Who are we?
Sun, 19th Jan 2014
Dave Urwin
Ephesians chapter 1 v1-14
Summary:
Ephesians is all about who we are if we are believers or unbelievers in Christ and how it affects us in the world. A lot of the new testament is made up of letters that Paul wrote to churches addressing problems. He wrote to the Ephesians to encourage and inform them. The letter shows us how wonderful Christ's work is, the consequence of unbelieving and what living for him looks like.
Paul begins with praise and he wrote the letter when he was in prison. Paul wishes the people grace and peace, he praises God and talks about the wonder of knowing God. Paul blesses Christ for blessing us, he is the source of every blessing. He has blessed us, chosen us, destined us, given us his grace, he has made known to us his will and purpose.
v1-14 God pours his grace out on people. We now have redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins. God chose us before the foundation of the world. Paul is excited about the blessings God has lavished on ordinary people which all come through Jesus Christ.
Before we believed we were not in Christ we were in Adam. Now we believe, we are in Christ. Redemption and forgiveness are in him. In him we belong to God. This a real cause for rejoicing and praise! Nobody is excluded from Christ's love including the Jews and Gentiles in Paul's time. Whatever you've done, you can know God and be in Christ. God is not just interested in "nice" people. That is his grace!
The activity of the Holy Spirit reveals things to us. He gives us material blessing but he also blesses us spiritually. Dont worry about what we will eat, drink or wear. Seek first his kingdom and all these things will be given unto you. Do not worry, if you follow Christ your needs will be met.
However bad life gets, Who do you think you are? You are a child of Christ. Who we are gives us weapons to fight all the bad things!
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