Daily Devotions
May 17th, 2016 by Pastor SolleyEph 1:1-9 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
KJV
The spiritual blessings, all spiritual blessings begin with salvation in Jesus Christ, “Ye must be born again”. But what then follows salvation? Take note in our reading this morning that one can have knowledge of the will of God in his or her life. (Verse 9) What is the will of God? That is a question many professing Christians have, what is God’s will for me? Would you, do you desire to know His will for you today? God’s desire is to make that known to you and that is part of our spiritual blessings, but there are certain steps we must take in order to know His will and they are revealed throughout this epistle. First is to be led by the Holy Spirit of God. We have been sealed into the family of God by the Holy Spirit and we then are to allow Him to lead in our lives. (Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,) God’s Spirit will never lead us into sin, so we are to separate from sin and walk in the light. (Eph 5:1-8 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light) We then are to walk in unity with other believers in Christ, be joined to and be a part of a Bible believing new Testament church. (Eph 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.) Many more things we could look at in this book, but failure to walk or follow these few are the main reasons many who profess Jesus Christ must confess they have no knowledge of His will for them.