August Devotion

A ministry of Moody Bible Institute
PAUL’ S LET TERS

FROM PRISON
AUGUST 2023
Today with Mark Jobe
Praise Under Pressure

From the President of Moody Bible Institute
“In the darkest moments in our lives,
the most powerful sound is the voice of praise.”
When you’re we are walking through difficult

faced with trouble circumstances, can soften hearts
and your back and dramatically change our
is up against the circumstances. Acts tells us that the
wall, what is your “jailer woke up, and when he saw the
first reaction? I’m prison doors open, he drew his sword
sure most of us and was about to kill himself because
would not say, “I he thought the prisoners had escaped.
praise God.” But that’s exactly what Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself!’”
Paul and Silas did. (vv. 27–28). The jailer, astounded by
In Acts 16, we meet the Apostle what had happened, asked Paul:
Paul and Silas who had been “What must I do to be saved?” The
preaching about Jesus when they jailer and his entire household
were viciously attacked by an angry believed in God and were baptized.
mob. Severely beaten, stripped, and In the darkest moments in our
shackled, they were thrown into a lives, the most powerful sound is the
cell. They were bloody, bruised, and voice of praise. Not only does our
did not know what the morning praise redirect our attention from our
would bring. But around midnight, circumstances back to God, but it also
Paul and Silas began to sing (v. 25). sets in motion God-activity that can
I can imagine that the sound of open doors and manifest His power.
their voices—praising God—cut Friend, what if the thing that is
through the darkness and roused happening to you today is being used
other prisoners. As Paul and Silas by God to bring about a miracle?
praised God, suddenly there was an What if your willingness to give praise
earthquake. It was so violent that the under pressure will be a testimony
foundation of the prison was shaken to many? I believe that if you are
(v. 26). Prison doors opened and a follower of Jesus, your life is not
chains fell off. The spiritual changed random. With a sovereign God, it’s not
the physical. a coincidence. So, the next time you
The same can be true for you encounter trouble, ask yourself: “What

and me. Our attitude of praise and is God doing?” Then allow the Holy
worship of God, especially when Spirit to turn your pain into praise.
(800) 356-6639
Practical Theology
Paul and Slavery

by Dr. John Koessler
“Throughout the Bible, slavery is primarily viewed as a mode of
forced servitude. Slavery is never portrayed as an ideal state except
when Christ is our master.”
Readers of Paul’s prison letters may was used to punish those who could
be troubled by the lack of explicit not pay their debts. Jesus alludes to
condemnation of slavery. Some this practice in the parable of the
may worry that his call to enslaved unmerciful servant (Matt. 18:23–34).
Christians to obey their masters The parable turns on the irony of one
endorses the practice (Eph. 6:5; Col. person, whose unpayable debt was
3:22). However, Paul makes his view forgiven, demanding payment from
of slavery clear in 1 Corinthians 7:23: someone else for a much smaller debt.
“You were bought at a price; do not Since God has forgiven us the debt we
become slaves of human beings.” can’t repay, through Christ we must
There is a theological reason forgive one another.
behind his command. Christians Some forms of slavery did serve
should not become enslaved (or as a kind of economic safety net
enslave others) because Christ has (see Exodus 21). People would sell
already purchased them by His themselves into slavery to improve
blood. They now belong to God. Paul their social and financial status.
asserted that the cultural distinction In the Old Testament, slavery was
between the enslaved and the free regulated as an existing cultural
does not extend to the body of Christ practice (Ex. 12:44; 21:20). Yet it is
(1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:11). also clear that enslaved people were
These teachings sowed seeds that often mistreated (1 Peter 2:18–21).
would eventually unravel slavery’s Throughout the Bible, slavery is
widespread acceptance, although it primarily viewed as a mode of forced
would not eradicate it. servitude. It is a condition from which
In the New Testament era, the enslaved person needs to be
enslaved people were usually rescued and released. Slavery is never
prisoners of war, those who had sold portrayed as an ideal state except

themselves into slavery to pay their when Christ is our master (Rom. 1:1;
debt, or forcibly trafficked. Slavery 14:4; Gal. 1:10; Col 1:7).
For Further Study

To learn more, read The Greco-Roman World of the New Testament Era
by James S. Jeffers (InterVarsity).
MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE

Go Deeper
We hope these questions will help you consider (or discuss with others) what
God is teaching you through this month’s study of His Word. We’ve left a bit
of room to write down your thoughts as well!
WEEK 1: Have you ever been surprised by God’s blessing in a difficult

circumstance? What surprised you most? What was the blessing?
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WEEK 2: How do you know if you are growing in Christ? (See August 7)
What does spiritual growth look like?
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WEEK 3: How is the Christian life like a race? How does it differ? What do you
think Paul means when he says that his goal is to take hold of “that for which
Christ Jesus took hold of me”? (See August 19)
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WEEK 4: We are urged to “set our mind on things above” (Col. 3:2). What does
this mean in real life? How do we accomplish this? (See August 26)
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Want more questions? Check out the Go Deeper section on our website or app!
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August 2023
Paul’s Letters from Prison

I am in chains for Christ.—Philippians 1:13
Can hardship be a blessing? Russian novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn blessed

prison for being in his life because of what he learned there. In the New
Testament, the apostle Paul spoke of the unexpected gifts God gave him as a
prisoner. His letters, written under dreadful circumstances, may surprise you
with their spirit of joy and hope. Through this study, we hope you will:
• Discover how God works through unlikely circumstances

• Understand how we can follow God even in times of trouble
• Witness the power of God to forever change lives and set us free
Your devotional author,
John Koessler
John Koessler is Professor Emeritus of Applied Theology and Church Ministries at Moody
Bible Institute. John authors the “Practical Theology” column for Today in the Word of
which he is also a contributing writer and theological editor. An award-winning author,
John’s newest title is When God is Silent: Let the Bible Teach You to Pray (Kirkdale).
Prior to joining the Moody faculty, he served as a pastor of Valley Chapel in Green
Valley, Illinois, for nine years. He and his wife, Jane, now enjoy living in a lakeside town
in Michigan.
VOLUME 36 • ISSUE 8
Managing Editor: Jamie Janosz Senior Editor: Elena Mafter Contributing Editor: John Koessler Writer: John Koessler
Art Director: Lynn Gabalec Graphic Designer: Rachel Hutcheson Marketing & Production: Paul B. Currie
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IL 60610. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011
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Tuesday, August 1
Letters from a Roman Prison

Read 2 Corinthians 11:16–33
If I must boast, I will boast of the things
that show my weakness.—2 Corinthians 11:30
When Martin Luther King Jr. penned better translated as “eminent” or

his Letter From a Birmingham City “chief apostles.” To support this
Jail in April 1963, he joined a long assertion, Paul reluctantly listed some
tradition of Christians who wrote of his accomplishments (vv. 22–29),
letters and books while in jail, including his frequent imprisonment.
including John Bunyan, Dietrich We tend to look at a church’s
Bonhoeffer, and most notably, the size and budget as evidence of God
apostle Paul. at work. The apostle Paul recognized
This month we will be studying that God works through weakness.
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, For this reason, Paul wrote, “If I must
and Philemon, all letters the apostle boast, I will boast of the things that
wrote as a prisoner in Rome. At that show my weakness” (v. 30).
time, people were sent to prison not You may be surprised to find
as punishment, but to await trial and that the letters we will be studying
possible execution. When Paul wrote this month are some of Paul’s
these letters, he was most likely most joyful. Yet Paul wrote them
serving a two-year “house arrest” while under house arrest in Rome.
(Acts 28:30). This meant he was able Instead of curtailing his ministry,
to live in a rented residence, though this imprisonment allowed Paul
in chains and guarded. to articulate some of the deepest
This was not Paul’s first arrest. theology in the New Testament.
Imprisonment was so much a part  What appears to us to be a
of Paul’s Christian experience that setback is often an open door. We
he included it on his resume. In do not need a large platform to make
2 Corinthians 11:5 he began his an impact on those around us. As we
defense by claiming that he was not make ourselves available, God will
inferior to those whom others may work through us even in the most
view as “super-apostles” or perhaps confining circumstances.
Pray with Us
Lord, You are perfect and powerful! Our weaknesses remind us that it is You
who is good, who does good, who reaches people’s hearts. Give us peace in
Your power and perfection.
6 TODAY IN THE WORD

