Gospel Dynamite with J. Allen Mashburn

A Biblical Examination of John 14:1-3 | J. Allen Mashburn

Biblical Exposition of John 14:1-3
 
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
 
John 14:1-3 stands as one of the most comforting and hope-filled passages in the New Testament, spoken by Jesus to His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. These verses form part of the Farewell Discourse (John 13–17), where Jesus prepares His followers for His imminent departure. The words are tender and pastoral, addressing both immediate emotional distress and eternal hope.
 
Verse 1: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."
The opening command, "Let not your heart be troubled," is a present imperative in the Greek implying a continuous action: "Stop being troubled, and do not allow yourselves to remain troubled." The disciples were understandably anxious. Jesus had just announced His departure (John 13:33), Peter’s denial (John 13:38), and Judas’ betrayal (John 13:21-30). Their world was unraveling, yet Jesus calls them to a posture of trust.
 
The phrase "ye believe in God, believe also in me" uses the verb pisteuete, as imperative ("believe"). Jesus is urging them to extend their trust in God to Himself. This establishes His divine authority and unity with the Father, a recurring theme in John (cf. John 10:30, 14:9). The call to faith is both a remedy for their troubled hearts and a foundation for the promises that follow.
The heart is the seat of emotion, will, and intellect. Jesus addresses their emotional turmoil with a command to anchor their faith in Him. This sets the tone for the passage: trust in Christ’s person and promises is the antidote to fear and uncertainty.
 
Verse 2: "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
This verse introduces the future hope central to the passage. The phrase "my Father's house" refers to heaven, the dwelling place of God (cf. Psalm 33:13-14; Isaiah 63:15). The term "mansions" translates the Greek (monai), meaning "dwelling places" or "rooms." While the KJV’s "mansions" make one think of grandeur, the emphasis is on permanence and personal space within God’s household, not necessarily a palatial spread.
 
The phrase "are many mansions" is in the present tense in Greek underscoring a current reality. Heaven’s capacity is vast, with room for all of Christ’s followers. Jesus’ parenthetical remark, "if it were not so, I would have told you," reinforces His truthfulness and pastoral care. He would not allow His disciples to cling to a false hope.
 
The clause "I go to prepare a place for you" is most important. The verb "I go" is in the present tense, and "prepare" is in the future tense in Greek, but contextually it carries a futuristic present sense. 
 
In Greek grammar, the futuristic present describes a future event with such certainty that it is spoken of as already occurring. Jesus’ departure (via His death, resurrection, and ascension) is the means by which He will prepare this place, and the certainty of His mission is as good as accomplished.
 
The Personalized Place: The phrase "a place for you" is deeply personal. The "you" is plural, encompassing all believers, yet the singular word, “place.” suggests individuality. Christ is not preparing a generic dwelling but a tailored space for each believer within the Father’s house. This reflects the intimate knowledge and care Jesus has for His own (cf. John 10:14, 27). The verb "prepare" implies deliberate, purposeful action, akin to a host readying a home for cherished guests. This act of preparation underscores Christ’s ongoing intercessory work in heaven (Hebrews 7:25) and His role as the forerunner who secures our eternal home (Hebrews 6:20).
 
The image of "many dwelling places" counters any notion of exclusivity or scarcity in God’s kingdom. The individualized "place" reveals Christ’s tender care, as He crafts a space suited to each believer’s unique identity and relationship with Him. This personalization is the pinnacle of divine love, showing that each child of God is constantly on Christ’s mind, valued, and cherished for eternity.
 
Verse 3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
This verse completes the promise with the assurance of Christ’s return. The conditional "if I go" is not doubtful but a first-class condition in Greek, assuming the reality of the action: "since I go." The verbs "prepare" and "will come again" are linked, showing that Christ’s departure and return are part of a unified redemptive plan.
 
The phrase "I will come again" is in the futuristic present tense, emphasizing certainty. In Greek, this construction conveys that Christ’s second coming is so assured it can be spoken of as a present reality. This is not wishful thinking but a divine guarantee. The verb “receive" means to take along or bring to oneself, evoking the imagery of a bridegroom claiming his bride (cf. Matthew 25:1-13). The purpose clause, "that where I am, there ye may be also," reveals the ultimate goal: eternal communion with Christ in the Father’s presence.
 
The futuristic present tense underscores the certainty of Christ’s promises. His preparation of our heavenly home and His return are as good as done, rooted in His unchanging character and sovereign power. The desire for believers to be "where I am" reflects the intimacy of eternal fellowship, fulfilling the prayer of John 17:24: "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am."
 
