A note from our pastor:

“Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”

Ephesians 4:18

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

As we read and reflect on our study verse, there is a natural inclination to apply this verse to the unregenerate child of God. Doing so is the path of least resistance. When we apply the Apostle’s words in this verse to unregenerate children of God, we remove any sense of person responsibility.

Although a tempting form of interpretation, it defies the context and language of the text. The language of this verse clearly indicates a movement or direction. Those under consideration had understanding but have lost their understanding. Likewise, a relationship was present but they have now been alienated. This movement is not possible in an unregenerate person. Prior to regeneration there is no understanding, there is no relationship, and the heart is not changed so it could then be blinded.

So how should we consider this verse?

This verse is not a description of the unregenerate person but rather a warning to disciples regarding their own behavior.

We are being reminded, as disciples, we have a personal responsibility for our relationship with God and for our understanding of his teachings. We can abdicate responsibility through several means: 1) we stop reading the scriptures and attending services; 2) we accept false teachings; or 3) we begin to force the scriptures to support our views outside of the church.

The Apostle recognized a trend which threatened disciples in his day and remains a threat today. When disciples latch onto any thinking or authority other than the bible as their standard of behavior they are likely to destroy themselves and even their local assembly. They are prone to twist the scriptures to support their non-spiritual views and they are tempted to alienate themselves from anyone who would point them back to God.

Let us take this verse to heart, it is a needed warning for the disciple of Christ.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah