TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Galatians 3:1-14
For it is by grace you have been saved. - Ephesians 2:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
The crowd cheered when George quickly moved into the lead at the beginning of the race. As he circled the track with a solid advantage over his nearest competitor, he seemed like the clear winner. However, something happened as he moved into the final stretch. Unexpectedly losing his footing, George stumbled and fell a few feet from the winner's ribbon. In the blink of an eye the rest of the runners rushed past and the race was over.

The apostle Paul envisions a similar scenario in today's passage. Only in this case the race is the Christian life and the competitors were the Galatians. Paul's letter to the Galatians was addressed to a group of churches located in Asia Minor. He wrote to them after learning that troublemakers had infiltrated the church and were urging the Galatians to turn from the gospel of grace and embrace the law of Moses. This mingling of works and grace was labeled by Paul as a “different gospel” and condemned (Gal. 1:6-7).

Paul asked the question of Galatians 3:3 to highlight the incompatibility of a works-based approach to the Christian life: “Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” The past experience of the Galatians should have shown them the fallacy of the Judaizer's gospel. The transforming work of the Holy Spirit had not come into their lives through the observance of the law but through faith in the gospel.

If the ultimate goal of the Christian life cannot be attained by human effort, then what is the role of our own effort in the believer's spiritual experience? Many of the practices that lead to spiritual growth involve a measure of exertion. It takes effort to worship, pray, and read the Bible. But no amount of human effort can lead to justification. Salvation is God's work from first to last. It is begun in the Spirit and completed by the Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We finish the race known as the Christian life the same way we began it: by grace and through faith. Any effort must be empowered by the Spirit. We cannot substitute our works, no matter how good, for the work of Christ. How would you answer Paul's question? Having begun the Christian life by the Spirit, are you now trying to perfect it by human effort? Have you begun to add other conditions to the gospel of grace in a way that has diluted it into a different gospel? If so, return to the first principle of the faith: the principle of grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 12:1-13
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. - Revelation 3:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In a famous stunt during a show aired on New Year's Day in 1965, children's television personality Soupy Sales asked young viewers to tiptoe into their parents' bedroom and look in their mom's pocketbook or their dad's wallet. “You'll see a lot of green pieces of paper with pictures of guys in beards,” Sales explained. “Put them in an envelope and send them to me at Soupy Sales, Channel 5, New York, New York. And you know what I'm going to send you? A postcard from Puerto Rico!”

Although most of the money that was sent to Sales was play money, parents were outraged by the practical joke. The New York station that aired the program disciplined Sales by suspending him for two weeks.

Improper behavior merits discipline. One recent survey of parents showed that 63 percent of adults feel that parents should be less permissive with their children. Another revealed that 90 percent of parents had spanked their preschool children.

The writer of the book of Hebrews, citing Proverbs 3:11-12, appeals to this universal experience to encourage his readers. Discouraged by the hardships they had experienced in connection with their public profession of faith in Christ, the recipients of this letter had begun to draw back from the faith (Heb. 12:3). They had begun to isolate themselves from the larger body of believers and were contemplating a return to the practices of Judaism (Heb. 6:1; 9:14; 10:25). To help them put their experiences in perspective, the writer urges his readers to view the hardships they have suffered as a form of divine discipline. His question found in verse 7 answers itself: every child must undergo discipline. If this is true of human parents, how much more will it be the case with our Heavenly Father? Discipline is not a sign that God's love for us has diminished. Quite the opposite. It is proof that we are truly His children. Like any good parent, God shows His love through discipline.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Not many people enjoy the experience of discipline, whether from an earthly parent or from our heavenly Father. It's helpful to remember the ultimate purpose.

Are there any circumstances in your life today that might qualify as evidence of divine discipline? What lesson do you think your Heavenly Father hopes to drive home by the pressures you now face? Ask Him for the grace to see His loving hand at work.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 2:1-26
For we are . . . created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
A church in Naperville, Illinois, had delayed its plans to hang bells in the open space above its sanctuary. As they approached their twenty-fifth anniversary, they decided that something needed to be done. The congregation's funds were limited, so instead of purchasing real bells, they elected to fill the spot with artificial bells made of resin without clappers. Although they looked like the genuine article, they were incapable of sounding a note.