Wednesday, August 2
Reality Check
Read Ephesians 1:1–14
He chose us in him before the creation of the world
to be holy and blameless in his sight.—Ephesians 1:4
People sometimes use the phrase when finished, will “bring unity to all
“reality check” to mean recognizing things in heaven and on earth” (v. 10).
the circumstances that hinder us from The terms “chosen” and
achieving an ambition or reaching “predestined” (v. 11) have been
a goal. But the reality check Paul the focus of much discussion and
describes in his letter to the Ephesians disagreement among Christians.
is different. The apostle writes about While the issues that surround the
the true position of those who have Bible’s teaching about election and
trusted in Christ. Their reality is predestination may seem complex,
security and hope. Paul’s main point (vv. 11–14) is fairly
If you consider the situation simple. It was God who saved us by
Paul was in, the apostle’s confident uniting us to Jesus Christ through the
tone is especially striking. Although promises of the gospel. The proof that
a prisoner, Paul’s did not describe his we have been included in Christ is the
situation as the four walls holding presence of the Holy Spirit who is “a
him captive but as someone who deposit guaranteeing our inheritance
had been blessed “in the heavenly until the redemption of those who are
realms with every spiritual blessing God’s possession” (v. 14).
in Christ” (v. 3). Paul was much more  Whatever circumstances you find
than a prisoner. He was someone who yourself in today, your future is secure
had been chosen in Christ “before if you are in Christ. Security depends
the creation of the world to be holy not on your situation but on God, who
and blameless” (v. 4). He had been is bringing about your redemption. His
drawn into God’s plan of redemption plan has been unfolding since eternity
through Jesus Christ. This plan, which past. Jesus is at its center, holiness is its
originated with God in eternity past, aim, and praise will be the outcome.
Pray with Us
Father, it is such a comfort to know that in eternity with You, we will no longer
suffer. Our mistakes and wounds will not haunt us forever. We are secure in
Christ, guaranteed an everlasting place with You.
MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 7

Thursday, August 3
A Prayer from Prison

I pray that the eyes of your heart
may be enlightened.—Ephesians 1:18
When I was a boy, I occasionally intellectual knowledge of certain

wrote letters to my grandmother truths. This kind of knowledge is
who lived in another state. They were experiential as well as intellectual. It
handwritten, brief, and usually began is an understanding of a hope and
the same way: “How are you? I am a power that come from God (vv.
fine.” Letter writing in Paul’s day also 18–19). How much power are we
had an opening formula that generally talking about? According to verse 20
included a greeting to identify the it is the same power that the Father
letter’s recipient and a blessing. exerted when He raised Jesus Christ
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, from the dead! The spiritual power
this blessing takes the form of a prayer that is granted to us in the Christian
for spiritual enlightenment (vv. 17–18). life is enough to subdue all things to
This was not a prayer for salvation. Christ (v. 22).
Paul’s readers already possessed faith We can’t help noticing the
in Jesus Christ and a love for God’s contrast between Paul’s circumstances
people (v. 15). Instead, Paul prayed and the kind of power he describes.
that the Ephesians would grow in Given his arrest and confinement, we
their understanding. Specifically, might have expected the apostle to
he asked God to grant his readers see himself as a victim. Instead, Paul
enlightenment, using the vivid image describes total victory.
of a heart with eyes wide open (v.  You may not be able to grasp
18). This kind of understanding is the everything there is to know about
work of the Holy Spirit, whom the Jesus Christ. But you can understand
apostle calls “the Spirit of wisdom and more. As we continue our study, ask
revelation” (v. 17). God to open the eyes of your heart
The kind of understanding so you can know and experience the
Paul requests goes beyond mere power of Christ.
Pray with Us
Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord! We want to see You more truly each day. We
can only know about You what You reveal to us. We want to know You better
than we know ourselves. We want the eyes of our hearts to be wide-open!
8 TODAY IN THE WORD

Friday, August 4
Before and After

We are God’s handiwork.—Ephesians 2:10
Ads and commercials for diet sin. Everyone who is tempted is

supplements and exercise equipment “dragged away by their own evil
sometimes include “before” and desire and enticed” (James 1:14).
“after” pictures of those who use the This sin problem affects “all of us”
product. A famous ad from the 1920s because we are sinners “by nature”
for the training regimen developed who are “deserving of wrath” (v. 3).
by bodybuilder Charles Atlas boasted Yet Paul’s main point is not the sin
that it had enabled him to go from of his readers but the radical change
being a 97-pound weakling to “the outlined in verses 4–6. This change
world’s most perfectly developed was not brought about by personal
person.” Paul paints an even more willpower or a training regimen of
striking before-and-after picture of spiritual exercises, but by God who
his readers in Ephesians 2:1–13. was motivated by love and mercy. We
The “before” describes sinners are changed from spiritual death to
as spiritually dead, but that does life in Christ (v. 5). The fact that those
not mean they aren’t active. They who experienced this change were
follow “the ruler of the kingdom dead in sin makes it clear that the
of the air” (v. 2). This is Satan, who change did not come through their
led humanity into sin. Satan is not own efforts but had its origin in the
a metaphor but an evil spiritual grace of God. This is God’s handiwork.
being with other evil spirits who  God’s gracious work produced a
serve him. Satan is a fallen angel new community that joined Gentiles
(Luke 10:18). He was the first to and Jewish believers in Christ. Both
tempt humanity, but he is not the are united by “the blood of Christ” to
only source of temptation we form the new community we know
face. Because Adam sinned, we as the church.
are both guilty of and inclined to
Pray with Us
Even as believers we still feel the tug of our fleshly cravings and desires—and
we don’t always resist them. Merciful Lord, thank You for Your gracious work
of conviction and Your constant love that sanctifies.

Saturday, August 5
Breaking Down the Wall

He himself is our peace.—Ephesians 2:14
In Paul’s day, non-Jews who visited the of Christ on the cross. By “setting
Temple of Jerusalem were confined aside in his flesh the law with its
to the outermost section known as commands and regulations,” Jesus
the Court of the Gentiles. A fence reconciled both groups to God. This
separated the Court of the Gentiles made peace possible between Jews
from the inner courts. A warning on and Gentiles (v. 15). Because of what
it read: “No man of another race is to Christ has done, “both have access
enter within the fence and enclosure to the Father by one Spirit” (v. 18).
around the Temple. Whoever is caught The result is “one new humanity out
will have only himself to thank for the of the two” where the distinctions
death which follows.” between Jew and Gentile are no
Paul seems to be alluding to this longer meaningful (v. 15).
boundary in verse 14 when he says For the Ephesians, this meant
that Jesus “has destroyed the barrier, that they were no longer outsiders
the dividing wall of hostility.” It was to God’s promises. Through faith,
not only ethnic prejudice that kept they have been drawn into God’s
Gentiles from entering but also the great building project. This new
barrier of God’s law. Yet even those structure is “a holy temple” with the
who had received the law needed teaching of the apostles and prophets
to be reconciled to God (v. 16). The as its foundation and Jesus Christ as
spiritual wall not only set Jews apart its cornerstone (vv. 20–21).
from Gentiles but ultimately separated  If you trust in Jesus Christ as your
everyone from God. righteousness, you are inside the wall
Although the physical wall too! You are included in the promise
was still standing when the apostle of verse 22. If you do not trust in Him,
wrote these words, the spiritual wall the boundary still stands. Put your
had been torn down by the death faith in Jesus today!
Pray with Us
Lord Jesus, we could not cross the barrier to You; thank You for crossing the
barrier to us! Each day, may we more deeply and joyfully know You as our
cornerstone—the solid ground on which we stand before You.
10 TODAY IN THE WORD

Sunday, August 6
A Servant of the Gospel

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace
given me through the working of his power.—Ephesians 3:7
I was nervous when I first told my also a recipient of divine revelation.

mother I wanted to attend school to Specifically, this revelation was the
learn how to become a pastor. We news that “through the gospel the
were not a church-going family. But Gentiles are heirs together with
instead of being disappointed by the Israel, members together of one
news, she was thrilled. “Oh, Johnny!” body, and sharers together in the
she beamed. “You would make a promise in Christ Jesus” (v. 6). This
darling minister.” was new information (v. 9). It had
Darling is not the word Paul been hinted at in God’s promise that
uses in Ephesians 3. In verse 7 he all the nations would be blessed
refers to himself as a “servant.” through Abraham (Gen. 18:18).
Although the Greek term Paul uses The new thing described in these
is one that is sometimes translated verses is the church, through which,
as “minister,” Paul seems to be using Paul also says, “the manifold wisdom
its more common sense, meaning of God should be made known to the
someone who works or serves. rulers and authorities in the heavenly
Specifically, Paul sees himself as realms” (v. 10). What is the nature
a servant of the gospel. of this wisdom? It is that in Christ
In verse 2, Paul describes his and through faith in Christ, “we may
ministry as an “administration of approach God with freedom and
God’s grace.” The Greek word confidence” (v. 12).
translated “administration” was  This confidence is the reason
often used to speak of a household Paul does not want his readers to be
manager or steward. Paul exercised discouraged about his imprisonment.
a stewardship of grace by preaching He is more than willing to suffer
the gospel. By making Christ known, so they would know the freedom
he became an agent of grace to those and assurance that comes through
who received his message. Paul was the gospel.
Pray with Us
Father, the suffering we witness is sobering, forcing us to realize that You allow
bad things to happen, even to Your people. Help us trust You with both good
and bad and not to soften this reality to others in order to win them to You.

