Becoming a People of Grace

Transcription

Becoming a People of Gr ace: An Exposition of Ephesians
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Ephesians: A Life-Changing Letter
A n Overview of Ephesians
The Heart of the Matter
In Paul’s collected letters, he spent a great deal of time fighting off various troubles
in the churches — false teaching, dissension, legalism, and immoral lifestyles.
However, when he wrote to the church at Ephesus, he avoided all that. Instead,
Paul offered a view of what Christ did for us and why. His letter provides us with a
higher perspective — a new vision of our purpose and calling as the body of Christ
and how we are to live it out. It blends some of the loftiest theology in Scripture with
some of the most practical teaching. And it shows us the deeper reality of God’s allencompassing rule and how our daily, seemingly mundane lives contribute to the
accomplishment of His glorious plan.
Discovering the Way
1. The World in Which the Letter Was Written
Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome, addressing it to a city rife with
the worship of false gods.
2. Our Relationship with God and with One Another (Ephesians 1:3 – 9; 4:1 – 3)
The book of Ephesians divides nicely into two sections, the first detailing our position
in Christ, and the second detailing what we have been called to do.
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
the Book of Ephesians
by Insight for Living
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
A Thirty-Day Walk in the
Freedom of Grace
by Charles R. Swindoll
hardcover book
Starting Your Journey
The letter to the Ephesians offers us a reminder, a relief, and a reassurance.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
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For related resources, please call:
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Copyright © 2009 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
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Unloading the Theological Truck
Ephesians 1:1 – 14
The books of Scripture certainly stand among the relatively few works worthy of being
absorbed into our minds and hearts. They lie on a separate, distinct plane above all
others. Not only are they wholly accurate and infallible, but they also come from the
very mouth of God — they contain His words, not just those of the human authors who
penned them. As such, God designed the Scriptures to nourish us and to penetrate
every cell of our souls. He wants the words to fill us and become part of our deepest
being. The book of Ephesians is no exception.
Discovering the Way
1. The Basics of the Letter (Ephesians 1:1 – 2)
In these early verses, Paul identified himself and his recipients and offered a special
greeting to his fellow believers.
2. What God Has Done for Us (Ephesians 1:3 – 14)
As Paul praised God, our attention should focus on how God has worked on our
behalf.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
God’s work in us results in Him being glorified through our salvation.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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Ten Reasons to Give God Pr aise
Complaints and grumbling come so much more easily to us than praise and
thanksgiving — this in spite of the fact that God has lavished us with His goodness
and mercy. His ultimate act of love is His plan to save us from our sins. God has
consistently acted on our behalf to bring us to Himself and, ultimately, to “seal” us — to make our salvation sure. In a world that seeks to undermine our confidence in the
unseen, God assures those who believe in His Son that they will be forgiven and saved
to spend eternal life with Him. For this, He deserves our praise!
Discovering the Way
1. A Doxology of Praise
This passage of praise is structured around the triune God — Father, Son, and Spirit.
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Tools for
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People of Grace
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2. Ten Reasons to Praise God (Ephesians 1:3 – 14)
From choosing to redeeming, from forgiving to sealing, God has done so much for His
people. Our response? Praise Him.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
The reasons we praise God all begin with Him, so He gets all the glory. And because
the reasons all center on Christ, they all depend on His death.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
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USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
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Pr aying Like We Mean It
Praying is usually one of the last disciplines we master. Have you found that true in
your life? God’s people can share their faith with others, open God’s Word to read
and study it with delight, and even stand up to teach or offer devotional thoughts on
a passage from its pages. But praying is another animal, isn’t it? Devoting ourselves to
prayer in private can seem boring and unhelpful because it may not yield tangible and
immediate results. However, if we pray in faith — like we really mean it — the benefits,
tangible or not, will be more than apparent.
Discovering the Way
1. Paul Praised God for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15 – 16)
Paul thanked God for the Ephesians’ loyalty to Christ and for their love for others.
