(Begin with 1-2 minutes of silence)
When reading the Scriptures, it’s important to understand the culture and the context of what you’re reading. As difficult as it may be, it’s important to try understand Ephesians in the same way the people who first heard it would’ve understood it. The who-what-when-where-why questions (who were the Ephesians, what was it like living there at that time, etc.) provide valuable insight that really help the text come to life.
But as followers of Jesus, we must not allow our study of the Scriptures to only be about gathering information. Instead, it’s primarily about transformation. When engaging with the text, you’re not just trying to understand the meaning of the text. Instead, the ultimate goal is to allow the Scriptures to impact your life, molding and shaping you into the person God has created you to be.
Main Idea: Reading the Scriptures is good. But allowing the Scriptures to read you is better.
As you read today, allow God’s Word to read you. Do you have any unhealthy thoughts about God, yourself, or others that go against the truths of the Scriptures?
READING & PRAYERS:
EPHESIANS 1:1-10, PSALM 139:23-24
What is one (or more) unhealthy thought you may have about God, yourself, or others?
What truths from today’s reading speak against these unhealthy thoughts?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as I enter into this new study on the Book of Ephesians, I simply pray that Your Word will impact my life in deep ways. May You continue to transform into the person You have created me to be. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
(End with 1-2 minutes of silence)
south ridge blog 