Ephesians 1 reminds me of dirty diapers. Most men never changed a diaper until they have a child of their own. Before kids, the thought is revolting. The only desire is to exit quickly. Everything changes the moment a man realizes that his child needs him to relieve the discomfort and clean up the mess. Today’s lesson is about how a proud papa will endure difficulties with joy for their own children. Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus begins by introducing himself as “an apostle of Christ Jesus.” Paul, the great Jewish scholar, Rabbi, and teacher used a humble word that means, “One sent out by another”. He writes to “the faithful in Christ Jesus” and declares “Grace and peace to you”. Paul gave birth to this church in his second missionary trip, and then returned to raise it to maturity, remaining for two years as their Pastor and teacher. His delight is evident throughout this letter of instruction and encouragement. He begins: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless.” This message is to both the Jewish converts, and the Gentile believers that made up the church in Ephesus. His word choice perfectly describes the church family: “In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ… with His pleasure and… His glorious grace… freely given.” All of them (Jew and Gentile) received salvation through the blood of our Redeemer. Both natural-born and adopted are made one by the love of the Father, because of the “riches of God’s grace”. We are one family, in Christ, under God the Father.
Perhaps knowing that this letter would be passed around to all the churches, Paul includes his profound understanding of God’s grace. First, it is God’s gift: “With all wisdom and understanding, He made known to us… His will… according to His good pleasure… to bring unity to all things… under Christ.” We are easily divided. Across the world, people are joyfully united in Christ. Next, Paul explains the process: “we were also chosen… to put our hope in Christ… when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation… you believed.” Paul had to learn this truth. No one can earn salvation through good works because God’s standard of righteousness is perfection. We need a perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sin. God provided a once and for all time sacrifice in Jesus, the Messiah. After we receive forgiveness by faith we are given “the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance… to the praise of His glory.” We are His delight.
The chapter closes with Paul expressing his joy in hearing this church had remained faithful to his teaching on Christ. “Ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you.” This letter was written while Paul was in prison, and yet, his thoughts are on the condition of his children in the faith. He desires that God would give them “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” Even in the darkest times, we are called by His Spirit: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you.” Things can get uncomfortable when our hope is in mankind. People tend to disappear when life gets messy. Paul says, we are given: “the riches of His glorious inheritance.” God’s “incomparably great power” given to us, “is the same… He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead.” We are heirs to the resurrection through faith. No matter how stinky and vile we get, God will always respond to His own. Paul concludes with a wake-up call; we are “the church, which is His body.” That means as we mature, it is our responsibility to listen and respond to those in need. Friend, is it time for a change?