Read: Ephesians 1:1-14
As I read this passage I can’t help but think of the lyrics from Chris Tomlin’s song, “How Can I keep from Singing.” Specifically, “How can I keep from singing Your praise? How can I ever say enough? How amazing is Your love! How can I keep from shouting Your name? I know I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing!” This passage is a resounding song of hope. (Pastor Karen)
God provides us with a great story. Donald Miller, in his book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, tells a story about a friend whose marriage was at risk and whose daughter was into pot and an abusive boy friend. After talking about the idea of “story”, the friend gets the family involved in building an orphanage in Mexico. Later on in a conversation the friend tells him the family is doing well and of his daughter, “‘She’s better,’ he said to me, smiling. And when I asked why, he told me his family was living a better story. He realized he hadn’t provided a better role (in life) for his daughter.” (pages 50-51) (Pastor Jeff)
Questions for Reflection:
* Any response to Pastor Jeff’s sermon?
* What words in this passage jump out at you? Why?
* Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that God has “blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Oftentimes in the midst of daily living blessings are hidden because of the realities of the day: stacks of bills that need to be paid, hundreds of errands to be run, kids that need to be transported here and there, or a call from the doctor’s office with news that we did not want to hear. There has to be a blessing somewhere in there, right? How have you been blessed recently?
* What does it mean to be “in Christ?” And how does this make a difference in your life?
* How does this passage remind you of your baptism?
* We are all called to be fellow workers with God. How are you living this calling out?
* Who are saints and heroes God has placed in your life? How has God used them to increase your faithfulness and live as a saint?
* Paul casts a great story, the greatest story ever told. We, you and me, are a part of that Great story that God is telling. Does that give you a sense of purpose or place? What does that mean to you?
Wrap up:
* Read Ephesians 1:15-23. It’s Paul’s prayer for you!
* Over the course of the next week, soak in the wonder of being God’s beloved; remind yourself of who we are, who you are in Christ. “You were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit…” Journal in the space provided how this knowledge and guarantee makes a difference in your life.
Closing Prayer:
Christ has no body now on earth but yours;
No hands but yours; No feet but yours;
Yours are the eyes through which is to look out
Christ’s compassion to the world;
Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good;
Yours are the hands with which he is to bless now.
~ Saint Teresa of Avila
