A humbled and open heart is fertile soil for God’s seeds of wisdom to be planted. Deeper Roots is focused on analyzing God’s word to discover truths, values, and lessons for application to our lives. Periodically, a scripture or passage calls for further exploration, like the book of Ephesians.
This month, we are exploring the entire book of Ephesians in our Walk as Children of Light – Online Bible Study. It is not too late to join us – Walk as Children of Light.
Here’s an excerpt from Day 3.
Day 3 – Chapter 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will,
Ephesians 1:3-5 BSB
Most scholars believe that Paul wrote Ephesians from prison. Although there is debate on which prison he wrote the letter from, it is clear that the content of the letter was a sharp contrast to his circumstances. Paul is praising God and blessing His name, despite being locked in jail. He shares how all believers are blessed through Jesus Christ and have access to every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Paul goes on to explain how God has chosen and predestined us to live holy as His children. Predestined means “marked out beforehand” and shows how God has orchestrated His plan for our salvation long before we were born. This adds a deeper understanding to Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart…”
- Read verses 3-5.
- Why do you think Paul was able to focus on the blessings bestowed on him instead of his circumstances?
