Ep. 96 | Approaching God with Freedom and Confidence | Ephesians

Drink in key verses from Ephesians chapter 3 and dwell on the idea that through faith in Jesus, all people, regardless of their background or history, can come to God. 
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Overview of the Book of Ephesians
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Ephesians 3
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Transcript

Subscribe to WellSoul Life emails and never miss a post. Now knowing God's Word, walking with God, and living with purpose is more possible than ever. Click the link in the show notes. 

Welcome to the WellSoul Podcast, where we pause to drink in scripture, reflect, and pray. I am your host, Seana Scott, and sometimes life leaves our souls feeling parched. So come to the well of living water that never runs dry. 

We continue our meditation series through the book of Ephesians. You can read the full passage from today's scripture in the show notes. And today we will focus on some key verses, and I'll give you a little bit of context to guide us in our reading, reflection, and prayer. In our previous passages, we meditated on the idea revealed in scripture that whether you are Jew or non-Jew, Jew or Gentile, all can now come to God through faith in Jesus. In previous times, only Jews could draw near to God through temple worship in Jerusalem, but now all could come to God through faith in Jesus. 

Now Paul continues with similar thoughts in Ephesians chapter 3 in verse 6 when he once again says that the mystery of Christ is revealed. Gentiles, non-Jews, are fellow heirs and partakers for the mystery of the gospel. See Ephesians 3, 5. 

We now will meditate on our passage for today from Ephesians chapter 3. Before I read, take a deep breath. Quiet your mind and focus your whole being on the words of scripture. 

Ephesians 3, 8-12 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given to me to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ. and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Him, and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 

What did the Holy Spirit highlight for you? Focus your thoughts on this for a moment.

 I'm going to re-read these verses. Listen for what the Spirit highlights for you.

 Ephesians 3, 8-12 Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given to me to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to His eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Him, and through faith in Him, we may approach God with freedom and confidence.

 Now take a moment to just sit with the words that you notice. 

The Apostle Paul, who wrote the book of Ephesians, used to persecute Christians. He was on a rampage of persecution when Jesus revealed himself to Paul in a vision. See Acts 9. So Paul could really say he was the least of all the saints, because he used to want to kill all those who followed Jesus, thinking he was offering a service to God. 

So friend, no matter how long we have gone in our rebellion against God, no matter how low, the mystery of the gospel is for us too. In Jesus, through faith, we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 

Now take a moment to pray about your reflections in this scripture or anything else that is on your mind. 

Let's pray.

Father, thank you so much for the gift of your Son and the Holy Spirit. Lord, thank you that no matter how low we have gone in our rebellion against you, you welcome us through faith in Christ, just like you welcomed murderous Paul. Help us, Lord, to approach you in faith with freedom and confidence. In Jesus's name, amen. 

Thank you for joining me today on the WellSoul Podcast. If this podcast is a blessing to you, the best way you can show your appreciation is by reviewing it on Apple Podcasts so more people can find the WellSoul. In addition, you can join the WellSoul email list and never miss a post or resource to know God's Word, walk with God, and live with purpose. Links are in the show notes. In closing, I remember my late friend, Brian Vasquez, who helped make this podcast possible. God bless you and I pray that you have a well soul.