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 for 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 3:8-13
8 This grace was given to me—the least of all the saints—to proclaim to the Gentiles the incalculable riches of Christ, 9 and to shed light for all about the administration of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things. 10 This is so that God’s multi-faceted wisdom may now be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavens. 11 This is according to his eternal purpose accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we have boldness and confident access through faith in him. 13 So, then, I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Through the Bible Readings: Isaiah 34-35, 1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 105:30–36, Proverbs 22:20–21
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Unstoppable Gospel
Consider the unlikeliness of the Gospel story. No, we are not even considering the story of Jesus, our Savior, who came to earth to die for our sins and rose again as Lord of all. Let's think of the life of Saul of Tarsus, the missionary to the Gentiles, the man who took the incalculable riches of Christ to the pagan nations.
He was, of course, the greatest enemy of the Gospel in the early years in Jerusalem. When Stephen was stoned to death, he held the cloaks of the men who killed him, then Saul went on a rampage. He was determined to serve the God of Israel by stamping out this annoying sect known as "The Way." He was sincere and devoted, even if he was wrong. On his trip to Damascus, breathing out murderous threats against the followers of Jesus, he was assaulted by Christ and his life was never the same. From that moment on he was a witness to the reality of Jesus, the Messiah, and the message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Consider the utter audacity of God's plan. His followers were few and they were hated. They had no resources and no plan. So what did God do? He decided to use SAUL, the greatest enemy of the faith, to spread his name around the world. The plan of God is unstoppable. The Gospel is relentless. God's eternal purposes are accomplished in Christ and they cannot be stopped by any force here on earth.
When we look at this world, it is easy to get discouraged and to despair, to believe that nothing good is going to happen. Our God is relentless, though, and his gospel is unstoppable. What he purposed in Christ will come to pass, through unlikely people like us.
Father, I thank you that you work through people like me to accomplish your work.
Think and Pray:
Are you living in discouragement and despair, or in confidence in the God of the Bible and his eternal purposes?
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