Thought: “The unity of the Spirit” is the unity that the Spirit commands in the pages of God’s Word. When unity prevails, there is a bond of peace between brothers and sisters in Christ. This unity, however, is not easy to maintain. Satan, false teachers, and the flesh of man seek to destroy the unity of God’s children. Therefore, each Christian must “endeavor” to keep it. Endeavor means “to make effort” or “to exert oneself.” It’s a battle we must win!
Psalm 133:1
July 4, 2025
Ephesians 4:4- There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.
Thought: In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul sets forth what some call “The Seven Ones.” These are seven doctrines that are vital to the unity of God’s people. Satan knows what they are, and he attacks each one of them. Paul begins the list with “one body.” The body is the church. This is the unity of organization. Next, he reveals that there is “one Spirit.” This is the unity of revelation. Third, he notes there is “one hope.” This is the unity of expectation.
John 17:20-23
July 5, 2025
Ephesians 4:5 – One Lord, one faith, one baptism.
Thought: Paul continues to set forth the “seven ones” of Christian unity. These seven things are points that must believed in like manner by all for unity to prevail. There is one Lord. The word “Lord” means “master” or “sovereign.” In essence, there is one authority over all in the church. There is also one faith. The faith is the system of faith by which the Christian life is lived. In addition, there is one baptism. This has to do with our unity of practice.
Acts 6:7
July 6, 2025
Ephesians 4:6 – One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Thought: The last of the “Seven Ones” of Christian unity is one God. It is interesting that Paul has already mentioned the Spirit and the Lord in this list. These are separate from the “one God and Father.” Only one being occupies the position of Father. He is “above all, and through all, and in you all.” God represents our unity of worship. The Scripture plainly teaches, “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
Matthew 4:10
July 7, 2025
Ephesians 4:7 – But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Thought: A wonderful definition of grace is “help.” Grace is God’s divine assistance provided to man through a variety of avenues. Here, Paul speaks of God’s grace in giving gifts unto men. He is referring to the miraculous gifts given in the first century. These miraculous manifestations of the Spirit were given to a church that did not possess the complete written revelation of God. These gifts assisted Christians in knowing and doing God’s will.
Romans 12:6-8
July 8, 2025
Ephesians 4:8 – Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Thought: Our Lord ascended up on high from the mount of Olives. When He did, two things happened. First, He led captivity captive. In His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered His enemies. He led them away as captives when He returned to His throne. Second, Jesus gave gifts unto men. He had promised the Comforter to His apostles. On Pentecost day, the Spirit descended on the Twelve. His gifts were then distributed to members of the church.
Acts 2:1-4
July 9, 2025
Ephesians 4:9, 10 – (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower part of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up for above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Thought: Paul could not speak about Christ’s ascension without also mentioning his descent. Jesus descended in two ways. First, he left heaven and came to earth. Second, following His death, Jesus descended into the tomb of Jospeh of Arimathea. At that time, His Spirit entered into the hadean realm, that is, the unseen realm of the dead. Jesus’ birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension were part of the mystery that Jesus fulfilled.
John 16:28
July 10, 2025
Ephesians 4:11 – And he gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some pastors and teachers.
Thought: When Jesus ascended, He did not leave the church without leadership. He continued to be, and, will always be the Head. However, Jesus authorized certain positions of leadership to oversee, teach, guide, and discipline the church. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers were the positions appointed by the Lord. Apostles and prophets continue to lead through the Word of God. The others lead in a physical capacity.
1 Peter 5:1-4
July 11, 2025
Ephesians 4:12 – For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.
Thought: Church leadership is not designed for men to gloat and brag. Leaders have work to do. They are to perfect the saints. The word “perfect” means to develop or grow to maturity. Leaders are also supposed to make sure the work of the ministry is accomplished. The Lord ministered while He was on earth. This responsibility now resides with the church. Finally, leaders are to make certain the body of Christ is edified, that is, built up in its faith.
Acts 14:22-23
July 12, 2025
Ephesians 4:13 – Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Thought: Paul begins this verse with the word “till” which means “up to a certain point in time.” Paul’s point is that the miraculous gifts would continue till “we call come in the unity of the faith.” Some believe that Paul is referring to the Second Coming of Christ here. Not so! The unity of the faith was that time when God’s final, complete revelation was given to man. Man would have knowledge. This knowledge would enable him to be perfect and full.
