[God] raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6-7
I maintain a pause of my deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series, to continue my study of Ephesians for 3 days per week as I participate in a Discipleship (D) Group that is part of my church. Today, I move on to my study of Ephesians 3 Day 2 - with a specific focus on v8-13. For those inclined (I recommend it), John Piper provides a 9-part series on this text via his Lab videos on DesiringGod.com. This morning, I use part 1, which Piper names "Gospel Ministry Before Angels and Demons". Piper's core point in this video is how Paul had a cosmic purpose to reveal "the manifold wisdom of God" not just to and within the church (Jews and Gentiles - all nations), but in heavenly places so that even angels and heavenly bodies would stoop down to see God's glory and lift Him up in worship and praise. There is also a larger, eternal purpose: that our understanding of the wisdom of God would then lead us to be bold and confident in our faith, and so that - using v13 that in light of v1-12 - believers would not look at how Paul is imprisoned (or any suffering for that matter) and be strengthened and not lose heart.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God - thank You for revealing the gospel to me, for giving me a heart of flesh so that I could be saved! I am not deserving of course of this nor any blessing You pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues....daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
