SATURDAY August 28, 2021
Serving Christ All for Love’s Sake
We love Him [Jesus] because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19
Before we complete the book of Ephesians, it is important to reflect back on what has already been taught to us in this great Epistle. I heard the book of Ephesians taught in depth, for the first time by Pastor Chuck Smith, in the tent, during the seventies. It is now one of my favorite books to teach.
The Epistle was written for believers, those who have accepted Christ by faith as their Lord and Savior. The word “in Christ” is used 42 times, it speaks of a believer’s position. This phrase “in Christ” separates us from those in the world who do not know Christ, and identifies believers as those who are born again of the Holy Spirit (John 3).
Remember Paul, in the first three chapters of the book of Ephesians, taught believers their position in Christ. Christians need to get to know Christ and everything He has done for them. It was only after Paul taught believers their position in Christ that he went on to teach the next three chapters which covered what they were supposed to be doing for Christ. This second step helped lead believers into different areas of ministry.
I have found some people have a wrong concept of what it means to be a Christian. They believe they have to constantly be doing something for God; when He has done everything for them. God is on the throne; He is our Father. He loves His children tremendously. He has an unconditional love for each of us equally. Christians serve God out of a sincere love for Him. Their motive is pure love.
Obedience is the truest expression of our love to Christ. Not our emotional bursts of "worship" or our tears or solemn promises or extended hours of prayer. No, love expressed is obedience to His will as He has revealed it to us.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