Monday, August 7
Praying for Insight

For this reason I kneel
before the Father.—Ephesians 3:14
William Willimon once observed, Christ is a relationship with Christ,

“We preachers so want to be facilitated through the Holy Spirit.
heard that we are willing to Those who come to know Jesus
make the gospel more accessible do not earn Christ’s love. They are
than it really is, to remove the rooted in love like a tree is rooted in
scandal, the offense of the cross, the soil. Their Christian life is built
to deceive people into thinking upon the foundation of knowing
that it is possible to hear without that Jesus Christ already loves them.
conversion.” The truth revealed in Those who have this foundation can
the gospel is more than a matter explore the full scope of His love.
of common sense. In this chapter, It is something they “grasp” but
the apostle Paul describes it as a whose limits they will never exhaust.
revelation that comes from God. In verses 16 and 18, Paul clearly
Instead of using clever arguments states that the power to grasp what
to persuade his audience, Paul Christ has done comes from God.
adopts a more radical strategy. He emphasizes the agent of this
He prays for them. power (the Holy Spirit), the place
Growing in our understanding where we experience it (the inner
of Christ is not simply a matter being), and its effect (the ability to
of collecting facts or articulating grasp Christ’s love). The doxology in
doctrinal positions. Paul prays that verses 20–21 celebrates God’s ability
his audience will experience the to do more than we ask or imagine.
power of the Holy Spirit in their  The power that Paul describes
“inner being” so that Christ will is the power at work in you today.
dwell in their hearts through faith In what area of life do you need to
(vv. 16–17). In other words, the experience Christ’s power through
starting place for understanding the Holy Spirit?
Pray with Us
To the greatest extent we are able, may we grasp “how wide and long and high
and deep is the love of Christ” (Eph. 3:18–19). Use us, Lord, to demonstrate Your
love to others, that they too may enjoy the comfort of Your love!

Tuesday, August 8
A Worthy Life
I urge you to live a life worthy of the
calling you have received.—Ephesians 4:1
In his beloved hymn, “Amazing preceding chapter (see also Eph.

Grace,” John Newton celebrates how 3:16–19). We live that power out in
God “saved a wretch like me.” The daily experience.
apostle Paul would have agreed. He Christ has made this possible
said of himself, “For I am the least of for us by joining believers to one
the apostles and do not even deserve another through the Holy Spirit in
to be called an apostle, because I the community (or “body”) that we
persecuted the church of God” (1 Cor. call the church (vv. 4–6). He has also
15:9). Yet in the very next verse, Paul empowered individuals through
asserts, “But by the grace of God I am His Spirit to strengthen the church
what I am, and his grace to me was through ministry. In other spiritual
not without effect” (15:10). gift lists, Paul describes abilities or
When Paul urged the Ephesians the power to perform tasks given to
in verse 1 to live a life “worthy” of individuals, but in verses 11–13, the
their calling, he was not contradicting apostles, prophets, evangelists, and
himself. The worthiness he speaks pastors are themselves the gift. The
of is not based on what we deserve last category Paul mentions in this list
but on what God has promised to seems to be a combination of two
do in us through Christ. The striking abilities: shepherding and teaching.
feature of the lifestyle he describes in  Take time to pray for those who
verses 2–3 is that, instead of being a preach or teach in your church. Write
list of tasks, it is a catalog of character a note or send them a text to tell them
traits. A life worthy of the gospel is how they have helped you. If you
one in which God lives up to the are able, describe a specific instance
promise of power described in the where God used their message.
Pray with Us
Lord, as we grow in spiritual maturity through the teaching of our pastors and
elders, we pray that You would help them also to mature as they meditate on
Your truth in order to teach others.

Wednesday, August 9
The Way of Life

Put on the new self, created to be like God in true
righteousness and holiness.—Ephesians 4:24
Followers of Jesus were not always continuously being remade in the

called Christians. The term Christian image of Christ.
first appeared in Antioch (Acts 11:26). Our impulse to sin does not
It is a Latinized form of the word suddenly disappear when we trust
Christ that indicates allegiance and in Christ. Nor do we automatically
suggests that it arose among the get along with everyone because
Gentiles. It may originally have been we belong to Christ. Christians can
an insult (1 Peter 4:16). Before Jesus’ still behave sinfully and selfishly.
followers were called Christians, Consequently, verses 25–32 call those
they were called “the Way” (Acts 9:2; who follow the way to act out of the
19:9, 23; 24:22). new self as they interact with their
Why were followers of Christ neighbors. Some of the directives
called “the Way”? In Ephesians 4:20, Paul gives may surprise us: stop lying
Paul explains that Christianity is more to one another, stop stealing, and get
than a set of doctrines. It is also a “way rid of bitterness, rage, anger, brawling,
of life” that we must learn. Following slander, and every form of malice.
Jesus begins with a change of thinking Christianity is not for the perfect
(vv. 17–19). Instead of following the but for those who are being perfected.
pointless way of thinking of our The power to change comes from
former life, we are to “put off” the God through Christ. Our part is to
old self and “put on the new self” (vv. cooperate with the work that God
22–24). What Paul describes requires has begun.
more than adopting a new set of  An old song says, “God’s still
morals. The Christian life demands workin’ on me.” Where is God
that we become new people. As working in your life? Today, think
verse 23 puts it, the Christian way is about what you need to put off or
a path of renewal in which we are away and what you need to put on.
Pray with Us
What must we surrender, Father? Convict us of any idols we are clinging to and
help us surrender them to You. We repent and turn to You to meet our needs.
To be covered in Christ’s blood is to partake of His perfection.

Thursday, August 10
Marks of Wise Living

Be very careful, then, how you live—
not as unwise but as wise.—Ephesians 5:15
According to Tertullian, the North of vulgar language and coarse joking,

African theologian who lived around Christian speech should be marked
160–220 AD, the early church was by thanksgiving (v. 4). Followers of
known for its love. Paul says the Christ should encourage one another
same in today’s passage, where he to express themselves in worship
gives several characteristics of those (vv. 19–20).
who follow God’s example as dearly The apostle called the Ephesians
loved children (v. 1). Above all else, to make a clear break from their
Christians are known by their love, as former way of life because it is
we imitate Christ’s sacrificial life (v. 2). incompatible with the values of the
In verses 3–20, Paul spells out kingdom of Christ (vv. 5–7). Their
what this lifestyle should look like calling was not only to know the light
in greater detail. It is a life of moral but to be light (vv. 8–14). Living such
purity. Those who belong to Christ a life does not come automatically.
should refrain from sexual immorality It requires both wisdom and
or any kind of impurity, not “even a power. The wisdom comes from
hint” (v. 3). Not only are immoral acts understanding the Lord’s will (v. 17).
to be shunned but also the thoughts The power to live a new life comes
and desires that fuel them. Followers from the transforming work of the
of Christ must turn from greed. Greed Holy Spirit (v. 18).
is a particular mode of the more  Are you careful in the way
general sin of covetousness, a desire you live? Pay attention, so that you
for anything that belongs to another do not slip into old ways of thinking,
(see Ex. 20:17; Deut. 5:21). speaking, and acting that are
Christian purity is reflected in unworthy of those who profess
our words as well as deeds. Instead to belong to Jesus Christ.
Pray with Us
It’s tempting to believe we have no power over our thoughts, but this is false.
Dear God, strengthen us to fight sinful, self-indulgent thought patterns. Help
us resist nurturing sinful patterns.

Friday, August 11
Submit to One Another

Submit to one another out
of reverence for Christ.—Ephesians 5:21
In a culture that prizes independence, The apostle describes differences

submission is not a popular idea. in the roles of husbands and wives,
Many modern readers bristle when using Christ and the church as a
they come to Ephesians 5:22, where pattern. The guiding principle is the
Paul says wives should submit to their rule of love. He commands husbands
husbands. However, the command to love their wives “just as Christ loved
to submit is not just for wives. In this the church and gave himself up for
section of his letter, the apostle speaks her” (v. 25). Wives, in turn, respond to
of submission as a universal obligation this love with voluntary submission.
and as an expression of reverence for In its proper context, the call for
Christ (v. 21). wives to “submit to their husbands
These guidelines are sometimes in everything” is not demeaning.
referred to as the Haustafel, a German Husbands are to act as servants to their
word that means “household order.” wives in the same way that Jesus served
The command of verse 21 serves as a the church (vv. 28–29). Rather than
heading for this section of this letter, ascribing a difference in status between
which runs through Ephesians 6:9. husbands and wives, Paul emphasizes
Here Paul describes the roles of wives, mutuality. Both are dependent upon
husbands, children, fathers, enslaved each other. Each serves the other.
people, and masters. Paul’s goal was to Husband and wife are equal in the
help his readers live Christianly within eyes of Christ (1 Cor. 11:8–12).
a social structure of his day. John Stott  Jesus said, “The student is not
points out that Paul’s directives assume above the teacher, nor a servant above
the dignity of womanhood, childhood, his master” (Matt. 10:24). If He was not
servanthood, and equality before God ashamed to take the role of a servant,
of all human beings. we should not be reluctant to submit
to one another in love.
Pray with Us
Mutual submission is a simple concept, but it is difficult to carry out between
imperfect people. Endow us with the humility and Christlike love to truly see
one another as better than ourselves!

