Labors in the Vineyard of the Lord

An article from Ephesians. 5:16

By Crisostomo M. Basa

How to Live Wisely and Faithfully in a World Full of Evil

We live in a world that is full of evil and temptation. Every day, we face challenges and choices that test our faith and our character. How can we live wisely and faithfully in such a world? How can we make the best use of our time and opportunities? How can we avoid being deceived and corrupted by the evil that surrounds us?
The apostle Paul gives us some practical and powerful advice in Ephesians 5:16, a verse that summarizes his instruction on how to walk in love and light as children of God. He writes, "redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

What does it mean to redeem the time? The word translated as “redeeming” means to buy back, to ransom, or to rescue from loss. It implies a sense of urgency and sacrifice, as well as a change of ownership and purpose. Paul uses this word to describe how Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13), and how we are to redeem our freedom in Christ from being enslaved by the elemental principles of the world (Galatians 4:5).

In Ephesians 5:16, Paul uses this word to convey the idea that we are to buy back the time that we have been given by God, and to use it for His glory and His kingdom, rather than for our own selfish and worldly desires.

The word translated as “time” means a fixed or opportune time, a season, or an occasion. It refers to a specific and significant moment in history or in one’s life, rather than a general or indefinite duration of time. Paul uses this word to describe the time of fulfillment of God’s promises and purposes, such as the time of Christ’s coming (Romans 5:6), the time of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), and the time of judgment (Romans 13:11). In Ephesians 5:16, Paul uses this word to indicate that we are to seize the opportunities that God gives us to do His will and to advance His cause, and not to let them slip away or be wasted.

The word translated as “evil” means bad, wicked, harmful, or malicious. It can refer to moral evil, physical evil, or spiritual evil. Paul uses this word to describe the nature and the works of the devil, who is the evil one (Ephesians 6:16), and who is the ruler of this present evil age (Galatians 1:4). He also uses this word to describe the evil things that proceed from the human heart, such as evil thoughts, evil deeds, and evil words (Matthew 15:19). In Ephesians 5:16, Paul uses this word to characterize the days in which the believers are living, as days that are full of evil influences, evil temptations, and evil consequences.

Therefore, the main message of Ephesians 5:16 is to exhort us to live wisely and faithfully in a world that is full of evil and temptation, by making the best use of every opportunity we have to serve God, to grow in our faith, and to share the gospel with others. This verse challenges us to examine how we spend our time and resources, and to align them with God’s will and God’s kingdom. It also encourages us to be alert and vigilant, and to resist the evil that surrounds us and that tries to deceive us. It reminds us that we are not of this world, but we are in this world for a purpose, and that we have a limited and precious time to fulfill it.

How can we apply this verse in our daily lives? Here are some possible steps:

• Pray and ask God to help us live wisely and faithfully in this world, and to show us His will for our lives.

• Read and meditate on God’s word regularly, and let it guide our decisions and actions.

• Evaluate how we spend our time and resources, and prioritize the things that are pleasing to God and beneficial to others.

• Seek and seize the opportunities that God gives us to serve Him, to grow in our faith, and to share the gospel with others.
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• Avoid and resist the temptations and influences that are contrary to God and His word, and expose them to the light of truth.

• Be thankful and joyful for the grace and the hope that God has given us in Christ, and express it in our words and deeds.

By following these steps, we can redeem the time, because the days are evil. We can live wisely and faithfully in a world full of evil and temptation. We can glorify God and bless others with our lives.

Understanding the Meaning and Application of 1 Corinthians 10:31

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (NIV)

This verse is part of Paul’s instructions to the Corinthian Christians on how to deal with the issue of eating food that has been offered to idols. In the previous verses, Paul gives some specific guidelines on when it is acceptable or not to eat such food, depending on the context and the conscience of the person. He also warns them not to participate in idol worship or provoke the Lord to jealousy by their actions.

The main principle that Paul wants them to follow is to do everything for the glory of God. This means that whatever they do, whether it is eating, drinking, or any other activity, they should do it in a way that honors God, reflects His character, and reveals His grace. They should not do anything that dishonors God, compromises their faith, or causes others to stumble.

This principle applies not only to the issue of food, but to all aspects of life. As Christians, we are called to live for God’s glory in everything we do, say, or think. We are not to live for ourselves, our pleasures, our preferences, or our reputation. We are to live for God, who created us, redeemed us, and sustains us. We are to seek His will, follow His commands, and imitate His example.

