Ephesians: A Worthy Walk
Background: For the next month, we will be studying the Book of Ephesians, a letter Paul wrote while he was in jail in Rome, awaiting his first trial. Ephesus was one of his best churches, and he spent a lot of time there on his missionary journeys. The church likely planted the other churches of Asia Minor that Jesus referenced in Revelation 2-3.
Ephesians is easily outlined. Chapters 1-3 speak of the great salvation we have in Christ, which comes by grace through faith alone. Then, 4:1 is the turning point, where Paul admonishes them to "walk worthy of the calling you have received." We cannot be worthy of Christ's salvation - it is a gift of grace. But having received it, we can then, by the Spirit's power, WALK worthy. Chapters 4-6 describe the worthy walk. This is a favorite template of Paul. He develops a doctrine then applies it practically.
As often as time allows, the reader is encouraged to read the entire book - it will not take more than a few minutes. Each day we will work our way through the book passage by passage.
Today's Reading: Ephesians 1-6 Focus Passage - Ephesians 1:20-23
20 He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens— 21 far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah21-22, 1 Corinthians 8:1–9:11, Psalm 104:23–29, Proverbs 22:5–7
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: King of the Hill
When I was a boy, my friends and I would play a game pretty much any time we found a big pile of dirt or rocks or anything similar. We would scramble and fight and wrestle to reach the top of the hill, and the one who reached the top would shout that he was, "King of the Hill." The others would then try to dethrone him and take the title for themselves.
This world seems to be a mad scramble to reach the top and to be declared King of the Hill. Political parties strain for supremacy and in business it is a wrestling match to reach the top. Power struggles, wars, competitions - the whole world is fighting for that place at the top.
Paul declared, in Ephesians 1:20-23, that the position of King of the Hill is already taken. The position is occupied and there is no one who can overthrow him. Jesus Christ has been raised far above "every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given." There is no one to equal his power or authority here on earth or in the heavenly realms. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. His dominion is not only for as long as this world lasts but until the end of time, in the age to come. All things will be subjected to him, both the church (those people who bowed the knee and yielded to the Lordship of Christ) and this world, which will resist him to the end.
Jesus is supreme, Lord of all.
What is interesting is how he achieved this exalted position. In Revelation 5, John is told there is only one who worthy to take the scroll from God's hand and open the seals and he looks for a mighty angelic warrior or a great beast. What he sees is a Lamb, looking as though it had been slain. The Lamb of God who was slain became the Lion of Judah who rules and reigns. How did Jesus reach his exalted position? He was raised from the dead. How did he die? He gave himself for the sins of the world.
Jesus rules over all things because he gave himself in death for all things, for all people.
In his life, Jesus told us that if we wished to come after him we must deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow him. We must walk the way of the Cross that Jesus did, laying down our lives for others as Christ did.
Father, may my life be modeled on the life of Christ. May I serve others as he did. May my life achieve greatness because I lay it down for your kingdom and the spiritual needs of others.
Think and Pray:
Consider the blessing of Christ's love for you and acknowledge again his Lordship in your life.
Are you living the way of the world or the way of the Cross?
Are you living the way of the world or the way of the Cross?
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