Reading Plan:
Ephesians 2

Our Thoughts:
Ephesus was a prosperous Roman port city in what is now Turkey. When Paul arrived there, the city was flourishing. The finest clothing and spices were traded in its harbor, and sorcery and magic were practiced in its temple. In the city sat a grand theater that seated 20,000 people. The book of Acts tells us that the Apostle Paul briefly visited this city and eventually returned to minister at the church that formed there. Acts 19 shows us that in his time in the city, Paul was able to reach many people who would ultimately place their faith in Jesus Christ.
Paul's ministry caused problems in the city in Ephesus, specifically for a man named Demetrius who was a silversmith making and selling idols. As you can imagine, by people choosing to worship Jesus Christ, who commands that we have no other gods, Demetrius's business was hurt to the point of bankruptcy. As a result of the angered people of Ephesus, like Demetrius, Paul left the city under fear of his life.
As I read through Scripture, I like to place myself in the culture and setting of writings. For example, Paul's letter to the Ephesians takes on powerful meaning when we read it from the perspective of a person like Demetrius. There was one thing Demetrius cared about, money. This is the type of thinking that Paul is confronting in his letter.
I know personally in my life I can catch myself being a "Demetrius," putting everything aside to achieve one goal. I think in our fast-paced society, sometimes we can get caught up chasing after the wrong thing. If you have ever wondered how to live a truly rich life, Paul's letter to Ephesus is a good place to start.
Here we discover that we are adopted, chosen by God, and united with other followers of Jesus. We're saved by grace, free of the penalty stacked against us by our sin. No longer are we strangers, but insiders, gifted by God and servants to Jesus. I love chapter 2 of Ephesians because Paul explains to the people of Ephesus that only one thing is worth chasing and that's Jesus. Even though we didn't deserve it or have to work for it, we are given a new and purpose-filled life with Christ.
Go back and focus on verses 1-10 of Ephesians 2. For Paul, Jesus Christ is the perfect picture of God's unwavering grace towards us as His people. However, he also warns us to pay attention to the desires or passions that we are pursuing. God intends for us to live an abundant life because of His love and grace. But if we follow after the desires of this world that do not lead us to know, love, and follow Jesus, we will never experience the life He intended for us in Jesus Christ.

More Questions:
What desires are in your life that are holding you back from being vulnerable in your relationship with Jesus?
What might you need to change in your life to follow Jesus more closely?

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your forgiveness and grace in our lives. Let us never forget the undeserved sacrifice made because of your love for us. God, I pray that we will no longer cling to our sin, but instead be diligent sojourners on the path that God has made for us through our savior Jesus. Lord, use us as your servants so others might feel the love and peace that only you provide. Amen.

Author: Austin Sines