Daily Devotions

Memory Text — Ephesians 2:7 — But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

 

Westminster Confession 25.4  Of the Church This catholic [universal] Church has been sometimes more, sometimes less visible.  And particular Churches, which are members thereof, are more or less pure, according as the doctrine of the Gospel is taught and embraced, ordinances administered, and public worship performed more or less purely in them.

 

Monday:  Eph 3:1-2.  Why was Paul made a prisoner (Acts 22:21, 22)?  Why is this so ironic given Paul’s past (Acts 9:1-5, 15)?  How would Paul have personally experienced the uniting and reconciling power of the gospel?  How would this have informed his mission to steward the gospel (v 2, 8)?  How are you stewarding the gospel?  

 

Tuesday:  Eph 3:3-6.  In what sense is the word mystery used (Col 1:26)?  What is this mystery broadly speaking (Col 1:26-27)?  Was that known to the Jews (Gen 12:3, Is 49:6)?  How does v 6 describe what unique reality is now revealed?  Ponder the unique reality of warring parties now united in eternal, family bonds (cf Acts 9:17, Gal 2:12, Rev 7:9).  Pray for this to manifest more in your life, relationships, and church. 

 

Wednesday:  Eph 3:8-11.  What was Paul’s God-given task?  What was the effect it?  What is God displaying through the church of reconciled sinners?  Who is in awe at God’s wisdom/work in the church?  Why does God use such a weak entity (1 Cor 1:26-29)?  Are you okay with weakness?  According to v 11, how central is the church to God’s purposes (cf Eph 2:22, 3:21, 5:23)?  Do your convictions about the church line up with God’s?  

 

Thursday:  Eph 3:7-13.  Many people have been hurt by church members or leaders, though church division.  She is filled with sinners, and is often weak and divided.  How might you use Eph 3:7-13 to answer the temptation to abandon the church?  What other passages you would use (e.g. 1 Tim 3:14-15)?   

 

Friday:  Eph 3:8-13.  How does v 8 help us when we think God’s grace is for others (the put-together, the spiritually mature) but not us?  Ponder the reality into which this gospel brings us according to v 12.  Do you really believe you have this access?  Do you take advantage of it?  How might God’s triumph in the church despite Paul’s weakness keep the saints from losing heart?  How does it encourage you? 

 

Saturday:  Eph 3:14-19.  Why do you think a deepening understanding of Jesus’ love follows a passage on unity of warring parties?