Beyond the Weekend

February 22 | Safe

February 22, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:4b-5a

Read: Ephesians 1:3-14

Listen: Ephesians 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Paul first encourages the first-generation believers in and around Ephesus to be generous with their speech. Then, he reminds them that they “were sealed for the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30b). Paul’s language takes them back to the beginning of the letter. In chapter 1, he tells them that God chose them, adopted them, redeemed them, forgave them, lavished his grace on them and sealed them. Talk about generosity.

Whole life generosity flows from the generosity of God. God chooses us—we don’t earn it. He adopts us. He picks you out, picks you up and brings you home. God redeems us. We were in trouble; he paid the price to free us. He forgives us. Even though we rebel and go our own way—he welcomes us back with open arms. God lavishes his grace on us through his love and the peace only he can provide. God seals us with the Holy Spirit. He marks us as his own promising us that someday everything will be restored to the way it is supposed to be.

Because of these generous gifts, we are to be gift givers. That’s the grace effect. We can look to God to meet our needs instead of manipulating others with our words to get what we want.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Our speech can either build up or tear down. Building words can have a lasting impact. We can be builders with our words on a regular basis if our identity is in Jesus. Today, consider when someone’s speech built you up and made you feel safe. Send them a quick note to say thanks. Then, thank God for working through them and ask him to help you find someone to build up with your words today.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

 

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