TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
For he [God] chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will. Ephesians 1:3
Read: Ephesians 1:3-14
Listen: Ephesians 1
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Apostle Paul writes the newly-formed Ephesian church a letter, instructing them how to live as Jesus-followers. Before telling them how to live well with other believers and in their family, Paul explains who they are in their relationship with Jesus. Each new Jesus-follower brings their old identity to this new relationship, so Paul explains their new identity. Paul repeats throughout the first part of Ephesians who they are in Christ.
Paul tells the Ephesians first their new identity is they are adopted. This would’ve been amazing to hear in the first century. It was common practice in the Roman Empire for parents to abandon unwanted children. Paul tells them the Creator God chooses, wants and adopts them into his family. They are beloved sons and daughters of the Father.
This message is something to remember too when we feel unwanted. Our friend group decides they no longer want us in the group. The company we’ve faithfully worked for 10+ years says we’re no longer needed. The spouse who pledged their faithfulness to us 15 years ago has found someone else. We need to know that our identity is not in who rejects us. God loves and chooses us. We are wanted. We are his.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Pray this prayer as a reminder of who you are in Christ, “Father, remind me today that I am not unwanted. I am also not what I do, achieve or what people think of me. Remind me that my identity is based on what you’ve said, what you’ve done for me and what you have promised. I am your child. Amen.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 1 John 1.