The Futuristic Present Tense: A Theological Anchor
The use of the futuristic present tense in "I go" (v. 2) and "I will come again" (v. 3) is a grammatical feature with profound theological implications. In Greek, this tense describes future events with such certainty that they are presented as current realities. For example:
 
"I go": Jesus’ departure to the Father via the cross and ascension is certain, initiating the preparation of our heavenly home.
 
"I will come again": The second coming is so sure that it is spoken of as if already unfolding.
 
This tense reflects the divine perspective, where God’s promises are not bound by human time. Isaiah 46:10 declares that God "declares the end from the beginning," and Jesus, as God incarnate, speaks with the same authority. The futuristic present assures believers that their heavenly home and Christ’s return are not distant possibilities but guaranteed realities. This grammatical choice comforts the disciples (and us) by presenting the future as a present fact, alleviating fear and instilling hope.
 
 
The Personalized Place: The Pinnacle of Christ’s Love
The promise that Jesus prepares "a place for you" is a vivid expression of His tender care. The individualized nature of this place is not a mere architectural detail but a theological statement about Christ’s love. Consider the following:
 
Intimate Knowledge: Jesus knows each believer personally (John 10:3, 14). The preparation of a unique place reflects His awareness of our individuality—our personalities, preferences, and redeemed identities.
 
Deliberate Care: The act of preparing (hetoimazō) suggests effort and intentionality. Christ is actively involved in readying our eternal home, akin to a carpenter crafting a bespoke piece (cf. Hebrews 11:10, where God is the "builder and maker" of the heavenly city).
 
Eternal Value: To assign each believer a personal space in the Father’s house affirms our infinite worth in Christ’s eyes. We are not faceless members of a crowd but cherished individuals, each with a place in God’s eternal plan.
 
Relational Intimacy: The goal is to be "where I am" (v. 3), indicating that the place is ultimately about proximity to Christ. The personalized dwelling is a means to eternal communion with Him.
 
This personalization is the "pinnacle of His care," as it demonstrates that believers are constantly on Christ’s mind. Psalm 139:17-18 speaks of God’s thoughts toward us as vast and precious; Jesus’ preparation of a place embodies this truth. Throughout eternity, we will dwell in a home tailored by the Savior’s hands, a testament to His unending love and respect for each of His children.
 
Blessings and Application for Today
Blessings of John 14:1-3:
Comfort in Distress: The command to not be troubled offers peace amid life’s uncertainties. Christ’s call to trust in Him is a balm for anxious hearts.
Assurance of a Heavenly Home: The promise of "many mansions" assures believers of a secure, eternal dwelling in God’s presence, personalized by Christ’s loving hands.
Certainty of Christ’s Return: The futuristic present tense guarantees that Jesus will come again, ensuring our ultimate reunion with Him.
Personalized Love: The individualized place reflects Christ’s intimate care, affirming our value and His desire for eternal fellowship.
Hope for Eternity: The passage points to the ultimate goal of being with Christ forever, fulfilling the longing for communion with God.
Application for Today:
Trust in Christ: When fears arise—whether about the future, personal struggles, or global crises—believers must anchor their hearts in Jesus’ trustworthiness. Meditate on His divine authority and promises.
Live with Hope: The certainty of a prepared place and Christ’s return should inspire confidence. Let this hope shape your perspective, knowing that your eternal home is secure.
Embrace Your Value: Reflect on the truth that Jesus is preparing a place just for you. This affirms your worth and calls you to live in gratitude for His love.
Anticipate His Coming: While waiting for Christ’s return, live with vigilance and purpose. Share the gospel, serve others, and pursue holiness, knowing that He will come again (Titus 2:13).
Find Peace in His Presence: The ultimate promise is being "where I am." Cultivate intimacy with Christ now through prayer, worship, and obedience, anticipating the day when you will dwell with Him forever.
 
John 14:1-3 is a beacon of hope, illuminating the tender care and sovereign power of Jesus Christ. The personalized place He prepares reveals the depth of His love, as He crafts an eternal dwelling tailored to each believer’s unique identity. This passage calls us to trust in Christ, rest in His promises, and live with expectant hope as we await His appearing.

