Philip Dampier's Blog

“…therefore do not be partakers with them;” (Eph. 5:7) In verses, 3-6 Paul has delineated who the faithful saints should avoid. He gives a good reason for Christians to be non-participants, the wrath of God. The wrath of God is not a popular subject these days. We don’t like a…

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Eph. 5:6) Empty words are like empty promises. They are like dark clouds without rain. They are worse than the faintest hope for they are hopeless and…

“For this, we know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Eph. 5:5) Immoral, impure, or covetous (or greedy) are terms we are used to and things we might expect of religious…

“For this, we know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” (Eph. 5:5) Paul is not offering this as a complete list of those not permitted in the kingdom, but it covers…

“…and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.” (Eph. 5:4) My mom had the answer for improper language. She cleaned your mouth to remind you to clean your heart of such talking. Worked for me. I spent…

“But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;” (Eph. 5:3) Faithful saints have a standard of proper behavior. There are three things mentioned here that can’t be a part of that standard. People who imitate God and Christ and…

“…and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” (Eph. 5:2) This verse explains the previous one where we were told to imitate God. When imitating God one will find himself walking…

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Eph. 5:1) Where do children learn? Is it not from their parents? Don’t we often say, “He or she acts just like their mother or father?” On the other hand, we say, “I sure hope he or she doesn’t grow up like…

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Eph. 4:32) Paul realizes that our cleaned up house needs some new furniture, so he gives us a list of things to replace what we threw away in the cleaning out process.…

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Eph. 4:31) My mom often used the expression “cleaning house, ” but she wasn’t talking about sweeping the floor or dusting the window sills. This expression seemed to me, even…