The Great Drama Ephesians 3:7–13 Through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known. Ephesians 3:10 Here in a nutshell is what I think the purpose of history is, as demonstrated in the lives of those who have been saved from sin by Jesus. Instead of annihilating Satan when he rebelled,…

No Barrier Ephesians 2:11–22 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one. Ephesians 2:14 Not only is fellowship with the Father restored, but fellowship between estranged human beings also—if they are in Christ. Jesus’s death for sin opened the way to God for all who will come to God by him….

But God Ephesians 2:1–10 But God . . . Ephesians 2:4 Our position as sinners (apart from God) is hopeless for three reasons. First, we are “dead in [our] trespasses and sins” (v. 1). We are no more able to help ourselves spiritually than a corpse is able to improve its condition. Second, we are…

Spiritual Blessings Ephesians 1:1–14 [God] has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing. Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:4–14 is a listing of the spiritual blessings we have in Christ. 1. Election (v. 4). Paul says that “he [that is, God] chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy…

Our Time to Trust God Galatians 4:1–7 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son. Galatians 4:4 There is a fullness of time in which Christ comes to each of us. God comes in the fullness of time to each heart. Paul referred to this, using the illustration of planting,…

Justification by Faith Alone Galatians 2:15–21 [We] know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. Galatians 2:16 (NIV throughout) Justify is a forensic term borrowed from the law courts. It means “to declare righteous or innocent.” The opposite of “to justify” is “to condemn” or “to…

Gospel Compromise Galatians 2:11–14 When [Peter] came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. Galatians 2:11 Here is the reason why Peter was in the wrong or stood condemned. It was not, it must be noted, a case of Peter’s simply making an honest mistake. The Peter who had received…

A Man of God Galatians 1:11–24 And they glorified God because of me. Galatians 1:24 Paul was a man of God. He had principles, but they were God’s principles. This is why he wasn’t an obstinate egotist. He was defending the standards that had been taught to him by God. He was also strong but…

Sufficient Grace 2 Corinthians 12:7–10 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Paul’s point here is that grace, which provides the power, is seen in us, not when we are strong, but when we are weak. But if that is so, then, as Paul says, “I will…

A New Creature 2 Corinthians 5:11–21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 God has planted a new spiritual life within the heart of every Christian, making each of us a new creation in Christ. And this spiritual life is the same life that we will be living a thousand…