Biblical Faith | Mark 11:20-26 | J. Allen Mashburn

Intro: Genuine, biblical faith is a miracle! Faith in God is something we do not possess naturally. Eph. 2:8 tells us that faith is “the gift of God.” God enables us to believe in Him for salvation, then He gives every believer some “measure of faith”, Rom. 12:3. That is, God empowers His children to believe Him, to serve Him, to glorify Him through the power of the faith in Him that He gives to us!
This outworking of faith in God’s people has allowed them see demonstrations of God’s power that boggle the mind. It has allowed them to receive answers to prayers for things that appeared impossible.
Consider the following:
Joshua 10:12-14 – Joshua commanded the sun to stand still so Israel could defeat the Amorites.
Isaiah 38:1-6 – King Hezekiah was told that he would die. He prayed to the Lord and God added 15 years to his life.
Genesis 22:1-14 – Abraham was told to sacrifice his son Isaac, who was the son of promise. He obeyed by faith and God spared Isaac, providing a ram in his place.
Joshua 14:6-16 – 85 year old Caleb believed God for the power to defeat a mountain infested with giants. God gave him that mountain.
1 Samuel 17:1-54 – A teenage boy named David believed God for the power to defeat a giant named Goliath. God gave him the victory.
Daniel 3:1-30 – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed God to keep them from the power of a pagan king and a fiery furnace. God met them in the furnace and protected them there.
Many, many more examples could be given, Ill. Heb. 11:32-35, but these are enough to teach about the power of biblical faith in God. 
 
The passage before us today magnifies the power of biblical faith.
On Monday morning of the Lord’s Passion Week, as Jesus his disciples walked toward Jerusalem, Jesus cursed a fig tree, 11:12-14. When they passed by the next day, the fig tree was dried up. Jesus uses this experience to teach His disciples a lesson about Biblical Faith.

A Biblical Exposition on the Bodily Resurrection of Christ: Its Meaning for the World and the Believer

A Biblical Exposition on the Bodily Resurrection of Christ: Its Meaning for the World and the Believer
 
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, a historical and theological truth that reverberates through time, shaping the destiny of humanity and the hope of every believer. The resurrection is not merely a symbolic or spiritual event but a physical, bodily reality that validates Christ’s identity as the Son of God, secures salvation for believers, and guarantees the future resurrection of all who trust in Him. Today we will explore the biblical teaching on Christ’s resurrection, its implications for the world and the believer, the consequences if Christ had not risen (as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15), and the hope of our future resurrection grounded in His triumph over death
 
I. The Fact of Christ’s Bodily Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a well-attested historical event, recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20–21) and affirmed throughout the New Testament. It was not a hallucination, a spiritual metaphor, or a myth, but a physical reality witnessed by many.
John 20:27–29
“Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
 
Jesus’ invitation to Thomas to touch His wounds demonstrates the physicality of His resurrected body. This was no ghost or vision; Christ’s body bore the marks of crucifixion, yet He was alive, speaking, and interacting. Thomas’s response, “My Lord and my God,” reflects the magnificent weight of the resurrection: it confirms Jesus’ deity and lordship. 
The blessing pronounced on those who believe without seeing extends the resurrection’s significance to all believers across generations, calling us to faith in the testimony of Scripture.
Luke 24:39–40
“Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet.”
 
Jesus explicitly counters any notion that His resurrection was merely spiritual. His body was tangible, composed of “flesh and bones,” yet glorified, able to transcend physical limitations (e.g., appearing in locked rooms, John 20:19). The continuity of His body (bearing crucifixion scars) and its transformation (no longer subject to death) reveal the nature of the resurrection body—both physical and glorified. This is the prototype for the believer’s future resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3–8
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”
 
Paul’s summary of the gospel emphasizes the resurrection as a historical fact, corroborated by multiple eyewitnesses. The appearances to Peter, the apostles, over 500 brethren, James, and Paul himself provide overwhelming testimony. The phrase “of whom the greater part remain unto this present” invites scrutiny, as living witnesses could be questioned at the time of Paul’s writing. 
The resurrection fulfills Old Testament prophecy (“according to the scriptures,” e.g., Psalm 16:10), anchoring it in God’s redemptive plan.
 
II. The Significance of Christ’s Resurrection for the World
The resurrection of Christ is not an isolated event but a cosmic turning point with implications for all creation. It declares God’s victory over sin, death, and Satan, and it reshapes the world’s destiny.
 
 
 
Romans 1:4
“And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”
 
The resurrection is God’s public declaration of Jesus’ divine sonship. It validates His claims to be the Messiah and the Son of God, distinguishing Him from all other religious figures. For the world, this means Jesus is the rightful Lord and Judge (Acts 17:31). The resurrection demands a response: acceptance of Christ’s lordship or rejection, with eternal consequences.
 
Acts 17:30–31
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.”
 