Doing everything for the glory of God also means that we should have a loving concern for others, especially for our fellow believers. We should not use our freedom in Christ to hurt, offend, or weaken others. We should use our freedom to serve, edify, and encourage others. We should not cause anyone to sin or to doubt their faith by our actions. We should help others to grow in their love and knowledge of God.

To do everything for the glory of God is a challenging but rewarding way to live. It requires us to examine our motives, choices, and actions in the light of God’s word and God’s presence. It also enables us to experience God’s joy, peace, and power in our lives. It makes our lives meaningful, purposeful, and fruitful. It pleases God and blesses others.

Here are some possible steps to apply 1 Corinthians 10:31 to your daily life:

1. Start your day with prayer and ask God to help you live for His glory in everything you do.

Example: Dear God, thank you for this new day that you have made. I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit and guide me in your ways. Help me to live for your glory in everything I do today. In Jesus’ name, amen.

2. Read and meditate on God’s word and learn more about His character, His will, and His commands.

Example: You can read a chapter or a passage from the Bible that relates to your situation or interest. For instance, you can read Psalm 19, which talks about the glory of God in creation and in His word. You can meditate on the verses and ask yourself: What does this teach me about God? How can I apply this to my life? How can I praise God for His glory?

3. As you go through your day, be mindful of your actions and words and how they reflect God’s glory. Ask yourself: Does this honor God? Does this show His love and grace? Does this edify and encourage others?

Example: You can be mindful of how you treat your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and strangers. You can show kindness, respect, honesty, generosity, and forgiveness. You can avoid gossip, anger, envy, pride, and selfishness. You can share your faith, hope, and joy with others. You can give thanks to God for everything.

4. If you face a situation where you are unsure of what to do, seek God’s guidance and wisdom. Ask yourself: What would Jesus do? What does the Bible say? What is the best way to glorify God in this situation?

Example: You can face a situation where you have to make a decision, solve a problem, or deal with a conflict. You can pray to God and ask Him to show you the right path. You can consult the Bible and see what it says about the issue. You can seek advice from other Christians who can help you. You can choose the option that is most pleasing to God and beneficial to others.

5. If you make a mistake or sin, confess it to God and repent. Ask God to forgive you and restore you. Ask God to help you avoid repeating the same mistake or sin.

Example: You can make a mistake or sin by saying or doing something wrong, hurting someone, or disobeying God. You can admit your fault and ask God to forgive you. You can also ask the person you offended to forgive you. You can turn away from your sin and follow God’s way. You can ask God to help you overcome your weakness and temptation.

6. If you have an opportunity to share the gospel or testify of God’s goodness, take it. Use your gifts and talents to serve God and others. Be a light and a salt in the world.

Example: You can have an opportunity to share the gospel or testify of God’s goodness when someone asks you about your faith, your life, or your hope. You can tell them how God saved you, changed you, and blessed you. You can invite them to know Jesus and receive His love and grace. You can also use your gifts and talents to serve God and others in your church, community, or workplace. You can be a good example of a Christian and a positive influence in the world.

7. At the end of the day, thank God for His presence, His provision, and His protection. Praise Him for His glory and His grace. Ask Him to help you grow in your faith and obedience.

Example: Dear God, thank you for being with me today. Thank you for providing for my needs and protecting me from harm. Thank you for your glory and your grace in my life. I praise you for who you are and what you have done. I ask you to help me grow in my faith and obedience. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Teacher and the Healer: How Jesus Amazed the People in the Synagogue
(Mark 1:21-28)

Introduction:

How would you feel if one day, a new preacher came to your worship service and taught you something that you had never heard before? Something that made you think differently about yourself, about others, and about God? Something that made you curious, excited, and maybe even a little scared? Would you listen to him? Would you ask questions? Would you tell your friends and family about him?

Well, that is how the people in the synagogue felt when they heard Jesus teach for the first time. A synagogue was a place where the Jewish people gathered to worship God, to read the Scriptures, and to learn from the teachers of the law. The teachers of the law were called scribes, and they were the experts of the Jewish religion. They knew all the rules and regulations that God had given to his people through Moses and the prophets. But they did not teach with passion or conviction. They did not explain the meaning or the purpose of the law. They did not inspire or challenge the people to love God and their neighbors. They just repeated what other scribes had said before them, and they added more and more rules that made the people feel burdened and guilty.