Saturday, August 12
Submission to God
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were
serving the Lord, not people.—Ephesians 6:7
Escaped slave, abolitionist, and however, while essentially the same,

statesmen Frederick Douglass are based on something else. They
observed, “Between the Christianity grow out of the commandment to
of this land and the Christianity of “Honor your father and mother” (Ex.
Christ, I recognize the widest possible 20:12; Deut. 5:16). Paul observes that
difference—so wide that to receive this is the first of the ten command-
the one as good, pure, and holy, is of ments to include a promise.
necessity to reject the other as bad, Family was a biblical institution
corrupt, and wicked.” grounded in Creation. Slavery was
Modern readers of today’s passage not. Yet followers of Jesus in Paul’s day
are often troubled to see Paul include were called to live Christianly within
masters and slaves in his directions both. This does not mean they were
about how Christian families ought to obligated to accept either institution’s
operate. It is a fact, however, that in “bad, corrupt, and wicked” elements
the New Testament era, slaves were as part of God’s will. Elsewhere, Paul
considered a part of the household advises slaves to gain their freedom
as much as children were. Obedience if they can (1 Cor. 7:21). He says
was expected of both (vv. 1, 6). that those who submit should take
As we read Paul’s directives, it comfort in knowing that God sees their
is crucial to recognize that he is not obedience as something rendered to
endorsing the practice of slavery (see Him. Those who expect obedience
this month’s “Practical Theology” must keep in mind that they will one
column). Rather, he is offering day answer to God.
guidelines for Christians forced to  While our own experience may
live within that social structure. He not fit this passage exactly, we all have
does not tell them to unravel the people to whom we must submit. How
practice but to be Christlike within its can we do this in a way that will bring
constraints. His directions to children, glory to Christ?
Pray with Us
“There is no authority except that which God has established” (Rom. 13:1).
Submission to earthly authority begins with submission to You. Whatever our
qualms about our earthly leaders, we trust that You are ultimately in control.

Sunday, August 13
The Secret of Spiritual Strength

Be strong in the Lord and
in his mighty power.—Ephesians 6:10
When I began attending church The spiritual armor that Paul

regularly in the early 1970s, it was describes in verses13–17 focuses on
customary for people to dress up. two kinds of weapons. Our defensive
Men wore suits and ties, and women weapons include: the belt of truth,
wore dresses. Today, there doesn’t breastplate of righteousness, helmet
seem to be a dress code. Most of the of salvation, readiness which comes
people I see dress casually. from the gospel of peace, and shield
It probably doesn’t matter to of faith. They point to the protection
God what you wear to church. But that the righteousness of Christ and
He does care how you dress for the hope of the gospel provide. Our
spiritual battle. In today’s text, Paul offensive weapon is the sword of the
finishes his letter to the Ephesians by Spirit, which is the Word of God.
describing the spiritual resources that The method of engaging in
enable a Christian to “stand against spiritual warfare that the apostle
the devil’s schemes” (v. 11). Using outlines is simple. Instead of
the armor and weapons of a Roman prescribing specific prayers, chants,
soldier as his analogy, Paul shows his or elaborate rituals, the apostle asks
readers how to equip themselves for the Ephesians to “always keep on
spiritual warfare. praying” (v. 18). He also asks them to
Paul explains that we battle pray for him so that he will fearlessly
against “powers of this dark world” proclaim the gospel. The best way
and “spiritual forces of evil in the to protect ourselves spiritually is to
heavenly realms” (v. 12). The struggle know the gospel and be familiar with
is earthly as well as heavenly. We God’s Word.
can see the effects of these spiritual  Do you know a pastor or
forces in our world, but their ultimate missionary for whom you can pray?
cause is not visible. How can we Ask God to help them declare the
possibly fight against them? gospel fearlessly “as they should!”
Pray with Us
Many of us struggle to focus on You, Lord, and on the needs—our own and
others’—we are bringing before You. Father, please grant us growth in this
spiritual discipline.

Monday, August 14
Thankful for God’s People

Read Philippians 1:1–11
I thank my God every time
I remember you. —Philippians 1:3
If you had asked Paul which of the became an unwavering supporter of

New Testament churches was his Paul’s ministry. They shared Paul’s faith
favorite, he might probably have and generously shared their finances
said: the church at Philippi. God despite their poverty (see also 2 Cor.
directed the apostle by a vision to go 11:9). When Paul speaks of their
to Macedonia after he tried to enter “partnership,” in verse 5, he uses the
Bithynia (Acts 16:9). Philippi was a word koinonia which means “sharing.”
major city in the region. Still, at first, The apostle looked at this church
it must have seemed not promising. as much more than a source of
Paul began his evangelistic funding. Although he was the first to
outreach in the synagogue. The Jewish bring the gospel to them, he did not
community at Philippi was small; only look down on them. Despite being
a handful of women met by a river an apostle, he saw them as peers in
outside the city gate. But the Lord their experience of the grace of God
opened the heart of Lydia, a wealthy through Christ (v. 7). Therefore, Paul
businesswoman from Thyatira, and prayed for them, giving thanks and
her home became Paul’s base of asking God to cause their love and
operations (Acts 16:14–15). knowledge to grow. This letter is part
Luke does not say how long of God’s answer to that prayer.
Paul and Silas stayed in Philippi,  The loving bond the Philippians
but their visit was long enough to shared with Paul has blessed the
be marked by conflict. They were church in all ages. Can you partner
arrested and beaten, with the jailer with someone in the gospel? You
being the only other convert that don’t have to possess much to have
Luke mentions in Acts 16. Despite a great impact.
these small beginnings, this church
Pray with Us
We have all received Your grace, from the newest believer to the most seasoned.
May our shared gratitude unite us in worship, adoration, and joyful obedience to
You! We owe all to You.

Q&A
Questions & Answers

by Dr. Rosalie de Rosset, Professor of Literature,
Moody Bible Institute
Q In my devotional it said that

Moses “learned about the one
true God from his parents.” How that
Those were formative years, and
wonderfully, Jochebed did the right
thing. Hebrews 11:23 notes that his
could be as he was raised by Pharaoh’s parents “hid him for three months
daughter? Plus, there is no mention of after he was born, because they saw
Moses’ father other than in genealogy. he was no ordinary child, and they
were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
A The biblical data on Moses’

parentage, especially his father,
as you note, is sparse (Jochebed, wife
I believe that if these parents were
unafraid of the king’s orders, they
would have also been completely
of Amram and mother of Moses, fearless in teaching him. Furthermore,
Aaron, and Miriam, is mentioned by he had contact later with his sister
name only in Ex. 6:20 and Num. 26:59). Miriam. She served, one writer puts
We do know, however, that his mother it, “as the deliverer of the national
was God’s instrument in preserving deliverer.” Clearly, Moses never forgot
his life at a time of great threat to the his heritage.
emerging nation of Israel.
After Moses was rescued from the
river, and because of Miriam’s timely
suggestion, Pharaoh’s daughter sent
Q After the fall, were Adam and
Eve also cursed or only the land?
for Moses’ mother Jochebed, and

she returned to the palace to nurse
Moses and even receive payment for
A The fact that you asked this
question implies that you have
read the Bible carefully and noticed
his care (Ex. 2:1–8). This all happened, significant details. The passage you
apparently, without Pharaoh’s refer to, Genesis 3:14–19, narrates the
daughter knowing who she was. events following God’s confrontation
Some scholars say Jochebed cared with Adam and Eve after they
for the boy till he was seven; others disobeyed Him by eating fruit from
think he may have been approximately the forbidden tree.
10 to 12 years old before she went In this passage the serpent and
back home. That would have been the ground are cursed but not Adam
plenty of time for Jochebed (and by and Eve. In Genesis 3:14, God says
extension Moses’ father) to shape his plainly to the serpent, “Because you
belief in God as the Creator of heaven, have done this, ‘Cursed are you above
earth, man, and beast. all livestock and all wild animals!’” He

Q&A
“I think we don’t take teaching children seriously enough.