1 Corinthians 13:8-13
July 13, 2025
Ephesians 4:14 – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
Thought: This verse helps us to understand the meaning of Paul’s previous words. If the previous verse refers to Jesus’ Second Coming, this verse would not be needed. This verse notes that when we come to the unity of the faith, that is, when God’s complete revelation of His will was revealed, Christianity could leave the state of infancy. The faithful could read the Word of God for themselves instead of being led astray by crafty, deceptive false teachers.
Revelation 2:2
July 14, 2025
Ephesians 4:15 – But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
Thought: Instead of the first century Christians being like children, they could grow up in Christ in all things. This could be done because they would have the truth revealed in its entirety and could speak it in love. The body could properly function as it received its directions from its head, Jesus Christ. Think about the religious error Paul refutes here. Miracles have ceased. The church has one Head. There is only one body called the church.
2 Peter 3:18
July 15, 2025
Ephesians 4:16 – From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Thought: Jesus is the head of the body, a body that flows from Him. Contrary to popular religious beliefs, Jesus only has one body. The body is supposed to be unified, “fitly joined together.” Every member of the body is important, “by that which every joint supplieth.” Every member is supposed to fulfill its obligation to the body, “the effectual working in the measure of every part.” The body is supposed to “increase” in an environment of “love.”
1 Corinthians 12:20-25
July 16, 2025
Ephesians 4:17 – This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk in the vanity of their mind.
Thought: There are two ways man can walk in world. He can walk in the vanity of his mind. Or, he can walk in the wisdom of God. The first choice is empty, vain, purposeless, and useless. It satisfies the desires of the flesh, but it leaves a wake of hurt, sorrow, and destruction. Paul exhorts the Ephesians not to live such lifestyle. It harms the individual. It harms those with whom he associates. It harms society. It is detrimental to one’s soul.
1 Peter 4:3
July 17, 2025
Ephesians 4:18 – Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.
Thought: Man’s wisdom blinds him from the wisdom of God. Paul describes this blindness with two phrases in this verse, “having the understanding darkened” and “the blindness of their heart.” This blindness is the result of ignorance. Their ignorance involves a deficiency of the knowledge of God’s Word. Because of their ignorance, they have been “alienated from the life of God.” This life involves an animated life now and eternal life in the world to come.
Romans 8:7-8
July 18, 2025
Ephesians 4:19 – Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness.
Thought: Individuals can give themselves over to sin for so long that they harden their conscience to the evil and corruption in which they are involved. Their conscience cannot be pricked. They are not ashamed of their iniquity. They persist in their lasciviousness and uncleanness. Lasciviousness is defined as “absence of restraint” and “unbridled lust.” In essence, man does anything he desires and can imagine to satisfy fleshly, sensual desires.
1 Peter 4:3
July 19, 2025
Ephesians 4:20, 21 – But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard him and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.
Thought: Christianity is a taught religion. Too, it is a learned religion. Its precepts and principles are diametrically opposed to the thinking and actions of the world. Paul had reminded the Ephesians how the Gentiles lived. He now contrasts that life beginning with these words: “But ye have no so learned Christ.” Paul revealed God’s wisdom to these Christians. Now they needed to remember his instruction and be doers of the word.
John 6:45
July 20, 2025
Ephesians 4:22 – That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts.
Thought: When a person converts to Christianity, his old man of sin is put to death and buried in the waters of baptism. This old man, however, attempts to constantly resurrect himself in the life of the Christian The Christian must “put off” the former way of life. It must be cast aside like an old garment. It is important to remember that the former conversation was corrupt. It appealed to desires that were deceitful, making false promises.
Romans 6:3-4
July 21, 2025
Ephesians 4:23 – And be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
Thought: Christianity puts an emphasis on the mind of man. This stands in contrast to the world. It puts the emphasis on how a person feels. The mind, however, is the command center. It can absorb facts. It can reason. It can discern. It can come to conclusions. Paul told the church at Ephesus that when deceitful lusts come upon them, they can be conquered by a renewal of the mind. Yes, fleshly desires can be conquered by truth.