But Jesus was different. He was not a scribe, but he knew the Scriptures better than anyone. He did not just quote other authorities, but he spoke with his own authority. He did not just teach the letter of the law, but he revealed the spirit of the law. He did not just tell the people what to do, but he showed them why and how to do it. He did not just teach them about God, but he taught them as God. He was the Son of God, the Messiah, the Holy One of God. And he came to bring good news, freedom, healing, and the kingdom of God to the people.

I. Jesus Taught with Authority

The first thing that Mark tells us about the teaching of Jesus is that he taught with authority, unlike the scribes. What does that mean?

Authority means the right and the power to declare something as true and to command obedience.

The scribes did not have authority, because they did not speak on their own, but they relied on the traditions and opinions of human authorities. They did not explain the Scriptures, but they quoted other scribes who had quoted other scribes, and so on. They did not challenge the people, but they made them follow more and more rules that were not from God. They did not inspire the people, but they bored them and burdened them.

But Jesus had authority, because he spoke on his own, as the Son of God and the Word of God. He did not quote other authorities, but he explained the Scriptures in a way that revealed their deeper meaning and application.

He did not make the people follow more rules, but he showed them the essence of the law, which was to love God and their neighbors. He did not bore the people or burden them, but he amazed them and freed them. He spoke with confidence, clarity, and conviction. He spoke with power.

What do you think authority means? Can you give some examples of people who have authority in your life? How do you know that they have authority? How do you respond to their authority? Do you obey them or disobey them? Do you respect them or disrespect them? Do you trust them or doubt them?

How about Jesus? Do you recognize and respect his authority in your life? How do you know that he has authority? How do you respond to his authority? Do you listen to his words or ignore them? Do you follow his commands or reject them? Do you love him or hate him?

II. Casting Out of the Impure Spirit

The second thing that Mark tells us about the teaching of Jesus is that he cast out an impure spirit from a man who was in the synagogue.

What is an impure spirit? An impure spirit, also called a demon or an unclean spirit, is a fallen angel who opposes God and his people, and who seeks to harm, deceive, and enslave human beings. An impure spirit can enter a person and take control of their thoughts, emotions, and actions, causing them to suffer from physical, mental, or spiritual problems. An impure spirit can also recognize and fear Jesus, because he knows that Jesus is the Son of God and the Judge of the world, who has the power and the authority to destroy him and his fellow demons.

That is what happened to the man in the synagogue. He was possessed by an impure spirit, who made him act in strange and violent ways. He was in the synagogue, probably because he wanted to find help or relief from his condition, or maybe because the impure spirit wanted to disrupt the teaching of Jesus.

When he heard Jesus speak, the impure spirit recognized him as the Holy One of God, and cried out in a loud voice, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”

The impure spirit was afraid of Jesus, and asked him if he had come to judge and destroy him and the other impure spirits. The impure spirit also confessed that he knew who Jesus was, the Holy One of God, which was a title for the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world.

How did Jesus react to the impure spirit? Did he ignore him or argue with him? No. He confronted him and commanded him to come out of the man. He said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”

Jesus did not want to hear the testimony of the impure spirit, because he did not need it or trust it. He did not want the people to be confused or misled by the impure spirit, who might mix truth with lies. He did not want the impure spirit to interfere with his teaching or his mission.

He wanted to silence him and to free the man from his evil influence. Jesus spoke with authority and power, and the impure spirit obeyed him. He came out of the man with a loud shriek, and the man was healed and restored.

Conclusion:

What have we learned from this passage? We have learned that Jesus is the Holy One of God, who has authority and power over both the natural and the supernatural realms.

He can teach us the truth and the will of God, and he can heal us from the evil and the suffering that we face. He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior, and the Lord. He is the one who can change our lives and our world.

How can we apply this passage to our lives? We can apply this passage by listening to and obeying the words of Jesus, and by trusting in his power and love.

We can read and study the Bible, where we can find his words and his works. We can pray and worship him, where we can talk to him and praise him. We can follow and serve him, where we can do what he says and share what he gives. We can love and honor him, where we can give him our hearts and our lives.

Prayer:

Let us pray. Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to be our teacher and our healer. Thank you for his words and his works, that show us your truth and your love. Thank you for his authority and his power, that free us from the evil and the suffering that we face. Help us to listen to and obey his words, and to trust in his power and love. Help us to follow and serve him, and to love and honor him. In his name we pray, amen.

Application:

Step 1: Read the passage carefully and try to understand the main points. You can use the Bible study questions from this website to help you.

