Scripture: Ephesians 1:2 "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Observation: Romans 1:7 & 16:20,24; 1 Cor 1:3 & 16:23; 2 Cor 1:2 & 13:14; Gal 1:3 & 6:16,18; Eph 1:2 & 6:23,24; Philip 1:2 & 4:23; Col 1:2 & 4:18; 1 Th 1:1 & 5:23,28; 1 Tim 1:2 & 6:21; 2 Tim 1:2 & 4:22; Titus 1:4 & 3:15; Phile 1:3 & 1:25; Heb 13:25; 1 Pet 1:2 & 5:14; 2 Pet 1:2 & 3:18; 2 Jn 1:3; 3 Jn 1:14; Jude 2; Rev 1:4 & 22:21.
Almost every new testament letter began and ended with the exhortation to be aware of the grace, mercy and peace of God. Clearly these are to be defining attributes and influences of our daily lives.
Application: How is this moved from the theological to the practical? I should live as one under the grace of God, filled with His peace. These are given to me. These should then pour out from me that I can show them to others. But how hard is it? How often am I completely graceless toward others? Would others describe in that way? If not, then I am failing to reflect God's glory.
Prayer: Father, please help me to day to be aware of my freedom and complete justification before you. Help to have an awareness of it every second. Then please empower me, no live through me that I may be a display of your character, grace and peace to those around me. Amen.
Great insight Dale. I also had some SOAP this morning.
ReplyDeletePhil 4:6-7- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I want this to be a life verse for me. I need it every day.
J Dub! Good day sir. I spent a lot of time in Ephesians. I think it's amazing book. Good to see you on here! You might consider adding verse 8 to the end of it. I know you can easily memorize all three.
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