Our study in Ephesians has been all about seeing ourselves the way God sees us. Such a sense of identity changes everything. Paul's letter to the Ephesians also reminds us of the importance of roots. The health of a tree is dependent on the health of its root system. Roots reach deep into the soil to draw up the necessary nourishment to sustain the tree. Deep roots create stability and help the tree withstand the storms of life. Likewise, when we are rooted in the powerful and boundless love of Jesus, we are prepared to face the challenges of living in a stormy world.
Have you paid attention to your own root system as you have studied and prayed through Ephesians? Are your deepest roots in Jesus Christ? Have you specifically prayed that Jesus Christ will dwell in your heart more and more so you are equipped to face the realities of life?
INVITATION: This week we tackle some often misunderstood verses. The Christian message and lifestyle are often counter intuitive and counter cultural, but this week's verses are particularly so. Yet they can be life and relationship changing. And just like all of scripture, that is true IF you put them into practice. As John 8 says, "IF you put my principals into practice, THEN you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:31-32 paraphrased). Are you willing to endure some counter intuitive and counter cultural changes in your life in order to live in more truth and freedom?
Speaking of deep roots, Pastor Adam announced that in the Fall we will be starting the curriculum "Practicing the Way." This will help you form a clear path to being formed by Jesus in the modern era, rather than being counter-formed by a culture that merely skims the surface. Are you ready to apprentice alongside Jesus rather just learn more about Him? Transformation occurs by experience - not just knowledge. Plan on joining us this Fall as we seek to follow Jesus in deeper, richer ways in our lives as a faith community and in our individual lives!
MONDAY: Ephesians 5:21. This is probably the core verse of the week. People love to hate the word "submit" and many pastors totally shy away from teaching this biblical principle. It means to 'stand under"--to prefer, to serve or to elevate. We are to (use your preferred word) submit to one another out of reverence to Christ. We all can likely agree it is counter cultural to serve one another and elevate others above yourself, but as you contemplate and pray about doing such a thing "out of reference to Christ," how does that change how you feel about it?
TUESDAY: Mark 10:42-45: Pastor Adam suggested that mutual submission could be enacted on a daily basis by asking this question: "How can I help you today/this week?" We often don't ask such a question because, honestly, we don't think about it (it's counter-cultural and counter intuitive). But also, if we are completely honest, we are afraid the person may actually have an answer. And we are, at our core, selfish. We do not have a bent toward living in this mutual submission mindset. Life most often revolves around us. We are often all about leading, but that leadership does not usually manifest itself by serving. Today, are you willing to ask the question "how can i help you"? And tomorrow, and maybe every day this week? Or maybe you only feel you can start with once a week. Are you willing to trust Jesus in this?
WEDNESDAY: Ephesians 5:21-24. Context is imperative to understanding these verses (and the remaining verses in this week's study). Paul first taught about a 2-way street known as mutual submission. Christ perfectly exemplified this principle. Jesus is our Lord and King, yet he loved and served us and willingly died for us. Mutual submission was a radical teaching in a Roman culture. It is also radical in our culture. Then, the scripture goes on to apply this principle to the marriage relationship. How do you honestly feel about this teaching of submission? Do you have a trauma response when you hear these verses? The verses covered tomorrow will likely help clarify today's verses. But if you do have a difficult time with this principle might that be something you take into prayer today? Jesus can heal these types of responses and cleanse your heart, soul and mind.
THURSDAY: Ephesians 5:25-28: Now the verses speak to husbands. Husbands are instructed to treat their wives as Christ treated us. Christ sacrificed his life for us. God expects husbands to live out this sacrificial love each day. That is the context in which wives are instructed to submit. The scripture then goes on to point out that marriage is a profound mystery and that sacrificial love for one another will result in a union that looks like the church, "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." Do you know any marriages like this? Do you know any churches like this? Does that make you feel cynical, or does that make you want to press in deeper into the "Jesus life" and grow and change yourself and your marriage? All you can control is YOU. Go to Jesus today in prayer and ask Him how you can be more of a servant leader within your marriage.
FRIDAY: Ephesians 5:29-33: Love and respect are at the heart of mutual submission. How are love and respect showing up in your close relationships - - - or are they missing? You are invited today to ask God to show you a relationship in your life where you may need to focus on more love and respect.
SATURDAY: Ephesians 6:1-9: Servant leadership and mutual submission will benefit ALL your relationships. How might you begin living a lifestyle of mutual submission this week and in the future? How will you remain faithful to this? Perhaps talk with a friend or Spiritual Director about it? Perhaps talk with a leader at your church? Do you believe at your deepest level you can trust Jesus with this counter cultural and counter intuitive way of living and interacting?