Ephesians 4:32 And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ. Paul reminds the church that they were once dead in their sin, with no hope, BUT God made them alive in Christ. Paul calls believers to live in a way that is worthy of the gift that God has given them. In this section Paul gives examples of what a new life in Christ looks like in relationships. Paul details the life believers are meant to have in Christ. Even though it is a free gift from God, that we can do nothing to earn, it is a new life, with a new standard. He goes through a list of all the things church members should not be doing, but the whole list can be summed up in this last verse. “Be kind and compassionate.” If this one verse is followed, all the rest will fall into place. And they are not being told to forgive one another because it is easy, or the right thing to do, or because anyone deserves it, but because no one deserves it, and God forgave us through Christ anyway. This letter was written to the church in Ephesus, but it could have just as easily been written to any local church today. As a believer you have been given a new life in Christ, and God has given us clear guidance on what to do with that life. He calls us to rise above anger, deceit, and malice, and to give the compassion and forgiveness that we are capable of only through Christ. Zechariah 7:10 “This is what the LORD of Armies says: Administer real justice, and be compassionate and kind to each other. Don’t oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and poor people. And don’t even think of doing evil to each other. Matthew 6:14–15 “If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures.
ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Don’t stop children from coming to me! Children like these are part of God’s kingdom.” Mark 10:14 When Jesus saw this, he became irritated. He told them, “Don’t stop the children from coming to me. Children like these are part of God’s kingdom. Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the infants to him and said, “Don’t stop the children from coming to me! Children like these are part of God’s kingdom. Those children who are of years sufficient to sin, and to be saved by faith, have to listen to the gospel and to receive it by faith: and they can do this, God the Holy Spirit helping them. There is no doubt about it, because great numbers have done it. I will not say at what age children are first capable of receiving the knowledge of Christ, but it is much earlier than some fancy; and we have seen and known children who have given abundant evidence that they have received Christ and have believed in Him at a very early age.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS QUICK REFRESHER TO BE HELPFUL.
Most churches in America are throwing away their Bibles and believing in lies. If you are in a church that looks like the world, acts like the world, does not have sound doctrine, supports homosexuality and even has homosexuals working in the ministry, supports abortion, the prosperity gospel, etc. These are clear reasons to leave that church. If your church is about business and not about Christ that is a clear reason. Watch out for these fake powerless churches these days. Be careful because sometimes we want to leave the church for dumb reasons such as a small argument with someone or “my pastor is a Calvinist and I’m not.” Sometimes people want to leave for neutral reasons such as there is a biblical church in your area and now you don’t have to drive 45 minutes to get to church. Whatever the reason you must pray thoroughly. Trust in God and not yourself.
1. False Gospel Galatians 1:7-9 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! Romans 16:17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
2. False teachings Titus 3:10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him. Matthew 7:15 Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 2 Peter 2:3 And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Romans 16:18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
3. If they deny Jesus is God in the flesh. John 8:24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins. John 10:33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
4. Members are not being disciplined. Sin is running wild in the church. (Most churches in America are filled with false converts who don’t care about God’s Word anymore.) Matthew 18:15-17 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
5. Elders with unrepentant sin. 1 Timothy 5:19-20 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.
6. They never preach on sin. God’s Word will offend people. Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. Ephesians 5:11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. John 7:7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.
7. If the church wants to be like the world. If it wants to be hip, trendy, water down the gospel, and compromise. Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
8. Unholy living is tolerated. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 2 Timothy 3:5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Matthew 15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Romans 2:24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
9. Hypocrisy
2 Timothy 3:5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Matthew 15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Romans 2:24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
10. Using money improperly. If people are passing the offering basket around four times in one service there is a problem. Is the church all about Christ or is it all in His name? 2 Corinthians 8:18-21 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
God’s Word portrays a champion not as someone who seeks glory for themselves, but as one who stands firm in faith, overcomes adversity through divine strength, and reflects God’s character in battle. A Champion Is Spiritually Equipped Ephesians 6:10-11 (GW) – “Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength. Put on all the armor that God supplies. In this way you can take a stand against the devil’s strategies.” Champions don’t fight with fleshly weapons—they are armed with truth, righteousness, faith, and the Word of God. A Champion Is Courageous and Obedient Joshua 1:9 (GW) – “I have commanded you, ‘Be strong and courageous! Don’t tremble or be terrified, because the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’” God’s champions are not fearless because of their own strength, but because of His presence. A Champion Endures and Overcomes Romans 8:37 (GW) – “The one who loves us gives us an overwhelming victory in all these difficulties.” Champions in God’s kingdom don’t avoid hardship—they overcome it through Christ. A Champion Fights for Righteousness 1Timothy 6:12 (GW) – “Fight the good fight for the Christian faith. Take hold of everlasting life.” The real battle is spiritual. Champions fight for truth, justice, and eternal purpose. A Champion Reflects God’s Glory, Not Their Own 2 Corinthians 4:7 (GW) – “Our bodies are made of clay, yet we have the treasure of the Good News in them. This shows that the superior power of this treasure belongs to God and doesn’t come from us.” True champions deflect praise to the One who empowers them. A Champion Is Chosen and Sent Isaiah 51:9 (GW) – “Wake up! Wake up! Clothe yourself with strength, O arm of the Lord. Wake up as you did in days long past, as in generations of long ago.” God raises up champions in every generation to confront evil and restore righteousness.
