What We Can Learn from Ephesians

The New Testament is filled with different letters from the Apostle Paul. In total, he wrote 13 letters. Recently, as part of one of the Bible reading plans at New Life, we looked at Ephesians. He wrote a letter to the Church of Ephesus. It offers a lot of insights into our identity in Christ, the nature of the Church, and our call to live out our faith in daily life. 

Our Identity in Christ

Ephesians begins by reminding us of our true identity is in Christ. We are chosen, adopted, redeemed, and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:3-14). This sets the tone for the entire book. When we understand the depth of God’s love for us and the spiritual blessings He has lavished upon us, it transforms how we view ourselves and the world around us.

The Power of Grace

Paul emphasizes the incredible power of God’s grace throughout Ephesians. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own efforts. This grace not only saves us but also empowers us to live out our calling. It’s a humbling reminder that our relationship with God is not based on our own worthiness but on God’s amazing grace.

Unity in Christ

A central theme in Ephesians is the unity of believers in Christ. For instance, in Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul paints an amazing picture of the Church as one body with Christ as the head. This unity transcends cultural, ethnic, and social barriers. As we embrace this unity, we reflect God’s love to a divided world and experience the fullness of Christian community.

Living Out Our Faith

Ephesians doesn’t just deal with lofty theological concepts; it also provides practical guidance for daily living. The latter half of the book offers instructions on relationships, work ethic, and personal conduct (Ephesians 4-6). We’re called to “walk in a manner worthy of our calling” (Ephesians 4:1), allowing our faith to influence every aspect of our lives.

Spiritual Warfare

Finally, Ephesians reminds us that we’re engaged in a spiritual battle. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul shares that we have to put on the armor of God and shares how to stand firm against spiritual forces of evil. It’s a powerful reminder that our struggles often have a spiritual dimension and that God has equipped us for victory.

Conclusion

At New Life, we offer a variety of Bible reading plans for exploring God’s word and practically applying it to our lives today. If you would like to be part of a Bible reading plan, check out the different options here. You can also check out other devotionals throughout the week here.