Strength for the Journey

By Cal Cook

August 9, 2009 Passage is from Ephesians 4:17-5:2

This week we move from the Gospel of John to what has been the subtext for the last several weeks. John continues on with some further discussion on the Bread of Life, yet this subtext of unity within the body is reaching a crescendo with practical real world applications that we need to address.

We’re given a list of do’s and don’ts…some hit close to home for me. Although I think I should be further along, I still live in the struggle between the lists. The constant battle going on in my heart and mind….always wondering…what part is mine? How much of the keeping the do’s and avoiding the don’ts is my effort, my intention and how much is God’s? Is it just a matter of self-discipline or should I completely avoid trying to do things in my own strength?

Last week Jesus said in John 6:29 “This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent.” As we discussed the work (if it can be called that) is faith…faith in His ability to provide strength for the journey. The struggle in Jesus’ time was the Romans and just having enough to eat. Paul writes to the Church in Ephesus with this list of do’s and don’ts that was their struggle…they’re still our struggle! The battle, the journey is this living in between the lists…desiring to do the right thing and sometimes winning…yet slipping and falling other times. Christ, through His Holy Spirit is the strength for the journey.