Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:13

ESV

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

*ETS:

What a difference Christ has made in your lives! You were away from God, but now, being in Christ, you have been brought into all the blessings of God by the blood of Jesus, which was shed for the remission of your sins.

*DTFTD:

Two very important doctrines are in the text: 1. The doctrine of atonement; 2. The doctrine of the church. The definition of the word atonement can be remembered by dividing the word into three parts (at...one...ment). "Ment" is not a word, so think of the word "mint" as in minting coins, which works well for a memory aid because minting is about the process of transferring an image from a die to a coin resulting in a finished process and fixed image. In Christ we are called to be "at one" with God, (reconciled), and being cleansed of sin by the blood of Jesus, God no longer sees us as sinners, but as individuals bearing the image of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1: 13). When we read in the Bible any reference to our oneness "in Christ," or any reference to the "blood" of Christ, we are, in some way, reading about atonement. Our text uses both references, "in Christ" and "the blood" of Christ. When Adam and Eve sinned they marred the image of God, in which they were formed, and fellowship was broken. Sin changed everything in the garden of Eden. But Christ came to restore and reconcile. His work on the cross, shedding blood for the remission of sins, made it possible for sinners to be forgiven and to become one with God. The image of sinlessness and the glory of Jesus Christ, (II Thess. 2:14), can now be restored as Jesus stands resurrected and ready to grant his holiness to our account, placing us in union with himself. From this teaching Paul relates a particular result that should be visible through the Church, (i.e., the called out ones). Being in Christ means our old life passes away and all things become new (II Corinthians 5:17). Like the Ephesians, we have lived with prejudice and hatred, pride and jealousy, strife and contention, but Christ has called us to unity. The Church is called to display a harmony that stands in contrast to the divisiveness of our past prejudices. The Church is called to live in unity with God and in fellowship with the saints in Christ. The Church is comprised of individuals who have been reconciled to God by the atoning work of Christ; individuals who are restored and bear the stamp of God's glory, (i.e., filled with the Spirit and becoming like Christ); individuals who now live in close communion with others who are in Christ.

*EDS:

"In Christ now meet both East and West, In Him meet South and North; All Christly souls are one in Him, Throughout the whole wide earth." (From the hymn "In Christ There is No East or West" by John Oxenham, 1852-1941).

INGREDIENTS: Jesus brings his people together.Word Study: The words, "But now" speak of the drastic change God makes in the lives of those who are cleansed by the blood of Christ and brought into the fellowship of the new covenant.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:11-12

ESV

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called the uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands - remember that your were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

*ETS:

At one time there were two groups of people: 1. The first group of people were those who expected the Messiah, (a people proud of their heritage marking their bodies in a way that reminded them they were the people of promise), I am talking about the Jews; 2. The second group of people were those not in the first group, I am talking about you Gentiles. Remember when you did not know anything about the need of a Savior, and were without any knowledge of the Holy Scripture to inform you? At that time you did not know God, you were living without hope .

*DTFTD:

In our text the Apostle Paul takes the Ephesians down memory lane to remember the time when they didn't know anything about sin, the consequences of sin, the need of a Savior, or God's love. They were of a race without hope and without God. However, the Jews were a race of people with knowledge of a coming Savior. The Jews had the Holy Scriptures to inform them of sin, the consequences of sin, the need of a Savior and of God's love. Simply stated there was a time when the Jews were "in the know" and all others were left without knowledge because the Jews were strictly forbidden to have any dealings with the Gentiles. At the time of Paul's writing everything had changed. The promise of the coming Messiah had been fulfilled and all of mankind, Jew and Gentile, was being granted the privilege of hearing the good news of salvation through Messiah, Jesus Christ. The world still had its Jews and Gentiles, but a new group had emerged -the saints of God - a group who dropped their racial distinctions to become one in Christ. Three groups remain today: 1. The people who know about God, but do not know him; 2. The people who do not know about God, and therefore can not know him; and 3. The people who know God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are in the third group you have the privilege of being one in the Spirit with many people from many backgrounds, and your concern is for the people of the world (those in the other groups) who have one common problem, the do not know God. Throughout this day we will encounter people who do not know God. Our responsibility is to pray for them and share Christ with them when we have opportunity.

*EDS:

Before salvation we were part of a mixed up world. Since salvation we have become reconciling, peace making people, on mission to help others see their need of God's love and salvation in Jesus Christ.

INGREDIENTS: Our life before Christ. Word Study: The word "Uncircumcision" was a name of contempt, flung out at the Gentiles by the Jews. (Wuest, vol. 1). The Jews and Gentiles had contempt for one another. Paul reminded them of the days when they were part of a world filled with racial tension and religious ignorance, but Christ made a difference! He did and He does.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:10

ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God hath prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

*ETS:

Do works have a place in the Christian life? Yes! First God works in our hearts, forgiving our sins and freeing us from the power of sin. When our hearts are pure and we have been placed in union with Christ, God works through us. What works does God work through us ? God works through us works we have been prepared to do, works he has preplanned for his glory and our good, works that can only be accomplished through our union in Christ.

