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Week 1 / Chosen and Redeemed

The Power of the Gospel

Read: Ephesians 1:1-2; Acts 9:1-9; Acts 9:17-18

SOAP***: Ephesians 1:1

“ From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints [in Ephesus], the faithful in Christ Jesus.“ (NET)

Into the Text

The book of Ephesians is one of Paul’s epistles, or letters, to the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a prosperous city located in modern-day Turkey. It was known for its wealth and idolatry. However, when Paul came and lived in Ephesus for two years, he boldly proclaimed the gospel, and both the people and city were transformed (Acts 19). Paul later writes this letter while he is imprisoned in Rome in order to encourage the people towards maturity in their faith.

The fact that Paul can call himself an apostle is one of the key points of the book of Ephesians. It is only by God’s grace and the salvation in Jesus Christ that anyone is able to be made new and have a new life.

Before Paul became an apostle of Jesus, he was a wicked man who persecuted Christians and had many killed (Acts 8:1-3). But God had other plans for him. While on the way to Damascus, Paul was miraculously met by Jesus, and his life was radically changed. Paul left his evil ways and committed his life to the proclamation of the gospel.

This is our story, too, for those who have placed their faith in Jesus. We were also on the road toward self and wandered far away from God. But then Jesus, in His lovingkindness, met us and transformed us by His grace.

It is through this grace and by the will of God that we can be called saints, have a new identity, and live in the peace of Christ. What an incredible God we serve!

Prayer

Jesus, thank you that you are in the business of making all things new. Thank you for giving me new life like you did with Paul. May I daily be reminded of the grace and peace found only in you. Amen.

***SOAP Method

S – SCRIPTURE
Physically write out the Bible verse
You’ll be amazed at what God will reveal to you when you slow down to write or meditate on what you are reading!

O – OBSERVATION
What do you see in the verses you’re reading?
Who is the audience? Is there a repetition of words? What words stand out to you? What is the main lesson or theme?

A – APPLICATION
When God’s Word becomes personal
What is God saying to me today? How can I apply what I just read to my life? Are there any changes I need to make?

P – PRAYER
Pray God’s Word back to Him
If He has revealed something to you during this time in His Word, pray about it. Confess if He has revealed some sin that is in your life. Take time to thank Him for His goodness in your life.