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“A Word for this Week” - Pastor Bill Mugnolo

Week of July 15-21, 2024: “Run on Sentence, Run on Blessings”: Ephesians 1:3-14

Back in Grammar School, we were told not to use “run on sentences”. But in the original Greek Language of the New Testament, Ephesians 1:3-14 is a 200 word-long run on sentence. But in this elongated sentence, we read of “run on blessings” in the Name of the Triune God.

In vv.3-6, we hear of how God the Father chose us, in Christ, from before the very foundation of the world itself. While it’s so easy for us to see ourselves as a “mere speck” among eight billion people on earth, Our Heavenly Father sees us otherwise. As a recent Church sign that I saw put it, “God made you on purpose for a purpose.”

Verses 7-12 speak of the Son’s work for us. Here, we see that we have a purpose because Jesus lived out His purpose while among us—especially at the cross and in the empty tomb. He now looks to unite us together with all things both in heaven and on earth. This, Paul says, is our inheritance in Christ.

The final verses, vv.13-14, concern the work of the Holy Spirit. In Him, our inheritance in Christ, has been “sealed” as a guarantee as to what is to come at the return of Christ.

Paul, as the Letter to the Ephesians continues, will have many challenging things to say to this church—and to us. But first, in his “run on sentence’, the apostle gives to us the very basics of our faith as he assures us that we have, already, every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. All this having come to us through the work of the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit.

Replace today's negative thoughts with God's eternal truths

The world says: "Its impossible." God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)

The world says "I'm too tired." God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)

The world says: "Nobody really loves me." God says: "I love you." (John 3:16, 34)

The world says: "I can't go on." God says: "My grace is sufficient." (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)

The world says: "I can't figure things out." God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

The world says: "I can't do it." God says: "You can do all things." (Philippians 4:13)

The world says: "I'm not able." God says: "I am able." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

The world says: "It's not worth it." God says: "It will be worth it." (Roman 8:28)

The world says: "I can't forgive myself." God says: "I forgive you." (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1)

The world says: "I can't manage." God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Philippians 4:19)

The world says: "I'm afraid." God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7)

The world says: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: "Cast all your cares on Me." (1 Peter 5:7)

The world says: "I'm not smart enough." God says: "I give you wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

The world says: "I feel all alone." God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)