James, the author of today's passage, would probably say that the person who claims to have faith but has no corresponding works has a lot in common with those bells. In James 2:14 he asks, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” This may seem like an especially difficult question, in view of Paul's assertion in Galatians 3:3, that those who have begun in the Spirit cannot attain the goal of their faith through human effort. However, there is no real contradiction. Paul, like James, agrees that God's purpose for the believer includes good works. After asserting that we are saved by grace apart from works in Ephesians 2:8-9, the apostle Paul adds that we have been created in Christ to do good works (Eph. 2:10).

The difference between James and Paul has more to do with a difference in perspective than a difference in theology. Paul condemns works that are human attempts to measure up to God's standard, achieve our own salvation, or take credit for our own spiritual growth. James refers to works that are evidence of God's work in our life—the evidence that the Holy Spirit is indeed working through us.

True faith that comes as a gift from God will transform us and give us purpose. As this faith grows, it will express itself through the power of the Holy Spirit as a life filled with fruit that pleases God (see Gal. 5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Like the bells of resin, dead faith may look like the genuine article to the casual observer. But when it is put to the test, it will not ring true. As we conclude this study of questions of faith and answers of purpose, ask yourself how your faith in Christ impacts your purpose in life. The example that James uses in today's passage focuses on the needs of the poor. Consider making a donation to a Christian organization that meets the needs of the poor or volunteering in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 62
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. - Psalm 62:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Welsh people living abroad can now breathe the air of home. John Gronow of Cardiff is collecting Welsh mountain air in bottles and putting them up for sale on his Web site. He said, “I am offering a genuine service for people who want something of Wales that reminds them of their childhood or their homeland. It is the genuine article from the green, green grass of home.” Each bottle costs £24, about $45.

Fresh mountain air from home might give people a sense of peace or rest. For the believer, our soul's home is found in God alone. The Hebrew word for “alone,” found six times in all in this psalm, means not only “solely” but also “truly” or “surely.” David trusted in God as a strong fortress when under assault by his enemies. He regarded himself as only a “leaning wall,” easily toppled on his own, but with God's help he “will never be shaken.” This problem-solution motif in verses 1-4 is repeated and expanded in verses 5-8. God

is the source not only of security but of hope as well, and the psalmist encouraged himself and others as well to trust Him unreservedly—at all times, in all situations, no matter what, holding absolutely nothing back.

A philosophical pause in verses 9-10 precedes a final expression of faith in verses 11-12. Compared to God, the things that give people feelings of power or security are nothing. How could mere riches, not to mention “stolen goods,” compare to God's strength and love? The final sentence indicates not that we can “earn” His love on our own merit, but rather that God is just and people reap what they sow (cf. Matt. 16:24-27).

Are you tired of trying to hold your life together by yourself? Listen: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest . . . For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Resting in God is a key concept in this and other psalms, as well as throughout the Scriptures. With that in mind, we suggest you do some extra study on the word rest in the Bible. Use a concordance, including different forms of the word such as “resting.” Examine the listed verses in context, look back at the original Hebrew and Greek terms, and consult commentaries when that would be helpful. Take notes on the main biblical principles you discover along the way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 1:1-6
He chose us . . . to be holy and blameless in his sight. - Ephesians 1:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
As Moses stood before the burning bush, he gave the Lord every excuse he could think of to get out of having to speak to Pharaoh about freeing Israel from captivity. But as God answered each objection, Moses discovered a powerful truth: when God calls people to do something, He enables them to do it. As the one chosen by God to go to Pharaoh, Moses was given the ability and so had the responsibility to go (see Ex. 3-4).

In our month-long study of Ephesians, the apostle Paul will remind us again and again of this truth. In fact, he opens this letter by announcing two interrelated themes that form the core of the entire epistle. On the one hand, God has graciously called us through Christ to be His own children. On the other hand, as God's children, we have a responsibility to live lives that are worthy of that calling—holy and blameless. Holy living, Paul says, is one of the reasons that God issued His call before the foundations of the world, having predetermined to adopt us into His family on account of His love for Jesus.

