“His Kindness Unites Us”

In the previous blog post we briefly explored the historical context of the church of Ephesus and the influential city he was teaching. His writing opened the doors to theological thought centered on Jesus Christ as Lord of the universe. The book of Ephesians is one of four ‘prison epistles’ in which Paul addresses the Christian church in the city.  Since Paul writes this letter from prison, his doors were not exactly opened in the physical sense, however; he was able to harness his pen as a tool to reach the masses.

There are two themes AND five main points of reference for Ephesians chapter 2:

These themes are:

  1. Comparison Culture. (v. 1-3)
  2. Kingdom Citizenship. (v. 11-22)

The five main points of reference are:

  1. Once Dead Under Its Spiritual Ruler (v.1-3)
  2. Now Alive Through Gods Mercy (v. 4)
  3. Deep Kindness as our Inheritance (v. 8)
  4. Our Heavenly Position (v. 14)
  5. Unity Regardless of Station. (v. 19-20)

The Ephesians battled a time where the main cultural influence was having babies and glorifying fertility above God. In actuality, the city of Ephesus established fertility as a goddess. This is why in my notes I jotted down these two main themes that I will delve deep in by analyzing its’ prophetic influence in todays standard.

1. Comparison Culture:

Right off the bat in comparison culture there is already an abundance of questions that kick in our sides if we’re not careful. Some of these questions are:

  1. How come I’m not married God?
  2. Why don’t I have kids God?
  3. Where is my husband God?

First off: all these questions are out of order! All these questions are pathways that lead to comparison culture! It’s the epitome of comparing yourself to the girl or guy sitting right next to you, wondering how on earth they get what you don’t get yet. This is comparison culture. Comparison culture compares the me to you and you to me— all without the Christ instead as the living bread. I’m glad this is rhyming so that it sticks with you. Comparison culture kills joy. And joy comes as a gift package in the spiritual blessings we inherit as part of our Kingdom Citizenship.

2. Kingdom Citizenship:

Kingdom citizenship starts with receiving Christ and follows with kindness and favor. It says in v. 5 We were dead because of our failures, but he made us alive together with Christ. (It is God’s kindness that saved you.)” I love this verse because it exudes the gift of Christ’s love through receiving His kindness. It is SO KIND of the Lord to give Kingdom Citizenship through Christ. I would argue that true understanding of Kingdom citizenship fully eliminates Comparison Culture in a head to head battle.

Furthermore, the piece of scripture in Ephesians chapter 2 that eliminates Comparison Culture and cements Kingdom Citizenship is v18 and v19 So Jewish and non-Jewish people can go to the Father in one Spirit. That is why you are no longer foreigners and outsiders but citizens together with God’s people and members of God’s family.Wherever you are located, once you have accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are automatically enrolled as citizen under Christ’s army. Christ’s Kingdom. Christ’s leadership. This Kingdom citizenship is the greatest badge of honor anyone could hold and must come first in everyday life.

 

Yours Truly,

Destiny Rose Nielsen.

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