EphesiansSample

All good things we see, experience, and know are a declaration of God’s divinity and His promise through His Son, Jesus. God’s purpose throughout the ages was, as verse 11 highlights, “accomplished in Christ.” His eternal means for that purpose found its climax in the coming of Christ and in the forming of the Church, which is the unified body of Christ. The Church serves as a preview of what Jesus will ultimately do in the fulfillment of summing up all things in Himself and His work through His people.

Verse 12 notes, “in whom we…” which is a position gifted to us in Christ that gives us privileges to have “boldness” and allows us to “access Him with confidence” because of Christ’s work. How great is that?

Verse 13 explains that “therefore” (because of the preceding verses) “we should not lose heart in any tribulations.” Remember how all good things that we see, experience, and know come from God (James 1:17)? Paul knows this and is imploring us not to become discouraged as if God is not in control because Paul knows that he is still being used in the service of God’s eternal plan. Think: this specific Roman imprisonment alone produced the letters of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon! On the other side of tribulation is always glorification. Trouble does not mean defeat. God does not abandon His children under duress (2 Corinthians 12:9, James 1: 2-4).

Believing that the battle has already been won gives us no other option than to “bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 14)” because He is Lord. Lastly, in verse 15, we are reminded again of God’s design of the Church body; a direct reflection of Christ’s relationship and love for us. Our name is secured in Christ, and we are adopted into the lineage and list believers whose names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). So take heart, because if God is with us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

Prayer Points

• Thank God for His goodness and promise to us through His Son Jesus.
• Ask God for a renewal of boldness and confidence in Him.
• Ask God to remind you of your security in Him which allows you to stand firm in any circumstance alongside your adopted family of believers.