This divine call to holiness is just one of many “spiritual blessings” that we have as those who are in Christ Jesus (v. 3). As we examine other blessings over the next few days, we will learn the same lesson Moses learned. Living in God's call is not beyond our reach—for when God calls, He also equips.

How has God equipped us for holy and blameless living? As we continue through chapter one we will see that God has forgiven our sins, made known to us the mystery of His will, included us in Christ, and sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. All of these truly amazing blessings have come to us as a result of God's loving call. We now have the ability to live in a way that brings glory to God! So we must live in the power of those blessings.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you ever find yourself giving the Lord excuses about your spiritual life? Perhaps you don't feel like you have enough knowledge, faith, or experience. Or maybe you keep reminding God about your hectic schedule that prevents you from focusing on what He's calling you to do. Just as with Moses, when God has called us He will equip us. Prayerfully surrender your excuses to God and ask Him this month to show you how He will provide.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 1:7-10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. - Ephesians 1:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Last December, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld was questioned about equipment for American troops fighting in Iraq from reporters as well as troops and their family members. President Bush himself responded to reassure families: “We're doing everything we possibly can to protect your loved ones in a mission which is vital and important.”

The right equipment makes the difference for any mission. In Christ we are equipped for holy living. One way that God enables us to live blamelessly is redemption through the blood of Jesus. As the perfect sacrifice on our behalf, Jesus' death brings about the forgiveness of our sins. God's provision represents a lavish outpouring of His grace (vv. 7-8). Curiously, Paul goes on to speak of this redemption as a “mystery” in which all things, both heavenly and earthly, are brought together under the headship of Christ. What does he mean?

In good rhetorical fashion Paul introduces us here to a concept that he will not develop fully until later in the letter (see 2:11-3:12). For the time being we can note that this “mystery” that God has revealed to those in Jesus involves uniting things in heaven and on earth under the authority of Jesus. Being “in him” (v. 7) not only brings forgiveness of sins, it also brings, as part of that forgiveness, a great new reconciliation involving things in heaven and on earth—that is, all aspects of creation.

We often forget that God's redemption in Jesus extends far beyond simply cleansing us of our personal sins. This redemption involves a re-ordering of the fallen creation around the authority of Jesus. The Bible tells us that it is because all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Jesus that the good news can be proclaimed to people of every nation (see Matt. 28:18-20). One way, then, that we have been equipped to live holy and blameless lives is as recipients of God's gracious act to redeem creation. We have been included in Christ and have received forgiveness. This great mystery has been revealed to us!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our Lord has authority over all heaven and earth! Yet sometimes we want to retain control over some area of our lives. We may believe that Christ has the authority to forgive our sins—but not to direct our finances or daytimer.

If you have something in your life that you still want to manage, surrender it under the umbrella of Jesus' loving authority. This is a critical part of the equipment God has provided for our sanctification.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 1:11-14
Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. - Ephesians 1:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Egyptologists who study hieroglyphics have identified a man named Hemaka as one of the earliest to hold the position “Keeper of the Royal Seal.” The title reflects the great power of his position, as virtually no official business transpired in Egypt without the stamp of the royal seal. Hemaka, who served King Den in the First Dynasty, has a tomb that rivals that of the king, further emphasizing the importance of the seal and the man who kept it.

We have already seen that God's call to live holy and blameless lives comes with the provision of forgiveness of sins and reconciliation; now Paul introduces another important element. Part of God's eternal plan for His people was to send them the promised Holy Spirit to seal them (v. 13). As we saw yesterday, Paul is still only beginning to introduce subjects that he will deal with at greater length in the rest of the letter. Much of what we will read over the next month will help clarify for us the work and presence of the Spirit in our lives. For now, it is important for us to see that the Spirit's presence in our lives is the “seal” or guarantee of our salvation that God has given us (v. 14).

