Category: Ephesians

Ephesians, The Daily Word1 Comment

The Divine Gratuity (Ephesians 3.20–21)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 3.20–21: Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT Are you a generous tipper? When I was growing up, my family ate out at restaurants a lot. Usually, the service was adequate. Sometimes it was excellent. On a few memorable occasions it was downright awful. Regardless, we made a practice of tipping the wait staff well. Generosity in such … Continue reading The Divine Gratuity (Ephesians 3.20–21)

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A Prayer for Power (Ephesians 3.14–19)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 3.14–19 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT Lord Acton famously remarked, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” If that is true, then why in Ephesians 3.14–19 does Paul pray that we might experience more power? Wouldn’t an experience of greater power be spiritually corrupting? Absolutely not! The kind of power Paul has in mind does not corrupt and debase; it purifies and ennobles. Take a close look at Paul’s prayer: For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his … Continue reading A Prayer for Power (Ephesians 3.14–19)

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Grace as Salvation and Spiritual Gift (Ephesians 3.7–13)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 3.7–13: Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly … Continue reading Grace as Salvation and Spiritual Gift (Ephesians 3.7–13)

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Revelation or Speculation (Ephesians 3.2–6)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 3.2–6: …assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ … Continue reading Revelation or Speculation (Ephesians 3.2–6)

Ephesians, The Daily Word1 Comment

What Price Are You Willing to Pay for Your Beliefs? (Ephesians 3.1)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 3.1: For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT What price are your willing to pay for your beliefs? In Ephesians 2, Paul outlines out two foundational beliefs of the Christian faith: We are sinners saved by grace through faith apart from works (verses 1–10). And “we” — that is, the church — are an inclusive community of peace (verses 11–22). These two beliefs are logically connected. After all, if God has offered grace to everyone, then we can hardly withhold it from anyone. And if God is … Continue reading What Price Are You Willing to Pay for Your Beliefs? (Ephesians 3.1)

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Internalizing the Good News (Ephesians 2.19–22)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 2.19–22 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT Many people like Jesus Christ but dislike his church. I understand their feelings. The more I read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection, the more I want to be like him. But I have seen some of his followers behave in ways that must embarrass him and make the devil proud. Go to any church, and you’ll see the Seven Deadly Sins of pride, greed, envy, anger, lust, gluttony, and sloth on full display. Why don’t churches do a better job of destroying sin and building saints? (Real saints, … Continue reading Internalizing the Good News (Ephesians 2.19–22)

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The Logical Connection between Grace and Peace (Ephesians 2.11–18)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING: Ephesians 2.11–18 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT In Ephesians 2.11–18, Paul writes: Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called ‘the uncircumcision’ by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands — remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has … Continue reading The Logical Connection between Grace and Peace (Ephesians 2.11–18)

Ephesians, The Daily Word1 Comment

The Good News about God’s Grace (Ephesians 2.4–7)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 2.4­–7 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT According to Ephesians 2.1–3, we are “dead” in sin. The metaphor is an apt one. A dead person is physically unable to do anything except rot. Similarly, a spiritually dead person is incapable of saving himself. All he can do is experience further moral and spiritual decay. Our spiritual death is the bad news we need to hear about ourselves first. But it is not the last word on the subject. The last word is grace. Here’s how Paul describes the good news: But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love … Continue reading The Good News about God’s Grace (Ephesians 2.4–7)

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First, the Bad News about Sin (Ephesians 2.1–3)

georgepwood

SCRIPTURE READING Ephesians 2.1–3 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT In Ephesians 2.1–22, the Apostle Paul summarizes the Christian message of salvation. We might outline his points as follows: Sin: “you were dead in the trespasses and sins” (verses 1–3). Grace: “But God, being rich in mercy…made us alive together with Christ” (verses 4–7). Faith and works: “by grace you have been saved through faith…not [as] a result of works” (verses 8–10). Peace: “[Christ] himself is our peace, who has…broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility” (verses 11–18). Church: “In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place … Continue reading First, the Bad News about Sin (Ephesians 2.1–3)