Children should be taught with the same care and theological
understanding as in teaching adults.”
continues, noting the hostility that understand the character of God

will arise between the woman, her and His dealings with sin in ways that
seed, and Satan. In Genesis 3:17–18, make an impression and point to His
God tells Adam, “Cursed is the ground expectations and holiness. I think we
because of you.” The ground will don’t take teaching children seriously
consequently produce “thorns and enough. I have seen too much casual
thistles,” implying it will be difficult to preparation of dull materials for
obtain food for survival. children when they should be taught
The word “cursed” is used with the same care and theological
specifically for the serpent and the understanding as in teaching adults.
land and not in reference to Adam If children are not engaged early,
and Eve. Only the consequences of they may not choose Christianity
their sin are stated: Eve will suffer later, finding it shallow, predictable,
anguish in labor; Adam will have and less interesting than other things.
difficulty providing for his family. My mother made the Old Testament
Important to note is that in Genesis come alive; we followed what kings
2:17 God said to Adam, “[B]ut you did evil in the sight of the Lord and
must not eat from the tree of the what kings did well and why. As
knowledge of good and evil, for when another example, in 1 Samuel, Eli
you eat from it, you will certainly was not just a nice old priest who
die.” Here Adam and Eve’s fate for had bad luck with his children; he
disobedience was given forcefully. was passive, did not correct his son’s
blasphemous behavior, and his lineage
Q As I read the Bible, I realize

that often the sins of some of
the characters are covered up or not
was cut off permanently. It’s a story
about bad parenting and spiritual
sloth. Hannah, in the same book,
dealt with honestly when we teach was utterly courageous, devout, and
children. How should teachers handle sacrificial. About her son it is said:
difficult passages? “The Lord was with Samuel as he
grew up, and he let none of Samuel’s
A While I don’t know what

passages you have in mind, I
words fall to the ground” (1 Sam.
3:19). Teaching children must be done

resonate with your question. Certainly, with imagination, truth, and personal
children don’t need to be given conviction.
graphic details, but they do need to

Tuesday, August 15
Reasons to Rejoice
I am in chains for Christ. —Philippians 1:13
In the account of his conversion, the palace guard in Rome and by

Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis describes the preaching of others (vv. 13–14).
joy as “a pointer to something other Second, Paul assured them that their
and outer.” The joy Paul writes about prayers would make a difference. He
in the first chapter of Philippians expected their prayers, along with
serves the same function. God’s provision of His Spirit, to “turn
Given Paul’s circumstances, we out for my deliverance” (v. 19).
may be surprised to read that he Note how Paul defines
rejoices. Not only was he a prisoner, deliverance. For the apostle, it meant
but others were using his confinement the courage to trust that Christ would
as an opportunity to get ahead. They be glorified by whatever happened
seemed to view the gospel ministry to him (v. 20). Paul did not feel the
as a competition. “It is true that need to decide what God should
some preach Christ out of envy and do, in part because he felt genuinely
rivalry, but others out of goodwill,” ambivalent. As Paul puts it: “For to
Paul admits in verse 15. But with a me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”
remarkable generosity of spirit, the (v. 21). This is not fatalism but the
apostle resolved to rejoice that no hope of one who knows his future
matter the motive, Christ was being is secure in Christ and God will be
preached (v. 18). glorified either way.
Paul’s imprisonment was a  Will you trust God to work
concern for his friends at Philippi. through your difficult circumstances
The apostle reassured them in two today? You don’t have to be happy
ways. First, he pointed out that about them or even enjoy them. You
what might seem like a setback was do need to trust that God knows what
bringing attention to the gospel. He is doing.
How? Through Paul’s ministry to
Pray with Us
When we are worn out, we will trust in You. When we are fearful, we will trust in
You. In anger and joy, pain and ease, boredom, and happiness, by Your grace we
will trust in You.

Wednesday, August 16
The Mindset of Jesus

In your relationships with one another,
have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.—Philippians 2:5
Followers of Jesus initially called implications. Third, we begin to have

themselves “the Way” (Acts 9:2; 19:9, the mind of Christ when we follow
23; 24:14, 22). When the gospel came Jesus into His way of life (vv. 2–4).
to Antioch, some people began to The order is important here. We
refer to them as Christians (Acts must know and experience Jesus
11:26). The label signified that they before we can imitate Him. No doubt
belonged to the group associated this is why Paul spends the bulk of
with Jesus Christ. Eventually, the these verses describing the nature of
believers adopted it themselves. Christ’s work. At its heart, we see a
Today, followers of Jesus still call series of actions where Christ “made
themselves Christians. himself nothing” (v. 7). Theologians
When we claim this title, we have written volumes about this
are doing more than identifying phrase. But Paul explains what he
with a group or a church. We are means by it in the verses that follow.
identifying with Jesus. According to Jesus made Himself nothing by taking
verse 5, it’s our way of thinking that on human nature and humbling
produces a way of being. We are to Himself to the point of death on the
have “the same mindset as Christ.” cross (vv. 7–8). Because He did this,
How do we do this? Paul identifies “God exalted him to the highest place
three characteristics. First, we should and gave him the name that is above
remember the love, fellowship, every name” (v. 9).
tenderness, and compassion we  The path that Jesus took is also
experienced from Christ (v. 1). Second, the path of the Christian’s life. We do
we acknowledge what Jesus has not imitate Christ so that we can be
done both for and in us (vv. 6–11). We saved but because we were saved by
must understand the gospel and its Jesus who “made Himself nothing.”
Pray with Us
Our identity is in You alone, Lord. Before we identify as Calvinist or Armenian,
complementarian or egalitarian, or by any other doctrinal or denominational
distinctive, remind us that all things are subordinate to being one with You.

Thursday, August 17
Working Out Salvation

Continue to work out your salvation
with fear and trembling.—Philippians 2:12
Can you have both fear and love? To help them with this, Paul
1 John 4:18 observes, “There is no hoped to send his protégé Timothy
fear in love. But perfect love drives soon to take stock of the situation
out fear, because fear has to do and bring back a report (vv. 19–23).
with punishment. The one who For now, he was sending them
fears is not made perfect in love.” Epaphroditus who had been their
Yet in Philippians 2, Paul urges his connection to Paul. Epaphroditus
readers to work out their salvation was probably sent by the church with
“in fear and trembling.” What is the funds to help Paul’s ministry and to
difference between these two kinds assist in other ways. In verse 25, the
of fear? apostle calls him a messenger or
The difference is the fear of minister sent to care for Paul’s needs.
punishment. Paul does not urge Paul also calls him a brother, co-
the Philippians to work out their worker, and fellow soldier.
salvation for fear of losing it if they Working out our salvation is the
fail to perform well. Neither was process God uses to help us fully
Paul urging them to work for their grasp the reality of a salvation that
salvation. He assures them, in verse Jesus Christ has already accomplished
13, that God was already working for us. God works from within and
in them “to will and to act.” Instead, sends His servants to help us as they
he is talking about a salvation they work from the outside.
have already begun to experience.  The wrong kind of fear can be
New Testament scholar H. C. G. as crippling to spiritual growth as
Moule describes this sort of fear as “a complacency. Don’t freeze up in fear.
reverent and wakeful conscience in Instead, draw near to God with a
his holy presence.” reverent awareness of His presence.
Pray with Us
We reverently reflect on Your work through us, convicting and refining us, and
on Your presence in and around us. We rest in Your promise to bring Your work
in us to completion. Our salvation is won, our sanctification ongoing.

Friday, August 18
Learning How to Lose

But whatever were gains to me I now
consider loss for the sake of Christ.—Philippians 3:7
C. T. Studd was born to wealth and faith in Christ, Paul felt his own
prestige on December 2, 1860. He attempts were mere “garbage”
distinguished himself as an athlete (v. 8). In verse 9, the apostle
while a student at Eton. But when explains the difference between
Studd was 24 years old, his brother the two approaches. One was a
became gravely ill. C. T. began to “righteousness of my own that
question the course of his life and comes from the law,” and the other
decided that it came up wanting. was “the righteousness that comes
“What is all the fame and flattery from God on the basis of faith.”
worth . . . when a man comes to Paul wanted the Philippians to
face eternity?” he wondered. Studd know his story because they were
determined to let it all go and devote tempted by preachers who distorted
himself to Christ. the gospel. These teachers claimed it
Paul made a similar choice. was necessary to be circumcised and
His achievements were not on obey the law of Moses to be saved.
the cricket field, as C. T. Studd’s The apostle disagrees with them (v.
were. Paul’s accomplishments were 2), calling them dogs, evildoers, and
religious. He gives us his resume in mutilators of the flesh (an allusion
verses 4–6, noting that if anyone had to the practice of circumcision). His
a reason to be confident in his own strong language is a reminder that
spiritual efforts, it was him. But an there is no common ground between
encounter with Jesus Christ changed these two approaches.
everything. Paul suddenly realized  Do you expect God to accept
that what he had been trusting you because of your own efforts and
in was not true righteousness but religious practices? Let it all go. Turn to
self-righteousness. Like Studd, he Christ and receive His righteousness
chose to let it go. Compared to the as a gift through faith.
righteousness that comes through
Pray with Us
We love because [You] first loved us (1 John 4:19). We strive for righteousness
for the same reason. And because You love us, we run the race with
perseverance (Heb. 12:1), knowing You have already won on our behalf!

