Tag Archives: Ephesians

Daily Bible Reading “Walk in Purity” (Ephesians 4:17-32)

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Walk in Purity

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 4:17-32. We see in chapter four of the book of Ephesians that Paul shifts gears. In chapters one through three he talks about the grace of God and the gift of God, His Son, who He gave to redeem us of our sins. What do you think he is going to talk about next?

Let’s look back at:  Ephesians 2:8-10 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Starting in chapter four, Paul tells us how we should walk. In the first part of this chapter he told us to walk in unity. Now, in this part of chapter four, he is going to talk to us about walking in purity.

Paul says that since we have accepted Jesus as our Lord we shouldn’t walk as other Gentiles do, who are alienated from the life of God. Their hearts and minds are blind to the things of God.  They’ve given themselves over to greed and impurity. Paul says since we have Christ in our lives, we’re to put off the old sinful man. We’re to put on the new righteous man, by the renewing of our mind through the Spirit.

Here Gentiles are not called to be Jewish, but Christians – people who are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ. They look to and follow Jesus’ example of how to live in the world. They walk in the light of Jesus Christ and show Him to everyone by the way they live in this world.

Paul says to speak the truth, do away with lying, and not to sin by letting anger get the best of us. We’re not to let the sun go down while we’re still angry, because this only gives a foothold to the devil. You may ask how we do this. In other words, if we have an issue with someone we are encouraged to resolve that issue and not go to bed angry.

He says those of you who used to be thieves should stop stealing and work to get what you need. So we will be able to give to others in need.

Paul reminds us our speech shouldn’t be corrupt, but it should be uplifting and encouraging to those we’re talking to. He says not to grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live, since He lives within us. He has sealed us to the day of redemption.

Paul says to get rid of all bitterness, wrath, anger, slander, and all malicious behavior and be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God through Christ forgave us. This isn’t easy since we still live in this world and have our “flesh” to deal with. With God’s help and the Holy Spirit working in us we can strive to be what God would have us to be.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 4:17-32

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

 

Things to think about:

  • What are some of the ways in which Paul says we ought to live?
  • How can we live the way Paul talks about?
  • In what ways have you surrendered your life to God?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians that reminds us since we’ve become Christians, we shouldn’t live like before. We should walk in purity. Help us to live as Paul talks about in this Scripture. Help us to be honest, righteous, and holy so we don’t grieve the Holy Spirit, who lives in us.

Help us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to one another, as You for Christ’s sake forgave us. Show us the things in our life we need to do away with. Help us to live godly lives so we might be able to point others to You. Forgive us of all the times we’ve failed You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. We love you, LORD. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which …

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is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

– Ephesians 4:29

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Walk Worthy” (Ephesians 4:1-16)

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Walk Worthy

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 4:1-16. Paul, who considers himself a prisoner of the Lord, exhorts the Ephesians to walk worthy of the calling they have received. Why do you think Paul admonishes the Ephesians to do this? He says they should be humble, gentle, patient, and enduring with one another in love. He exhorts them to diligently try to keep the body of Christ united in the Holy Spirit, in peace.

Paul reminds them that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope of their calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, through all, and in us all. Everyone is given the gift of grace by the measure of Christ’s gift.

In Ephesians 4:8, where Paul says, “Christ ascended on high, led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men,” he is referring to Psalm 68:18 where the Scripture says, “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”

Paul says that, “He who descended is the same who ascended above the heavens, that He might fulfill all things. God gives different gifts to each believer; some are apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.”

As Christians we are a part of the body of Christ, which is the church. God gave us each different gifts so that we would fit together to make one body. We are given these gifts in order to minister and equip the saints, and to build up the church. If we all had the same gifts then parts of the body would be missing. God chose who would have what gift so we might be unified in our faith and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He wants us to become mature Christians and be filled with the presence, power, and riches of Christ.

First Corinthians 12:18-20 reminds us, “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.”

Paul goes on to say we need to be mature in Christ so we are no more like children, who are easily deceived. As Christians we should know and speak the truth and grow in the knowledge of Christ, who is the head of the church. Christ has fit together the whole body of the church so we might work together to edify the body of Christ in love.

We need to study the Bible for ourselves in order to know the truth of the Word of God so people can’t deceive us. Paul warns us that there will be those who try to take advantage of us or lead us down the wrong path.

