Useful Bible Studies > Ephesians Commentary > chapter 1
When we make a contract or legal agreement, we often ask for evidence of it, typically on paper. We want proof of the promises of which we have the benefit. So, we record those promises, and that acts as a guarantee, or a proof, of our agreement.
God has made some very wonderful promises to his people. Although we benefit now from some of those promises, the full benefit is for a future time. So, God has promised to defeat every evil force in this world, and to establish the perfect rule of Christ (Isaiah 11:1-9). He promises to defeat the power of death for his people (John 11:25-26). He promises them a home in heaven (John 14:2-3), and that they will always live with him in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1-7). He even promises to adopt them with the full rights of sons in his family (Romans 8:14-19).
We cannot earn the benefit of these promises and we cannot pay for them (Romans 4:1-8). They are God’s free gifts to the person who puts his faith, or trust, in God. However, God has chosen to give us the strongest evidence that we have the benefit of these promises. When we put our trust in Christ, God’s Holy Spirit begins to live in our lives (Romans 8:9). In other words, God himself is constantly present in our lives, by his Holy Spirit. In every situation, God’s Holy Spirit offers to guide and to direct us, so that our actions will be pleasing to God (Galatians 5:16-23).
God hates proud attitudes (Proverbs 16:5). The right reaction of God’s people to these things is not to be proud, but to be grateful. They should humbly allow God’s Holy Spirit to work through their lives to help other people. Then their lives will truly bring honour to God, and show God’s glory (greatness).
Next part: Paul genuinely cared about people (Ephesians 1:15)
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© 2019, Keith Simons.