Ephesians 3

The previous 2 chapters of Ephesians outline the sovereignty of God.

He has called us to Himself:

even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (1:4-5)

He makes us alive in Christ Jesus:

by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (2:5b-6)

He unifies us through His Son:

you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone (2:19-20)

Now as we read in Chapter 3 of Ephesians, Paul, being continually renewed by The Holy Spirit, declares the love of Jesus to the church at Ephesus.

Paul is in prison as he writes this letter. He is beaten to the point of death, yet he continues to declare the Gospel to the Gentiles and encourages the Church at Ephesus not to lose heart to lose heart over what he is suffering for them (3:13)

We too, as Christians, are afflicted in this life. We are sick. We are persecuted. We suffer loss. We are victims. We face tragedy. We sin and face consequences. We have family that is hurting.

Let us, through our affliction, not lose heart.

There is strength within the sorrow.

There is beauty in our tears.

And You meet us in our mourning.

With a love that casts out fear.

You are working in our waiting

You're sanctifying us.

When beyond our understanding,

You're teaching us to trust.

(Sovereign Over Us, by Aaron Keyes)

Through suffering, bow your knees and ask your Dad for the strength to persevere.

The good news is that he will strengthen us in our inner being. Our bodies may be broken. The circumstances around us may seem out of our control. But, our Father promises to "strengthen us through the Holy Spirit in our inner being" (3:16).

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen (3:20-21)

Ryan Fouts | Church Member

Ryan and his wife Emily are the proud parents of four little ones who are age four and under:  Jonathan, Joshua, Ruth and Rebekah. They are both very active members of Hutto Bible church. They have served in many areas of ministry. Ryan is currently serving on the I.T. team.