Ephesians - the church
Contributing author: Lindsay LaChapelle
In Paul's letter to Ephesus, he starts by talking about God and then tells the church that he has never stopped thanking God for them because of their faith in Jesus and their love for others. These are the church's foundation and the essential parts of our walk with Christ, our faith in God, and our love for Him and others.
Thank God for you… Paul says that he has "not stopped giving thanks for you" (those in Ephesus). So often in life, we are so quick to get to the next thing that we tend to forget to thank people for their work, their support, or, as Paul says, the love they show to others.
Do you tend to move quickly in life to the next thing without thanking those around you? How can you work on slowing down to show your appreciation for others?
If you don't struggle, how can you patiently help others and encourage them to slow down and be more thankful?
In Ephesians 1:18, Paul prays, "that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Paul is praying for the church to know God better, which in turn gives amazing blessings to His people who know Him. God's hope is better than any hope we could have in this world, a trustworthy hope that we know He will fulfill His promises. His inheritance is far beyond what we can fathom or understand, and His power is so great that it is incomparable to anything or anyone else. Jesus is above all names both in heaven and here on earth. No ruler here on this earth would ever be over the name and power of Jesus.
God's hope is a sure hope that we can trust. What is the difference between our earthly hope and God's hope? Do you live in God's hope or earthly hope?
We know God is over everyone in all of Creation; how does this give you peace and help you respect those in authority, even if you disagree with them? How can we be a light to others in this way?
Jesus died on the cross because of His great love for us and, in doing so, became head over everything for both the church and the entire world, both now and forevermore. He rules over all of Creation with love and grace for His people. God is also immanent, filling everything with His love and goodness. There is never a time that you are without Christ; He is always with you and will walk through everything in life by your side. He fills the earth with His goodness because of His sacrifice of His body on the cross.
Jesus gave up His life for ours on the cross when He died. He now is over everything in this age and the next. How does this encourage you to share the gospel with others, knowing that He is over everything out of love for us?
God will fill us and is within us and His church. Do you feel His presence in your life? If so, how? If not, why do you think that is?
Make a move:
This week, take some time to thank those around you. Those who you see serving on a Sunday morning every week, those who are leading your kids, or an eGroup you are a part of. Let God give you a thankful heart for those who have faith and love others. If you're not in a routine now, start this week by reading your Bible daily, being in God's word, and praying often. Seek out His holiness, His inheritance, and His power both for you and for others.
Prayer Prompt:
Father, we thank you for being such a holy, powerful, loving God who gave us the sacrifice of your Son to be with us and within us forever! We ask, Lord, that we might never forget the love He showed in His death and be eager to share that with others and His power and the hope that He gives. We love you, Lord. Amen.