What are we willing to suffer for? If talking about Jesus meant we would get beaten up, receive death threats, or go to prison, would we shut up for continue to speak?
Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash
Read Ephesians 3:11-13 in The Message. If possible, read it aloud.
11-13 All this is proceeding along lines planned all along by God and then executed in Christ Jesus. When we trust in him, we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud! Ephesians 3:11-13, MSG
Signs of the Times
- The city of Ephesus was mentioned 16 times in the Bible and is known as one of the most important Early Christian City. After Ephesus was invaded by Goths in 263 AD, they destroyed both the city and the Temple of Artemis. Subsequently, Ephesus lost its importance and was never rebuilt again.
- The Greek words in verse 12 could be translated, “freedom of speech to say whatever you want with boldness.”
- Being held in a Roman prison, or being incarcerated today, was and is often a matter of shame, but Paul didn’t view it this way. Paul considers his suffering an honor because of the reason for his detention—he was a Christ-follower and was imprisoned for sharing the Good News brought to everyone through Jesus. As did athletes, soldier, or warriors, Paul represented his people—others who also followed The Way.
Read the verses once more, this time in the New Living Translation.
11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. Ephesians 3:11-13, NLT
Chart the information that is in Ephesians 3:7-10. I focused on four items in these verses: salvation, Christ’s faithfulness, Our faith, and Paul’s faith.
| Salvation | |
| Christ’s faithfulness | |
| Our faith | |
| Paul’s faith |
Quiet your mind; open your eyes, ears, and heart. What does God want you to hear in these three verses as you read them one more time, in The Passion Translation.
11 This perfectly wise plan was destined from eternal ages and fulfilled completely in our Lord Jesus Christ, so that now 12 we have boldness through him, and free access as kings before the Father because of our complete confidence in Christ’s faithfulness. 13 My dear friends, I pray that you will remain strong and not be discouraged or ashamed by all that I suffer on your behalf, for it is for your glory. Ephesians 43:11-13, TPT
What is God talking to you about today? Is He giving you a challenge? Is He gently whispering? What encouragement do you hear? Doodle it, write it, or explain it via a picture.
And as always, I am encouraged by your comments and pictures. My email is KSEvenhouseWWV@gmail.com.
Kathleen S Evenhouse 