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 1:15-19
15 This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17 I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 19-20, 1 Corinthians 7:17–40, Psalm104:16–22, Proverbs 22:3–4
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Our Great Joy
In most of his letters, Paul gives a special expression of joy at the friendship and spiritual progress of the people to whom he was writing his letter. Here, he gives unceasing thanksgiving to God for what is happening in the Ephesians church. This is easy, since this was perhaps his best church. His ministry at Ephesus was a time of ongoing revival, an amazing outpouring of miraculous power, and the advance of the Gospel in Asia Minor. However, even with a troubled church such as Corinth, Paul still expressed his thanks to God for them and the work of God in them.
Paul was thankful that God gave them the Holy Spirit, who gave them wisdom and insight into God's revelation. He prayed that they might have insight into the hope of Christ's calling, that glorious inheritance that is ours, the blessing mentioned in previous verses. He also prayed they would understand the power of God in those who believed, that their lives are not lived on the basis of their own power but the mighty working of God's strength.
He wanted them to have insight into God's will and ways, to have a daily confidence in what awaited them in eternity even though this world could offer suffering snd pain, and he wanted them to rely on the mighty power of God every day.
The main point of this passage, though, may be more subtle. Paul is recognized as a great Christian man with deep knowledge, an intimate walk with God, and spiritual power beyond anything we have seen. But he recognized that "success" as a follower of Jesus Christ was measured in the lives of others. Jesus was a success in this world because he laid down his life for others. Paul recognized that his theological prowess was not what mattered to God, or his miraculous power, but the impact he had on the lives of others.
He cared about others because he understood that impacting others is what ministry, what Christianity, what Christ-likeness is all about. There is one measure that matters in our lives and that is how we served Christ and others.
Paul had great joy because he saw people he had proclaimed Christ to, people he had served in Christ's name progressing in him. That is his great joy. That must be our great joy.
Father, may we serve others in your name. Give us the joy of knowing you and seeing others know you.
Think and Pray:
Consider your life - what impact have you made spiritually on the lives of others?
No comments:
Post a Comment