We’ve been talking about unity and purpose, but what are the point of these things? When we look at Ephesians chapter 4, we see in verses 14 through 16 that there is a definite reason behind why we are to be unified in our purpose for Jesus Christ. What is that reason? We are designed to grow. Growth does not just happen individually, it also happens as a body of Believers together. We grow together as we are unified in our purpose and using the gifts that God has given us. If a group of Believers is together, but not growing, then those believers are missing either their unity or…

Yesterday we saw the importance of unity. Today, in Ephesians 4:7-13, we see that unity is not just sameness. People can be very different from each other and still be unified. Unity here refers to unity of purpose. We are to be united in Christ Jesus. However we are all different and unique in the gifts that God has given us to fulfill that purpose. We are designed to equip the saints and to build up others for service to the Lord. Are we using our gifts and skills to do that? That purpose is the reason we were given the skills in the first place. The only way we…

Unity. In Ephesians 4:1-6 we see Paul discuss the importance of unity. We have been called to unity. We have been called to be like Christ and Christ is unified. Paul lists so many attributes in these 6 verses like patience and love. These descriptions of true unity are important to understand and to ensure that we truly know what unity is all about. Do we seek unity with other believers in Christ? Are we focused on all that we have and all that we need to do to continue to focus on unity? Unity does not just happen. Unity is the result of diligent focus on doing the things…

Do we pray for each other? Paul prayed for the other believers constantly. In Ephesians 3:14-21, we see a prayer that Paul eas praying for the people. This is a beautiful, heart-felt prayer that we can see so many people being touched by. Have you ever prayed this for others? What about for yourself? There is so much power in prayer and as we recognize that,  we will spend great time in prayer. Use these verses as a guide on what to pray for others. Take time to lift up each other to the Father. We all need prayer. Start by praying for others.

Paul had a purpose. God had given him a specific goal and mission. In Ephesians 3:1-13 Paul explains this mission. Paul was to preach the message of God’s love and grace to the Gentiles. This had not been done before. Not only that, it had not been thought of before. Paul indicated to the Ephesians that he was sent to explain that God is the same for all people. Do we treat people the same, no matter what? Regardless of skin color, intelligence, wealth, character, anything; God loves people and Jesus Christ came to die for them all. We are to share this message of good news to everyone!  

Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace. He came to bring reconciliation to people who believe in His name.  In Ephesians 2:11 going through the end of the chapter, we see Jesus’ role as the peacemaker. He takes the people and makes it possible for them to live together in peace. Are we at peace with others? Are we open to the peace that God brings in our lives or do we constantly strive against others? As followers of Jesus Christ we are to display His peace to others. Does His peace permeate our lives?

What does Christ do in our lives? Yesterday we saw the effect of sin in our lives. Today, as we look at Ephesians 2:4-10, we God’s grace clearly spelled out. We do not deserve grace, which is exactly the point. God gives us grace because of who He is, not because of who we are. Anything that God does for us or through us is all a result of God’s grace. We do not earn anything from God. As we consider our plans for today, do we recognize the grace that God has given us? Will we allow ourselves to experience His grace or keep trying to do it on…

Ever wonder what it’s like to live without Jesus Christ? Ephesians 2:1-3 sums it up pretty succinctly. Before Christ, we are dead men walking. All of our sin and all of our disobedience weighs on us and keeps us from experiencing all that Jesus Christ has for us. We are dead in our sins just as the scripture says. We experience only the passing fancies of our flesh with all of its lustful desires and evil thoughts. There is no redemptive quality in us at all. Until Christ. Only through the grace and mercy and love of Jesus Christ are we able to be resurrected into life. As we look…

Jesus Christ is Lord of all. Looking in Ephesians 1:18-22 we see very clearly that God has given all authority and power to Jesus. He is the one who is over absolutely everything. All this are subject to Him. Do we live our lives day by day realizing that truth? Every single thing that we come into contact with Jesus has authority over. There is not anything that we will encounter or experience that has not been overcome by Jesus Christ. We are to worship and praise Him. We are to lift Him up. He is worthy!

In Ephesians 1:11-17, Paul continues to share how thankful he is for the people and how he continues to pray for them. He asks God to bless them and to give them a spirit of wisdom. We spend much of our life trying to gain wisdom. We go to school and then on to college or trade school to seek wisdom. We speak with others trying to get advice or wisdom. Paul reminds the people that if they seek wisdom, that comes from God and they should ask Him thtough prayer for the wisdom that they seek. Are we seeking our wisdom for today from God?