Episode #169. Today we’ll read Ephesians chapter 1 together. Paul relishes in the blessings of God, prays for the Ephesians – and us – to have spiritual insight, and describes God’s power in Christ.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #169. Today we’ll read Ephesians chapter 1 together: Paul relishes in the blessings of God; prays for the Ephesians – and us – to have spiritual insight; and describes God’s power that is in Christ.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
Welcome to Ephesians! This is the letter that Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, which was the capital in the Roman province of Asia or what we today call Turkey. He wrote this letter from prison in Rome sometime between AD 60-62.
You probably remember reading in about the 18th chapter of Acts about Aquila and Priscilla, the Christian couple who brought the Gospel to Ephesus. And that’s where they met and re-directed Apollos too.
Most everyone splits this letter the same way. The first three chapters are theological and emphasize New Testament doctrine. The last three chapters are very practical and focus on Christian behavior. This was another book that surprised me by reading it out loud to you. I found it extremely powerful. So much so, that I had to stop and pray that God would help me read it well and with proper emphasis so that you would benefit. You may want to read each chapter a couple of times, or listen again as you drive, just to absorb it.
The Mystery
This is an encouraging letter, wherein Paul reminds believers of their incredible blessings in Christ. But it also admonishes us to not only be grateful for those blessings, but that we endeavor to live in a manner worthy of them. The book ends by describing the full spiritual armor of God. Finally, don’t miss his discussion of the mystery. He explains so much of how the Jews are indeed the chosen of God, but the mystery revealed in Christ is that Gentiles are, as chapter 3, verse 6 tells us, coheirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. At that revelation, let’s get going! Don’t forget to share your thoughts along the way with me at Lifting Her Voice, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Ephesians Chapter 1
Greeting
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will:
To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
God’s Rich Blessings
Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time — to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.
In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.
In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.
Prayer for Spiritual Insight
This is why, since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I never stop giving thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
God’s Power in Christ
He exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens — far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he subjected everything under his feet and appointed him as head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.
Closing Thoughts
I can’t overlook the numerous riches that are listed here for us who believe.
First, we have been given every spiritual blessing,
We are chosen to be holy and blameless before Him,
We were predestined to be adopted,
He is pleased with us,
His glorious grace is ours,
He has lavished His grace on us in the Beloved,
We have redemption,
We have forgiveness,
He pours out His wisdom and understanding on us,
He has made known the mystery of His will,
Christ’s purpose has always been for us and was revealed at the right time,
We have received an inheritance,
Our hope brings Him praise,
We are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Please don’t read too quickly over these. Count your blessings through Christ. I hope it fills you as it does me. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! You have lavishly bestowed on us riches that we do not deserve. And yet through Christ, You have made us heirs to Your Kingdom. We will praise You everyday for this abundance that You have poured out on us. Help us to use Your wisdom and knowledge to tell the joy of Your mystery over and over to others. In the power and authority that is so rightfully Yours, Amen.
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
- These will help! Overview videos of all books of the Bible
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