A Daily Thunder Series with Nathan Johnson
Jesus in Every Area of Life
Part 1: Therefore …
Jesus is to have first place (be preemenient) in every area of our lives. He is not an add-on to our lives, He is to be our lives—which should radically transform every area of life. In this new series, Nathan Johnson dives back into Ephesians and examines Paul’s practical examples of what it means to be a Christian (Ephesians 4:25–5:18).
Part 2: Laying Down Lying
As Christians, our lives must be marked by the truth. Because God does not lie and because we are members of one body, we must aggressively throw any lie, hypocrisy, or duplicity from our lives. In this study from Ephesians 4:25, Nathan talks about truth, lying, and how both are far more than merely the words we say but also include how we live our lives.
Part 3: Is it Okay to be Angry?
Anger is a difficult emotion to deal with in the Christian life. Is it okay to be angry, and if so how do I know if what I’m angry over is a righteous or selfish anger? In this study of Ephesians 4:26-27, Paul argues that while righteous anger is permissable, we should seek to put away all anger from our lives as it can easily become sin, cause division within the body, and become a place of opportunity for the devil.
Part 4: Always With Something to Share
Every Christian should be ready to share what they have with those in need—whether it be finances, time, resource, or love. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul reminds us that we are to put off the old lifestyle of stealing and passivity and put on hard work so that we always have something to give to others in their time of need.
Part 5: What comes out
As believers, our words are meant to edify, build up, and encourage one another. We are to strengthen the faith of those around us, pushing others toward Christ rather than distracting them from Him. In this message on Ephesians 4:29, Nathan reminds us that our tongues are instruments that can be used for good or evil—and all our communication must come under the authority of Jesus Christ.
Part 6: Do Not Grieve the Holy Spirit
As Christians, we are not only “image bearers” of the living God, but we are also filled with His Spirit. As such, we are called to live holy, godly, and righteous lives in this present age. As Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:30, when we live counter to the life and character of Christ, we grieve the Holy Spirit, in whom we were sealed for the day of redemption.
Part 7: Living in Light of the Spirit
Paul is adamant that we throw off the things of this world and live in light of Christ Jesus who indwells us through His Spirit. Anything that is unlike Him must go. In this study of Ephesians 4:31–32, Nathan Johnson walks through Paul’s two lists of what to put off and what put on and reminds us that we need the life of Christ within us if we ever hope to reflect Him in and through our lives.