Saturday, August 19
Imperfect Examples
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God
has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.—Philippians 3:14
Have you ever seen the Christian him as he runs. The apostle says, “I
slogan: “Not perfect, just forgiven”? press on to take hold of that for which
We might be tempted to dismiss this Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
as an excuse for bad behavior if it Despite the translation of the NIV,
were not for Philippians 3 where the the word “win” is not in the text. Verse
apostle Paul makes a similar point. 14 literally says that Paul’s objective
Paul says his main goal, after is to “press on for the prize” or “unto
obtaining righteousness through faith, the prize.” His aim was to finish the
was to experience Christ fully. He race and grasp a prize that Christ has
describes this desire in verse 10, saying already won on our behalf. That prize
that he longed to “know the power is “the upward call.”
of his resurrection and participation What implication does this have
in his sufferings, becoming like him for us as we pursue the Christian life?
in his death.” This did not mean that It means that our growth as a Christian
Paul believed he had achieved a state is a progress; it is not instantaneous.
of perfection. In verse 12, the apostle It also means that living for Jesus
admits that he had not “already requires Christ-empowered effort. In
obtained all this” or “already arrived verses 13–14 Paul speaks of “straining”
at my goal.” and “pressing on.”
Paul compares his Christian  One way we can learn how to live
experience to being a runner in a race. the Christian life is by reading God’s
He does not see himself as someone Word and learning from others who
who is trying to reach out and win are mature (v. 17). Who is your role
Christ because he understands that model in the Christian faith? Beware
Christ is already holding on to him. of the sort Paul describes as “enemies
We might even say Christ is carrying of the cross of Christ” (v. 18).
Pray with Us
We were told as children to choose our friends wisely. Father, grant us
discernment as we follow the example of mature believers, that we will be
guided by Your Spirit and Word as we learn how to live the Christian life.

Sunday, August 20
Out Of Our Minds

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right . . .
think about such things.—Philippians 4:8
One day, not long after I had begun Consider the case of Euodia and
to follow Jesus, I walked out the door Syntyche, two women Paul viewed
and met a friend coming up the street. with high regard and considered to be
He was on his way to my house. “I colleagues. He pled with them to “be
came to see you because someone of the same mind in the Lord” (v. 2).
told me you had lost your mind,” he He recognized that they might need a
said. Word had gotten around that I mediator. In verse 3 he asks someone
had become a Christian. But despite he trusts in the church to help them
what my friend had heard, I had not resolve their differences. Paul believed
lost my mind. Like the prodigal son in they could be brought together by
Jesus’ parable, I had finally come to their shared experience of Christ.
my senses. While they may not agree on every
The Christian life is a life of point, they must learn how to unite
the soul, but it is also a life of the in Christ.
mind. We believe with the heart, The other issue was the problem
but what is believed is truth. “The of anxiety. Philippi was not an easy
heart is always to be influenced place to be a Christian. In verses 4–7
through the understanding—the Paul urged them to set their hope on
mind, then the heart, then the will,” the Lord’s return and to voice their
Welsh minister Martyn Lloyd-Jones concerns to the Lord.
observed. Like Paul, the Philippian  Much of the media that occupies
church was not perfect. As probably our attention is the opposite of true,
true for all churches, the members noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable,
had personality conflicts and stresses excellent, or praiseworthy. How would
that created problems for them. The following this advice affect your
solution was to think rightly. entertainment choices?
Pray with Us
Lord, is there something we need to change in our entertainment choices and
habits? As we dwell in Your Word and interact with other believers, open our
eyes to any inconsistencies between what we believe and what we view.

Monday, August 21
The Blessing of Shared Troubles

I can do all this through him
who gives me strength.—Philippians 4:13
A woman recently posted a video had supported his work since the
of her husband trying to mow their beginning of their church (v. 15). At
huge lawn with a small push-style one point, apart from Paul’s work
lawnmower, an impossible task. But as a tentmaker, their help appears
when she looked outside an hour to have been his primary source of
later, she saw several neighbors, financial support. The phrase “giving
people they had not yet met, arriving and receiving” (v. 15) was a standard
with larger riding lawnmowers. She formula for financial transactions
was deeply moved by their willingness where one person gives money
to step in and help someone in need. to another.
We often turn to friends to lighten Unlike many false teachers,
our cares. In verse 10, Paul describes however, Paul was not for hire. He
his joy over the church’s “renewed” had no interest in making a profit off
concern for him. Their support had the church. He was more interested in
lapsed due to a lack of “opportunity” the blessing the Philippian believers
rather than disinterest. Yet he takes received through their giving than
pains to assure them that, as much he was in the gifts themselves (v. 17).
as he appreciated their help, he Paul used a worship model and not a
was not dependent upon it (v. 11). business model to fund his ministry.
God’s supply was the secret of Paul’s He understood that Philippian
contentment. He does not mean a generosity was a sacrifice offered to
supply of things but a constant supply and accepted by God (v. 18).
of strength (v. 13). God does not  The apostle did not discourage
always give us what we want. He does them from giving because he was
provide all we need. confident that God would supply
This helpfulness from the church their need just as He had provided
at Philippi was not something new for Paul’s needs (v. 19). He will do
for Paul. Despite their poverty, they the same for you!
Pray with Us
Today we pray for our brothers and sisters in ministry who rely on supporters
for their income. Remind them that we are all dependent on You for our needs.
May they worship You in receiving even as we worship You in giving!

Tuesday, August 22
Strengthened by Might
Read Colossians 1:1–14
For this reason, since the day we heard about you,
we have not stopped praying for you.—Colossians 1:9
As I write these words, an impromptu Paul’s prayers for the Colossians

prayer meeting that began after a focused primarily on two things.
chapel service at Asbury College in The apostle prayed that the Holy
Kentucky had been going nonstop for Spirit would grant them wisdom
more than a week. There have been and understanding to know how
many reports of blessing and a sense they should live. He also asked that
of the presence of the Lord. God’s Spirit would strengthen them
I doubt that the apostle Paul with power so that they would live
would have been surprised by this. In out the truth as it was revealed to
today’s reading, we get a snapshot of them (1:9–12). Paul did not pray for
Paul’s lifestyle of prayer. Every time them to live this way in order to
Colossians came to mind, he gave be redeemed. They were already
thanks for them (v. 3). Located in the saved. He prayed this way because
Lycus valley near the city of Laodicea, redemption had already come to
Colosse, had fallen on hard times by them through Christ. Jesus had
Paul’s day. But of even greater concern already “qualified” them to “share in
was a form of teaching that had begun the inheritance of his holy people in
to creep into the church. Paul does the kingdom of light” (v. 12).
not give many details in this letter.  This lifestyle is as possible for
He is more interested in dwelling on us as it was for the Colossians. God
the truth than in detailing all the false “has rescued us from the dominion
tenets of something he describes as of darkness and brought us into the
a “hollow and deceptive philosophy, kingdom of the Son he loves” (v. 13).
which depends on human tradition In Christ, we have redemption, which
and the elemental spiritual forces of Paul defines further in verse 14 as “the
this world rather than on Christ” (2:8). forgiveness of sins.”
Pray with Us
Lord God, fill us with the knowledge of Your will through all wisdom and
understanding from the Spirit, so we may live worthy lives pleasing to You,
bearing fruit, and growing in our knowledge of You (Col. 1:9–10).

Reconciled to God
For God was pleased to have all his
fullness dwell in him.—Colossians 1:19
If you ask the average person to existed as God before He was born in
describe what it means to be a Bethlehem. Indeed, He existed as God
Christian, they will probably identify before anything was created (v. 17). As
a moral view, lifestyle choice, or even Creator, Jesus upholds all creation.
a political position. While Christianity Paul goes on to say that Jesus
does have implications for all these died “to reconcile to himself all
areas, that is not what it means to things, whether things on earth or
be a Christian. things in heaven, by making peace
Today’s passage reveals that through his blood, shed on the cross”
Jesus Christ is the essence of the (v. 20). By “all things,” he primarily
Christian faith. The heart of the means people who are alienated
Christian message has to do with from God because of sin (v. 21). As
the nature of Christ and the reason Creator, Jesus is the glue that holds
He shed His blood on the cross. Paul the universe together. But He is also
describes Jesus as both “the image of the Redeemer who reconciles us
the invisible God” and “the firstborn to God by the death of His physical
over all creation” (v. 15). Paul’s choice body (v. 22). Paul reminds the
of words is deliberate, probably Colossians that this was the message
intended to counter aspects of the that was preached to them. It is the
false teaching that had crept into the bedrock of the Christian faith.
church in Colosse.  With so many varying ideas
By taking a human nature, Jesus about Christianity swirling about, we
brings the image of the invisible God must remember the first principles of
to light. The fact that Paul calls him the our faith. Christianity is about Jesus,
“firstborn” does not mean that Jesus the Creator who took on human
was the first created being; it means nature to die for us.
that He is superior to creation. Jesus
Pray with Us
What is there to fear when we are united with the Creator of all, the Son of God,
and the all-sufficient Lamb whose blood has covered our sin? What can we do
but worship You in all circumstances!

