Day 332

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Believers are One with Christ!

Ephesians Introduction

The Ephesian Christians possessed a wealth of spiritual blessings but never recognized their own abundance. Their spiritual condition prompts Paul to write a letter in which he describes the believer's incredible wealth in Christ. The doctrinal truths of chapters 1-3 are followed by practical applications of those truths in chapter 4-6. Paul encourages the Ephesians to "live and act in a way worthy of those who have been chosen for such wonderful blessings as these" (4:1), and to prepare for spiritual battle by putting on "all of God's armor" (6:11).

Scripture

November 27—Ephesians 1-6: Riches in Christ

Observation

All who have trusted in Christ possess the priceless bounty of "every blessing in heaven because we belong to Christ" (1:3). Yet many continue to live like spiritual beggars. Paul writes this epistle to make Christians more aware of their heavenly wealth in Christ, and to motivate them to draw upon those resources in their earthly walk. Chapters 1-3 outline the believer's heavenly possessions: adoption, redemption, inheritance, power, life, citizenship. Chapter 4-6 urges the child of God to conduct himself according to his calling.

Application

Take a brief inventory of your riches in this world:
  • How much money do you have in the bank?
  • Will you take that wealth with you when you die?
  • Do you belong to a royal family?
  • Do you own a house?
  • Did the builder promise it would last for eternity?
A pity, isn't it? If earthly wealth and lineage are all you can boast about, you are truly poor—both now and for eternity. On the other hand, the person who has God for his Father and heaven for his home is rich beyond measure, regardless of his "net worth" on earth. Read the following "discernment" through twice—thoughtfully, thankfully. In it you'll find a portion of your vast wealth "in Christ."

Discernment

The Christian—Part of the "In" Group: Paul stresses the Christian's relationship to Christ about thirty-five times in Ephesians. The believer belongs to Christ (1:3), is chosen by God (1:4), is adopted through Christ (1:5), belongs to his dearly loved Son (1:6), is saved by him (1:7), becomes a gift to God in him (1:11), is trusting in him (1:12), is marked as belonging to him (1:13), is made alive again with Christ (2:5), is lifted and seated in glory with him (2:6), is created in Christ (2:10), is brought near because of him (2:13), is joined together with Christ (2:21), is full sharer in his riches (3:6), and is given glad welcome through faith in him (3:12). Now, wouldn't you agree that's wealth worth walking worthy of today (4:1)?

Prayer

Father God, we believe that you are able to freely give us all good things. We know this because you did not spare your own Son but gave him up for us all and along with him you graciously give us believers all things. So, because of our faith in Christ we can come to you boldly and confidently with our requests. Strengthen our faith for the more faith we have in you to supply our needs the more grace you will give us and we will see your glory. Hallelujah! Thank you for your mercy and grace in our Savior, Jesus' name! Amen! 









© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020

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