Word@Work Eph3 - Ephesians 1:3
Published: Tue, 09/30/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
POWERFULLY GOOD WORDS
Read Ephesians 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (NIV)
Are you confused about 'blessings'? Are they things or thoughts, words or works? In this verse, 'praise', 'blessed' and 'blessing' all come from the same Greek root word from which we derive 'eulogy'. Simply put, a blessing is a 'well word' or 'good word'. We can use it to praise God; but also to describe God's words spoken over us - 'blessings'. Of course, when God speaks He always acts, and so the words of blessing become synonymous with God's amazingly kind actions towards us; because God's words have great power.
It is true that we should speak well of God, because of who He is and what he has done; we certainly owe it to Him. So Paul instructs the Ephesian believers that they must declare how good the Lord has been: firstly to God Himself, and then to the rest of the church. After that, evangelistic testimony is just an extension of the overflow from a grateful heart.
Why be grateful? Well, through Christ, God has pronounced a personal welcome into His Kingdom, a place in His family and a home in heaven! Even though we do not yet experience a sinless paradise, God's Word assures us that one day we will be with Him for ever. And in the meantime, we have the power of God to strengthen faith and weaken cares; the liberty of forgiveness, and peace with God. Romans 8:32 says "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (NIV). That is powerful talking from God - and it is personal for you!
Now it's your turn to thank Him in private, and then don't forget to praise Him in public! It's not just personal piety, the workplace desperately needs news of Somebody who keeps His Word and can do all that He says!
Prayer: Father God. I am amazed that you should have spoken your love into my life, and provided me with every good thing according to You Word. Forgive me for saying little to You and even less to others. I really am grateful, help me to say so. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Are you confused about 'blessings'? Are they things or thoughts, words or works? In this verse, 'praise', 'blessed' and 'blessing' all come from the same Greek root word from which we derive 'eulogy'. Simply put, a blessing is a 'well word' or 'good word'. We can use it to praise God; but also to describe God's words spoken over us - 'blessings'. Of course, when God speaks He always acts, and so the words of blessing become synonymous with God's amazingly kind actions towards us; because God's words have great power.
It is true that we should speak well of God, because of who He is and what he has done; we certainly owe it to Him. So Paul instructs the Ephesian believers that they must declare how good the Lord has been: firstly to God Himself, and then to the rest of the church. After that, evangelistic testimony is just an extension of the overflow from a grateful heart.
Why be grateful? Well, through Christ, God has pronounced a personal welcome into His Kingdom, a place in His family and a home in heaven! Even though we do not yet experience a sinless paradise, God's Word assures us that one day we will be with Him for ever. And in the meantime, we have the power of God to strengthen faith and weaken cares; the liberty of forgiveness, and peace with God. Romans 8:32 says "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" (NIV). That is powerful talking from God - and it is personal for you!
Now it's your turn to thank Him in private, and then don't forget to praise Him in public! It's not just personal piety, the workplace desperately needs news of Somebody who keeps His Word and can do all that He says!
Prayer: Father God. I am amazed that you should have spoken your love into my life, and provided me with every good thing according to You Word. Forgive me for saying little to You and even less to others. I really am grateful, help me to say so. For Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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