Ephesians-Conclusion

1. I believe every believer has their own testimonies of experiencing God in their lives. These testimonies serve as fuel, inspiring them to live according to the way of Jesus. I have numerous testimonies of God's love, but one that stands out is from my time in Toronto. From 2011 to 2015, I studied for my Master of Theological Studies in Toronto. The financial challenges we faced during this period were extraordinary. My tuition fees were among the highest in North America due to currency exchange rates. Before moving to Toronto, we had spent most of our savings during our two years in Calgary, so we had to rely solely on my income, which was only $1,000 per month. Despite this limited income, after tithing and paying rent, we often had nothing left. Yet, we managed to pay my tuition fees and even hosted young adult group gatherings, providing meals for them. Though we lacked financial resources, we never fell into debt. This was entirely due to God's grace and provision. It's important to note that God's gifts and grace manifest differently for everyone; this is just my personal experience. Because of this grace, my family and I were able to move to Saskatchewan, where we have been living for the past nine years.

2. Since April, we have been studying the book of Ephesians, and today marks the conclusion of our journey through this profound text. What lessons have we learned? What has God revealed to us through Ephesians? In today's sermon, I want to reflect on the key teachings we have encountered in this book. Let's turn to Ephesians 2:8-9.

Ephesians 2:8–9 NRSV

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

3. The grace of God is central to understanding my life, just as it was crucial for Paul after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. Paul had no interest in knowing or following Jesus. In fact, he was vehemently opposed to the disciples of Jesus and sought to destroy them. However, his unexpected meeting with Jesus was not a result of his own intentions but was part of God's plan and purpose for the Gentiles. What was once far from Paul's vision became his life's mission and purpose through Jesus Christ and His saving grace.

Ephesians 1:3–6 NKJV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

4. If we understand Paul's life before his conversion (Saul in Acts 7 and 8), we can see that his current confession—that he became an apostle by God's predestination and election—is truly astounding. In fact, Paul did not intend to spark a theological debate about predestination and free will through his confession in Ephesians 1:3-11. Rather, he wrote it to emphasize that his conversion, the process of his salvation, and his future life are solely by Jesus Christ, and to affirm that he is in Jesus Christ. However, when we study theology, particularly doctrines, it's easy to fall into the trap of overgeneralizing biblical themes. For example, when Paul discusses God's election and predestination, his focus is on God's work and vision, rather than implying that God orchestrates every detail of our lives. Paul understood that the transformation in his own life was not due to his own vision and purpose, but was a result of God's decision. This highlights an important truth: we cannot choose to follow Jesus purely by our own decision; it requires hearing the Gospel and having a personal encounter with Jesus.

5. Throughout my life, there have been several pivotal moments that led me closer to God. One such moment was when I began attending church, initially drawn by the offer of noodles. Another significant point was when I joined a three-day prayer meeting. However, the experience that stands out most vividly is my parents' divorce. Although it was a painful time for my sister and me, it marked the beginning of a deeper relationship with God. I prayed fervently during that period, seeking to understand God's intentions for my life. While I still don't fully comprehend God's plan, I recognize that His grace was at work, keeping me focused on Him. Even though my parents' divorce was their decision, God used it to draw me closer to His love and grace. I now see this as God's predestination for me—not as predetermination, but as His purpose and direction for my life. Because God had predestined His grace for me, I was able to recognize it and start following Him. My will aligned with God's decision, leading me to choose His path. Now, I wear the new self, transformed by God's grace.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

6. When we read Ephesians, we can broadly divide it into two sections. The first section, chapters 1 to 3, discusses our new identity in Christ. The second section, chapters 4 to 6, focuses on our life in Christ. To me, this reflects our responsibility to God and His grace towards us. It is fitting that, if we are saved in Christ, we should live a transformed life. When I speak about living a new life after being saved, some might question whether this implies that God's salvation requires our actions. They might suggest that this perspective resembles synergism, which claims that salvation begins with God but is completed by our actions. However, I do not mean that our actions complete God's saving plan. Rather, it is our responsibility to live out our new life once we have been saved by God.

Ephesians 4:25 NIV

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Ephesians 4:30 NLT

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:32 NASB 2020

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

7. I still vividly remember the first time I was promoted at work. It was a part-time job I took after school, cleaning windows at a burger shop. After two months, the manager called me in and told me I had been promoted. My new task was to put lettuce on the burger patties. I felt a sense of achievement. Several months later, I advanced to making the burgers themselves. This role came with greater responsibility: I had to memorize numerous ingredients and adhere to food safety standards. Despite the challenges, I enjoyed making the burgers because it was something I truly wanted to do.

8. As we grow older, we often find that taking on more responsibilities can enrich our lives. When I turned 22, I began managing my salary independently. After getting married, I took on the responsibility of looking after my family. With each new responsibility, I found great joy. This progression feels like a natural part of life, a system set in place by God. Responsibility, I have come to realize, is a profound expression of love and trust. We only entrust responsibilities to those we truly believe in.

9. When someone is given a responsibility, it signifies a meaningful relationship and mutual trust. Throughout the Bible, we see that God does not control humans in every detail but allows them to exercise their will. God redeemed Israel and gave them laws to follow. If they kept these laws, they would be blessed and enjoy God's nourishment; if they did not, they would face punishment. Because of His love for Israel, God chose to trust them, allowing them to make their own decisions to follow Him. This pattern is evident in the Old Testament when God seeks to save and preserve His people.

10. The same pattern continues in the New Testament. God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish. God's love for the world places responsibility on humans. In the Bible, this responsibility is referred to as believing, obedience, or keeping God's commandments. By choosing to trust His people, God changed their identity through Jesus Christ and waits for their response to Him through faith in Christ.

11. This passage is not about earning salvation through our actions. Instead, it highlights how, because God loves us, He sent His Son to save us and grants us the will to accept Him and follow His path. In Ephesians, Paul explains the nature of salvation, our response to God, and the life we should lead in following Jesus. This encourages us to reflect on our new life in Christ. If we are in Christ, our will can recognize His presence in our lives, enabling us to embrace the responsibility God has given us through Him. When we choose to accept this responsibility, the Holy Spirit helps us remain in Christ and guides us in making good decisions. Thus, having this responsibility is a sign of God's love, as it indicates our growth in Christ.

Ephesians 6:14–17 NKJV

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

Ephesians 6:18–20 NKJV

praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

12. In Ephesians, Paul teaches that we have put on the new self in Christ and received a new identity. The old has passed away, and the new has come. As children of God, it is fitting that we live according to this new identity in Christ. God has restored us through Christ so that we may follow His way. It is now our responsibility to choose to serve the Lord, not out of our old desires, but because of the new desires we have in Christ. Our focus has shifted from our own purposes to God's purposes and His ways. This is Paul's message in Ephesians and his encouragement for believers in Christ. Therefore, let us live our new life in Christ and glorify God's name through our new life and identity. Don’t be afraid to embrace this God-given responsibility. God is on our side!