 |
|
| |
|
OceanSide church of Christ
Read devotionals for August 2025
September 1, 2025
Ephesians 6:4 – And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Thought: Parenting is not an easy task. It requires the parent to discipline his child in numerous ways. This discipline is designed to teach and mature the child. The challenge for the father is not to provoke his children to wrath. Paul notes how this can be done. As we teach, train, and discipline our children help them to understand that these things are the will of God for their lives. This way of life will benefit them here and in the hereafter as well.
Genesis 18:19
September 2, 2025
Ephesians 6:5 – Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ.
Thought: Paul lived when the Roman Empire was the world power. It was not a democracy. Too, the church was not a political force (John 18:36). Slavery was a reality. Therefore, the Holy Spirit legislated through the pen of Paul how Christian slaves and masters were to behave. Here, he speaks to slaves. He exhorts them to be obedient. He commands them to be respectful. He counsels them to be loyal to their masters as they would be to Christ.
1 Timothy 6:1-2
September 3, 2025
Ephesians 6:6 – Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Thought: Paul continues his messages to those who were slaves at that time. He tells them to be obedient, steadfast servants all the time. They should not slack from their service when their master was not around. A servant who is faithful only when his master is present is not worth much. Paul wanted the masters of Christian slaves to see a different in them. They served their masters differently because they were doing God’s will as Christ’s servants.
Colossians 3:22
September 4, 2025
Ephesians 6:7 – With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to man.
Thought: Slave were given duties by their masters. The Christian slave was to have a positive attitude. This was not always easy, especially if an individual was serving a cruel master. The Christian had a higher, nobler purpose than simply accomplishing the will of his master. His service was being rendered unto the Lord. He was aware that his supreme Master was also the beneficiary of his labor. Thus, his service was always with good will.
1 Corinthians 10:31
September 5, 2025
Ephesians 6:8 – Knowing that whatsoever good thing a man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord whether he be bond or free.
Thought: When we do good in this life, we are not always immediately rewarded. This was certainly true of the good service of a slave. His fulfilling his duties in a responsible way was expected. His fulfilling his obligations responsibly wasn’t always appreciated. These things didn’t deter the Christian slave from doing his best. He wasn’t just serving a human master. He also served the Christ. He knew his heavenly Master would reward him in the end.
Colossians 3:23-24
September 6, 2025
Ephesians 6:9 – And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: know that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
Thought: Having address slaves, Paul turns his attention to Christian masters. He exhorts them to treat their slaves with the knowledge that they have a Master in heaven. Our Master treats us with honor and respect. He treats all with the same loving kindness. “There is no respect of persons with him.” These are the principles earthly Masters need to apply to their slaves. If Masters and slaved followed these divine precepts, slavery would disappear.
Colossians 4:1
September 7, 2025
Ephesians 6:10 – Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Thought: Paul nears the close of his epistle. He now reminds his readers that they are embroiled in a spiritual war. He begins by exhorting them to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Humans cannot withstand the evil one on their strength alone. He has weapons that are powerful. He has means that are deceptive. He has allies that are very strong. He can be overcome, however, with the Lord’s strength and the Lord’s power.
Isaiah 35:3-4
September 8, 2025
Ephesians 6:11 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Thought: Paul not only told the Ephesians to be strong, he also told them “how” to be strong. This is done by putting on the whole armor of God. The word “whole” is very important. The word means “entire, complete, full.” When a Christian soldier dons the armor of God, he must make certain every piece is in place. With it, he will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Wiles involve trickery, craftiness, and deceit designed to harm.
1 Peter 5:8
September 9, 2025
Ephesians 6:12 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Thought: Paul knows that evil men and women are often used by Satan to carry out his work. However, the true battle is waged against forces beyond this world. We are wrestling “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness is high places.” These forces do not rest. These forces do not take a vacation. They are constantly plotting and planning our demise. They are of the devil.
