Our men’s ministry at church—Ironworks—is continuing our journey through Ephesians. We’ve had some great discussions as we slowly digest Paul’s magnificent circular letter written nearly two-thousand years ago.
Can you imagine people studying one of your emails two millenniums from now?
Two weeks ago, we looked at how we have peace with God through Jesus Christ. Today, we will look at a significant outcome of that peace we now have, once we place our trust and faith in Christ.
17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Ephesians 2:17-22 (NIV)
Ephesians is soaked with the richness of Christian doctrine. From the very beginning, Paul reveals the work of the Trinity in the life of the believer. The concept of a triune God is unique to Christianity.
Trinity is a word first used by the early Christian writer Tertullian. While the term itself is not found in the Bible, the concept is pervasive throughout Scripture. The idea is found in the Gospels, as well as the writings of Peter and John, and of course the numerous letters written by Paul. We can see hints of the plurality of God—-one God in three persons—in the Old Testament.
To be clear, the doctrine of the Trinity is not a worship of multiple gods, but ONE God, expressed in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, working together for good in the universe and in the lives of Christian believers. Hard to get your mind around? No worries. This is meat, not milk (1 Corinthians 3).
So what’s the impact of peace with God through Jesus Christ sustained and sealed by the Holy Spirit?
It means you and I who were once enemies of God are now united with God. While we were yet enemies, He demonstrated His love for us. He called us. He pursued us. God, the Father, bought us with the blood of His son, Jesus Christ, and secured us with the Holy Spirit.
Jesus served as the cornerstone, ushering in a new temple, one for Jew and Gentile alike, where all who placed their faith and trust in Christ could come and worship the ONE TRUE GOD. That’s a powerful impact. One that is life-changing and transforms us from old rags to shiny new creations. All for the praise of His glory!
Reflection Questions:
1. How would you explain the concept of the Trinity?
2. How has God transformed your life?
3. What would someone learn if they were to read one of your emails 2,000 years from now?
4. Have you placed your faith and trust in Christ?
5. How can I encourage you today?
Prayer:
Father God, we thank You for Your son, Jesus, who bridged a gap for us we could could not mend ourselves. We thank You for the blessing of the Holy Spirit who sustains is and helps us grow more Christlike every day. In the name of Your son and by the power of the Spirit. Amen.
May the Lord shower You with His grace and mercy. May God’s word illuminate and influence your life today and forevermore.
Blessings,
The Devotional Guy™
Thank you to the wonderful visual artists and photographers at Pexels, Pixabay, Unsplash, and Pixlr.
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The Devotional Guy™ 