Grace Church San Diego

In our studies of Ephesians we are discovering that Paul, under Godʼs Spirit, is advocating a viewpoint. He, in prison, writes to a minority movement of the first century. Their lives are hard. He, their leader, is in jail for apparently no reason. But Paul takes the perspective that comes from standing at the foot of the cross. He stands beneath the suffering Savior and considers his circumstances. While he may be tempted to think the Romans unjust to imprison him, he is far more amazed that God has not given him what he deserves. He contrasts his “receivings” with his “deservings” -- and he remembers that Christ has offered up his life in a violent sacrifice so that Paul the transgressor may be set free, his debt to God paid in full. All this is by grace and grace alone.

He also travels ahead in time and stands at the last day of this age, and the dawn of the final age. There is he sees all things united in Christ -- things in heaven and things on earth. All the absurdities of life, all the sufferings, all the sins, all the divisions and conflicts are resolved -- harmony reigns. All this because the crucified and risen Jesus has been made head over all things. What are his sufferings in prison next to that day? What are his few sacrifices of the pleasures of this brief time compared to the endless days when we shall reign with Jesus in glory? Listen HERE. Look for application questions HERE.

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