I HOPE YOU ENJOYED AND RECEIVED FROM THIS QUICK REFRESHER.
Psalm 91:14-16 Because you love me, I will rescue you. I will protect you because you know my name. When you call to me, I will answer you. I will be with you when you are in trouble. I will save you and honor you. I will satisfy you with a long life. I will show you how I will save you.
GOD TAKES CARE OF THOSE WHO LOVE HIM. DO YOU LOVE GOD? ARE YOU SURE YOU LOVE GOD? DO YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE GOD? THINK ABOUT IT?
1 John 4:16 “We have known and believed that God loves us. God is love. Those who live in God’s love live in God, and God lives in them.” “God is love” One of the most profound theological declarations in Scripture. It doesn’t merely say God has love or shows love—He is love. His very nature is defined by love. “Those who live in God’s love live in God, and God lives in them” This describes a mutual indwelling: abiding in love is synonymous with abiding in God. It’s a spiritual union where love is both the evidence and the environment of divine presence. 1 John 3:24 – “The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him… John 15:4 – “Abide in Me, and I in you…” – Jesus speaks of mutual indwelling through love and obedience. Divine Nature: God’s essence is love—not just an attribute, but His very being. Spiritual Union: Love is the evidence of abiding in God. Without it, spiritual claims are hollow. Faith and Experience: Believing and knowing God’s love is both a doctrinal truth and a lived reality. Obedience and Love: Keeping God’s commandments is inseparable from abiding in Him.
1 Corinthians 2:14 A person who isn’t spiritual doesn’t accept the teachings of God’s Spirit. He thinks they’re nonsense. He can’t understand them because a person must be spiritual to evaluate them. John 3:19-21 This is why people are condemned: The light came into the world. Yet, people loved the dark rather than the light because their actions were evil. People who do what is wrong hate the light and don’t come to the light. They don’t want their actions to be exposed. But people who do what is true come to the light so that the things they do for God may be clearly seen. 1 John 2:9-10 Those who say that they are in the light but hate other believers are still in the dark. Those who love other believers live in the light. Nothing will destroy the faith of those who live in the light. Ephesians 4:17–19 So I tell you and encourage you in the Lord’s name not to live any longer like other people in the world. Their minds are set on worthless things. They can’t understand because they are in the dark. They are excluded from the life that God approves of because of their ignorance and stubbornness. Since they no longer have any sense of shame, they have become promiscuous. They practice every kind of sexual perversion with a constant desire for more.
Psalm 37:4 “Be happy with the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Delight in God leads to fulfillment and success aligned with His will. Joshua 1:8 “Never stop reciting these teachings. You must think about them night and day so that you will faithfully do everything written in them. Only then will you prosper and succeed.” Success is tied to meditating on and obeying God’s Word. Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the Lord And your plans will be established. James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Joshua 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. Psalm 57:2 I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me.
ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
John 5:5 “Who wins the victory over the world? Isn’t it the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” This verse emphasizes that faith in Jesus as the Son of God is the key to overcoming worldly influences and spiritual opposition. It’s part of a broader passage that explores the power of belief, spiritual rebirth, and the testimony God gives about His Son. Victory through faith is a central biblical and theological theme, rooted in the belief that trusting in Jesus as the Son of God empowers believers to overcome worldly trials, sin, and spiritual opposition. 1 John 5:4–5 is the anchor: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 Corinthians 15:57: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse ties victory directly to Christ’s resurrection. Practical Implications for Believers • Faith is not passive—it’s a weapon. It enables discernment, endurance, and spiritual authority. • Victory is relational: It’s not earned by effort but received through union with Christ. • Overcoming the world means resisting its values—lust, pride, fear—and living by truth, love, and obedience.
OUR VICTORY IS THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. ALLOW THIS WORD FROM GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE.
2 Corinthians 12:9 But he told me: “My kindnessis all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So I will brag even more about my weaknesses in order that Christ’s power will live in me. A primary qualification for serving God with any amount of success, and for doing God’s work well and triumphantly, is a sense of our own weakness. When God’s warrior marches forth to battle, strong in his own might, when he boasts, “I know that I shall conquer, my own right arm and my conquering sword shall get unto me the victory,” defeat is not far distant. God will not go forth with that man who marches in his own strength. He who reckoneth on victory thus has reckoned wrongly, for “it is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” They who go forth to fight, boasting of their prowess, shall return with their gay banners trailed in the dust, and their armour stained with disgrace. Those who serve God must serve him in his own way, and in his strength, or he will never accept their service. That which man doth, unaided by divine strength, God can never own. The mere fruits of the earth he casteth away; he will only reap that corn, the seed of which was sown from heaven, watered by grace, and ripened by the sun of divine love. God will empty out all that thou hast before he will put his own into thee; he will first clean out thy granaries before he will fill them with the finest of the wheat. The river of God is full of water; but not one drop of it flows from earthly springs. God will have no strength used in his battles but the strength which he himself imparts. Are you mourning over your own weakness? Take courage, for there must be a consciousness of weakness before the Lord will give thee victory. Your emptiness is but the preparation for your being filled, and your casting down is but the making ready for your lifting up.
WE MUST REALIZE WE NEED GOD. WE CAN’T DO IT ON OUR OWN. I HOPE YOU RECEIVED FROM AND ENJOYED THIS QUICK REFRESHER.
