Ephesians 1

Vision Purpose Plan

What i love about Ephesians is that it is a book that lays out vision purpose and plan. It lays out what the church is here for and our job within it. I think so often church in American can be seen as a good community program that gives us maybe good merit in our neighbors eyes but are we allowing the church to truly be what God intended it to be. To be something that transforms our lives and those around us. Yes, salvation and grace is for us but now how are we being moved from grace so that others to experience Christ. Are we living in what Paul talked about in Ephesians 1:4–8

“even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight”

There is so much here for us to soak in and take hold for our selves. He set us apart before we knew Him he had a purpose, a vision and plan. This is hard for us to really fathom but HIS great love and grace has re-named us BELOVED. Not sinner, not mistake, not bad mom/dad, daughter/son, friend, spouse. Beloved. We arent a let down to him. Even on the days we mess up and think we blew it. Yes take ownership of it . And recognize you fell short. Recognize that you sinned and your flesh and humanity got the best of you. Honestly, in moments i blew it..i gotta confess right away. I can’t just say to myself “oh ill be better next time” and just keep it to myself. I need someone, a sister/brother who can hold me accountable. James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” I dont know about you but i want to be HEALED. I don’t want to keep messing up in the same way. If Jesus has SET ME FREE, I now need to walk in it. Walk like it. Act like. Sound like it and smell like.

Story: Me apologizing for the same thing mutiples nights in a row. Power of prayer one for another. We will be healed.

When Paul talks about us becoming holy. We haven’t arrived at holyness

“that we would be” “that we should be”

I have this image of Josiah from last week where i was putting on his suit for my sister’s wedding. The suit looked good to me but then i got asked if it fit. I put it on him and it was way to big. He is going to have to grow into it. I am not gonna get him a new one I will do what i need to do to get it to fit. He will eventually grow into it.

We too need to daily grow into holyness. He has given us this great gift of salvation yes but it doesn’t end there. It is recognize where in our lives do our clothes not fit? Where in my life am i not blameless and spotless. It is because of what Christ has given us - grace- that his glory can be revealed. Our purpose is to put the flesh to shame and show how attractive our world can be when heaven invades this present reality. We exemplify this promised inheritance. This eternal glory.

And there is so much to unpack but this is just the first 8 verses that i broken down.

When you hear that God calls you "Beloved," what other labels are you tempted to believe about yourself instead?

How does Ephesians 1 challenge those labels?

2. James 5:16 connects confession with healing. Why do you think it can be so difficult to confess our struggles to other believers?

Have you experienced the freedom or healing that comes from bringing something into the light?

3. Using the illustration of Josiah's suit, where do you feel God is currently inviting you to "grow into" the holiness He has already called you to?

What is one practical step you can take this week to walk more fully in that calling?