Ephesians 2

Grace and peace,

Hello brothers and sisters. Today the Chapter Memory Study is in Ephesians 2. Filled with many memorable and critical verses, Ephesians 2 emphasizes God's grace and peace through the work of Christ.

The memory passage is
Ephesians 2:8-10, 13-14 (ESV)
⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

The outline theme is Grace and Peace in Him.
Beginning, as he should, in the beginning, Paul takes us back to our lives before life; being dead in our sin. We walked in the course of the world, followed Satan's deceptions, were disobedient to God, gratified the desires of the body and mind, and were on course to inherit wrath with the rest of lost mankind.

Then see the strength in verse 4; But God. What a contrast is to follow our fallen state; God's work of redemption through Christ. We now can be alive with Him and receive the inheritance of eternal life in heaven.

But never forget that it is from God. By grace, through faith; not by me, but by Him. And not only did He save me by His grace, but He also prepares the way for me to walk with Him and serve Him. Salvation, sanctification, and service are all part of His will for us.

In addition to our salvation by His grace, He grants us peace; with Him and with each other. Physical or national differences are 'broken down' because of the unifying nature of Christ's peace. We all (Jew and Gentile) have been brought near by His blood. The dividing walls have been obliterated in favor of unity and peace in the faith. He literally 'made us both one'. And now we all have access, by Christ through Holy Spirit, to the Father. We are citizens, saints, and fellow members of God's house.

Verses 20-21 remind us of the cost and the cornerstone. We must never forget that this grace and peace came at the cost of the Son of God. By Him the whole structure of the church must be measured and built upon. Then, and only then, will it be a holy temple in the Lord. Not only corporately as we join together, but individually we are being wrought into a dwelling place for God; Holy Spirit indwelling.

No matter the opinion or distinctive of a brother or sister in Christ, we all can find true grace and peace because of the work of Christ, by the power of Holy Spirit, through the grace of God our Father.

How does this affect my worship?
In order to have an intimate encounter with God, we must have access to His presence through relationship. This is only possible through Christ, in the Spirit. Christ not only broke down the wall of hostility between believers, but also between the believer and God (Rom 5:1). In this peace we can approach the throne of God and offer our worship, thanksgiving, and requests. The work of all Three Persons is evident and must be present in our worship.

How does this affect my discipleship?
Verses 19-22 summarize the unity and growth of the 'structure' of the body of Christ. It must be built on the foundation of Christ, measured against His character and works, joined in His peace, and growing together into a dwelling place for God. What better context for these things to be passed on from believer to believer than through intentional, relational discipleship?

May the grace and peace of God go with you now and always,

Ethan