Today is Day 20 of our Devotional series and this quiet time is based on a Midweek lesson done by Florence Schachinger on Ephesians chapter 2.
Listen again here:
Contents
The Power of God
Florence Schachinger
Paul is writing while under house arrest. Right now we can relate somewhat being under quarantine for a while.
The Power of Grace
In Ephesians 2 we see Paul encouraging the church in Ephesus to remember. Remember where they were when God called them. We all need reminders. We have sticky notes, to do lists, and sticky notes. Right now in our world, God is also taking a moment to remind us who he is.
Ephesians 2:1-5
2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Sin in greek means to miss the marl, it is an archery term.
Transgression means to slip or fall. “A failure to grasp the truth”
All of us at one time or another have failed to “grasp the truth”. We all need God’s grace and and mercy because of the various ways we have missed the mark, but God who is rich in mercy has given us a second chance.
John 10:10
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
God wants us to be truly alive. It’s not just that we are living, but that we are alive! Satan doesn’t want us to really be alive!
Q: How has this promise been fulfilled in your life?
2 Corinthians 6:1-2
6 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 2 For he says,
“In the time of my favor I heard you,
and in the day of salvation I helped you.”[a]I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.
God hears us an helps us in our times of need. It is important to remember those moments to allow it to motivate us to live upright lives!
Reflect: How has God been there for you in a time of need?
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; 9 not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation]. 10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
You are a work of art and God wants to do something amazing in your life. God has a pre-arranged plan in your life.
Q: In what ways has God transformed your life?
Q: What Gifts has God given you?
Reflect: Take a second and reflect on the fact that you are God’s masterpiece – flaws and all.
The Power of the Blood of Jesus
Ephesians 2:11-18
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Blood of Jesus brings us all near to God.
- Reconciliation– This in the greek means friends who are estranged and are being brought back together.
- Access-The cross gave us access, access in greek means giving us access into the presence of a king.
The Blood of Christ has given us reconciliation and access to God!
Q: If God walked up to you right now, what would you ask him for? That is the type of relationship we currently have with God once we have been reconciled so go ahead and ask!
The power of the Church
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Paul reminds them of who they are now because of God’s Grace, The Blood of Christ, it is because of these things that we are now members of God’s household. This is why we are united, this is why we put aside our differences. Jews and Gentiles hated each other, but because of Gods grace and the blood of Jesus they put aside their differences.
Q: Is there anyone you have felt a rift or separation with?
Q: What differences can you put aside in light of God’s grace and the blood of Christ.
Even right now, even from home, we have access to this incredible power of God! Let’s thrive no matter where we are. Lets fight against our sin, appreciate God’s Grace, and strive to seek unity during this time.
Thank you for reading! You can see more devotionals here
You can check out the next Midweek on April 22nd on Facebook live
catch it on our podcast!