2. Paul’s Petitions for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:17 – 19)
Paul asked God to grant the Ephesians a greater knowledge of Christ and that their
hearts might be enlightened.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
Commit to praying regularly for knowledge and enlightenment that God might work
through you in a more powerful way.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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What Is Christ Doing Now . . . and Why?
Many Christians live every day disconnected not only from one another but also
from God. This can lead to dysfunction in every area of life. However, when we
accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, we gain access to a source of power beyond our
comprehension. The might that carved the Grand Canyon, that showered the earth
with dazzling oceans, and that rolled the stone away from the tomb is at our disposal.
This power stands ready to enable us to overcome temptation. It’s available when
depression overtakes us or when life’s troubles overwhelm us. But if we don’t connect
to it, we’re only as good as a waterless sprinkler or a darkened lamp.
Discovering the Way
1. The Availability of God’s Power (Ephesians 1:18 – 19)
Paul prayed that the Ephesian believers would receive the power of God.
2. The Demonstration of God’s Power (Ephesians 1:20 – 23)
Paul taught that God demonstrates His power by raising Christ from the dead, seating
Christ at His right hand, putting all things in subjection under Christ’s feet, and
placing Him as head over all things in the church.
Staying connected to God’s power means recognizing the positive changes He has
wrought in us and accepting our weaknesses to more fully depend upon Him.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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You Were Dead . . . But God!
Contrasts dot the landscape of Scripture. Light and dark. Heaven and hell. Love and
hate. Faith and works. Freedom and bondage. Life and death. Between every one of
these contrasts, God alone makes the difference. Between love and hate stands God.
Between heaven and hell stands God. Likewise, were it not for what God has done for
us in Christ, death would be all we had to look forward to, while life eternal with Him
remained a distant dream. Because of God’s work on our behalf, Christians now have
the hope of redemption by grace through faith.
Discovering the Way
1. A Study in Contrasts
The Bible is filled with contrasts, none more significant than God’s merciful choice to
bring believers from death to life.
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Tools for
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Becoming a
People of Grace
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2. From Death to Life: Five Questions (Ephesians 2:1 – 10)
Answering these five significant questions allows us to see clearly God’s action on
our behalf: What was life like? What did God do? Why would God ever do that? How
can this be? What difference does this make?
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
Don’t be fooled into thinking that those without hope in Christ have found lasting
fulfillment. Instead, remember that lasting relief only comes by grace through faith.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
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God’s Artwork on Display
Like a bell, God’s grace rings through the pages of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and
nowhere louder than where Paul taught that we have been saved from our sins and
trespasses by grace through faith. This salvation comes to us as a gift, lest we come
to believe we can earn our way to eternal life with God through our works. However,
that’s not to suggest that good works are unimportant. On the contrary! They stand as
a testimony to the saving work God has already done in our lives.
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Salvation Is All by Grace (Ephesians 2:8)
God provides salvation to us at His initiative, freely offering faith through the sacrifice
of His Son.
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
2. Salvation Is All a Gift (Ephesians 2:9)
Because salvation is a gift from God, our works give us no reason to boast in our
treasured status as one of God’s children.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
3. Salvation Leads to Good Works (Ephesians 2:10)
We are not saved by good works. Rather, we are saved for good works.
God offers us the free gift of salvation through His Son. It only remains for us to
receive the gift and walk according to the salvation we have received.
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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Breaking Down the Barrier
The book of Ephesians makes clear that we were once dead in our sins, but that God
has made us alive through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Instead of living
our lives without Christ and without hope, the sacrifice of Jesus has brought peace
between God and people by breaking down the barrier between us. In this, He has
also reconciled Jews and Gentiles, building us into one body who can worship God
together in His Son and by His Spirit.
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Where We Were (Ephesians 2:11 – 12)
Five terms describe life prior to receiving Christ: Christless, stateless, friendless, hopeless,
and Godless.
