~ “Just As” Statements
from Ephesians ~
Our Lord
often spoke in parables—a story or word picture of earthly situations which
illustrate heavenly concepts. There are
also a number of similes, metaphors, analogies, and word pictures presented
throughout Scripture. The book of
Ephesians presents seven “just as” statements that Christians should consider.
Just as… Sinners
~ “And
you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in
the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in
the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind,
and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others” (Ephesians 2:1-3). The conduct
of the past of every Christian.
Just as… Calling
~ “There
is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called
in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and
Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). The change
in the past of every Christian.
Just as… Imitation
~ “And
be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just
as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians
4:32). The challenge of every
Christian—to be like Christ.
Just as… Headship
~ “Wives,
submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, just
as Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to
Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything” (Ephesians 5:22-24).
Continuing the thought the passage continues…
Just as… Love
~ “Husbands,
love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,
that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or
wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as
their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself” (Ephesians 5:25-28). The
relationship of Christ to His Church provides the example for the
Christian.
Just as… Care
~ “For
no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just
as the Lord does the church. For
we are members of His body, of His flesh and of
His bones” (Ephesians 5:29-30). Continuing the thought the passage continues…
Just as… Self
~ “‘For
this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery, but I speak
concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless
let each one of you in particular so love his own wife just as himself, and let
the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:31-33). The care
Christians are to have for one another.
application: These passages are all related to the character
of the individual. Reputation is what
others believe you to be, but character is what God knows you to be. Are you continually becoming more like Christ?
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
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