But
God...
A
Journey Through Ephesians – A Call to Carry On
Paul’s letter to the
Ephesians is a call to carry on with the undying love for our Lord. Paul knew
some strange ideas about God would soon perforate the faith of new believers. He
knew the message of grace would be challenged. He knew the believers would be
tempted to forget their First Love. With every dip of hi quill in ink, the
metal links of his chains clanked and clattered. Affixed to a Roman guard, Paul
understood the reality of his likely execution, so the letter we call Ephesians
reads like a farewell address. These were his final, parting words, his last
chance to impart what was most important to him, for it succinctly summarizes
God’s plan for salvation and the practices believers in Christ should follow.
Are we focused more on church-as-a-way-of-life or
Christ-as-a-way-of-life?
Paul, a man once filled with
murderous hatred for believers was transformed by God’s grace (see Acts
9:1-25). And the same saving grace that changed Paul’s life continues to change
lives today. This is true in every believer’s life. We were heading down a
certain road, maybe not Damascus like Paul, but down a path that would
eventually lead to our own destruction. But God had other plans.
So, now let’s begin our
Journey Through Ephesians!
Read Ephesians 1:1-2
The journey of growing in
spiritual maturity – becoming more like Christ in thought and deed – begins the
moment we surrender our lives to God. Even Paul, knowing the Scriptures as well
as he did, had some growing to do. This is the overarching theme in his letter
to the Ephesians. We’ve been saved by grace. Yes. But we still have some
growing to do. Paul’s letter is a call to carry on in our growth and understanding
of who God is and how we are to live as His children.
Diving Deeper
Who determined Paul would be
an apostle?
To whom did Paul explicitly
write his letter?
Not everyone has a dramatic
conversion like Paul’s. but every believer, as some point along life’s journey,
has encountered the risen Christ. We were heading in a certain direction. But God
had other plans. Take a few moments and write down you own “But God” story. Who
can you share your “But God” story with today?
Write the Word…Okay,
this is where the rubber meets the road – or where the pen meets the paper! On
a piece of paper, journal or notebook; write out Ephesians 1:1-2
Prayer: Thank You, Lord,
for the work You have begun in my life. As I begin this new journey through the
book of Ephesians, I pray that You will open the eyes of my hear to the kingdom
purpose for which You have called me. And with each word from Scripture I
write, I pray the Holy Spirit will continue to teach me the truth of Your Word.
Amen.
Be
blessed and be a blessing!
From “Word Writers Ephesians” by Denise Hughes
Comments
Post a Comment