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
2. What Difference Christ Made (Ephesians 2:13 – 14)
Christ has brought peace between people and God as well as Jew and Gentile by
breaking down the dividing wall between us.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
3. Why We’re Grateful (Ephesians 2:15 – 16)
We are grateful because Christ’s work has reconciled us to God and to all people who
believe in Him.
Two questions should remain in your mind as you think about this passage: First, do
you really believe what you read here? And second, do you really live it out?
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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God’s Household
Jesus Christ has reconciled us to God through the perfect and willing sacrifice of
His life — what a glorious truth! Yet our acceptance of God’s gift of salvation and our
reconciliation with Him merely inaugurates our relationship. Our newfound faith
promises to change us in profound ways, not only in our character but also in the way
we relate both to God and to His people. Because Christ brought peace, we now have
access to God through Him, joining other believers as part of His family on earth.
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Christ Brought Peace (Ephesians 2:17)
Jesus Christ has built a bridge of peace between God and humanity.
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
2. Four Common Features in God’s Household (Ephesians 2:18 – 22)
All members of God’s church have four things in common that characterize and unite
believers: access, citizenship, family, and dwelling.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
As members of God’s household, we need to ask ourselves three questions about the
reconciliation He provides in Christ: Do you believe it? Have you received it? And
finally, are you living like it?
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
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USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
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The Mystery, the Ministry, and Me
Sometimes it’s easy to get discouraged when life dishes out more than our share of
troubles. But Paul, who was put in chains for faithfully preaching the gospel wherever
he went, could rejoice and rest contentedly in God. He knew that all things that come
to us first pass through the hands of God, a fact that gave him great comfort and
allowed him to go on preaching the union of the Jews and the Gentiles in Christ. Paul’s
example and his message provide reason for us to feel secure in God’s hands, that we
might not suffer discouragement before Him.
Discovering the Way
1. The Revelation of the Mystery (Ephesians 3:2 – 6)
God revealed the newfound unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
2. The Declaration of the Mystery (Ephesians 3:7 – 10)
God chose Paul to declare this message, that the mystery might be known throughout
the heavens and the earth.
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
Because we have been united with God and made one with His followers, we need to
remember three truths that will encourage us. First, the message of the church has
eternal roots in God. Second, those roots give us a secure relationship with God. And
third, that relationship guards us from discouragement before God.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
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Paul on His Knees . . . Again
What do you do when you lose heart? When the wind goes out of your sails and your
morale drops to a new low? When life has weighed you down once again and those
times of encouragement and joy seem no more than a distant memory? Paul, sitting
in a Roman prison and yet filled with the joy of the Lord, was concerned about the
Ephesian believers falling into discouragement over his fate. He wanted none of that!
So he prayed to God on their behalf that they would be filled with the love of Christ
and the strength of His Spirit.
Discovering the Way
1. Paul Prayed to the Father (Ephesians 3:14 – 15)
Paul’s prayer took place on his knees, indicating his submission to the authority and
power of God.
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Tools for
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Becoming a
People of Grace
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2. Paul’s Petitions for the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:16 – 19)
Paul addressed four areas — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual — in his prayer
that the Ephesians might not lose heart.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
3. Paul Praised the Father (Ephesians 3:20 – 21)
Paul recognized the great power of God that works for us and in us, bringing glory to
Himself.
If you struggle with discouragement, then claim God’s strength, remember that you’re
loved, and seek His fullness.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
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A Worthy Walk
Ephesians 4:1 – 6
Many of Paul’s letters begin with doctrinal truths, instructing readers in basic
Christian beliefs. Then, after the reader has a clearer understanding of faith in Christ,
the second half of the letter deals explicitly with how to live out the Christian faith in
the world. The two sections are often joined by a single verse. These “hinge” verses can
be clearly seen in Romans (12:1), Galatians (5:1), and Colossians (3:1). The same is true
for Ephesians, where in 4:1 we see the beginning of a highly practical section, one that
teaches believers how to apply the great truths of God’s sovereignty and salvation in
day-to-day life.
