NT Fire Starters – Day 265: Ephesians 1:1-14
READ: Ephesians 1:1-14
THINK: Though God already knows all that will take place and has a specific plan for your life, He doesn’t cause or force you to make the choices you do. God’s ultimate purposes will be accomplished, but you must choose for yourself whether or not to be part of God’s overall plan and eternal purpose for His people. God has chosen to adopt you into His family and has set aside an eternal inheritance for you. And while He will always be faithful to you, it’s up to you to rely on Him so you can remain faithful and fulfill His plan for your life.
RESPOND: What does it mean to be “in Christ Jesus”? (See 1:1 second note.) According to verse 4, why has God chosen us, and how should that impact how we live? What does it mean to be “adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ” (v. 5)? (See 1 John 3:1 note on being “children of God.”) What does it mean that in Jesus Christ we have “redemption” (v. 7), and how does that come “through his blood”? (See 1:7 note.) In what way is God’s will a “mystery”? (See 1:9 note.) What does it mean that all things in heaven and on earth will be brought together “under one head, even Christ”? (See 1:10 note.) What does it mean that in Christ we have been “chosen” and “predestined” according to God’s plans and purposes (cf. vv. 5, 11)? Does this mean that God determined who would follow Him and that people really have no choice in the matter? (See 1:11 note. Also see article on Election and Predestination, p. 1706.) What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is a “seal,” and what does that imply for Jesus’ followers? (See 1:13 first note.) In what way is the Holy Spirit a “deposit guaranteeing our inheritance”? (See 1:13-14 note.) What other roles and functions of the Holy Spirit are mentioned throughout Ephesians? (See 1:13 second note.)
PRAY: Give God thanks for having a plan already established for your life. Thank Him for adopting you into His family and laying up an inheritance for you in heaven. Pray for strength and devotion to accept and follow His plans.
ACT: Has God given you a specific opportunity to honor Him–something He’s planned that could help you grow spiritually or influence others for Christ? Perhaps you’ve hesitated to act because of doubts or fears. It’s your choice whether to hold back or to step into God’s purpose. Choose today to venture boldly toward God’s destiny for you.