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 4:1-16

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

 

Thing to think about:

  • What are some of the gifts God gives to fulfill the needs of the church?
  • Why does Paul refer to the church as a “body?”
  • What gifts has God given you to help further His kingdom?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul encourages us to be united together in our faith of the Lord Jesus Christ. He tells us to love and be patient with one another. Help us to work together to bring about Your will in the life of the church today. Help us to encourage and lift up our fellow believers in Christ. Help us to use the gifts You have given us to further Your kingdom. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of …

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the vocation wherewith ye are called,

– Ephesians 4:1

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “The Gift of the Grace of God” (Ephesians 3:1-12)

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The Gift of the Grace of God

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 3:1-12. Paul starts this chapter by saying “I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles…” What do you think Paul meant by this statement? Was it meant as a way of identification or was he sharing his credentials?

Paul was in prison in Rome when he was writing this letter. Paul wasn’t in prison for criminal acts as we understand it today in our society, but for his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar, the King of Rome, when he was accused of causing a riot.

Paul considered himself to be the prisoner of Jesus Christ for the Gentiles. Paul had given up his own life as a Jewish scholar and government official to do, instead, what God wanted him to do. Paul felt he was where he was by the will of Jesus Christ.

The grace of God to the Gentiles was revealed to Paul through the mystery of Christ. Paul spoke of this mystery in the previous chapter. The mystery wasn’t revealed to men in the past, but was now revealed to God’s holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.

The mystery was that the Gentiles would have an equal share and be of the same body as the Jews. The Gentiles were made to be part of the blessed promise of Christ through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The ministry that God gave Paul was to the Gentiles and he was carrying out the ministry regardless of his location. Paul was called to be a minister by the gift of the grace of God. Through the working of God’s power, he was called to spread the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. Even though Paul thought of himself as being “less than the least of all of God’s chosen people,” God gave him the grace to preach to the Gentiles about the unsearchable riches of Christ.

It was Paul’s duty to explain the plan of God for salvation to the Gentiles. God had kept His plan for the Gentiles a secret from the beginning of time. The plan was that through the church, the wisdom of God would be known to all the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.

God’s plan from the beginning was that through Jesus Christ we might all have boldness and confidence to access God, the Father, through our faith in Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. It no longer mattered if we were a Jew or a Gentile.

We are reminded of this in John 3:16 which says, “For God so loved the word, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God is not a respecter of persons. Notice in this Scripture He said “whosoever believeth.” He made a way for all of us through His precious Son.

Paul reiterates the fact that the gospel of Christ was for both the Jew and the Gentile in these Scriptures:

Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Romans 2:10: “But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.”

 

Daily Bible Reading:

Ephesians 3:1-12

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

 

Things to think about:

  • Paul was called of God to preach the gospel of Christ to the Gentiles. What has God called you to do for Him?
  • God has given us all special gifts and talents we can use for Him. What are the gifts with which God has blessed you?
  • In what ways has God used you to spread the gospel?
  • What are some ways we can use our gifts and talents to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

In this Scripture we see Paul’s dedication to carry out Your will by preaching Your plan of salvation to the Gentiles. Help us seek to do Your will in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in this day and age. Thank You that You made a way for us all to become Christians and be saved from our sins. We thank You that we have access to You through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Help us to pray and come boldly to Your throne of grace with all our cares and concerns. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and …

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partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. – Ephesians 3:6-7

 

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “One in Christ” (Ephesians 2:11-22)

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One in Christ

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Ephesians 2:11-22. In this Scripture Paul tells the Ephesians to remember since they were Gentiles by birth they weren’t part of God’s plan in Old Testament times? The law was given by God for the people of Israel, who were Jews. The Jewish people were called the Circumcision because part of God’s law required the men to be circumcised. The Gentiles were called the Uncircumcised because they weren’t under the same law of God.

Paul tells them during the time they were without Christ; they weren’t included in God’s people, Israel. They didn’t know the promises God had for them. They were without hope and without God in this world.

Thank God for Ephesians 2:13, in which Paul says, “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Paul says, now Christ has made peace between the Gentiles and the Jewish people by making us all one people. He broke down the partition between us.

When Christ died on the cross He fulfilled the law, which the people hadn’t been able to keep anyway. Jesus Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for sins for both the Jew and the Gentile, making peace between the two of them. By His death on the cross our hostility to each other was put to death. There was no more reason for us to be separated. We were all made one in Christ.

Jesus Christ came and preached peace both to the Jewish people and the Gentiles because through Him we can both come to the Father through the Holy Spirit. Since Jesus’ death on the cross the Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners, but are included as citizens along with the saints and are included in God’s family.