Discovering the Way
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
1. How to Walk in Unity (Ephesians 4:1 – 3)
Paul described four character qualities that we must possess and pursue to walk in
unity with others: humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance.
An Online Course on
2. Why We Walk in Unity (Ephesians 4:4 – 6)
Paul used the term “one” seven times in this passage to describe certain beliefs and
practices that should unite believers.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
If we mean to actually live in unity and not just talk about it, we must commit
ourselves to walking together with other believers, even in the midst of the
disagreements that inevitably arise.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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His Gift and Our Gifts
Many of God’s people live like simple sheep rambling across the land — grazing here
and there, eking out an existence, and hoping that one day we will be transported to
a better life, from a life on earth to one in heaven. Too often, though, we don’t realize
or remember to drink from that great pool of resources available to us. We need to
remember that God’s power in the resurrection also works in us, and we need only
access His power through the gifts He gives us by His Spirit.
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. What Christ Did for Us (Ephesians 4:7 – 10)
Christ gave us His grace, He defeated His enemies, and He gave gifts to His people.
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
2. The Gifts Christ Gives Us (Ephesians 4:11)
This passage lists four particular gifts that God has given to His people: apostleship,
prophecy, evangelism, and pastoring-teaching.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
Freedom of Grace
hardcover book
We have all been gifted by God, and our best possible contribution to the church is to
exercise that gift.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
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USA 1-800-772-8888
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Body Life at Its Best
Ephesians 4:12 –16
In recent decades, many churches have taken on a corporate mentality that suggests
everything should be slick, efficient, and planned for the greatest profit or expansion.
We have begun to lose a sense of family or “body life,” where each of the members
is an integral and related part with all the others. This has left churches increasingly
disconnected and diseased. We need an infusion of healthy thinking that will bring us
together, so that many individuals can work together as one for our common purpose
of bringing glory to God.
Discovering the Way
1. God Gifts Us to Equip the Saints (Ephesians 4:11 – 12)
Through faithful instruction from the Scriptures, God’s people will be equipped for the
work of the faith.
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Tools for
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Becoming a
People of Grace
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2. God Gifts Us to Serve (Ephesians 4:13 – 15)
As believers serve the church with their unique gifts, the body of Christ stays healthy
and unified.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
3. God Gifts Us to Build the Church (Ephesians 4:16)
The ultimate result of spiritual gifts is the strengthening and maturity of Christ’s body.
We must each commit to using our gifts and benefiting from the gifts of others, so that
we might grow to better emulate Christ both individually and as a church.
A Thirty-Day Walk in
the Freedom of Grace
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Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
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USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
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Here’s How to Get Dressed
Image is everything — or so the saying goes. We live in a world consumed with how
things look rather than what they are. Often, the same is true of ourselves, when
we worry about our appearance to others rather than our hearts, which guide our
thoughts and deeds. Paul was aware of this tendency in people, so he encouraged the
Ephesian believers to throw off the old self — the one stuck in darkness, callousness,
impurity, and greed — and put on the new self — the one characterized by holiness and
righteousness. Only in this way will we begin to look like Christ’s followers, inside
and out.
Discovering the Way
1. The Old Wardrobe (Ephesians 4:17 – 19)
Before we believed in Christ, we walked in the old self, with darkened minds and
calloused hearts, leading to sensuality and impurity.
2. The New Wardrobe (Ephesians 4:20 – 24)
Believers, on the other hand, have learned the truth about Jesus Christ, so we are to
put on the new self of righteousness and holiness.
If we want to change our wardrobe, we must realize that the old self is corrupt and the
new self is Christlike, and we need to present ourselves daily to God for His service.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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Steps That Lead to Freedom
Sometimes we sin in ignorance — we didn’t know it was wrong at the time — and when
we discover the error of our ways, we feel terrible and quickly seek God’s forgiveness.