Step 2: Reflect on the authority and power of Jesus over both the natural and the supernatural realms. Think about how he taught the truth and the will of God, and how he healed and delivered people from the evil and the suffering that they faced. Ask yourself: Do I recognize and respect his authority and power in my life? Do I listen to and obey his words? Do I trust in his power and love?

Step 3: Pray to God and thank him for sending Jesus, the Holy One of God, to be your teacher and your healer. Confess any sins or doubts that you have, and ask for his forgiveness and grace. Ask him to help you to follow and serve Jesus, and to love and honor him. Ask him to fill you with his Holy Spirit, who will guide you and empower you to live for him.

Step 4: Share the good news of Jesus with others. Tell them what he has done for you and what he can do for them. Invite them to read the Bible and to join you in prayer and worship. Show them his love and compassion by helping them in their needs and by praying for their healing and deliverance.

An Article from Mark 1:21-28
By Crisostomo M. Basa

How Jesus Shook Up a Small Town with His Words and His Power

Imagine you are living in a small town in Galilee, a region in the northern part of Israel, around the first century AD. You are a devout Jew, who follows the law of Moses and the traditions of your ancestors. Every Sabbath, you go to the synagogue, the local place of worship and learning, where you listen to the scribes, the experts of the law, teach you what God expects from you. You respect them, but you also find their teaching boring and repetitive. They always quote other authorities, but they never speak with conviction or passion. They never challenge you to change your life or to hope for something better.

One Sabbath, something different happens. A new teacher arrives in your town, a man named Jesus, who claims to be from Nazareth, another small town nearby. You have heard some rumors about him, that he performs miracles and preaches about the kingdom of God. You are curious, but also skeptical. What can this man offer you that the scribes cannot?

You decide to go to the synagogue and see for yourself. As soon as you enter, you notice that there is a buzz in the air. People are whispering and pointing at Jesus, who is sitting among the crowd. The synagogue leader invites him to stand up and read from the Scriptures, as it is customary for any visiting teacher. Jesus accepts the invitation and walks to the front. He opens the scroll and reads a passage from the prophet Isaiah. Then he rolls up the scroll and hands it back to the attendant. He sits down and begins to teach.

You are immediately captivated by his words. He speaks with authority, unlike the scribes. He does not quote other sources, but he explains the meaning of the Scriptures in a way that makes sense and applies to your life. He tells you that God loves you and wants to save you from your sins. He tells you that he is the fulfillment of the prophecies, the Messiah, the Son of God. He tells you that the kingdom of God is near, and that you need to repent and believe in him. He speaks with confidence, clarity, and conviction. He speaks with power.

You are not the only one who is amazed by his teaching. The whole crowd is hanging on his every word, nodding and murmuring in agreement. You feel a surge of excitement and joy in your heart. You think to yourself, this is the teacher you have been waiting for. This is the one who can show you the way to God. This is the one who can change your life.

But then, something else happens. Something unexpected and terrifying. A man in the synagogue, who is possessed by an impure spirit, a demon, suddenly cries out in a loud voice. He interrupts Jesus and says, “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
You are shocked and scared. You recognize the man as one of your neighbors, a poor and miserable soul, who is tormented by the evil spirit. You have seen him before, wandering around the town, muttering and screaming, hurting himself and others. You have tried to avoid him, but you have also felt sorry for him. You have wondered why God allows such things to happen, and why no one can help him.

You look at Jesus, wondering how he will react. Will he be afraid? Will he run away? Will he ignore the man? Will he argue with him? No. He does none of these things. Instead, he does something that you have never seen anyone do before. He confronts the impure spirit and commands it to come out of the man. He says, “Be quiet! Come out of him!”

You hear a loud shriek, as the impure spirit obeys Jesus and leaves the man. You see the man fall to the ground, convulsing and shaking. Then you see him get up, calm and free. He looks at Jesus with gratitude and awe. He looks like a new person.

You are stunned and amazed. You have just witnessed a miracle, a display of power that you have never seen before. You realize that Jesus has authority and power over not only the natural realm, but also the supernatural realm. He can teach the word of God and cast out the evil spirits. He can deliver people from the bo***ge and oppression of the devil. He can do what no one else can do.

You are not the only one who is astonished by his power. The whole crowd is gasping and praising God, saying, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him!” The news about Jesus spreads quickly throughout the whole region of Galilee. Everyone wants to see and hear him. Everyone wants to experience his power.

You are left with a mix of emotions. You are amazed and grateful, but also curious and confused. You wonder, who is this man? Where does he come from? What does he want from you? How will he change your life?

