An Undivided Humanity - Ephesians 3
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To dig deeper,
Read: Ephesians 3
In chapter 3, Paul speaks of the mystery that has been hidden for generations. This mystery which was once hidden has now been revealed and we have been initiated into it. Paul writes this letter whilst imprisoned and he describes himself as prisoner of Christ Jesus. He sees himself as a prisoner for the Lord because his imprisonment was proof that God’s marvellous plan was already at work.
This mystery, this marvellous plan was that Jews and Gentiles have now been brought together into complete union through their union with Christ. Jews and Gentiles together are now co-heirs, co-members and co-sharers of all the promises of Christ. This mystery that God has now revelled is beautiful because of how radical it is, how beyond any human design it is. An undivided humanity, a people reconciled to Christ and reconciled to one another.
As Paul continues to unpack the implications of this mystery we read that it is through the church that God makes known His manifold wisdom to the powers that be, spiritual and earthly. Manifold means many coloured, this body that Christ is creating is diverse. A unified church is a diverse church. In a divided and hurt world, a society in which there is not division preaches the manifold wisdom of Christ.
Paul concludes Chapters 1-3 with a prayer. This prayer gives us insight into how Christ will accomplish this marvellous plan that has now been revealed, this new humanity. He prays that through the power of His sprit, believers would be strengthened so that Christ would dwell within their hearts. It is through this power and indwelling that we are able to have our roots go down deep in His love, firmly establishing us in His love. Then together as one family, one body we are able to begin to grasp together how far reaching His love is. This new creation, this unified body is only possible through divine power generating divine love.
In light of of this mystery, this reconciled humanity which is empowered by His spirit and firmly established in His love, Paul prays “now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."
Reflection Questions:
What themes stand out to you in Ephesians chapter 3?
Ask the Holy Spirit where in your life is He leading you into greater depths of unity among fellow believers. Where are there divisions in your life that He is asking you to surrender?
As you reflect on how far reaching the love of Christ is, how does it influence your view and love for others? In your relationships, what does it look like to grasp together how wide, how long, how high and how deep the love of Christ is?
What is a personal application you can make based on some of the truths revealed in this chapter? In other words, what does it look like for you to “live this out” in your daily life.
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