More often, though, we sin knowing full well the significance of our actions. But
because we have done it for so long, we have no plans to stop, even though it hurts
us and those we love. Old habits are so hard to break, and often we have no desire to
break them either. However, God’s saving grace provides us freedom, and in the power
of His indwelling Spirit, we can break those old habits and devote ourselves to Him.
Discovering the Way
1. The Result of a Renewed Mind
With a renewed mind, we also receive freedom, that we might now have the
opportunity to pursue a life in God.
2. Living Free (Ephesians 4:25 – 32)
Paul listed five particular areas of sin that those in the new self must avoid: lying,
uncontrolled anger, stealing, unwholesome speech, and an absence of forgiveness.
i
Tools for
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Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
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The freedom that comes to us through God’s grace allows us to throw off the sin that
so easily entangles us.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
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A Stirring Summons to Purity
Ephesians 5:1 – 7
Belief and behavior always go hand in hand — in that order. What we do is always
based on what we believe . . . about God, about ourselves, about others. However,
some will suggest that what we do is not as important as what we believe. Others will
suggest that belief is not as important as action. But belief without deeds is hypocrisy,
while action without beliefs ends in confusion. After discussing right belief in the first
half of the book, Paul shifted his focus to action, calling Christians to pure living.
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Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. A Living Picture of Love (Ephesians 5:1 – 2)
We are to model our lives after God as revealed in Christ, offering ourselves to God
that we might be used by Him.
2. Strong Words against Love’s Enemies (Ephesians 5:3 – 7)
Many temptations and sins sit along our paths, endangering the purity of our love and
our lives, so we must avoid those who would lead us astray.
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
hardcover book
We are not to take part in the sins of the sexually immoral and the filthy talkers;
instead, we should show a clear distinction between our behavior and theirs.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
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AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
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This Little Light: Is It Really Mine?
The apostle John wrote of the true Light that enlightens every person and through
whom the world was made ( John 1:9 – 10). Later in the book, Jesus identified
Himself as the light ( John 9:5), something God did throughout the Old Testament
(Psalm 104:2). Christ is the light of God made tangible for His people to see and to
follow. Paul discussed this idea in his letter to the Ephesians, calling believers “Light”
and telling us to “walk as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8). In other words, Paul
wanted us to imitate God by imitating God’s Son, a point Paul elaborated further in
this passage.
Discovering the Way
1. Light in Scripture
God’s first spoken words in the Bible involve the creation of light. He then identified
Himself with light throughout the Scriptures.
2. Reflectors of Light (Ephesians 5:6 – 14)
Because we have been brought out of darkness and into the light, we are to avoid the
ways of darkness and reflect the light that Christ has brought into the world.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
hardcover book
If we are to live out the Christian life faithfully, we need to wake up to the reality of the
world, embrace Christ, and live life for Him — allowing Him to shine through us day
after day.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
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The Christian Life 101
At various points in our lives, when mundane, day-after-day events wear down our
defenses or when trials and tribulations of all kinds knock us around, getting back
to the basics can help. When we stumble over many obstacles or when we’ve lost our
clarity to a settling fog, we can stop and steady ourselves with those things that are
absolutely foundational. Paul knew that, and in the midst of describing the life and
deeds of a Christian, he offered five foundational actions that bring us back to the
basics of what it means to follow Christ.
Discovering the Way
1. The Basics of the Christian Life
Applying ourselves to the basics of Christianity will yield positive results in our lives.
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2. Five Fundamentals (Ephesians 5:15 – 21)
We can identify five areas that define the fundamentals of the Christian life: conduct,
time, decision-making, control, and submission.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
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We need to evaluate ourselves in each of these five areas and be encouraged to pursue
Christ through them with commitment and passion.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
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UK 0800 915 9364
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The Most Challenging of All Relationships (Part One)
Ancient maps made before the earth had been circumnavigated often portrayed the
unexplored areas with fire-breathing dragons. These scaly, frightening figures served to
represent the fears of the people, as if to say, “Here be dragons.” In our current cultural
climate, one in which egalitarianism is valued above all else, Ephesians 5:22 – 6:9
presents unfamiliar, often unexplored territory in the oceans of marriage. It is to such
concepts as authority, submission, and daily self-sacrifice that we come, cautiously and
thoughtfully, knowing that “here be dragons.”