This guarantee, Paul says, comes to us when we are “included in Christ” (v. 13). That is, when we hear and believe the gospel or “good news” about Jesus. What is this gospel? It is the revealed mystery we read about yesterday—namely that God has chosen to forgive our sins and redeem His fallen creation by means of Jesus' death. The revelation of this mystery is nothing less than God's call. We show ourselves to be those whom God has chosen, those who are included in Christ when, having heard this call, we believed it. All we need to do is believe the message. Once we believe, we are included in Christ and equipped with the Spirit and forgiveness to live holy and blameless lives that have been reconciled to God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Perhaps you've never believed the good news about Jesus and been reconciled to God. You may think that you are too sinful, or that God would never love you. None of this is true! God's redemptive call goes out to all people. All you need to be “included in Christ” is believe in Jesus' redeeming death. You will receive forgiveness and the Holy Spirit and be equipped to live a holy and blameless life! Pray to God right now, confess your sins knowing that He will forgive, and begin a new life reconciled to God through Christ.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 1:15-23
I pray . . . that you may know the hope to which he has called you . . . and his incomparably great power for us who believe. - Ephesians 1:18-19
TODAY IN THE WORD
Who has the most power? Many people would answer it's the U.S. President. Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State, is routinely listed at the top of lists of the world's most powerful women. But others argue that political power is only one area of influence—what about those in business or entertainment? No matter how we define human power, though, it can't compare with what we see in our passage.

Thus far Paul has reminded us of our call and of our responsibility to live up to that call. He has also, however, pointed us to the ways in which God Himself has equipped us to live as those He has called. In our reading for today Paul directs our attention toward the power of God, the exalted position of Christ, and the place of the church in the world.

The power at work in us is the same power that brought Jesus back from the dead and lifted Him up to His present exalted position at the right hand of the Father. Paul wants us to know more fully the presence of God's power to transform death into resurrection life. What is the effect of this transforming power?

First of all, God's power brought about the heavenly exaltation of Jesus. That is, God's mighty act of resurrection not only brought Jesus back from the dead, it also vested Him with authority over all the heavenly powers and dominions (vv. 19-22). In addition, though, this power has given Jesus an enduring presence on earth in the form of the church, which is His body (v. 23). In verse 10 Paul spoke of God unifying all things under Jesus. Part of this mystery is now revealed to us, for as believers in Jesus we are a manifestation of His presence here on earth. God's resurrection power is present with us. Through our redemption, God is working out the redemption of the rest of creation. As we in the church live as God's children in the world, we are nothing less than a tangible representation of Jesus' presence and power.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
You may never be considered as a candidate for World's Most Powerful Person, but as a believer in Jesus, you are a testimony to the greatest power ever imagined. Our lives should bear witness to the power of forgiveness. One way we do this is through forgiving others when they have wronged us. This can be extremely difficult, but it is one of the most powerful ways that we represent Christ in our world. As you thank the Lord for His forgiveness toward you, ask Him for the power to forgive others.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10
God . . . made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. - Ephesians 2:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Daily life still doesn't look like an episode from the 1960s cartoon The Jetsons, but the popularity of mobile robots is growing. Scientists continue to explore ways to develop robots that can perform specific tasks to assist people. No matter how sophisticated the robot, though, it is useless without its power source—the batteries necessary for any of its motors, sensors, or processors to work. All that technology is worthless if the batteries run down.

Much of what we have read in Ephesians lays the groundwork for some of the main points of the letter. The themes of God's call, forgiveness, the Spirit, redemption, resurrection power, Jesus' exalted status, and the church as Christ's body will all be further developed as we continue through the epistle. Today, for example, Paul brings home the reality of God's resurrection as the power source for our own lives.

Paul describes our present status in Christ by contrasting it to our situation apart from Christ. Apart from Jesus we were all in a state of death. That is, we were completely captured by the power of sin and, as such, were destined to face God's just wrath (vv. 1-3). This description no longer applies to those who belong to Christ. God has graciously saved us from this state of death by extending the power of Jesus' resurrection to us (vv. 4-5). Since we are in Christ, we share in the resurrection life and in the exalted status of Jesus (vv. 6-7).

