Daily Devotions
Ephesians
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus."
Text: Ephesians 1
A BEAUTIFUL EXPRESSION OF GOD’S LOVE
How wonderful it is to know that it was not Paul but God Himself who regards believers as “saints”. Who but a loving and gracious God would have such a disposition and regard for His children?
AN APPROPRIATE RESPONSE
How should one respond to such grace and love displayed? The Ephesians seemed to know just how to respond appropriately. Their response so characterized them that Paul included that observation in his greetings. He called them “saints” and “faithful”.
1. Commencing with faith
The word “faithful” is derived from its root “faith” (“pistis”). There must first be a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour!
2. Cultivation of faith
It is not hard to imagine how hard Paul must have worked when he ministered in Ephesus. In his own words, Paul recalled the time he spent in the city of Ephesus.
“You know from the first day that I came to Asia,
in what manner I always lived among you,
serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials…
How I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you,
and taught you publicly and from house to house…”
ACTS 20:18-20
Paul sought to cultivate and nurture the faith of the Ephesian Church. He spared no effort in preaching and teaching them the Word of God so that their faith would be well-founded.
3. Culmination of faith
How does one know that a good and strong faith has been developed? One of the clearest expressions may be found in the word “faithful”. This quality was highly commended by the Lord Jesus Himself. In the Parable of the Talents, the high words of commendation were carefully repeated to reinforce what was expected of good and true servants of God.
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant;
you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler
over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.”
MATTHEW 25:21-22
A HIGHLY DEVELOPED CHRISTOLOGY
One of the most striking features in the theological system of the apostle Paul was his “Christology”. Paul possessed the most profound and developed theology with Christ at the epicenter. The phrase “In Christ Jesus” may seem simple and innocuous. But in reality, this phrase captured for Paul the heart of New Testament theology. He was proud to be an apostle of Jesus Christ! He was glad he could write to the “saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus.”