Discovering the Way
1. The Broader Context (Ephesians 5:21)
When coming to this marriage and family passage from Ephesians, we must keep
in mind that all of the relationships should be considered in light of our mutual
submission to one another.
2. A Word to Wives (Ephesians 5:22 – 24)
Wives have been called to honor the Lord by submitting to their husbands. This
command does not change that women and men are of equal worth to God, though
their roles are different.
i
Tools for
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Becoming a
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The Grace Awakening
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In order to live out these biblical guidelines, we must allow the Scriptures to guide our
thinking above all else — beginning with our thinking about God and what He has
done for us.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
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The Most Challenging of All Relationships (Part Two)
Have you ever noticed that the valuable things of this world take time to accomplish?
Often, the more valuable they are, the more time they take to maintain and to
appreciate. Marriage is one of the most valuable relationships God has given us. But
in our fast-paced society, people seem less and less likely to give marriage the time it
needs to grow and mature into something beautiful and holy. Instead, we give up on
the pattern God instituted, looking for quick fixes and easy outs. Paul’s letter to the
Ephesians reminds us that there is a better way.
Discovering the Way
1. Love Your Wife as Christ Loves (Ephesians 5:25 – 27)
We should adopt four characteristics of love that Christ emulated for us in His life:
sacrifice, sanctify, forgive, and honor.
2. Love Your Wife as Yourself (Ephesians 5:28 – 33)
To love our wives as ourselves, we must be willing to nourish and cherish them in
all things.
Good marriages cannot be cultivated in a hurry. They take both parties working with
equal commitment and effort, and they take on sacred depths when lived well.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
j
Secrets of a Nurturing Home
Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1 – 4
When people hear the word parenthood, in rush all kinds of thoughts and
feelings — some positive and some negative. One may remember the joy of having a
faithful dad or the comfort that comes with a diligent mom. Another may remember
the horrors of an abusive father or the loneliness created by an absent mother.
However, the Scriptures hold out hope to every parent who is listening: no matter what
kind of home you came from, it is not too late to start doing right in that all-important
parent-child relationship.
Discovering the Way
1. A Helpful Backdrop (Proverbs 22:6)
The Bible calls parents to be sensitive to each individual child’s needs and bents,
directing and guiding him or her in a way that’s appropriate for the child.
2. Instruction for Children and Parents (Ephesians 6:1 – 4)
The Scriptures call children to obey and honor their parents, while parents should
nurture their children through discipline and instruction.
Nurturing our kids comes when we help them to know who they are and when we as
parents take our time with them.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
j
Honoring God in Our Occupations
Ephesians 6:5 – 9
Too often we divide the realm of the sacred from that of the secular. We seem to
believe that certain subjects are more worthy, more special, and more godly than
others. For instance, we sometimes believe that it’s the pastors or missionaries of the
world who are doing the truly significant work, while our daily nine-to-five stints in
the cubicle don’t make a lick of difference. That is simply not true! We have each been
called by God to our work — vocational ministry or not — and therefore each of us
plays a significant role in God’s kingdom simply by fulfilling that calling. Let’s take a
look at what the book of Ephesians has to say about your place in the workplace.
Discovering the Way
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Becoming a
People of Grace
1. The Submission of Employees (Ephesians 6:5 – 8)
Paul addressed four areas that employees should focus on as we make ourselves subject
to our employers: response, motive, perspective, motivation.
An Online Course on
2. The Submission of Employers (Ephesians 6:9)
Likewise, the Bible calls employers to treat their employees in the same way, testifying
to an underlying dignity for all people.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
A distinction does not exist for how we should live between the sacred and the secular
realm. It’s all God’s, so whether we are employees or employers, we must commit to
live for Him.
