Ephesians 1
V.v. 1-2: A greeting from Paul, who has been sent by God, to the church. In which is embedded a reminder to all Christ-followers, that reconciliation through Christ has led to peace with God and an outpouring of His grace. (Romans 5:1-2)
V.v 3-14: A reminder that God chose to bless us with Jesus Christ, a living sacrifice for our sins - a chance to live life spiritually with Him. Without God initiating this sacrifice, we would have no opportunity to find Him. But we are able to respond "according to the purpose of His will" (v. 5;) to receive that blessing and to glorify Him. This offering of God -His Son, and His grace (i.e. goodness, kindness, mercy, favor, forgiveness) -in itself is the greatest blessing. We are given everything necessary for sustenance through Christ alone. Individually, we choose to what extent we appreciate and apply this gift. When choosing to accept what God has offered, we are "adopted" into His family (it is important to understand that this can only occur through Christ) and freed from the constraints of our sin. The incredible unfathomable reality of our redemption is that nothing can separate us from the opportunity to embrace God's grace. All of us, born of sin, are undeserving of His love but still receive it immeasurably without hesitation. As members of His family, God desires to eternally bind us together in Christ through faith (V.v. 9-10.) We "inherit" all of God's holy resources - truth, love, salvation and eternal life.
V.v. 15-23: Paul offers a prayer to God on behalf of the Church of Ephesus; a prayer which recognizes the Ephesians' faith in Christ and love for others. In addition, Paul demonstrates thanksgiving for his friends, reminding us the importance of appreciating those who surround and support us (v. 16). Most importantly though, Paul prays that his friends may know God better. Nothing satisfies the human heart more than growing closer to its Creator, and Paul prays that the Lord may draw his friends' hearts in; allowing them the chance to acquire the most precious gift - life now - and forever- in the arms of Christ. We cannot forget this promise God has given us who believe - that our future will be spent living eternal life and that nothing in our present life is beyond His control. All things will work out according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Have utmost faith and confidence in this truth. By conquering death, Christ has already won our fight.
V.v 3-14: A reminder that God chose to bless us with Jesus Christ, a living sacrifice for our sins - a chance to live life spiritually with Him. Without God initiating this sacrifice, we would have no opportunity to find Him. But we are able to respond "according to the purpose of His will" (v. 5;) to receive that blessing and to glorify Him. This offering of God -His Son, and His grace (i.e. goodness, kindness, mercy, favor, forgiveness) -in itself is the greatest blessing. We are given everything necessary for sustenance through Christ alone. Individually, we choose to what extent we appreciate and apply this gift. When choosing to accept what God has offered, we are "adopted" into His family (it is important to understand that this can only occur through Christ) and freed from the constraints of our sin. The incredible unfathomable reality of our redemption is that nothing can separate us from the opportunity to embrace God's grace. All of us, born of sin, are undeserving of His love but still receive it immeasurably without hesitation. As members of His family, God desires to eternally bind us together in Christ through faith (V.v. 9-10.) We "inherit" all of God's holy resources - truth, love, salvation and eternal life.
V.v. 15-23: Paul offers a prayer to God on behalf of the Church of Ephesus; a prayer which recognizes the Ephesians' faith in Christ and love for others. In addition, Paul demonstrates thanksgiving for his friends, reminding us the importance of appreciating those who surround and support us (v. 16). Most importantly though, Paul prays that his friends may know God better. Nothing satisfies the human heart more than growing closer to its Creator, and Paul prays that the Lord may draw his friends' hearts in; allowing them the chance to acquire the most precious gift - life now - and forever- in the arms of Christ. We cannot forget this promise God has given us who believe - that our future will be spent living eternal life and that nothing in our present life is beyond His control. All things will work out according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Have utmost faith and confidence in this truth. By conquering death, Christ has already won our fight.