Friday, January 15, 2021

2021.01.15 Hopewell @Home ▫ Ephesians 6:23–24

Read Ephesians 6:23–24

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the apostle first declare toward whom in Ephesians 6:23? What else, with what? From Whom? What does he now declare in Ephesians 6:24? To whom—Whom do they love, and how? How does he conclude the letter?

The apostle closes the letter by declaring a blessing upon believers. It is a blessing upon those who give evidence of having been saved. 

The first and greatest evidence of having been saved is to love the Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love. A love that came from His own loving us and therefore can never be undone.

The other evidence is that they know the Lord Jesus Christ to be God Himself Who became also a Man so that He could be the anointed Christ and save His people from their sins. By declaring that this blessedness comes conjointly from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, the apostle is confessing Jesus to be God. This is what each true recipient of this blessing believes.

And what do they receive from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ?

Peace. They are brethren and have peace with one another. As the apostle taught us in Ephesians 2:11–22 this brotherhood came about by God’s giving them peace with Himself through the blood of Christ. We have been brought near. We know His presence and His pleasure.

Love with faith. Believers not only receive the love of God shed abroad in our hearts (Ephesians 2:4–7, cf. Romans 5:8), but the faith to know this as a truth and experience is itself a gift that God gives in His love (Ephesians 2:8). Here, the apostle pronounces a blessing of both, “love with faith.”

Grace. All of God’s resources for all of our lacking. His blessing and favor to those who deserve only curse. His strength for those who have only weakness. His goodness for those who have only wickedness. By grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:8). “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”

When does Jesus pronounce blessings like this one upon you? What evidence has He produced in you that the blessing is for you? What are His greatest blessings to you?

Suggested songs: ARP197 “Christian Unity” or TPH212 “Come Thou Almighty King”

No comments:

Post a Comment