These blessings have come to us from God. Nothing that we could possibly do earns us God's saving favor. Rather, God graciously extends salvation to us as a gift (vv. 8-9). Yet Paul reminds us that this grace has come for a reason—that we might do good works (v. 10). As people who have been raised with Christ, we participate in the redemption and renewal of creation. That is, as the body and presence of Christ on earth, we have the responsibility of doing good works in the fallen world. This is all part of God's eternal plan of salvation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God certainly didn't create us to be robots, but He does intend for us to be fully charged with His power. And when we are connected to our “power source,” certain attitudes and behaviors will result. Our good works don't earn our salvation—they are a result of the salvation we have already been given in Christ! Does some aspect of your life need to be recharged with the power of God? If so, plan to have an extended time with God in His Word and prayer soon.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:11-13
In Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. - Ephesians 2:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Otto von Bismarck is widely credited as the founder of modern Germany. Within ten years after his appointment as Prime Minister of Prussia in 1862, he had managed to unite the kingdoms of Bavaria, Wurttemberg, Baden, and Hesse in an alliance of eighteen German states. Additionally, as part of uniting Germany, Bismarck also developed a common currency, central bank, and commercial and civil legal codes.

It may seem strange to us that Paul suddenly begins talking about Jews and Gentiles in our reading for today. But in fact the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan for redeeming creation is part of the “mystery” that Paul has already mentioned in Ephesians 1:9-10. We already saw that God's salvation involves the submission and union of all things under Christ. For the next few days we will see some of the important implications of this truth. To anticipate, Paul wants us to understand that God's grace in Christ Jesus is so great that the whole creation, even Gentiles, can now share in the great promises of redemption given to Israel.

As we read this letter written almost two thousand years ago, we will need to use clues in the letter to understand who the first readers were. In verses 11 and 12 we learn that the church Paul is addressing consists primarily of Gentiles. All people who are without Jesus are captive to sin (see 2:3; see also Rom. 3:9), but Paul notes that Gentiles are in an especially hopeless position. Since Gentiles are not members of God's chosen people and have no share in God's covenant with Israel or in the promises given to Israel, they are really “without hope and without God in the world” (v. 12).

Jesus' death, however, has forever gloriously changed the situation. Prior to Jesus, Gentiles were far from God. Now that Christ has died and risen, Gentiles have been brought near. That is, through the death of Christ, Gentiles can now share in the promised redemption.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The hope of salvation for Gentiles in no way means that God has forgotten or abandoned Jewish people. Several organizations have focused their efforts on sharing the good news of Jesus as Messiah with Jews around the world. Every believer can benefit from knowing the Old Testament prophecies concerning Jesus and understanding methods and issues related to witnessing to Jewish people.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:14-18; Galatians 3:21-25
His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace. - Ephesians 2:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
In 1962, East Germany erected the Berlin Wall to separate communist East Berlin from West Berlin, controlled by Federal Republic of Germany. East German propaganda brochures from that year argued that the Wall was necessary to limit the access of “neo-Hitlerites, youth poisoners, and currency racketeers” from the West. In reality, the Wall limited access to freedom for hundreds of thousands of East Germans. In some ways, the Berlin Wall functioned similarly to the Old Testament Law.

Our passage today will begin to explain how it is that God's redemptive call has been extended to the Gentiles. To better understand the point here, let's see what Paul says about the Law elsewhere.

In Galatians Paul writes that all people stand condemned under sin and need to be reconciled to God (3:22). Only the chosen people, though, had an ongoing relationship with God. The Old Covenant Law stipulated sacrifices such as those offered on the Day of Atonement as a means for Jews to maintain their relationship with God. While the Law provided temporary purification from sin, it acted more as guard than a liberator (3:23-24). That is, the human effort to fulfill the Law never brought the promises of God to fruition (3:22). This is one significant problem Paul has with the Law.

Another problem is the fact that the Law distinguished between Jews and Gentiles. Only Jews had access to God. Uncircumcised Gentiles had no part in the sacrifices of the Law and thus had no access to the Father. The Law was a “barrier” (2:14) to redemption—it didn't bring the promises and it limited access.

Jesus' death on the cross solves both problems. His death fulfilled the regulations of the Law and thus brought peace not only between humanity and God, but also between Jews and Gentiles (2:16-17). Both now share in the gift of the Spirit and have access to the Father (2:18).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
During your prayer time today, reflect on what it means to have access to God. We are no longer kept at a distance. We are welcomed into His presence. He invites us to bring every part of our lives before Him. We are safe with Him.