The resurrection establishes Jesus as the appointed Judge of all humanity. God’s command to repent is universal, and the resurrection serves as “assurance” (proof) of Christ’s authority. 
For the world, this is both a warning and an invitation: judgment is coming, but salvation is offered through faith in the risen Christ. The resurrection thus reorients human history toward accountability to God.
Colossians 2:15
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
 
The resurrection is Christ’s triumph over demonic powers. His death disarmed Satan’s hold over humanity through sin (Hebrews 2:14–15), and His resurrection publicly humiliated the forces of darkness. 
For the world, this means the power of evil is broken, and Christ’s kingdom is advancing, ultimately culminating in the restoration of all creation (Romans 8:21).
 
III. The Significance of Christ’s Resurrection for the Believer
For believers, the resurrection is the foundation of salvation, sanctification, and eternal hope. It assures us of justification, empowers us for holy living, and guarantees our future resurrection.
Romans 4:25
“Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”
 
Christ’s resurrection is integral to our justification. His death paid the penalty for sin, but His resurrection confirms that God accepted His sacrifice. Because Christ lives, believers are declared righteous before God, forgiven, and reconciled. This is the bedrock of the believer’s assurance: our standing with God is secure because Christ is risen.
 
Romans 6:4–5
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.”
 
The resurrection empowers believers to live transformed lives. Through union with Christ, symbolized in baptism, we share in His death to sin and His resurrection to new life. This “newness of life” is not merely future but present, enabling us to overcome sin and live for God’s glory. The promise of sharing in “the likeness of his resurrection” points to our future glorified bodies, but it also assures us of spiritual vitality now.
 
 
1 Peter 1:3–4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”
 
The resurrection gives believers a “lively hope”—a confident expectation of eternal life. Christ’s triumph over death secures our inheritance in heaven, which is imperishable and guaranteed by His resurrection. 
This hope sustains believers through trials, knowing that our future is as certain as Christ’s empty tomb. We do not clench a crucifix around our neck, or cling to a catechism, or a ritual— we are clinched in the hands of God through the resurrected Christ.
 
IV. The Consequences If Christ Had Not Risen (1 Corinthians 15)
In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul addresses the Corinthian church’s doubts about the resurrection, arguing that denying the resurrection of believers undermines the resurrection of Christ Himself. He outlines the devastating consequences if Christ had not risen.
1 Corinthians 15:12–19
“Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.”
 
Paul’s logic is airtight: if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen, and the entire Christian faith collapses.
 
 He lists the consequences:
Preaching is vain (v. 14): The gospel message, centered on Christ’s death and resurrection, would be empty and powerless. Evangelism would be a lie.
Faith is vain (v. 14, 17): Belief in Christ would be futile, offering no salvation. Believers would remain “yet in your sins,” unforgiven and under God’s wrath.
Apostles are false witnesses (v. 15): The apostolic testimony, including Paul’s own, would be a fabrication, making them liars about God’s work.
The dead in Christ are perished (v. 18): Those who died trusting in Christ would have no hope of eternal life; they are lost forever.
Christians are most miserable (v. 19): If hope in Christ is limited to this life, believers who endure persecution and sacrifice for Him are pitiable fools.
Paul’s argument underscores the resurrection’s centrality. 
 
Without it, Christianity is a delusion, offering no forgiveness, no eternal life, and no purpose. But because Christ is risen, the opposite is true: preaching is powerful, faith is effective, the apostles are trustworthy, the dead in Christ are secure, and believers are the most blessed of all people.
 
V. The Hope of Our Future Resurrection
The resurrection of Christ is the “firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20) of the resurrection of all believers. His triumph over death guarantees our future resurrection and the ultimate redemption of creation.
1 Corinthians 15:20–23
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
 
The term “firstfruits” implies both priority and promise. Christ’s resurrection is the initial harvest, guaranteeing the full harvest of believers’ resurrection at His return. Just as Adam’s sin brought death to all humanity, Christ’s resurrection brings life to all who are “in Christ.” This order—Christ first, then His people—assures us that our resurrection is as certain as His.
Philippians 3:20–21
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
 
The believer’s future resurrection involves the transformation of our mortal bodies into glorified bodies like Christ’s. This is not a mere spiritual existence but a physical reality, free from corruption and suited for eternal life. Christ’s resurrection body—capable of eating (Luke 24:42–43) yet unbound by physical limitations—is the model for our own.
1 Thessalonians 4:14–16
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.”
The resurrection of believers is directly tied to Christ’s resurrection (“if we believe that Jesus died and rose again”). At His return, the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers, all transformed to meet the Lord. This hope comforts believers, especially those grieving loved ones, assuring them of reunion and eternal life.
 
