July 19, 2022 -- Ephesians 1:15-16 -- Grace and peace which affect all dimensions of life

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you…
Ephesians 1:15-16a ESV

One of the great privileges of teaching others is the preparation time which is required beforehand. While preparing to teach Ephesians, I have been reading Sinclair Ferguson’s “Let’s Study Ephesians”. His insight on these two verses is this gem: “Authentic Christianity always transforms both the Godward and the manward dimensions of life. Otherwise our professions of faith are hollow” (page 22).

It is something I have witnessed among the new believers in both prison settings and in recovery settings. When men have had their hearts gripped by the blessings which are poured out in Christ Jesus, these men begin to pray and read their bibles. Faith results in a real and true relationship with God (the Godward, or towards God dimension of life). Similarly, and usually around the same time, those who are gripped by Jesus’ grace and who have been given peace with God are kinder to the people around them. So faith impacts the man-directed dimension of life when a man is transformed by Jesus Christ.

Prayer for others has been descried as “love on its knees”, that is, love which bows before God and asks for the blessing of His salvation to be poured out into the lives of others. Dear family in Christ, those gripped by grace and given peace—are you experiencing such a radically changed attitude towards God and others? If so, praise Him. If not, seek the Spirit’s guidance as to what is holding things up for you in that regard. Confess it when it is revealed. And be prepared to be deepened in your walk with God and with others.

Thank You, Father of Glory, that You have raised Your people up in Jesus Christ. Thank You, mighty God, for the presence of Your Spirit within us, so that the grace and peace of salvation, are intermingled with every part of our being and brought out into every part of life. Amen.

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