Ephesians 1:1-14 This passage repeats three times the praise of each person within the Triune God. Praise the Father in verse 6, praise the Son in verse 12, and praise the Holy Spirit in verse 14. Today we discuss the predicament of our sin and how it puts us in the wrath of God. How does the Father lavish the riches of his grace on us? What makes this grace so rich? How and why does Jesus Christ appease the Father's wrath for our sin? Questions to ponder for today's passage.
Read MoreToday we reflect on the triune nature of God and the work of each person of the trinity in our salvation. God the Father chose his people before the foundation of the world. God the Son accomplished redemption for his people. God the Spirit applies redemption to us and assures us that the inheritance is ours. God's love for us has no limitations. To the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sin, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us. Let that sink in this Valentine's Day - God’s never ending & limitless love...
Read MorePaul tells us how to be properly equipped for spiritual battle. The preparation in becoming an effective warrior is finding our strength in the Lord and putting on the full armor of God. Our enemy is Satan and the battle is against demons. We are to stand firm, resist the devil, be sober minded, on alert… “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9. Paul identifies 6 pieces of armor in this chapter: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit. Paul reminds us to pray at all times in the Spirit making supplications for all the saints.
Read MoreLight and darkness have stood for metaphorical opposites of righteousness and evil since Genesis 1 when God called light out of darkness. We are to walk in the light of love. Darkness describes the character of someone who is unconverted with sexual immorality, impurity, and covetousness. Paul says let no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking come out of your mouth. Paul quotes Isaiah 60:1 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Awake, O'sleeper and arise from the dead! We can't walk in darkness while claiming to have fellowship with God.
Read MorePaul exhorts believers to walk according to their calling recognizing the diverse gifts and building up in love. Be eager to maintain unity of the Spirit, having ONE mind, NO divisions. There is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one God and Father of all. Trinitarian Unity
Read MorePaul reveals the promise of God to dwell among his people being fulfilled in Christ residing in us through the indwelling Spirit. Through the resurrection of Christ we have hope of life beyond the grave. In Paul's prayer for the church, think about what it is to know the breadth and length and height and depth of the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
Read MoreToday Paul shows us that while we were once dead in our sin Christ has made us alive in Him! Through the work of God we are brought near and are now fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God!
Read MorePaul reflects on the triune God's accomplishment of our salvation. 1. God the Father chose his people before the foundation of the world. [Elected by the Father] 2. God the Son accomplished redemption for his people. [Redeemed by the Son] 3. God the Spirit applies applies redemption to us and assures us that the inheritance is ours. [Sealed by the Spirit] Read as if this were a letter from Paul written to your own church. Pay attention to what stands out as unique or significant. Write down your thoughts. Paul begins by answering questions such as: 1. How is salvation accomplished? 2. Why did God bestow His grace on us? 3. What does the future hold for those who put their faith in Christ? John MacArthur Study Guide
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