Grace and Peace Eph. 1:1-2

Devotional

Day 1: Grace Alone: God Saves the Unlikely and the Unworthy

No one can make themselves clean or worthy before God; salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, reaching even those who seem farthest from Him. Paul’s story reminds us that God’s love and mercy are not limited by our past or our failures—He pursues and saves us while we are still sinners, not after we have cleaned ourselves up. Like Paul, who was actively opposing Christ, we are invited to stop striving to earn God’s favor and instead receive the gift of grace that comes through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. The good news is that God’s plan to save us was set in motion before the foundation of the world, and His love is demonstrated in that Christ died for us while we were still sinners. If you feel unworthy or too far gone, remember that God’s grace is greater than your sin, and He desires to make you clean and new in Christ. [39:08]

Romans 5:8 (ESV):
"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you feel you must “clean yourself up” before coming to God? What would it look like to bring that area honestly to Jesus today and trust Him to make you clean by His grace alone?

Day 2: A New Identity: Set Apart as Saints in Christ

Every believer in Christ is given a new identity as a saint—set apart, holy, and consecrated for God’s purposes—not because of personal achievement, but because of Christ’s righteousness. This identity is not reserved for a spiritual elite, but is the reality for all who are in Christ, regardless of how they feel or what their past holds. Though we may not always feel holy, Scripture assures us that we are already perfected in God’s sight, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, even as we are being transformed day by day into His likeness. This “already and not yet” reality means that while we are fully accepted and loved by God, He is also at work sanctifying us, making us more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. When we stumble, we are invited to confess our sins, knowing that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us, and to continue His transforming work in us. [50:46]

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV):
"For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."

Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you struggle to believe you are truly set apart and holy in Christ? How can you remind yourself today of your new identity as a saint, and invite God to continue His transforming work in you?

Day 3: Faithful in a Dark World: Holding Firm and Loving Well

Christians are called to remain faithful to Christ and His Word, even when surrounded by a culture that opposes or misunderstands them. The early church in Ephesus faced immense pressure—from pagan worship to emperor cults—yet their identity in Christ remained unshaken, and they were called “faithful.” Faithfulness means not only standing firm on the truth of Scripture, but also loving one another deeply, refusing to let the world’s darkness define us or diminish our love. Even when the world calls evil good and good evil, our calling is to hold fast to Jesus, support one another, and be known both for our commitment to truth and our Christlike love. No matter your circumstances—whether you feel isolated in your faith or are coming out of a difficult season—your identity in Christ is secure, and you are empowered to be faithful and loving in the midst of a broken world. [56:03]

1 John 4:4 (ESV):
"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

Reflection:
Who is one person in your church or community you can intentionally encourage or support this week, demonstrating both faithfulness to God’s truth and Christlike love in action?

Day 4: The Authority of God’s Word: Trusting the Apostolic Witness

The writings of the apostles, including Paul, carry the authority of Christ Himself, and are not merely personal opinions or cultural relics. Paul was uniquely chosen and commissioned by Jesus as an apostle, receiving the gospel by direct revelation and affirmed by the other apostles and the early church. This means that when Scripture challenges our preferences or confronts our culture, we are called to submit to its authority, trusting that it is the inspired, inerrant Word of God given for our good and God’s glory. In a world where many dismiss or distort biblical teaching, we are exhorted to hold fast to the apostolic witness, knowing that living in alignment with God’s Word leads to true joy and transformation. [44:27]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV):
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection:
Is there a teaching or command in Scripture that you find difficult to accept or obey? How might you take a step today to trust God’s wisdom and submit to His Word, even when it challenges you?

Day 5: The Purpose of Grace: Peace and Adoption into God’s Family

God’s grace is not only the means by which we are saved, but also the foundation for our peace with God and our adoption as His beloved children. Through Christ, we are reconciled to God, no longer at war with Him, but welcomed into a relationship marked by love, security, and privilege. This peace is not just the absence of conflict, but the presence of a restored relationship with our heavenly Father, who gives us an eternal inheritance and invites us to experience His love now and forever. If you are striving to earn God’s acceptance or feel distant from Him, the invitation is to stop striving and receive the peace and adoption that come by faith in Jesus alone. [59:32]

Ephesians 1:2 (ESV):
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection:
What would it look like for you to rest in your identity as God’s adopted child today, trusting that you have peace with Him and are fully loved—not because of your performance, but because of His grace?

