TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Ephesians 4:28
Read: Ephesians 4:28
Listen: Ephesians 4
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The letter of Ephesians was written to the port city of Ephesus. As a port city, lots of goods would have always moved in and out of the docks. That leads to plenty of opportunity to steal in this large Roman metropolis—and plenty of people doing so. It’s possible that some from the church in Ephesus were part of this problem or stealing in other ways. Paul addresses this and encourages them not only to stop stealing but start working and become generous.
Some of us need to hear Paul’s words directly and stop stealing from a family member, friend or workplace. However, his message speaks to us who are not stealing too. He doesn’t just say to stop stealing; instead, he says to become givers. This is an important point because while some of us are not stealing—we might not be givers either.
A conversation about grace is also a conversation about God’s generosity. When we understand God’s grace, we can be transformed into generous givers. Tapping into the generosity of God day by day can transform us from takers to givers. It moves us from wherever we are to people who are generous with what God has given us. May the people of our church be known as honest with our dealings AND those that reflect the radically generous heart of our God.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Listen to the song, “Glorious Day.” Let this worship remind you of our God’s radical generosity and grace toward you. May that draw you to gratitude toward God and a generous heart toward the world.
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
March is FASTING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