You may think of other implications of our access to God. Thank Him for each of these, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you an even greater desire for fellowship and closeness with our gracious and loving Father.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 2:19-22; Galatians 3:26-4:7
You are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household. - Ephesians 2:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
The historic person Hiawatha lived in the fourteenth century and was instrumental in founding the Iroquois League. Tribes with a history of warfare agreed to form a confederation to resolve their differences; the resulting Constitution impacted the creation of the U.S. government and continues to be in existence today. For his work in bringing the tribes together, Hiawatha was given the title of Peacemaker.

Having shown that Jesus has broken down the barriers established by the Law, Paul now addresses the significant implications that follow from the peace Christ brings, focusing on two.

The first consequence is that the Gentiles, excluded from access to God, have been brought near and made fellow citizens and members of God's household (2:19). In Christ there is neither Jew nor Gentile (Gal. 3:28). All who have the Spirit are counted as children and heirs. From this perspective we can see why Paul placed so much emphasis on the language of “choosing,” “adoption,” and “sonship” earlier in the letter (see 1:4, 11). Paul was applying the language of Israel's election (see for example Deut. 7:6, 14:2; Isa. 65:22; Ezek. 20:5; Hos. 11:1) to Gentile believers. All those in Christ are included among God's chosen people, built up together on the foundation of Israel's apostles and prophets.

The second consequence is equally amazing. Since the regulations of the Law have been abolished by Christ's death (2:15) and since the Spirit has now come to dwell in all those who believe in Christ (1:13-14, 2:18, 22), the Jewish temple has become obsolete. Paul speaks of those who belong to Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles, as the holy temple of the Lord. God's plan to redeem His creation involves uniting Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles are “grafted into” the root of Israel (see Rom. 11:17-18), or built up together into God's holy dwelling (2:21-22). This is only possible because Jesus has become the uniting point, the corner stone (2:20), on which everything depends.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The image of Jesus as our cornerstone has inspired songwriters for centuries. Today, choose one or more of these songs to praise Him: the hymn “The Solid Rock,” the praise chorus “Cornerstone—Jesus Is the Rock,” or the worship song “Cornerstone.” You may also want to reflect on the words to this hymn from the seventh century: “Christ is made the sure foundation, Christ the head and cornerstone / Chosen of the Lord and precious, binding all the Church in one / Holy Zion's help forever and her confidence alone.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 3:1-6
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel . . . members together of one body. - Ephesians 3:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
The mystery genre of fiction is relatively recent, with the first true mystery novel, The Woman in White, written by Wilkie Collins in 1860. The popularity of this genre has grown so exponentially that it's now divided into several subcategories, including crime fiction, detective fiction, cozies, whodunits, thrillers, and even dog mysteries. In any given week, almost 30 percent of the books on the bestseller lists fall into some type of mystery category. Clearly it seems that people are drawn to tales of suspense or sleuthing.

Given human interest in “mystery,” we shouldn't be surprised that Paul has used this word throughout the book of Ephesians to pique our interest. He now pauses to make two points. First, he takes time to emphasize that God has not only been gracious to the Gentiles, He has also been gracious to Paul by allowing him to be the one who proclaims this grace to the Gentiles (vv. 2-3). As the one called to preach to the Gentiles, Paul is grateful for the opportunity to serve and in particular to be the one to whom the mystery of God's plan has been revealed (vv. 3-5), even though his service has resulted in his imprisonment (v. 1).

Second, Paul clarifies what exactly the content of this “mystery” is. The message of the gospel has brought about a unification of two peoples that were once at odds with one another. In Christ, God has united Jews and Gentiles. Gentiles have become heirs together with Israel and as fellow heirs they also share with Israel in the promise of redemption (v. 6; see also Gal. 3:28-29; 4:4-7). Paul further describes Jews and Gentiles as being “members together of one body.”