Romans 8:37-39
September 10, 2025
Ephesians 6:13 – Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Thought: Paul again points his readers to the armor of God. He commands them to take the whole armor of God. This will ensure that they will be able to stand in the evil day. The evil day is the day of temptation. The evil day is the day when one must stand against the false teacher. The evil day is the day when one must expose the one who causes division within the church. It is hard to stand, especially if one is alone. The armor is the key to victory.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
September 11, 2025
Ephesians 6:14 – Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
Thought: Paul exhorts the Ephesians soldiers to stand. This involves a willingness to engage the enemy. This willingness springs from a heart of courage. He is courageous because the he is wearing his armor. His loins are girt about with truth. He carries the breastplate of righteousness. The front of his body from the neck to the knees is well protected. The blows of the enemy will not harm him. Truth and righteousness are a powerful cover.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
September 12, 2025
Ephesians 6:15 – And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Thought: The feet and shins of the Christian soldier are protected the by “the preparation of the gospel of peace.” The word “preparation” means “readiness.” The Christian soldier is ready to withstand the enemy with the gospel. The gospel provides him a sure footing before his enemy. It is interesting that he uses “the gospel of peace.” His message is designed to bring peace. If his efforts are effective, even his enemies can obtain peace with God and man.
Romans 10:15
September 13, 2025
Ephesians 6:16 – Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Thought: Paul reveals that one of the most important aspects of the Christian’s armor is his shield of faith. In enables him to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Faith is simply trust and confidence in God. It involves the conviction that God’s Word is truth. Thus, when God speaks the Christian soldier hears and acts upon his Commander’s orders immediately. The Lord’s instructions cover the soldier in warfare and lead him to places of refuge.
Psalm 56:10-11
September 14, 2025
Ephesians 6:17 – And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Thought: The helmet of salvation is designed to protect the head of the Christian. If a Christian understands what it took to bring him salvation, and, if he understands the blessing of that salvation, he will not be overcome by the lures and deceits of the devil. Too, the Christian soldier possesses an offensive weapon, the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. It looks harmless, but it is filled with divine power. It can overcome the enemy.
Revelation 1:16
September 15, 2025
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
Thought: In addition to the Christian armor, the Christian soldier also has prayer in his arsenal. Paul exhorted the Ephesians to pray always. Prayer accesses the greatest power source in the Universe. Even though this is true, Christians often have difficulty when it comes to prayer. Paul understood this and exhorted the early Christians to watch thereunto with all perseverance. Pray, and keep praying. Prayer should be for self and for all saints.
Psalm 6:9-10
September 16, 2025
Ephesians 6:19 – And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make know the mystery of the gospel.
Thought: Paul knew the power of prayer. He exhorted the Ephesians to pray for all saints, then he asked them to pray for him. “And for me.” He longed to be the faithful herald of the message of Jesus Christ. He wanted divine revelation to be given to him. He, then, desired the courage needed to make known the mystery of the gospel. Paul knew that message was not liked, nor well received, by the world. Thus, boldness was needed to make it known.
1 Thessalonians 5:25
September 17, 2025
Ephesians 6:20 – For which I am an ambassador in bonds; that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Thought: An ambassador was a person specially selected by a king to carry out an important task. At this time, Paul was “an ambassador in bonds.” He was in the custody of the Roman government. Being arrested for one’s message could be intimidating. It could cause a person not to be as bold. Paul did not want this to happen to him. He wanted to speak boldly as he ought to speak. “Bold” means “frank, confident, free spoken, and with assurance.”
Jeremiah 1:7-8
September 18, 2025
Ephesians 6:21 – But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things.
Thought: Paul established numerous churches among the Gentiles. He loved these individuals dearly. He understood the importance of personally being with the members of these churches. However, Paul was just one man. Therefore, he relied on two things to keep in contact with his brethren. One contact involved epistles or letters. The second involved sending faithful men like Tychicus who could serve as a substitute for the beloved apostle.
Colossians 4:7-8
September 19, 2025
Ephesians 6:22 – Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
Thought: Not only did Paul love the Christians in the churches he planted, but they loved him as well. When they heard of his struggles and hardships, they were concerned. Visits from Paul’s companion, therefore, served two purposes. First, Paul would learn of the affairs of the church. Second, Paul’s associates could communicate Paul’s affairs to the brethren. Thus, there was a mutual comfort in their visit. Physical visits are better than paper letters.
Colossians 4:9
September 20, 2025
Ephesians 6:23 – Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought: Paul almost always ends his epistles with love and tenderness and well-wishes. Such is the case here. He wants them to have peace. Peace involves such things as the absence of war, harmony, and prosperity. Too, he wants them to possess love. Love is the crowning virtue. Without it, nothing else matters. Paul wants this love to be coupled with faith. Paul wants these things for the Ephesians and so does the Father and Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
September 21, 2025
Ephesians 6:24 – Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Thought: Grace is often defined as “unmerited favor.” This writer prefers this definition of grace: “God’s divine help.” Grace, divine help, reached down from heaven to redeem man from sin. This divine assistance can do more than just save us. Thus, Paul wishes grace upon all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. The little phrase, “in sincerity,” is of importance. Many will affirm their love for Jesus, but their words involve no actions.
