1-31-18 Today in the Word

DEVOTION FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2018
Ephesians 6:21–24
CONCLUSION OF THE EPISTLE
Ephesians was one of the first New Testament books to be recognized as Scripture by the early church fathers. In one of his writings, Polycarp (a.d. 69–155) quoted from Psalm 4:5 and Ephesians 4:26 in such a way as to clearly indicate that he regarded both as the inspired Word of God. As we conclude this month’s study of Ephesians, we must remember that it’s God’s Word to us today! The call to live worthy of the gospel, and our need to clearly understand God’s purposes and plan in salvation, are as relevant and urgent today as they were two thousand years ago.
Tychicus, one of Paul’s trusted ministry partners, delivered the letter and would have been able to authenticate it as from the Apostle (vv. 21–22). He also brought personal greetings and news of how Paul was doing under house arrest in Rome. He may have been based there for a time during Paul’s third missionary journey (see Acts 20:4) and would return at least once more in later years (see 2 Tim. 4:12). He also carried the epistle to the Colossians, in which Paul referred to him as a “dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord” (Col. 4:7).
In closing his letter, Paul wished the church at Ephesus peace, love with faith, and grace (vv. 23–24). While a standard sign-off, these also summarize the gospel. We have peace with God and unity with one another because of Christ’s reconciling work. We rest secure in God’s love in Christ, which is higher and wider and longer and deeper than we can ever fully understand. We’re saved by grace alone to the glory of God alone, and the best response is to “love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” or “love incorruptible.”
APPLY THE WORD
What lessons has God taught you through this month’s study? What truth have you seen in a new way? What attitude or action has the Holy Spirit convicted you to relinquish or adopt? Our prayer for you is that your “undying love” for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has been fanned into a flame that will encourage others and bring glory to God.
PRAY WITH US
In conclusion of our prayer time for the month, let’s thank God for everything we learned together from the book of Ephesians in Today in the Word. What a joy to know that Christ dwells in our hearts so that we can show His love to the body of Christ.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9-16-23 Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the One through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Paul also quoted and discussed that portion of the covenant in Gal. 3:8-9. We ended last time with the realization that the promised Messiah would be the final Davidic king over Israel. As declared then, however, there are several intermediate steps, with accompanying prophecies, which are given between the times of Abraham and David and speak about His coming and the offices He would hold as the greatest prophet, priest, and king. And there are also more ance
Read more

9-17-23 It's Coming

It Is Coming - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/12/24/it-is-coming-by-daymond-duck/ On Dec. 17, 2022, it was reported that Rep. David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to permanently bar former Pres. Trump from running for president again, and 40 Democrats have signed on. Cicilline is accusing Trump of orchestrating an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time of this writing, it is debatable as to whether Cicilline’s legislation will get voted on before the new Congress takes office in 2023, but some conservatives have said from the beginning that the main purpose of the Jan. 6 fake show-trial was to stop Trump from being elected again. Some, including this writer, have said there is no telling what the U.S. shadow government will do to prevent making America great again (MAGA) because they want to surrender the sovereignty of the U.S. to the New World Order (coming world government). It was easy to see this comi
Read more

9-17-23 Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2

Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles, Wilfred Hahn Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Reviewing the “facts” that we cited in Part 1, we noted the hyperbole and downright dishonesty in some instances to support global warming claims. Why is there such bias? Money Precedes Truth Global warming has become big business. Armies of global consultants are peddling false information because it is profitable to do so. Many claimed urgencies are exaggerated by factors of 10X … indeed, 200X in some instances and more. Governments are particularly susceptible to this hype, promising infrastructure programs estimated to cost upwards of trillions of dollars. According to a new report,1 an estimated $3.4 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2.72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54.1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropo
Read more