Sermon Summary

Today we witnessed the beautiful work of God as twelve individuals publicly declared their faith in Jesus through baptism. The water itself holds no power to save; it is Christ alone who saves. Baptism is a symbol of dying with Christ and being raised to new life, a testimony that our sins are washed away by faith in Jesus, who lived perfectly, died for our sins, and rose again. This act of obedience is a powerful reminder for all—children and adults alike—of the call to trust in Christ and follow Him.

We also began our journey through the book of Ephesians, a letter written by Paul, the apostle of grace. Paul’s story is a profound example of God’s mercy: once a zealous persecutor of Christians, he was radically transformed by the grace of Jesus. Paul’s conversion shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love. We cannot clean ourselves up or earn God’s favor; it is God who comes to us, saves us, and calls us His own.

Paul writes to the “saints” in Ephesus—ordinary believers set apart by God’s grace. In Christ, every believer is made holy, not by their own merit, but by being clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. There is an “already and not yet” reality to our holiness: we are already perfected in God’s sight, yet we are being sanctified day by day, transformed into Christ’s likeness by the Holy Spirit. Even when we struggle with sin, our identity in Christ remains secure. Conviction is not condemnation, but an invitation to deeper repentance and transformation.

The context of Ephesus reminds us that following Jesus often means standing firm in a culture that opposes the gospel. The early Christians faced immense pressure to conform, even to the point of losing their livelihoods or their lives. Yet, their identity in Christ did not change, and neither does ours, no matter how dark the world becomes. We are called to be both faithful to God’s truth and loving toward one another, supporting and building up the body of Christ.

Ultimately, the purpose of God’s grace is not just to give us peace, but to bring us into relationship with Him as our Father. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, given an unshakable inheritance, and invited to experience His love and presence now and forever. The invitation remains open: stop striving, trust in Christ, and receive the grace and peace that only He can give.

Key Takeaways

1. Grace is entirely God’s initiative. Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus demonstrates that salvation is not about our effort or worthiness, but about God’s sovereign mercy. Even when we are running the opposite direction, God pursues and transforms us by His grace, showing that no one is beyond His reach. [35:36]
2. Our identity as saints is rooted in Christ, not in our performance. The term “saint” is not reserved for spiritual elites, but for all who are in Christ. We are set apart, consecrated, and made holy by God’s declaration, even as we continue to grow and struggle in our daily walk. [47:20]
3. The “already and not yet” of sanctification means we are both perfected and being perfected. In Christ, we are fully justified and clothed in His righteousness, yet God is continually at work transforming us into the image of Jesus. This tension invites us to rest in our secure standing while actively pursuing holiness. [50:46]
4. Faithfulness in a hostile culture requires both conviction and love. The Ephesian church stood firm against false teaching and cultural pressure, but Jesus warned them not to lose their first love. We are called to hold fast to biblical truth while also being known for our love and support of one another, reflecting the heart of Christ to the world. [57:48]
5. The ultimate purpose of grace is relationship with God. Grace is not merely a means to avoid judgment, but the invitation to be adopted as God’s children, to know Him as Father, and to enjoy peace with Him. Our inheritance and security are found in this relationship, which is offered freely to all who trust in Jesus. [59:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - The Meaning of Baptism
[01:20] - Baptism as Public Declaration
[02:31] - Baptism of Individuals and Families
[10:36] - Continuing Baptisms
[18:40] - Celebrating New Life in Christ
[24:56] - Introduction to Ephesians
[26:10] - Why Study Ephesians?
[29:00] - Paul’s Greeting and Background
[31:24] - Paul’s Story: From Saul to Apostle
[34:52] - Paul’s Conversion and God’s Grace
[39:23] - The Meaning of Apostleship
[41:14] - Paul’s Authority and the Word of God
[46:01] - Saints: A People of Grace
[49:28] - Already and Not Yet: Our Holiness
[53:10] - The Challenge of Ephesus
[56:03] - Identity in Christ Amidst Darkness
[57:48] - Faithfulness and Love in the Church
[58:57] - The Purpose of Grace: Relationship with God
[60:10] - Our Inheritance and Adoption
[61:25] - Invitation to Receive Grace and Peace

