[Practical Application Review – Week 35]

Greetings,

We continue our journey of exploring all 260 chapters of the New Testament, five (5) chapters each week.  Let us finish the book of Ephesians and start Philippians.

Schedule – Week 35:

Please read and/or listen to Ephesians 3, 4, 5, 6 and Philippians 1

Even though reading and listening to the Bible being read is valuable, our primary goal is learning to live the Bible (to the best of our ability).

Consider our Practical Application Review process…

For “every” chapter:

Step 1: Select a passage of interest

Step 2: Identify area of teaching

Step 3: Consider a practical application

Now let us explore an example (of our three-step process) for each of these five chapters…

Text #1: Ephesians 3

   Passage: (vv. 17-21)

   Teaching: Christ dwells within our hearts, strengthening our understanding.  God can do far more than we can ask or think by His mighty power.

   Application: I am excited that my Lord Jesus is at work deep within me.  I pray that He will do even greater things in my generation than I can even fathom.

Text #2: Ephesians 4

   Passage: (vv. 22-32)

   Teaching: Let us lay aside all former practices and put on the new in righteousness and holiness.  Replace lying with the truth, no more stealing, evil communication, wrath, etc.

   Application: Though God has brought change to my life, I must consciously decide each day that I will not give the devil a chance.  Our Lord deserves my very best.

Text #3: Ephesians 5

   Passage: (vv. 1-2)

   Teaching: Let us be godlike, as His children.  Walking in love, following our Lord Jesus Christ.  He gave Himself as an offering and sacrifice to God (for us).

   Application: I choose to proactively integrate the example of Jesus into my own life.  Living by love and focused on pleasing Father God.

Text #4: Ephesians 6

   Passage: (vv. 10-20)

   Teaching: Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may prevail against the evil one.  Be sure to include truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, Bible and prayer.

   Application: Though I have been a follower of Christ for decades, I still find myself vulnerable at times.  With each piece of armor, I must focus on remaining faithful to my Creator and God.

Text #5: Philippians 1

   Passage: (vv. 21-25)

   Teaching: Paul is considering whether it is better for him to remain on planet Earth and serve others, or to be ready to leave and enjoy his eternal reward in Heaven.

   Application: At this time, I feel the need to contribute to the global body of Christ.  At some point though, I will have to accept my time is up and go to my Lord Jesus.

“Under the Shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1),

Shawn Episcopo

ThruTheNewTestament.com