Day 1: Identity

Have you ever had an urgent message you needed to pass along, one where someone’s life was on the line? Can you recall the desperation rising in your chest as you realized someone’s life or livelihood was in danger? That’s exactly how Paul felt when he wrote the book of Ephesians.

Paul wrote this pressing letter to encourage the new church in Ephesus from afar, while locked away in prison. Faith in Jesus was just beginning to expand beyond Jerusalem, yet, this young church stood in the middle of a city known as a hub of worship for the Greek goddess Artemis. Believers there were not in the majority. They were devoted, but they still needed leadership as they established roots in Christ.

However, Paul was unable to get to them. Arrested for preaching the gospel, he sat in Rome and penned this message. The Holy Spirit empowered him not just for the church at Ephesus, but for us all.

We live in a world where placing faith in Christ is quickly losing popularity. We currently exist in a space where other things and people are worshiped, including ourselves.

This message is just as urgent for us today as it was when it was originally written.

Make no mistake, it was God who was passionate about getting this message to His children.

The urgency that Paul carried with his pen is a reflection of the passion of our Savior. God wants us to know not only who we are in Him, but more importantly who He is and how passionately He pursues us all.

Ephesians is a popular book typically for the last chapter- the one that outlines the way we are called to engage in spiritual warfare. However, that’s the ending.

Paul didn’t start there – he started with our identity.

Paul knew what we must all come to recognize: before we are ready to walk as Christ did, in full surrender to the Father, we must know where we stand in Him. It starts with abiding in Him.

John 15:5 teaches us that if we remain in Christ, we can be abundantly fruitful, but without Him, we can do nothing.

Our lives have the opportunity to be fruitful and to flourish, but we have to be seated and settled in the love of Christ.

That’s exactly what Paul teaches the church of Ephesus in this first chapter.

Do you need a recharge from the Holy Spirit? Are you ready to walk confidently and boldly in the authority God has given you through His Son?

Then, join me as we dive into the book of Ephesians to discover how knowing who God is and understanding His plan enables us to walk boldly in our identity, as heirs to the throne.

May God reveal to you who He is, and may you walk completely as one of His own.

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Affirmation-

God, you have called me into a relationship with you and anchored me to who you are. My position in you is secure. My place in you is grounded and safe. Unchanging. I am growing, flourishing, and fruitful, as I move and live by your Spirit. Help me to stay in step with you. Amen.

Reflection Questions-

What does it tell you about God’s character that He passionately pursues you for a lasting, secure relationship with Him? How does that impact your view of your own life?