*DTFTD:

Ephesians 2:10 brings Matthew 7:22 to mind. Many will say to the Lord in the day of judgment, "Lord, Lord, did we not . . . do many mighty works in your name?" These words will be spoken by people who will believe they have many works to their credit, works Jesus will reward. Much to their surprise instead of being rewarded, their works will be rejected. The message is simple, not all works done in the name of Jesus are acceptable. Jesus will reject many works done in his name, and will call those who participated in such things "workers of lawlessness (Matthew 7:23). However, there are works that play a major part in the Christian life. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." The works we must do are the works referred to as "the will" of the Father. The will of the Father is revealed in the words of Christ, "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24). The works God foreordained the believer to walk in are the works outlined in the words of Jesus. In salvation we are placed in Christ, in service we obey his word by the power of his Spirit. The works we must focus our attention on are not those of our own design, but the works outlined in the teaching and example of Jesus Christ.

*EDS:

No one will be justified by the works of the flesh. The only works that will be remembered in eternity are divine works - the work of God in saving the sinner and the work of God empowering the saved to do his will.

INGREDIENTS: A focus on the subject of works. Word Study: The word "walk" is peripateo, "to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self, to order one's behavior." (Wuest, vol. 1). The will of God is not a part time or pass time activity for the believer.

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:8-9

ESV:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

*ETS:

Salvation is a gift of God, offered by the grace of God, which must be accepted by faith in Christ. Only the works of Christ in securing our salvation are worthy of praise. The works of man, which usually result in self-confident boasting, are totally worthless in the process of salvation.

*DTFTD:

A rich young ruler once asked Jesus, "What must I do that I may inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). In response Jesus told the young ruler to obey the commandments of God (Mark 10:19). The ruler boasted, "I have kept the law from my youth" (Mark 10:20). Jesus appreciated the young ruler's devotion, but after giving him one instruction his glee turned to gloom. Jesus said, "Go, sell all that you have, give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me" (Mark 10:21). The Bible tells us the young ruler went away sad, for he had great possessions (Mark 10:22). The story of the young ruler is a reminder that mankind wants to do something to be saved. In all religions outside of Christianity, works plays a very important part of salvation. Yet Christianity is not a religion of man, and it is not about works of mankind. Actually the commandments of God recorded in the Old Testament were given to prove the inability of the flesh to live holy. The young ruler was tested in many areas of the law with one simple instruction. The young ruler's failure, and Jesus' commentary on the matter, caused the disciples to ask, "who can be saved?" (Mark 10:26). Jesus responded, "With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible"(Mark 10:27). The bottom line is that no one is capable working their way to salvation. If someone, (other than Christ), could do the deeds of the law without fail, pride and boasting would result, proving the impurity and corruption of the heart. Our hearts are not pure, therefore our deeds are unacceptable. God's response to our inability was to provide salvation as a gift made available through Christ. Faith is the only part required of us, we must repent of sin and trust in Christ. However, even in the requirement of repentance and faith God's grace must provide aid.

*EDS:

"No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me; From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from his hand. Till he returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I'll stand" ("In Christ Alone" by Keith Getty and Stewart Townend).

INGREDIENTS: An explanation of salvation. Word Study: "this is not your own doing" MacArthur says, ". . . 'this' refers to the entire previous statement of salvation, not only the grace but the faith. Although men are required to believe for salvation, even that faith is part of the gift of God which saves and cannot exercised by one's own power" (MacArthur Study Bible).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.

Spiritual Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1 truth
Servings Per Verse: Unknown

Text: Ephesians 2:6-7

ESV

and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

*ETS:

On the cross Christ established a union with us, a union that not only allowed him to pay for our sin, but to establish our place in heaven through resurrection. Even now we are seated with him in the heavens, (i.e where he is we are represented), and where he is we will be for eternity to the glory of God's kindness and (super) abounding grace.

*DTFTD:

In our text the phrases "with him" and "in Christ Jesus" are used two times. Our union with Christ is the major emphasis. When Jesus was on the cross the union was made a reality. Before we ever knew Him as Savior, he knew the experience of becoming sin for us (II Cor. 5:21). As Jesus spoke his last words from the cross, ("It is finished"), our old life was put to an end and our sinful being was buried with Christ. Jesus' resurrection was the announcement of newness of life, and his ascension into the heavens was the proclamation of his going to prepare a place for us. Heaven is more our home than earth, and because of our oneness with Jesus we are being represented there now. I long for the day when all believers are home in heaven where God is being glorified for his super abounding grace because of our citizenship through Christ.

"This world is not my home, I'm just a passing through, my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven's open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore." (Lyrics to "This World is Not My Home" by Hank Thompson).

*EDS:

On the cross Jesus proved his love and longing to be one with us. He took our sin, put it away forever, and established our place with Him in heaven. What super abundant grace! To God be the glory forever and ever!

INGREDIENTS: A statement of the finality of our salvation to the glory of God forever. Word Study: "Paul does not say, 'God's grace,' nor even 'the riches of his grace,' but 'the sur-(super) passing riches of his grace.' As Paul sees it, there is nothing narrow about this grace of God, nothing stingy. It reaches to even to 'the chief of sinners' (Paul himself) . . . ." (NTC, Hendricksen).

*ESV- English Standard Version; ETS- Essence of the Text in a Sentence; DTFTD- Devotional Thought For The Day; EDS- Essence of the Devotional in a Sentence.