Key Truth: Grace and peace come from God our Father in Christ resulting in our growth in undying love with faith for the Lord Jesus Christ for the life of the world.  

Introduction:

How often do you long for grace and/or peace in the various circumstances in your life?

To the Faithful Saints: Grace and Peace from God Our Father in Christ:

Ephesians 1:1-2

“Paul’s readers have already experienced, in some measure, God’s grace and peace in the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle recognizes this, and in his salutation he expresses his desire that these twin blessings may be understood and experienced in greater measure, especially through the letter itself, for these two major themes are taken up again and again throughout Ephesians.”

Peter T. O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians

What are some ways in which you have recently experienced the grace of God our Father through the Lord Jesus Christ?
What are some ways in which you have recently tasted of the peace of God our Father in the Lord Jesus Christ?

To Grow in Undying Love with Faith for Christ: The Result of Grace and Peace from God Our Father:

Ephesians 6:21-24

“At the end of the letter (Paul) prays that these qualities may continue to characterize them. Such qualities would be their response to the peace and grace bestowed by God; like all the Christian virtues, (love and faith) have their source in God—‘God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’ (cf. Eph. 1:2).”

F.F. Bruce, The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians

What are some ways in which you are growing in your love for the Lord Jesus Christ who has provided you with grace and peace in God our Father?

Application:

Ephesians 1:1-2; 6:21-24 teaches us that:
- grace and peace come from God our Father in the Lord Jesus Christ
- resulting in our growth in undying love with faith for the Lord Jesus Christ for the life of
the world  

“Ephesians is not merely there to give information. It is designed to transform us as we seek to become gospel characters, to become truly the people of God. Paul means to give us hope in God’s resurrection power and to help us gain wisdom as we seek to participate fruitfully in what God is doing in the world.”

Timothy G. Gombis, The Drama of Ephesians: Participating in the Triumph of God

Communion

Benediction:

Ephesians 3:20-21