Day #350

Sermon - Audio
Ephesians - Reading
Ephesians - Audio

Daily Insights - Please Comment

The book of Ephesians within the master story of the Bible:

There are two main themes of Ephesians: (1) Christ has reconciled all creation to himself and to God, and (2) Christ has united people from all nations to himself and to one another in his church. These great deeds were accomplished through the powerful, sovereign, and free working of the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and are recognized and received by faith alone through his grace. In light of these great truths, Christians are to lead lives that are a fitting tribute of gratitude to their great Lord. -ESVSB-

Chapter 1

This upcoming year EverGreen Ministries is going to be focusing around a theme called "ReCreate." We see Paul address this idea in the first chapter of Ephesians. The mystery in v9 is one of recreation of all things in Jesus Christ. This touches/infiltrates every area of creation. Are you prepared to engage this theme and be challenged by the things presented this upcoming year? How can we make sure we never stop exploring?

Chapter 2

In v10 we see that we are "God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works..." Paul makes sure to lay out that Salvation only comes by grace, and it has always been that way I might add. However, if we are truly saved good works will flow from us, because it is a sign that we are not taking Christ for granted and have entered in to God's work. His Spirit enables us and His grace encourages us to carry out these good works. If good works do not exist in one's life...they are not following the call of Jesus. Discuss what good works you see in your life and in the life of your community. How do you see this as a reflection of or response to God's grace and love?

Chapter 3

"We" is the Church (community of believers gathered by the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit, and sent on mission in God's good but fallen world) in v12. We have access to approach God with freedom and confidence. While many of us put people in our society on pedestals, we must realize that we have been granted access to the God of the universe in Jesus Christ! Have we forgot this truth? What does this mean for the body of Christ?

Chapter 4

Unity is difficult. Paul tells us that there is only "one body." It's obvious by Paul's many statements about unity that it is very important and that it is very hard. We must continually strive for it. We must all remember what unites us and focus on those things. God's mission is too large for each of us to go it alone. What differences in others have held you back from unity? What walls need to be brought down in order to accept some other Christian brother or sister? What does Paul say about this in the opening verses of chapter 4?

Chapter 5

Much of Paul's words in Ephesians 5 are geared toward Christian living in light of the work of Christ. He begins by saying that we must "walk in love." The things Paul lists are pretty counter-cultural to the people of his day...and ours for that matter. Paul is calling them to live as people of restoration. I love that the passage starts by saying, "walk in love." At the heart of every choice we make there must be a love for Jesus Christ, and a love for others to see the glory of God. We live counter-culturally, because as Christians we are now slaves to God. We have been given a new life, a new setting, a new home, a new purpose. However, God calls us to show the world what this new life, setting, home, and purpose looks like, and to invite others in. Does the world see you as counter-cultural? Are you inviting people into a better story, one that you've been captivated by?

Chapter 6

Spiritual warfare is very real. It is happening around us all of the time. I think Christians, including myself, can many times write things off when they happen. However, it is important that we recognize and remember that evil forces exist in this world. However, we have the Spirit of God on our side and staying in tune with the Spirit (through things like prayer, studying the text, discussion, and especially doing these things in community) is vital to winning the battles. Christians can already claim victory in the war, but our call is to fight the ongoing battles that are being waged on this earth. What "battles" do you see happening around you every day? How have you utilized the community in order to combat various things in others or yourself?