Romans 12:2
July 22, 2025
Ephesians 4:24 – And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Thought: There are two individuals that a person can be in this life according to the Bible. First, a person can be an old man. Another name for this individual is the man of sin. Second, a person can be a new man. This new man has been cleansed of sin. He “is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Righteousness simply involves “right living.” It is a life lived in harmony with God’s will. Holiness involves purity combined with a divine purpose.
2 Corinthians 5:17
July 23, 2025
Ephesians 4:25 – Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.
Thought: When the Christian’s mind is filled with God’s word, his life will manifest changes. Here, Paul notes one of those changes. We will put away lying. Lying is a behavior that has plagued man from the beginning. Lying protects us from negative consequences. Lying often gives us an advantage over others. Christians are not liars. Instead, they “speak every man truth with his neighbor.” We know that lies are of Satan. Truth springs from the Christ.
John 8:44
July 24, 2025
Ephesians 4:26 – Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
Thought: Paul provides another example of the behaviors of the new man in Christ. Anger is a powerful emotion. It can be an emotion that is positive. However, most of the time, it drives people to say and do evil things. The Christian learns how to be angry, but refrain from sin. In other words, he disciplines himself. Too, he refuses to let the sun go down on his wrath. He knows that the longer anger resides in the heart the more evil it stirs up.
Proverbs 19:11
July 25, 2025
Ephesians 4:27 – Neither give place to the devil.
Thought: “The devil is always busy when we are angry, and in some way, if possible, will lead us into sin…” (Barnes, e-sword). Thus, when a person is angry, he must not give the devil a place at the table or open a spot in his heart that will give the devil an advantage over him. If he does, he may do things he would otherwise not do. He might do things that would harm his Christ-like example. He might do things he regrets but cannot change.
2 Corinthians 2:11
July 26, 2025
Ephesians 4:28 – Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
Thought: Paul gives another example of the behavior of one who manifests the new man. He ceases to be a thief and robber. Instead, he finds a job and goes to work. Yes, he works “with his hands the thing which is good.” Working is both honest and honorable. Paul’s words that end this verse are interesting. The rewards of work are not just for the laborer. Paul notes that the new man is benevolent. He is willing to give to him that is in need.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
July 27, 2025
Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Thought: Paul reveals that the new man communicates properly and effectively. No corrupt communication proceeds out of his mouth. The word “corrupt” means “rotten, worthless, putrefied, and of poor quality.” Corrupt communication does not help. It only harms. A new storehouse of words must be developed by the new man. These words are designed to edify, that is, build others up. They minister “grace” to the hearers. They support and aid others.
Colossians 4:6
July 28, 2025
Ephesians 4:30 – And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Thought: In this verse we learn important things about the Holy Spirit. First, Paul exhorts his readers not to “grieve” the Holy Spirit. This indicates that the Holy Spirit is a person, a real being or personality. Energy and power cannot be grieved. NOTE: Christians grieve the Spirit by disobeying the holy words the Spirit has revealed. Second, we learn that Christians have been “sealed” by the Holy Spirit. We have a divine stamp that proves we belong to God.
2 Corinthians 1:22
July 29, 2025
Ephesians 4:31 – Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.
Thought: Christians are called to a holy life, a life patterned after the Christ. To live this life, the child of God must put some things away. Paul lists six things in this verse. Bitterness is a strong feeling of disdain and resentfulness. Wrath is a passionate anger that acts out. Anger is a strong indignation that lies within. Clamour involves words used in a brawl. Evil speaking involves filth, lies, and gossip. Malice is depravity and naughtiness.
Colossians 3:8
July 30, 2025
Ephesians 4:32- And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Thought: There are things the Christian is to put out of his life. There are also things the Christian must manifest in his life. Paul notes three qualities the Christian should express to others. He should be kind. He should be tenderhearted. He should be one who is willing to forgive. These three things cultivate relationships. Forgiving another can be difficult. Paul helps to make it easier by reminding us that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us.
Colossians 3:12-13
July 31, 2025
Ephesians 5:1 – Be ye followers of God, as dear children.
Thought: Paul reminds us that eliminating the negative qualities in our lives and replacing them with positive qualities enables us to develop ourselves into the very image of God. This should be one of our goals as God’s “dear children.” We should want to follow Him in every manner possible. There is no better example to emulate. We will never follow Him into error or into immorality. We will only follow Him to holiness, happiness, and heaven.
Matthew 5:48
Read devotionals for August 2025