This past week in the book of Ephesians brought a closer look at three thoughts: We are chosen; God has been at work in our lives since before the creation; and we are His workmanship intended to have fruitful lives. Let’s look at these more closely …
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We started the week with Ephesians 1:11-14. I loved reading the words “you also.” I don’t know about you but it filled me with joy to realize God included me!
“We have been chosen by God the Father, redeemed by Jesus the Son, and sealed by the Holy Spirit.”
(from Chosen by The Daily Grace Co.)
How amazing to sit and look at those words. In this sentence, we see the Trinity at work in each of our lives.
As I read the Scripture verses, I wrote: We are saved, sealed, and redeemed “to the praise of His glory” (both in verses 12 & 14). The authors also noted this.
We are His and for the purpose of His glory – to make Him known.
The study asks: Throughout the book of Ephesians, we see the phrase “in Him” repeated. What does it mean to be in Him?
Take some time to think about the fact that “you also” are in Him!
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Mid week had us reading Ephesians 2:1-6.
In verses 2 and 3, we find the words “in which you formerly walked” and “among them we too all formerly lived.” It brought to mind the verse, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). All of us. None are exempt.
It’s so easy to forget or overlook that this is describing all of us in our former state. We all have trespassed (willfully) and sinned (missed the mark of righteousness). We both passively and actively fall short of living rightly with God every day.
But God does not leave us in our condition.
“But God” …
- “made us alive” (verse 5)
- “raised us up with Him” (verse 6)
- “seated us with Him” (also verse 6)
“He has shown His grace and mercy and made us heirs with Christ, and He will keep on showing His grace to us for all of eternity.”
(from Chosen by The Daily Grace Co.)
Let the quote sink in. He will continue to show His grace to us. Praise God!
The study asks: Our passage today tells us about our state before Jesus. How does the knowledge of our fallen condition make us grateful for what God has done for us? Take time to think through this sentence and rewrite it as a way of remembering what God has done for you: I was ___________, but God ____________.
When we look at the blanks in that sentence, we may have a long list of adjectives to describe ourselves. But the list quickly becomes powerful as when we see God at work all along.
May we all see the matchless grace and love of God at work in each of our lives.
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We closed the week out with Ephesians 2:8-10.
Grace is woven in our lives even before we are born. God has been planning our lives and the works He would have us to do from before creation.
We have heard this so many times and we know this but … It still should amaze us every time we read these verses.
“Works simply are not the root of our salvation. They are the fruit of salvation.”
(Tony Merida quote, as share in Chosen by The Daily Grace Co.)
Our lives should be fruit bearing. With that in mind, the study asks:
We are God’s workmanship and the world should be able to look at us and know that we are His. List some things in your life that you want to be evidences to the world around you that you belong to God.
Our lives should bear evidence that we belong to God. The way we speak, the words we choose, our reactions and responses – all should bear witness that we belong to God. A most convicting thought.
We are ever dependent on Him as we live out our days.
“The dead cannot raise themselves. The work of art cannot paint itself. And the creation cannot create itself. It is all about His grace. It is all about Him. He has done for us what we could never do. This is amazing grace.”
(from Chosen by The Daily Grace Co.)
May He continually be transforming each of our lives into His work of art – by His grace and for His glory!
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Chosen
by His matchless grace at work in our lives,
our lives bear fruit to His glory.
Image 1: by Denis Doukhan from Pixabay
Image 2: by Free Photos from Pixabay
Today I may be joining … Tell His Story
Ephesians is such a good book to understand more clearly who God says we are and how we can stand on that truth. Thank you for your thoughts and reflections on your study of Ephesians.
Joanne, I’m amazed that God would choose me–a broken farm girl from nowhere who didn’t feel as though she belonged. Thank you for this lovely encouragement!
Knowing that we are included with Christ, us in Him and He in us, is most certainly a blessing sweet sister. Realizing that we never again have to stand alone in this world is a great source of peace.
God’s grace and love at work in our lives–what a gift!
When I filled in the blanks in your sentence, mine read: “I was condemned, but God saved me.” I’m so thankful for His grace and mercy. Thank you for this inspiring message, Joanne.