John 14:15
September 22, 2025
Philippians 1:1 – Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.
Thought: We learn many lessons from this first verse of Philippians. First, Christians share relationships with one another. Paul and Timothy were like a father and son as ministers of the gospel. Second, Paul did not have to assert his apostleship with the Philippians. They enjoyed a close fellowship. Third, all Christians are saints in Christ Jesus. Fourth, true church organization consists of bishops and deacons. Yes, the lessons are many.
1 Timothy 1:2
September 23, 2025
Philippians 1:2 – Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thought: If there are two things Christians need in their lives it is the divine assistance of God, that is, grace, and peace which involves harmony, tranquility, freedom from strife, and prosperity. Paul knew this and wished them upon the Philippians. In fact, these two blessings, along with mercy, are often part of Paul’s salutations. It is interesting that he never wished harm or destruction upon his brethren, even on those who were struggling.
Colossians 1:2
September 24, 2025
Philippians 1:3, 4 – I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.
Thought: Paul’s brethren were constantly on his mind. This was especially true of the Philippians. Paul also poured out prayers on their behalf. He began by expressing gratitude for his brethren. Paul knew that God could hear his requests. God could grant them protection. He could provide them opportunities. He could bestow upon them forgiveness. He could pour out untold blessings on their behalf. Paul’s prayers were not in vain.
Colossians 1:3
September 25, 2025
Philippians 1:5 – For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.
Thought: We do not use language in the way Paul uses language in this verse. We do not hear Christians talking about “fellowship in the gospel.” The word “fellowship” means “joint-participation, sharing, communion, association, intercourse.” Paul was a preacher of the gospel. In order for him to take the gospel to the world, he needed support. The Philippians provided that support to Paul. Thus, Paul and the Philippians had fellowship in the gospel.
2 Corinthians 11:8
September 26, 2025
Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which had begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Thought: Paul knew the Philippians very well. He was certain, that is, possessed no doubt, that “he which had begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” The “he” is the Lord Himself. He begins a good work in Christians the day they are converted. If a person has a good heart and true faith, the Lord will bring that work to completion in the life of the individual. That work will be fully noted at the Lord’s return.
Hebrews 13:20-21
September 27, 2025
Philippians 1:7 – Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, ye are partakers of my grace.
Thought: Paul was the one who took the gospel into the city of Philippi. He was witness to the “good work” that was begun in them. He knew their faithfulness would continue because he knew them so well. He constantly had them in his heart. He thought of them often. He prayed for them often. He longed to see them often. Even while Paul was a prisoner, his thoughts were full of the Philippians. Why? They were his converts, partakers of his grace.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
September 28, 2025
Philippians 1:8 – For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
Thought: Paul affired the Philippians were in his heart. His assured them of this by calling God as his witness. God would affirm how greatly Paul longed after these brethren. He did so “in the bowels of Jesus Christ.” Barnes gives this explanation: “The allusion here is to the sympathy, tenderness, and love of the Redeemer; and probably the meaning is, that Paul regarded them with something of the affection which the Lord Jesus had for them” (e-sword).
Colossians 2:1
September 29, 2025
Philippians 1:9 – And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment.
Thought: When Paul prayed for the Philippians, one of the things he prayed for is that their love would “abound yet more and more.” Notice how he wanted their love to abound, “in knowledge and in all judgment.” Our society has perverted love to a great extent. Most believe that love involves feelings only. The Bible teaches that love involves the mind and rationale. To give love is a choice. We can even extend love to others without feelings.
1 Thessalonians 4:9-10
September 30, 2025
Philippians 1:10 – That we may approve the things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.
Thought: Paul also longed for the Philippians to be able to “approve the things that are excellent.” These are the things of God, spiritual things, Biblical things, and eternal things. In addition, he desired for these saints to continue to be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Christ is coming. Sincerity comes from within. Being without offence involves what we do outwardly. Our hearts and our behaviors will be important when He comes.
Ephesians 5:27
Read devotionals for October 2025