You decide to follow him and find out. You join the crowd that follows him out of the synagogue and into the town. You want to hear more of his words and see more of his power. You want to be part of his story. You want to be part of his kingdom.

Lord, Lord: The Difference Between Saying and Doing God’s Will
(Matthew 7:21-23)

What does it mean to call Jesus Lord? Is it enough to say the words, or do we need to do something more? How can we be sure that we are truly his disciples, and not just pretending or deceiving ourselves? These are some of the questions that Jesus addresses in one of the most challenging and sobering passages in the Gospel of Matthew.

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns us that not everyone who claims to know him will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of his Father and have a personal relationship with him. He also reveals that there will be a day of judgment, when he will expose the true and false followers, and separate them forever.

This passage is a wake-up call for all of us who profess to be Christians, and a reminder of what really matters in our faith. It is also an invitation to examine our hearts and motives, and to seek to know and love Jesus more deeply.

In this article, we will explore the meaning and implications of this passage, and how we can apply it to our lives. But first, let us ask ourselves: Are we ready to hear what Jesus has to say? Do we have the courage to face the truth about ourselves and our relationship with him?

If so, then read on, and prepare to be challenged, convicted, and transformed by the words of our Lord.

This text is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he teaches about the characteristics and expectations of his true followers. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns that there are some people who claim to be his disciples, but are not really obeying his Father’s will. They may even perform impressive deeds in his name, such as prophesying, casting out demons, and doing miracles, but they do not have a genuine relationship with him. On the day of judgment, Jesus will reject them and say, “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

To understand this text more deeply, let us look at each verse and some relevant Bible verses that explain them.

• Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

This verse shows that confessing Jesus as Lord is not enough to enter the kingdom of heaven. One must also do the will of the Father, which means to obey his commands and follow his plan. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” And in Matthew 12:50, he said, “For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Doing the will of the Father is a sign of true faith and love for Jesus, not just a lip service or a superficial profession.

• Matthew 7:22: “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’”

This verse shows that performing miraculous deeds in Jesus’ name is not enough to enter the kingdom of heaven. One must also know Jesus personally and intimately, and be known by him. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” And in John 17:3, he said, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

Knowing Jesus is more than just knowing facts about him or using his name for power. It is having a living and loving relationship with him, based on trust, obedience, and devotion.

• Matthew 7:23: “And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

This verse shows that the consequence of not doing the will of the Father and not knowing Jesus is eternal separation from him. Jesus will declare to these false disciples that he never had a relationship with them, and that they are guilty of breaking God’s law.

Jesus said in Matthew 25:41, “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” And in 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Paul wrote, “in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

The ultimate destiny of those who do not do the will of the Father and do not know Jesus is hell, where they will be cut off from God’s love, grace, and glory forever.

Conclusion

In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus warns that to enter the kingdom of heaven, one must not only confess him as Lord, but also do the will of the Father and know him personally. Those who fail to do so will face eternal separation from him on the day of judgment, regardless of their miraculous deeds in his name.

Therefore, we must examine ourselves and make sure that we have a genuine relationship with Jesus, based on faith, obedience, and love.

Practical Application:

Step 1: Examine your heart and motives. Ask yourself why you call Jesus Lord, and what you hope to gain from following him. Do you truly love him and seek his glory, or do you just want to use his name for your own benefit or security? Do you trust him and obey him, or do you rely on your own abilities and achievements? Be honest and humble before God, and confess any sin or selfishness in your life.

Step 2: Study and obey God’s will. Read the Bible and learn what God commands and desires from his children. Seek to do his will in every area of your life, such as your relationships, your work, your ministry, your finances, your health, your hobbies, etc. Pray and ask God to guide you and empower you by his Spirit to follow his will. Be willing to submit to his authority and correction, and to repent when you fall short.

Step 3: Cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus. Spend time with him in prayer, worship, meditation, and fellowship. Listen to his voice and respond to his invitations. Share your joys and sorrows, your hopes and fears, your doubts and questions with him. Seek to know him more and more, and to grow in his likeness. Express your gratitude and praise for his love and grace. Enjoy his presence and friendship.

Step 4: Bear good fruit for God’s kingdom. Use the gifts and talents that God has given you to serve him and others. Proclaim the gospel and make disciples of all nations. Demonstrate the love and character of Christ in your words and actions. Seek to glorify God and advance his kingdom in everything you do. Be faithful and fruitful until the end.