FAMILY WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL
EPHESIANS ONE
Part 1
5-day Bible Reading Plan and devotional Guide
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the transcription:
Day 1: Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing
Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Devotional: Today, we focus on the incredible truth that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Often, we pray for blessings as if God is withholding them, but Paul reminds us that in Christ, we already have access to all we need. Reflect on what it means to have these blessings "in the heavenly realms." How might your perspective change if you truly believed you already possessed everything needed for life and godliness? Consider how you can start "unlocking" these blessings in your daily life, not by asking for more, but by accessing what's already yours in Christ.
Day 2: Chosen and Predestined in Love
Reading: Ephesians 1:4-6, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: The concepts of election and predestination can be challenging, but at their core is a profound truth: God's love for us precedes our love for Him. Before the foundation of the world, God chose you in love. This isn't about exclusion, but about the depths of God's grace. How does it make you feel to know that God's plan for you was set in motion before time began? Reflect on how this truth might impact your sense of purpose and identity. In what ways can you live today as one chosen and beloved by God?
Day 3: Redeemed and Forgiven
Reading: Ephesians 1:7-10, Colossians 1:13-14
Devotional: In Christ, we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins. This is not just a past event but a present reality that shapes our identity. God's grace is described as lavish – abundantly given without reserve. How often do you live in the freedom of this forgiveness? Take time to confess any areas where you've been holding onto guilt or shame. Embrace the lavish grace God offers and consider how you can extend this same forgiveness to others in your life.
Day 4: Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Reading: Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Devotional: As believers, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. This seal is like God's personal stamp of ownership and protection on our lives. In ancient times, a seal represented authority and authenticity. How does knowing you are "sealed" by God impact your sense of security in your faith? Reflect on times when you've felt the Holy Spirit's presence in your life. How can you be more aware and responsive to the Spirit's guidance today?
Day 5: Positioned with Christ
Reading: Ephesians 2:4-7, Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: One of the most profound truths in Scripture is that we are not only saved by Christ but also positioned with Him in the heavenly realms. This spiritual reality should shape how we view our challenges and opportunities. If you are seated with Christ, how should that impact your response to life's difficulties? Consider a current struggle you're facing. How might your approach change if you truly believed you were viewing it from Christ's perspective? Pray for the faith to live from this position of victory and authority in Christ.
Day 1: Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing
Reading: Ephesians 1:3-14
Devotional: Today, we focus on the incredible truth that God has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Often, we pray for blessings as if God is withholding them, but Paul reminds us that in Christ, we already have access to all we need. Reflect on what it means to have these blessings "in the heavenly realms." How might your perspective change if you truly believed you already possessed everything needed for life and godliness? Consider how you can start "unlocking" these blessings in your daily life, not by asking for more, but by accessing what's already yours in Christ.
Day 2: Chosen and Predestined in Love
Reading: Ephesians 1:4-6, Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: The concepts of election and predestination can be challenging, but at their core is a profound truth: God's love for us precedes our love for Him. Before the foundation of the world, God chose you in love. This isn't about exclusion, but about the depths of God's grace. How does it make you feel to know that God's plan for you was set in motion before time began? Reflect on how this truth might impact your sense of purpose and identity. In what ways can you live today as one chosen and beloved by God?
Day 3: Redeemed and Forgiven
Reading: Ephesians 1:7-10, Colossians 1:13-14
Devotional: In Christ, we have redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins. This is not just a past event but a present reality that shapes our identity. God's grace is described as lavish – abundantly given without reserve. How often do you live in the freedom of this forgiveness? Take time to confess any areas where you've been holding onto guilt or shame. Embrace the lavish grace God offers and consider how you can extend this same forgiveness to others in your life.
Day 4: Sealed with the Holy Spirit
Reading: Ephesians 1:13-14, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Devotional: As believers, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance. This seal is like God's personal stamp of ownership and protection on our lives. In ancient times, a seal represented authority and authenticity. How does knowing you are "sealed" by God impact your sense of security in your faith? Reflect on times when you've felt the Holy Spirit's presence in your life. How can you be more aware and responsive to the Spirit's guidance today?
Day 5: Positioned with Christ
Reading: Ephesians 2:4-7, Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: One of the most profound truths in Scripture is that we are not only saved by Christ but also positioned with Him in the heavenly realms. This spiritual reality should shape how we view our challenges and opportunities. If you are seated with Christ, how should that impact your response to life's difficulties? Consider a current struggle you're facing. How might your approach change if you truly believed you were viewing it from Christ's perspective? Pray for the faith to live from this position of victory and authority in Christ.
Discussion Questions
- How does understanding God's 'providential grace' and 'total blessing' change your perspective on asking God for things in prayer?
- In what ways can we practically apply the concept of having 'the keys to the vault' of God's blessings in our daily lives?
- How might viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, as the pastor suggests, transform our approach to difficulties?
- What does it mean to you personally that God has 'predetermined your end' through predestination, and how does this affect your view of life's journey?
- How can we balance the idea of being 'already blessed' with the need for personal growth and overcoming sin?
- In what ways can we shift our mindset to see ourselves as God sees us, especially when we feel we've fallen short?
- How does the concept of 'spiritual blessings' being like 'crude oil' that needs refining challenge our understanding of God's provision?
- What are some practical ways we can 'convert' our spiritual blessings into tangible realities in our lives?
- How does understanding our position in Christ, as described in Ephesians, empower us to face spiritual battles?
- In what ways can we cultivate a perspective that approaches situations as Jesus would, and what might be the impact of doing so?