A study on Ephesians (Chapter 1)

The Messenger 4

Introduction

Paul uses two important biblical words in the introduction to every one of his letters – Grace and Peace.

As we work through the opening verses of Ephesians I don’t want us to lose sight of the meaning of what are, effectively, two key words in the Gospel.   To think of them here as being no more than an expression of formal letter-writing style of that time is surely to do disservice to Paul himself.

‘Grace’ or the ‘undeserved love of God’ and ‘Peace’ are two words that are far too important, both in his theology and in his experience, for Paul to have used them simply as a formal introduction.   Let’s examine those two words a little more closely, therefore, to see what treasures they yield.

Grace

Approximately 89 times Paul uses the word ‘grace’ in his letters.   No man, surely, was ever more aware of the fact that he owed everything, including his very life, to the sheer wonder of God’s grace.   It’s hardly surprising then that the grace of God had captivated his mind and imagination. To share the message of God’s grace became his life’s commitment:

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.    Acts 20:24

Grace for Paul was at the very heart of the Gospel.   How can the Gospel ever be good news for those who know they have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God unless grace is at the heart of that Gospel?   That’s what makes it such good news.

If we lose sight of grace in our own relationship with God, then no matter how religious or active we are in the church;  how devout or how morally upright we may be, we have lost something immeasurable and irreplaceable.

Surely this is what John was implying when, in the Book of Revelation chapter 3, having commended the Church at Ephesus for all its good deeds, he adds these solemn words from God:

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen!”

If Paul never lost his first love, it was because he never lost sight of the grace of God.   Not only was it through that grace that he has been brought into the kingdom, but it was through grace that he had been kept there.

Charles Wesley wrote these words in one of his hymns:

Unsearchable the love

That hath the Saviour brought

Thy grace is far above

Or man or angel’s thought:

Suffice for us that God we know

Our God is manifest below

 

Made perfect first in love

And sanctified by grace

We shall from earth remove.

And see His glorious face:

Then shall His love be fully showed,

And man shall then be lost in God

Peace 

Like grace, peace is another of those wonderful keywords in the New Testament.   It is, of course, not difficult to grasp what peace means.   A Bible commentary will give anyone access to the meaning and explanation of the word.   It is the practical application of its message that seems to allude so many in the church.   After all, we live, as you are only too aware, under many pressures that rob us of our peace.

The theory behind the word is basically very simple.   Peace is a translation of the Greek word eire, with the verb eirene literally meaning ‘to join.’

Now think of that in the context of the Gospel.   God created the human race for Himself, but sin has separated us from God.   In other words, there is disjointedness between God and the human race.   This results in a lack of peace.   But so desirable is peace that people will follow any idea or philosophy that promises them peace.   And this is true not only for those outside of the church but, sadly, also for those in the church. .

The Gospel, however, proclaims that peace, true, lasting peace comes from our being joined to God through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones expresses the meaning of peace thus:   ”It is interesting to find that the actual root meaning of the Greek word that is translated ‘peace’ is union, union after separation, a bringing together, a reconciliation after a quarrel.”

Sent by the Father to make peace between God and Man (Col1:19-20), Jesus is able to offer to his followers a peace that can never be found in the world.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.“                                  John 14:27

That is the theory of course.  But as we know, all too often there is a gap between theory and practice. Jesus offers us peace, but peace is not always enjoyed by those who claim to be his followers.   Would that perhaps be true of your life?

 

If I think of those times when I have lacked God’s peace it was simply because in some or other area of my life there was disjointedness in my relationship with the Father.

Because we live in a very busy and stressful world, we end up chasing our tails, caught up in what someone has called “the tyranny of the urgent.”  The demands of life press upon us from every side, forcing us to focus on what is urgent and causing us to lose sight of  what is important to God.

His gracious invitation to His children is, “Be still and know that I am God!”   Each day God invites His children to put aside what we regard as urgent and to focus on what is important – to wait upon Him, to learn to know His will for our life, to give Him the first fruits of our day.

“Grace and peace be unto you,” writes Paul. The two belong inseparably together.   The more we open ourselves to God’s grace the more we experience His peace.   It is that true and lasting peace Jesus promised when we are joined to Him in fellowship.

 

 

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Posted in Bible Studies, Ephesians, HIStory - 52 Week Challenge.