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:1-2 (ESV) — > Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
> To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
> Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 9:1-6 (ESV) — > But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Hebrews 10:14 (ESV) — > For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 1:1-2, how does Paul describe himself and the people he is writing to? What titles or descriptions does he use for both?
In Acts 9, what was Saul (Paul) doing before he encountered Jesus, and how did Jesus intervene in his life?
Based on Hebrews 10:14, what does it mean that believers are “perfected for all time” and yet are “being sanctified”?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say baptism represents, and why is it important for both children and adults? [[00:40]]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Paul calls all believers “saints” and not just a select few? How does this challenge common ideas about holiness? [[47:20]]
The sermon says that grace is entirely God’s initiative, as seen in Paul’s conversion. What does this teach about our ability (or inability) to earn God’s favor? [[35:36]]
The pastor talks about the “already and not yet” of sanctification. How should this shape the way believers view their ongoing struggles with sin? [[50:46]]
The early Christians in Ephesus faced pressure to conform to their culture. What does the sermon suggest about how believers today should respond to cultural opposition? [[56:03]]

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace, using Paul’s story as an example. Is there someone in your life (maybe even yourself) that you’ve considered “too far gone” for God to reach? How does Paul’s story challenge that thinking? [[38:25]]
The pastor said, “You can’t clean yourself up before coming to Jesus.” Are there areas in your life where you feel you need to “get it together” before you can approach God? What would it look like to bring those things to Him now, as you are? [[35:36]]
Since all believers are called “saints” and set apart by God, how does this truth affect the way you see yourself and your daily life? Are there specific ways you struggle to believe this about yourself? [[47:20]]
The “already and not yet” reality means we are both holy in God’s sight and still being changed. When you struggle with sin, do you tend to feel condemned or invited to deeper repentance? How can you remind yourself of your secure identity in Christ this week? [[50:46]]
The sermon described the Ephesian church as standing firm in a hostile culture but also being warned not to lose their first love. In what ways do you find it hard to balance holding to biblical truth and showing love to others, especially those who disagree with you? [[57:48]]
The ultimate purpose of grace is relationship with God, not just avoiding judgment. How does thinking of God as your Father and yourself as His adopted child change the way you relate to Him? [[59:32]]
The pastor invited everyone to “stop striving, trust in Christ, and receive the grace and peace that only He can give.” What is one area of your life where you need to stop striving and trust Jesus more fully? What step could you take this week to do that? [[01:00:49]]

Sermon Clips

Let me tell you that the scripture says you will never be able to clean yourself up. It's like having a baby. It's like having mud on your face and mud on your hands, and you're doing your best and doing all the work, but you're just smearing it around. You can't make yourself good enough for God. You can't reconcile yourself to God. You can't bring peace between you and God because sin, your sin, has separated you from God. And what you need is a gracious and loving God who says, I'm going to come to you, and I'm not going to go, 50-50, I'm going to go all the way. [00:35:43] (38 seconds) #GraceNotWorks

It was his plan before the foundation of the world, knowing that you and I would sin against him. Before he created any of us, knowing that we would rebel against him, it was the plan of God that the second person of the Trinity, Jesus Christ, who is very God of very God, would take on flesh, dwell among us, live a perfect life in our place, fulfilling the law, keeping the law perfectly, and then he would go to a cross because it was the plan of God to crush him, Isaiah tells us, he took the sin that we committed on himself and took the penalty and the wrath and the punishment of God that our sin deserved on himself, all because he loves us, all because he loves you, all because he loves me, all because he loves Paul. And he says, listen, stop trying to clean yourself up. I'm the one who makes you clean. Look to me. [00:37:11] (70 seconds) #GodMakesClean

``Paul says that he serves forever as an example to those who think they're too far gone, that God can't possibly save them. Maybe you're here this morning and you think you're too far gone. One of the reasons that God saved Paul was so that no one could ever say they're too far gone. If God can save the man who was killing, Christians, God can and hear me wants to save you. [00:38:25] (34 seconds) #TooFarGoneSaved

The good news of the gospel is that God loves us and he demonstrated his love for us and that while we were, don't miss it, still sinners, Christ died for us. Friend, don't try and clean yourself up. Come to Jesus today. Look upon him. Look upon him by faith. [00:39:00] (24 seconds) #ChristDiedForSinners

Paul says, grace to you and peace from God, our father and the Lord Jesus. We're looking at the purpose of grace. You know, Paul writes grace and peace in this order because theologically this is the way it works. You cannot have peace with God without first experiencing grace from God. Because of God's incredible grace to take those who have sinned against him and to reconcile them to himself in and through Jesus Christ. Because of his incredible grace, we can have peace. [00:58:52] (36 seconds) #FaithBringsPeace

So maybe you're here this morning and you're going, can you help me have peace with God? Yes, friend, you can have peace with God by putting your faith in Jesus Christ. Stop striving to make your way right with God. Only Jesus can do that. And here's the good news. He already has. So will you look to Jesus by faith? Will you trust him this morning? Will you be adopted into the family of God? [01:00:39] (32 seconds)

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