Scripture: Ephesians 3: 8-13

I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Scripture Commentary: Jesus had the heart of a servant; Make yourself available to God as his servant

God will give you opportunities to tell others about Christ. It doesn’t matter if you’re an apostle or an evangelist. With opportunities he will provide ability, courage, and power. Make yourself available to God as his servant.

You may feel your role is minor.  You may be right.  Don’t forget the difference God makes.  Draw on his power and do your part. Faithfully perform the special role God has called you to play. God has chosen us to be Christ’s representatives on earth. Paul challenges us to live lives that are worthy of being called Christ’s very own.

People are watching your life. Can they see Christ in you?

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians Chapter 3

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 17-19

So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

Scripture Commentary: Living the christian life is a process

“Futility of their thinking” refers to the tendency of humans to think in their way instead of God’s way. Intellectual pride, rationalizations, and excuses all keep people from God. People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live.

Living the Christian life is a process. Christians don’t automatically think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes. Continuous obedience to God means continuous change.

Do you see a process of change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Although change may be slow, it comes as you trust God to change you. Put yourself in God’s hands and leave the flesh out. See the true light of our Lord Jesus Christ in your life.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians Chapter 4

Scripture: Ephesians 2: 1-5

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 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. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the craving of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.

Scripture Commentary:

The fact that all people, without exception, commit sin proves that without Christ we have a sinful nature. We are lost in sin and cannot save ourselves.

Does this mean only Christians do good? Of course not.  Many people do good things and are kind to others. On a relative scale, many are moral, kind, and law-abiding. Comparing these people to criminals, we would say they are very good indeed.

But on God’s absolute scale, no one is good enough to earn salvation. Only through being united in Christ’s perfect life can we become good in God’s sight. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots. We will still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin.

The difference is that before we became Christians, we were dead in sin and were slaves to our sinful nature. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we know that our bodies will also be raised from the dead, and that we have been given the power to live as Christians. The penalty of sin and its power over us were miraculously destroyed by Christ on the cross. Through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, not guilty before God.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Ephesians Chapter 2