Thursday, August 24
Truly Alive
God made you alive
with Christ.—Colossians 2:13
The second-century church leader In contrast, the gospel teaches

Irenaeus famously said, “Life in man that Jesus is enough. We are complete
is the glory of God; the life of man in Him (v. 10). More than this, we
is the vision of God.” In Colossians 2, are united with Christ in such a way
Paul is also talking about life and that His death becomes ours. This
our vision of God. Christian living, union with Christ in His death is the
he points out, is the life of Christ at spiritual reality that Old Testament
work in us. circumcision symbolized (v. 11).
Our knowledge of God comes Believers, who are united with
through Christ (v. 3). When we accept Christ in His resurrection and by it,
Him as Lord, we are empowered have been made “alive with Christ”
to live under His rule (v. 6). Instead (vv. 13–14). By dying on our behalf,
of being taken in by fine-sounding Jesus paid the debt. By rising from the
arguments, “human tradition,” dead, Jesus triumphed over evil (v. 15).
or speculating about “elemental This is just the basic gospel. Yet it is a
spiritual forces” (v. 8), we look to message of immense spiritual power.
Christ to understand what God is Those who know Christ are alive in
like (v. 9). Christ. The glory of God is the believer
The themes Paul emphasizes truly alive in Christ.
in verses 9–12 counter some of the  Can you say that you are alive
false teachings that the Colossians in Christ? The key is to come to Him
faced at the time. It appears that false in faith. Recognize that He died and
teachers in Colosse were denying rose for you. Trust in Him today, and
that Christ was truly human. They His victory will be yours. For more
speculated about a vast hierarchy information on what it means to be
of spiritual powers and authorities a Christian, go to moodybible.org/
and taught that circumcision was knowing-christ.
necessary for salvation.
Pray with Us
Lord Jesus, I want to be alive in You. I believe that You died and rose in my place,
granting the forgiveness that I now ask to receive. I believe You are the Son of
God. Accept me as Your servant and send Your Spirit to dwell in me.

Friday, August 25
Living Beyond Rules

Therefore do not let anyone judge you
by what you eat or drink.—Colossians 2:16
Pastor and author Kent Hughes Hebrews. His warning about the
observes that legalism reduces the false worship of angels (v. 18) may
message of the gospel. He explains refer to Gnostic ideas about spiritual
that it “enshrines spirituality as a intermediaries or certain magical
series of wooden laws” and calls practices involving angels.
it godliness. “Being in Christ is a Legalism does not work! Legalism
relationship,” he explains, “and will not help us control the flesh.
like all relationships, it deserves Instead, it promotes spiritual pride.
disciplined maintenance, but never A Christian who falls into this way of
legalistic reductionism.” thinking has forgotten the power of
This kind of false teaching had the cross. Christ’s victory over sin is
crept into the Colossian church. the only thing that can truly keep us
Based on Paul’s rebuke in verses 16 from “sensual indulgence” (v. 23). The
and 21, they had begun to observe rituals and observances of the Mosaic
particular days as sacred and law were fulfilled with the coming of
certain foods as religiously clean or Christ. The rules and regulations of
unclean. It is unclear whether Paul this type of religion have no lasting
had in mind legalists who wanted value and are “destined to perish with
Christians to follow the law of Moses use” (v. 22). Without the power of the
or the kind of rigid rule-following cross, the harshest discipline is merely
associated with some forms of a show.
mystery religions. Perhaps he had  Sometimes we may be tempted
both in view. to reduce the message of the gospel
His statement (v. 17) that dietary to a list of “dos and don’ts.” Be careful
rules and the observance of special not to let someone else’s judgment
days are only a shadow of the reality about such matters control your
found in Christ sounds much like practice. Instead, rely on the grace of
the argument made in the book of God in Christ to make you righteous.
Pray with Us
We associate firmness with strength, and this makes legalism attractive: rules
are more concrete than relationships. In our relationship with You, teach us to
rely on You rather than outward forms.

Saturday, August 26
Walk This Way

Set your minds on things above,
not on earthly things.—Colossians 3:2
The other day during a conversation We put to death “whatever belongs

with one of my grown sons, I noticed to your earthly nature” by saying no
a familiar facial expression and to those sinful impulses that were
gesture. It was a bit like looking in a part of our former life (v. 5).
mirror. How did he learn it? Was it Our earthly nature, as Paul
DNA or imitation? Perhaps it was a describes these sinful impulses,
little of both. continues to assert itself even after
Living the Christian life is similar we have been saved. Paul describes
in one respect. There is a place for it almost as if it were an alien force.
imitating Christ, but it is ultimately It may stir within us, but it is not
grounded in something much who we are in Christ. Paul calls the
deeper. Christian living involves Colossians (and us) to cast off the
three important actions that are vestiges of the old self and walk in the
noted in Colossians 3: seeking, new self (vv. 7–10). The change in life
being, and doing. that Paul envisions for the Christian
In verse 1, Paul urges us to “set is not instantaneous. We are “being
your heart on things above.” The renewed in knowledge in the image
Greek word means to “seek.” It is of its Creator” (v. 10). The Greek
referring to our aspiration and pursuit, verb is in the present tense. Our
but it is not “pie in the sky.” This new life in Christ is a continuous and
seeking is only possible because the transforming experience.
Christian has been united with Christ  Christians do not walk a certain
in His death and resurrection (vv. 1, 3). way so that we can obtain new life.
Being and seeking lead to doing. The That life is already yours if you are in
Christian seeks the things above by Christ! Now, what we need to do, is
living in the power of the cross. walk in it.
Pray with Us
Knowing we are already forgiven, we ask You for the strength and discipline to
say no to our sins, especially those that have become ingrained. Help us choose
the righteous path over the easy path.

Sunday, August 27
The Christian Household

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members
of one body you were called to peace.—Colossians 3:15
As Christians, we are a part of two What Paul describes in verses

families. The first is made up of those 18–25 is more accurately a household
people to whom we are related by than a family. The fact that Paul
birth or have joined through marriage. includes slaves is significant because
We gather for holidays and birthdays. it introduces a cultural element into
Sometimes we share physical features. the idea. God established the family
For believers, our other family is the as a divine institution in Creation.
church, the family of God. Sometimes The New Testament household
these two groups overlap. Paul speaks Paul describes has the family at its
to both in Colossians 3:12–21. core. But the apostle also includes
The church’s basic rule is love and slaves, a social structure God did
the recognition that all Christians are not establish. He urges slaves to
bound together in Him (v. 12). The remember that God accepts their
church is not a perfect community. sincere service as being offered to
Participation often requires patience Him (v. 22). Christians live in a fallen
and forgiveness from those who are world that has been shaped by God
part of it (v. 13). Paul describes the and has also been altered by sin. We
church as a worshiping community, are bound to live by the Word of
constituted by the Word of God (v. God while in it.
16). Those who make up the church  Even though our social systems
are “members of one body” who are sometimes broken, it does not
speak and act “in the name of the Lord exempt us from the responsibility
Jesus” (vv. 15, 17). This is a community of living Christianly within them.
whose only boundary is Christ Are you a member of a less than
Himself. It is not limited by ethnicity, ideal family? Seek God’s wisdom,
gender, economic status, or nationality then trust and obey.
(see also v. 11).
Pray with Us
None of us have perfect families. How do we honor and glorify You when family
life gets messy? How do we love family when it is difficult? How do we seek truth
among so many diverging opinions? Lead us and guide us to family peace, Father.

Monday, August 28
Prayer and Proclamation

Let your conversation be always full
of grace, seasoned with salt.—Colossians 4:6
Most sermons begin with a prayer. We might have expected him, as a

Sometimes we are tempted to treat it prisoner, to ask for his freedom or
as a formality, like playing the national maybe for justice. Instead, he asks
anthem before the game. Paul saw for an opportunity to make Christ
prayer as far more. For him, it was a known. Paul’s request reflects not
source of help and power. only his sense of mission but also his
Sometimes when we pray, we conviction that success in preaching
say we are having our “devotions.” is dependent upon God. In addition
But in verse 2, Paul urges the to opportunity, Paul asked for clarity:
Colossians to “devote” themselves “Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I
to prayer. The Greek expresses the should” (v. 4). The skill that is required
idea of being busily engaged with to preach is also a work of God.
something. Prayer is not a formality Most opportunities to proclaim
but an occupation. Furthermore, it is Christ happen outside the assembly
a demanding occupation. It requires of believers. That’s why Paul urges the
the disposition of someone who is Colossians to season their ordinary
on guard and keeping watch. Prayer conversations with grace and salt (v. 6).
also requires a particular kind of Grace does not mean elegant speech
expectation. Not the disposition of but the message of grace. Salt alludes
someone who makes demands but to Jesus’ command that His disciples
a grateful and trusting spirit that be “the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13).
believes that God will answer in a  You do not need to be a pastor to
way best suited to our needs. proclaim the grace of Christ. As you
Paul asked the Colossians to pray pray today, ask God to give you the
that God would “open a door for opportunity, clarity, and courage to tell
our message” (v. 3). This is a striking someone about Jesus.
request given his circumstance.
Pray with Us
Today we ask You for opportunities to tell others about Jesus, and the clarity
and courage to seize every opportunity. May our lives proclaim the gospel as
much as our words. Teach us to be constant in prayer.