Earlier in Ephesians 2:15 Paul wrote that Christ created in Himself one new man out of the two. This new man is the body of Christ on earth, the church (see 1:22-23). This new man, this joining of Jew and Gentile into a new temple (2:21-22), is the mystery that has been revealed.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The idea that Gentiles could be part of the community of believers in Christ took some people a while to accept (see Acts 15). Today, we may forget the power of the mystery of the gospel to heal divisions in the church. God never intended His church to look like a homogenous social club, with everyone from the same race, age, and social class. If you find it difficult to accept believers from a different group, repent and ask the Lord to give you opportunities to fellowship with others outside your own demographic circle.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 3:7-13; Colossians 2:9-15
Through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. - Ephesians 3:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a Federal Trade Commission report last February, complaints of identity theft have increased about 50 percent since 2002. Identity theft, “when someone appropriates your personally identifying information (like your Social Security number or credit card account number) to commit fraud or theft,” raises the question of how secure our personal information really is.

So far Ephesians has explained God's wonderful mystery that Gentiles, once separated from God and without hope on account of the Law's regulations, have been brought near to God, because Jesus' death has done away with the division between Jew and Gentile. The Law no longer determines human identity. Because of Jesus' shed blood, human identity is first and foremost determined by one's relationship to Jesus. Instead of Jew versus Greek, the unifying power of Jesus' heavenly and earthly authority makes the key distinction being “included in Christ” or not. All one needs to do to be counted “in Christ” is believe the gospel.

This wonderful truth means that, whereas the Law limited access to God, those who are “in Christ” may approach God with freedom and confidence (v. 12). Why has God allowed this access? We find several reasons offered in Ephesians. First, God loves Jesus and this love graciously overflows to all those who are included in Jesus (see 1:6).

Second, God has done this to bring glory to Himself (see 1:12, 14). Third, God did this in order that through the church His own great wisdom would be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (vv. 10-11). Paul tells us clearly in Colossians that these “powers and authorities” had used the regulations of the Law to keep people from having access to God (Col. 2:13-15). Jesus' death and resurrection, which cancelled the Law's divisive regulations “disarmed” these powers (Col. 2:15). Christ now holds ultimate authority over them (Col. 2:10). God worked within the Law to open access to Himself and in so doing showed those powers the extent of His own wisdom.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The government may use your Social Security number and your bank may use your checking account to identify you. But where does your identity truly come from? Perhaps you've defined yourself by job status or appearance or even personal relationships. First and foremost, however, our identity should be rooted in our status as children of God through the saving work of Christ. This is an identity that no one on heaven or earth can ever steal from us (see Rom. 8:38-39).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. - Ephesians 3:14-15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Sociologists have studied the response of people to being in the presence of someone famous. We may see footage of screaming and weeping young people surrounding music stars like Elvis or the Beatles and think we'd never react in such an irrational fashion. But sociological studies indicate that almost everyone has a physical or emotional reaction to encountering a famous person, from stopping and staring to feeling overwhelmed or speechless.

In our passage today we will see Paul's intense reaction to being in the presence of greatness, the greatness of God. Paul has just finished describing the mystery of God's redemptive plan—that in Christ Jesus all people, both Jews and Gentiles, have access to God (2:11-3:13). God's chosen people now includes those who were once excluded! The church, the body of Christ, is the earthly manifestation of God's unifying love and the demonstration of His unsurpassed wisdom even to the heavenly powers and authorities. How can one respond to this great wisdom and the One who possess it? Paul is moved to passionate prayer.

Paul's prayer begins with a description of the Father and His family. This is fitting because the mystery that God has now revealed in Christ is that God's family extends beyond the boundaries set by the Law. All who are “in Christ” are now a part of the Father's family and all of them are now bearers of God's name (v. 15).

Paul next prays for the Ephesians and, because Scripture is God's living Word, for us as well. Specifically he prays that the Spirit's presence among them would increase, so that they would more fully understand and experience the infinite extent of Christ's love (vv. 16-19). The experience of this love extends beyond the bounds of knowledge and allows us to be filled with the fullness of God's presence (v. 19). Paul concludes his prayer in verses 20 and 21 with the only appropriate conclusion one can have. He simply praises the immeasurable power and wisdom of God!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you've ever wondered how to pray for your loved ones, Ephesians 3:16-21 provides a wonderful model. Praying through Scripture passages can help us integrate our time in God's Word with our conversation with Him. As the Lord brings people to mind during your prayer time today, pray through this passage for each one. Then have an extended time of praising our great and good God! When in His presence, we don't have to feel paralyzed—we can be filled with praise!