Bible Pathway - Dec. 3, 2011

Highlights:

Since we became believers in Jesus Christ our Savior (John 14:6), we have been showered with the loving-kindness of God (Eph. 1:3-8). We all . . . were by nature the children of wrath. . . . But God . . . loved us . . . through Christ Jesus (2:3-4,7). We are strengthened by His Spirit (3:16).

The little word all occurs over forty times in the brief six chapters of Ephesians. It becomes the key for the believer who will settle for nothing less than the will of God, who has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love (Eph. 1:4). God the Father ordained that Christ should be raised from the dead, and should sit at the right hand (of God) in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the Head over all things to the Church, Which is His Body (1:21-23).

The purpose of the redeeming love of God is to provide a way for mankind to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. And you hath He quickened (made alive), who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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 . . . But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us . . . hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) . . . 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 (2:1-10).

Let us be willing to give up our all to receive His all. The all of Christ is what we must seek. His will as revealed in His Word should be our main concern. If we don't read all the Bible, it's because we foolishly think we can find all the answers without it.

It is our prayer that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph. 1:17).

Thought for Today:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).

Cross References:

For Eph. 1:22: See Ps. 8:6. Eph. 2:17: See Is. 57:19.

Word Studies:

1:8 prudence, spiritual insight, knowledge and holy love of the will of God; 1:10 dispensation of the fulness of times, last period of the dealings of God with mankind on earth; 1:13 sealed, proof of ownership that we belong to the Family of God; 1:14 earnest, first installment of our inheritance; 2:1 quickened, made alive; 2:13 sometimes, formerly (not "occasionally"); 3:3 mystery, purpose of God which is hidden from the ungodly; 3:13 faint not, don't give up or be discouraged.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Government Officials: Rep. Jim Renacci (OH) and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Lift up your heart to God in prayer (Lam. 3:41).

Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 6:15