Read Ephesians 1:1-2 CSB
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will: To the faithful saints in Christ Jesus at Ephesus. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I think, for most of us, being addressed as a “saint”…let alone a “faithful saint” might make us squirm a little. In most of our eyes, a saint is someone far more important than we see ourselves. They are a person set apart from the crowd…not your average Joe or Jane…different in the way they have lived their lives. Special or holy. And we…well, we’re just ordinary. We don’t see ourselves as markedly special or holy. Yet Paul addresses the people in Ephesus in this way, offering them both grace and peace in the opening lines of his letter. I think it was just his way of hinting at all he was about to say to them in his letter – a reminder of who they really were so that they could be ready to hear about the difference that declaration of identity…all because of Jesus…was meant to make in their lives.
This week we will take a look at some of the major themes in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. But as we prepare to do that, let’s remind our hearts and our minds of our own identity. We, too, are faithful saints in Christ Jesus!
So, may the grace and peace of God be with you this week as you dig into God’s Word. May He speak clearly and lovingly to you as you seek to know who He is – who you are because of Him – and what that means for your life.
