The Church in Ephesus: Dear, Ephesians

February 6, 2022 Pastor: Jared Cornutt Series: Ephesus: A Study from Life to Death

Passage: Ephesians 1:1–2

Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, February 6, 2022 Ephesians 1:1-2
“Dear Ephesians...”

Introduction: The letter to the Ephesians contains the gospel throughout, and its implications for our lives. It gives us encouragement in the glorious grace of God and shows us how the church is central to God’s eternal purpose.

“Father, through our study in Ephesians please enable us to grasp more fully the gospel of Your grace, and more fully live it out within our local church.”

  1. The Author (1:1a)

    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God...

    The fact that Paul was given the sacred commission as a messenger of Christ was a miracle: he had been a zealous Jew, hating Jesus Christ and persecuting His followers, but God purposed for him to be changed through the gospel to begin loving Jesus and others for His sake, even the Gentiles. Just as God was able to transform Paul and use him, so He is able to use us.

    “Father, by Your grace, please use us too. Help us to live loving and serving others for Your glory.”

  2. The Audience (1:1b)

    To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus.

    Paul is applying the special word “saints” to former pagans, showing the miracle of their transformation and ours, too, through faith in Christ. When we believe in Christ Jesus, His Holy Spirit unites us with Him, making us saints: we are “set apart” from the evil of this world, to God, for His holy purposes.

    “Father, thank You for making us saints in Christ! Please help others to believe in Him, too!”

  3. The Application (1:2)

    Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

    • Grace is God’s unmerited gift, purchased at the cost of the blood of His beloved Son. It is a work of grace that Jesus brought us to Himself, and every aspect of our lives is of His grace.

    • Peace doesn’t mean the absence of trouble, but it means peace with God. We could never have erased the stain of sin in our lives, but God did. Peace means we experience the fullness, wholeness, and satisfaction of peace with God, no matter our circumstances.

      “Father God, Lord Jesus, thank You for Your saving love! Please enable every person in our church to live abundantly in Your grace and peace.”

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