Tuesday, August 29
Christian Living Is a Team Sport

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part
is honored, every part rejoices with it.—1 Corinthians 12:26
Have you ever been in a workplace was written, they had reconciled
where everyone got along perfectly (2 Tim. 4:11). In verse 14 Paul writes,
all the time? What about a family? Or “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor,
a sports team? Living in community and Demas send greetings.” We
with harmony does not come automa- know Luke as the author of the third
tically. It’s a learned skill. That’s true in Gospel and the book of Acts. Demas,
the Christian life. It is no accident that however, had a scandalous reputation.
God designed the church to function Several years after Colossians was
as a body (see Col. 3:15). written, love for this world motivated
As he closes this letter, Paul Demas to desert Paul (2 Tim. 4:10).
sends personal greetings to several Archippus, mentioned in verse 17,
people in the Colossian church. will also show up in Paul’s letter to
He also mentions members of his Philemon. Here the tone seems to
ministry team. Tychicus and Onesimus be one of reproof. “Complete the
probably brought this letter to Colosse ministry,” Paul says, implying that
(vv. 7–9). Onesimus is an individual we Paul fears he might not. Paul clearly
will learn about in the next two days realized that not all members of the
since he is the subject of Paul’s letter church would get along all the time.
to Philemon. Even so, he urges believers toward the
Paul also mentions names that unity we have in Christ.
we may recognize from other letters.  Christian living is a team sport.
The apostle conveys the greetings of Not everyone on the team plays well.
Aristarchus alongside those of Mark Nor do they always play well together.
and Barnabas. During Paul’s first No matter how much we do for Jesus,
missionary journey, he and Barnabas we never outgrow our need for grace,
had a falling out because of Mark patience, and forgiveness.
(Acts 15:36–40). By the time this letter
Pray with Us
Conflict often defies our efforts to be unified. Lord, for ourselves and those we
clash with, we ask for humility, patience, and eyes to recognize truth and justice.
By Your grace lead us to resolution and reconciliation.

A Prisoner Frees a Slave

Read Philemon 1:1–11
If the Son sets you free,
you will be free indeed.—John 8:36
Frederick Douglass wrote, “I prayed and then return him to the apostle (vv.
for freedom for twenty years, but 8, 12–13). More than a help, Onesimus
received no answer until I prayed with had become like a son to Paul (v.
my legs.” Onesimus tried to obtain 10). When he describes Onesimus as
his freedom in the same way. He ran “useful” in verse 11, he is making a
away from Philemon’s household and pun based on his name, which means
somehow ran into Paul, “the prisoner “helpful” or “profitable.”
of Christ Jesus.” It may bother us that Paul did not
Paul doesn’t say how he and tell Philemon directly that it was his
Onesimus became acquainted. What moral obligation to grant Onesimus
the apostle does reveal is that he had freedom. Indeed, Paul never speaks
been instrumental in his conversion. In of the morality of slavery. Nor does he
verse 10, Paul explains that Onesimus flex his apostolic muscles, although
“became my son while I was in he gives a gentle reminder of his
chains.” It is possible that Paul already authority when he speaks of his
knew Onesimus before. In verse 6, request as something that Philemon
he describes Philemon as a partner in “ought” to do (v. 8). Paul’s gentle tone
the faith. In addition to being one of is a testimony to his confidence in
those who supported Paul financially, Philemon and to the transforming
Philemon had also come to faith power of the gospel. Although a
under Paul’s preaching (see v. 19). prisoner, Paul was used by God to
But Paul wrote this personal letter to introduce Onesimus to the freedom
inform Philemon that Onesimus had of Christ.
become a Christian and was now “a  We are all slaves and prisoners
dear brother” (v. 16). when it comes to sin. But Jesus
Indirectly, Paul was asking promised, “. . . if the Son sets you free,
Philemon to welcome Onesimus back you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Pray with Us
Many of us struggle with specific sins that we can’t seem to eradicate. Have we
been fighting in our own strength, Lord? Teach us to love the light of holiness
more than sin’s temptations.

Thursday, August 31
A Debt of Grace
Read Philemon 1:12–25
Forgive us our debts, as we also
have forgiven our debtors.—Matthew 6:12
Salvation is by grace. We cannot be even dearer to Philemon than he

earn it. The gift we have received is to Paul “as a fellow man and as a
from Christ is so great that we could brother in the Lord” (v. 16).
never pay it back. And although we Paul’s request calls for sacrifice
cannot repay this debt, we still owe on both parts. Onesimus sacrifices
something to Jesus. As the old his pride by returning to his old
song says, “Jesus paid it all, all to master. Philemon will lose a servant
Him I owe.” if he sends Onesimus back to Paul.
As we close our study of Paul’s Commentators are divided on
letters from prison, we are reminded whether Paul expects Philemon to
of all that we owe to Jesus. Many of free Onesimus. Elsewhere, however,
the Christian duties Paul emphasized Paul warns Christians not to become
in his prison letters, especially in those enslaved and urges those who already
sections that describe the nature of are slaves to obtain their freedom if
the Christian life, come together in possible (1 Cor. 7:21–23). Paul tells
the apostle’s appeal to Philemon. Philemon to charge any wrong that
Philemon owes a debt of Onesimus has done or debt he has
gratitude to Paul (v. 19). Onesimus, incurred to Paul’s account (v. 18). If
who had broken the law by running there is shared loss, there is also love.
away, owes it to Philemon to return to Love for one another, and ultimately
him but in a humble spirit (v. 11; see for Christ.
also Eph. 6:5-6; Col. 3:22). Philemon,  As we conclude these studies
in turn, has an obligation to recognize of Paul’s letters from prison, what
that he and Onesimus are equals in are your takeaways? What have you
Christ. Now that he belongs to Christ, learned about the Christian life? How
Onesimus is “no longer as a slave, has Paul encouraged you to become
but better than a slave.” He should more faithful to Jesus?
Pray with Us
Being more faithful to You means having more of You—a deeper intimacy and
stronger bond with You, Lord. We love You and worship You and want our lives
to bring You glory. Lead us in the way we should go!

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A ministry of Moody Bible Institute

PAUL’ S LET TERS

Praise Under Pressure

When you’re we are walking through difficult

Paul and Slavery

For Further Study

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE

WEEK 1: Have you ever been surprised by God’s blessing in a difficult

Paul’s Letters from Prison

Can hardship be a blessing? Russian novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn blessed

• Discover how God works through unlikely circumstances

Your devotional author,

Letters from a Roman Prison

When Martin Luther King Jr. penned better translated as “eminent” or

6 TODAY IN THE WORD

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 7

A Prayer from Prison

When I was a boy, I occasionally intellectual knowledge of certain

8 TODAY IN THE WORD

Before and After

Ads and commercials for diet sin. Everyone who is tempted is

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 9

Breaking Down the Wall

10 TODAY IN THE WORD

A Servant of the Gospel

I was nervous when I first told my also a recipient of divine revelation.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 11

Praying for Insight

William Willimon once observed, Christ is a relationship with Christ,

12 TODAY IN THE WORD

In his beloved hymn, “Amazing preceding chapter (see also Eph.

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 13

The Way of Life

Followers of Jesus were not always continuously being remade in the

14 TODAY IN THE WORD

Marks of Wise Living

According to Tertullian, the North of vulgar language and coarse joking,

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 15

Submit to One Another

In a culture that prizes independence, The apostle describes differences

16 TODAY IN THE WORD

Escaped slave, abolitionist, and however, while essentially the same,

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 17

The Secret of Spiritual Strength

When I began attending church The spiritual armor that Paul

18 TODAY IN THE WORD

Thankful for God’s People

If you had asked Paul which of the became an unwavering supporter of

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 19

Questions & Answers

Q In my devotional it said that

A The biblical data on Moses’

for Moses’ mother Jochebed, and

20 TODAY IN THE WORD

“I think we don’t take teaching children seriously enough.

continues, noting the hostility that understand the character of God

Q As I read the Bible, I realize

A While I don’t know what

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 21

In the account of his conversion, the palace guard in Rome and by

22 TODAY IN THE WORD

The Mindset of Jesus

Followers of Jesus initially called implications. Third, we begin to have

MOODY BIBLE INSTITUTE 23