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
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Standing Firm against Satanic Schemes
When we entered into the Christian life, we didn’t step onto a playground; we walked
into a battleground. We may not have heard the bombs bursting in the distance or
seen the flash of the bayonets right in front of us, but we have most certainly been in
harm’s way. Satan’s schemes are many, and while we don’t often speak of them, we
must always be on the alert to protect ourselves against them. Thankfully, God has
graciously given us the means to defend ourselves against the attacks of the Evil One, a
topic Paul raised near the end of his letter to the Ephesians.
Discovering the Way
1. Our Strength Is in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10)
The strength for the battle comes not from within ourselves but from God who gives us
the power to resist.
i
Tools for
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Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
2. Our Protection Is in the Lord’s Armor (Ephesians 6:11)
Recognizing the threat against His people, God has provided us armor that we might
stand firm amidst the attacks of Satan.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
3. Our Strategy Responds to Satanic Methods (Ephesians 6:12 – 13)
While Satan is alive and well, we can take comfort in four particular limits to his
destructive work. First, no satanic assault is stronger than the Lord God. Second, no
satanic scheme can penetrate the armor of God. Third, no satanic mafia can defeat the
work of God. Finally, no satanic evil can withstand the prayers of God’s people.
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
We live in a world where Satan regularly marshals attacks against believers; therefore,
we must support one another through regular prayer.
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
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Strong Armor for Weak Sheep
When we come to a passage such as Ephesians 6:13 – 20, our tendency is to think that
we need to be strong in ourselves, that we need to get ourselves in shape for the battle.
Wrong. We are actually mere sheep — we can’t fight, we don’t run very fast, and we
don’t come across as very menacing to our enemies. And it is precisely because we are
sheep that God’s armor is so important in our lives. He provides us access to His armor
that we might have a chance of success in the battle against evil.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:13 – 17)
God’s armor, which Paul described as six separate pieces — clothing of truth,
breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and
sword of the Spirit — serves to protect us from the Devil’s attacks.
2. The Christian’s Battle Cry: Pray! (Ephesians 6:18 – 20)
With the battle raging all around, Paul advised the believers at Ephesus to trust in God
through prayer.
Because of God’s gracious provision of armor, we can rely on Him to see us through
the trials and temptations that come.
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
hardcover book
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org
j
Here’s How to Finish Well
Ephesians 6:18–24
Enoch. Moses. Caleb. Paul. When we think about these men, we recall how they lived
fully and finished well. We remember them for their faithfulness to God, but how did
they remain faithful? What makes a person walk with God for three hundred years or
do his best work in the last decades of life? We attain some insight into these questions
in the final verses of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, where he provided four guidelines
for finishing well.
i
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Stay Strong in Prayer (Ephesians 6:18 – 19)
Prayer is the basis for our continued strength in this world.
Becoming a
People of Grace
An Online Course on
2. Be Bold in Courage (Ephesians 6:19 – 20)
Paul’s circumstance as he wrote this letter — he was a prisoner for the
gospel — reminds us of the significance of being brave enough to speak the truth.
3. Cultivate Closeness with Faithful Friends (Ephesians 6:21 – 22)
Paul had numerous friends that he looked to for support — not to mention those
younger than him whom he mentored and trained.
The Grace Awakening
Devotional
hardcover book
4. Let Love for Christ Abound (Ephesians 6:23 – 24)
Rather than worrying over our circumstances, Paul set an example of loving — no
matter the trial that he faced.
Paul: A Man of
Grace and Grit
The church at Ephesus unfortunately did not hold strong to Paul’s final word.
Will you?
hardcover book
USA 1-800-772-8888
AUSTRALIA 1 300 467 444
CANADA 1-800-663-7639
UK 0800 915 9364
or insightworld.org

Becoming a People of Grace

Transcription

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