VI. Conclusion: Our Hope Rests on Christ’s Resurrection
The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the linchpin of the Christian faith. It declares His victory over sin and death, validates His deity, secures salvation for believers, and promises the restoration of all creation. For the world, it demands repentance and faith in the risen Lord, who will return as Judge. For the believer, it assures justification, empowers holy living, and anchors our hope in an eternal inheritance.
 
The stark consequences outlined in 1 Corinthians 15—if Christ had not risen—highlight the resurrection’s indispensability. Without it, our faith is vain, our sins remain, and our hope is lost. But because Christ is risen, our preaching is true, our faith is effective, and our future is secure.
Our hope of future resurrection rests firmly on the fact of Christ’s resurrection. 
As the “firstfruits,” He guarantees that we, too, will rise to eternal life with glorified bodies, free from sin and death. This hope sustains us through trials, motivates us to live for Christ, and fills us with anticipation for His return. 
 
Let us, therefore, echo the words of Job, confident in the risen Savior:
Job 19:25–26
“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
May we live in the power of Christ’s resurrection, proclaiming His victory and awaiting the day when we shall be “fashioned like unto his glorious body” (Philippians 3:21), forever with the Lord. Amen.

Jesus Marches to Calvary | The Olive Press of Gethsemane

Join Pastor Mashburn as he expounds the sufferings of our Lord in the olive press of Gethsemane.

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:15-17 | J. Allen Mashburn

Beginning in Ephesians 4:1 and continuing through 5:14, the Apostle Paul has challenged the church concerning her walk before the Lord. We have been commanded:
Eph. 4:1-2 - To walk in Humility
Eph. 4:4-13 - To walk in Unity
Eph. 4:17-32 - To walk in Separation
Eph. 4:14-16; 5:1-2 - To walk in Love
Eph. 5:3-14 - To walk in Light
Now, we are challenged to add to those virtues the quality of wisdom. The word “wisdom”, in our language means, “knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action.” In Scripture, it carries the idea of understanding the will of God as it is revealed in His Word, coupled with the desire to live it out.
 

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:8-14 | J. Allen Mashburn

Ephesians chapter 5 is all about change. It is designed to teach us that we are different from the world around us, and since we are different, we should live lives that are different. The simple truth is that believers should be different from those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ.
A brief review of the first seven verses of this chapter clearly demonstrate this truth.
In verse 1, we are commanded to live like God.
In verse 2, we are commanded to love like God.
In verses 3-7, we are commanded to leave this world and its ways behind.
Beginning in verse 8, the Apostle tells us why we are to be different.
This is something we need to hear and heed. After all, we are living in this world. We are “strangers and pilgrims” here, 1 Pet. 2:11. While we are “strangers and pilgrims,” in this world, there was a time when we were citizens of this world. We lived like they live. We thought like they think. We did what they do. We were part of them. But, when we were saved by the grace of God, we were delivered from our old life of sin, and we were given a new life of righteousness.
 

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:3-7 | J. Allen Mashburn

In our previous study of Ephesians 5, we explored verses 1-2, where we were instructed to be "followers of God, as dear children." This means we should emulate God in the same way a child mimics a parent. We are called to love as He loves, walk as He walks, speak as He speaks, and live as He lives—in essence, to reflect the Father in every aspect of our lives. This is a challenging directive, yet it is the standard we are urged to pursue daily.
 
In the verses we'll examine today, another command is given. Verse 7 states, "Be ye not therefore partakers with them." Just as we are to mirror the Lord in all possible ways, we are equally called to reject the behaviors, mindsets, and patterns of the world. This passage will guide us on what we should avoid as we navigate life in this world.
 
It’s all too simple to slip into the world’s routines and rhythms. It’s tempting to just go along with the crowd, adopting the ways of those who do not follow God. It’s easy to echo the sentiment of Ambrose of Milan: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
 
Many Christians fall into this trap. We take on the world’s styles, its language, its values, its forms of entertainment—nearly everything it offers. Yet, the Lord calls us to stand apart, to be distinct from the world in every way.
 
The Lord Himself addressed this clearly: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
 
If we are to model ourselves after anyone, let it be the Lord. If we seek a pattern to follow, let us look no further than the Lord God Almighty.

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians | Ephesians 5:1-2 | J. Allen Mashburn

As we begin to study the 5th chapter of this great book, we are immediately confronted by a passage the demands that we do the impossible. We are called to be like God. We are called to love like He loves. It sounds like an impossible task. How can we, sinful, human, frail, failing people ever be like Him or love like Him? This text has much to say about this call to be like the Lord.