We, the church, are His house, built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets, and Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone. We, who are believers, are joined together to become a holy temple for the Lord. Through Christ, the Gentiles were joined together with the Jews to become part of the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit.

First Corinthians 6:19 -20 tells us, “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

If you are a Christian, you’ve accepted Christ as your Savior; your body is the temple or dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in you because you’ve accepted God. You aren’t your own because you were bought with the price of Jesus’ blood through His death on the cross. Therefore, we ought to glorify God in our body and spirit, which is God’s since we were redeemed or purchased by Jesus’ precious blood.


Daily Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:11-22

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

 

Things to think about:

  • What do you think about the fact that only the Jewish people were included in God’s plan in the Old Testament?
  • In what ways do you show God that you are thankful that He made a way so we all can be saved?
  • If you are a Christian, you have the Holy Spirit living in you. How do you honor your body as God’s dwelling place?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Ephesians where Paul tells us about Your provision for the Gentiles. Thank You that You made a way for us that we, as Gentiles, could be saved, through the death of Your Son on the cross. Help us to tell others about this precious gift that You have provided for all of us, both the Jews and Gentiles alike.

We love You, Lord and thank You for the Holy Spirit that comes to dwell in us to lead us and guide us through our lives. Help us to be fit vessels for His dwelling place and for Your temple. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. – Ephesians 2:18

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-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

Click the link above to get your copy now!

 

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

 

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman to receive
Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

 

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “But God Loved Us” (Ephesians 2:1-10)

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But God Loved Us

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is fromm Ephesians 2:1-10. Paul starts this chapter by reminding the Ephesians that they were once dead in their sins, but God has made them alive through Christ. What does Paul mean when he says they were dead in their sins? Have you been made alive through Christ?

We all started off in the ways of the world, trying to satisfy the lusts of the flesh, paying more attention to our wants and desires for possessions or experiences that are not necessarily pleasing to God. By nature we are sinful people, because we are born of a sinful nature.

Paul speaks of Satan being the prince and power of the air. This shows his authority even though he is not the ultimate authority. The power of the air speaks of the spiritual realm where both good and evil forces abide. However, we know that the Holy Spirit reigns supreme.

Ephesians 2:4-7 says, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved); And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Paul starts verse four saying “but GOD.” If it wasn’t for God and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the love, grace and mercy He gave us, we would all be on our way to hell today. Thank You, Lord!

The next two verses are some of my favorite: Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works so we have no reason to boast in ourselves, but only in the grace and mercy of God, and the precious gift of His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross to save us from our sins.

Don’t get confused by Ephesians 2:10: For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ to do good works, not in order to get saved, but because we are saved.

Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Our old sinful nature is changed into a new spiritual nature that desires to do good, which is God’s will for our life.

 

Daily Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:1-10

1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved);

6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 

Things to think about:

  • Why did God make a way for us?
  • How are we saved?
  • What are some ways you can show that you are thankful for God’s love, mercy, and grace?

 

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the love, mercy, and grace that You gave us through the precious gift of salvation by Your Son, Jesus Christ. We know we were all sinners by nature and without the gift of salvation we would all be on our way to hell. Help us to do the good works You have for us to do. Lord, I pray for those who don’t yet know Your grace, mercy, and love. Speak to their hearts and call them to life through Your Son, Jesus.  We love you, LORD.  In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

 

Daily Bible Verse:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is …

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the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

– Ephesians 2:8-9

 

-This is an excerpt from The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus by Deborah H. Bateman

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PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

 

Featured Book:

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus

by Deborah H. Bateman

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus is a Daily Bible Reading Study by Deborah H. Bateman. It is a study of the book of Ephesians from the New Testament of the Bible. Ephesians is one of the Apostle Paul’s letters, which was written to the church at Ephesus.

In the book of Ephesians Paul reminds us that we are chosen of God. He encourages us to walk in unity in the church. He talks about our various relationships including our relationship with Christ, with each other, the husband-wife relationship and others. He also exhorts us to put on the full armor of God so that we are clothed for battle against the enemy.

The Book of Ephesians: Paul’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus consists of twelve lessons, which can be used for an individual daily Bible study or a group Bible study. Each lesson consists of a brief commentary, the Daily Bible Reading Scripture, a few questions for contemplation called, “Things to think about,” and a prayer for the day.

For those of you interested in Bible journaling, may I suggest you pick your favorite Bible verse from each lesson and journal about it. This will be a great reminder of the lessons you learn as you read and study this book.

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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