Dear HBIC Family,

I believe that one of the absolutely worst human feelings is being misunderstood. We yearn for connection, and we desire deeply to be seen, heard, and valued. We work to communicate as best as we can, in spirit and in action, verbally and non-verbally. When we do our best to be clear, and somehow that gets misinterpreted, it can be very confusing (and even hurtful).

One of the many challenges of reading Scripture is that it can sometimes be misunderstood. Scripture is both simple and complex, familiar and foreign. Therefore, we have to ask God to help us understand what was being said to the original hearers, and also to us. We must work to know the context, culture, author and their intent, language, and how it all fits together in the story of God.

We must always approach Scripture in submission to the Holy Spirit, asking God for clarity and understanding. I often say this prayer (from Psalm 119) before engaging with the text: “Lord, open my eyes, that I may see wonderful things in your law.” In addition, we must also read Scripture in community to learn what God has revealed to the body of believers immediately to us, global and universally, and also throughout Christian history.

This week, our passage is one of the most familiar yet confounding pieces of Scripture. On the outset, it seems fairly straightforward and simple. Nevertheless, as we engage with this Scripture, we are left challenged and confused by what’s being said. Is this truly what Paul meant? Wait – is this how God sees us? Is this really the way God calls us to live? These questions (and more) should pop up every time we read, but they are especially with us in this passage.

As you prepare for this week’s services, I would like to invite you to read and meditate on Ephesians 5:21-6:9. As you reflect, please focus on the following questions:

What do you think is the core teaching of this passage?

Why is Paul so focused on how we set up and live in our houses?

Why do you think this passage is in Scripture?

How were you first taught this passage?

What is God ultimately saying not only to the Ephesians, but to all Christians?

One of the greatest, consistent tragedies we commit as Christians is using God’s Word to beat down, and not build up, one another. We believe that Scripture is authoritative. We believe God has guidance, blessing, leadership, and help for us in Scripture. My prayer is that we can always be a people who are committed to God and each other, and who submit to God and one another too.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine on you and be gracious to you. And may the Spirit gift you peace as you live in love and submission to one another. Amen.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Eph. 5:21)