What are we called to? A series on Ephesians part 2 (Chapter 1:15-23)





Read Ephesians 1:15-23 (see bottom of page)

The first part of the chapter, Paul talks about our blessings in God's plan for salvation. That it in no way relies on us as God predestined us and knew all that would happen before we were even concieved. I think we need to keep that in mind as we read further in the chapter. In verse 15 He tells them that he is so thankful for their faith in God and love to the saints. Its interesting because he's telling them he's thankful for something they didn't do, but are blessed with. The text reminds us that God gave all authority to Christ and Christ is the true head of the church. Not a minister, not a preacher, but Christ. This alone gives me the peace and confidence to be part of a church filled with sinful human beings. Ministers can screw up, elders and deacons can make the wrong choices or decisions, but ultimately we're not there for the people. Yes, we can enjoy fellowship with God's people; the communion of saints can truly be an amazing blessing, but when the minister gets it wrong, or the consistory makes decisions you don't think are the best, we can look to Christ. I think too often we let ourselves get caught up in the little details that don't necessarily matter. So unless its truly a matter of salvation, or something that goes against God's word, we need to stop "drawing the hard lines in the sand". Because faith is a gift. The communion of saints is a gift. We should be thanking God for the salvation He so graciously gives us, His adopted children.

We can't look at the sinners but at what the church teaches/believes. If we all only see the sinners then there would never be anyone in church. The church is made up of sinners, no better or worse than I. Thankfully we do have Christ as the head of the church. We can look to Him and pray that we'll be a light for others and not a hindrance.

Another thing to remember is what the text is pointing us to. God has a plan and gives everyone different talents in order to do the good works He set forth for them. Not everyone's place in life is evangelism or teaching or preaching, the church is a body. Christ is the head, but each part has a different purpose. "The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it." (See 1 Corinth 12). We are called to live according to His purpose, in the place He has set us, with the gifts He has given us. Thank God that we are not all the same but are each given a purpose and place.


Ephesians 1:15‭-‬23 ESV

"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, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."


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