#1373. God’s grace lavished on us (27/10/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we Continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Today, as we begin our reflections in Ephesians 1:7-14, let’s be freshly impacted by the lavish nature of God’s grace toward us:

Are we being filled with God’s lavish grace and His wisdom or are we being filled with things that rob us of joy and wisdom? 

You can listen to this devotional below

1. Redemption through His blood

The value of something is often measured by the price someone is willing to pay. A priceless treasure demands an astonishing cost. Yet when it comes to salvation, this analogy breaks down. The price God paid - the precious blood of His Son - does not reveal our inherent worth, but rather the glory of His love and grace. We were lost, helpless, and without hope, yet God chose to redeem us at the greatest cost. The cross does not magnify us; it magnifies Him.

Paul begins with the heart of the gospel - redemption. This word speaks of being set free by the payment of a ransom. Our redemption was costly; it is not through our effort or our good works, but through His blood. Jesus shed His blood to pay the price for our release.

2. The forgiveness of sins

Redemption is inseparably linked with forgiveness. To be forgiven means our guilt is wiped away, our debt cancelled. This is not because God simply chooses to overlook our sin - far from it. He forgives because our sin was placed on Christ, who shed His blood in our place. Through His sacrifice we are reconciled to God. Whatever shame, regret, or accusation we may carry, God’s Word assures us: in Christ we are forgiven, for He bore the curse so that we might go free.

3. Grace lavished on us

Notice Paul doesn’t simply say God gives us grace, but that He lavishes it on us. God’s grace is not stingy or reluctant; it’s overflowing. His grace is poured out abundantly, without measure - grace that’s overly sufficient for all our failures! 

4. Wisdom and understanding

Finally, Paul speaks of the lavish nature of God’s ‘wisdom and understanding’. There are a number of ways of understanding this section, but today, I want us to see that along with redemption and grace super-abundantly poured on us, Christians are also given wisdom and understanding. Christians, by the ‘spirit of wisdom and revelation’ (1:17) working in them, live life in accord with God’s wisdom, for His purposes and for His glory.  

Response

Are we being filled with God’s lavish grace and His wisdom or are we being filled with things that rob us of joy and wisdom? 

• Do we live as though His forgiveness is abundant, or as though it is limited? 

• Is there a sin or struggle for which we need to receive God’s forgiveness or freedom?

• Do we see ourselves as redeemed and set free, or still in chains? 

• Are we allowing the ‘wisdom and understanding’  of God - His will and ways - to fill us and take precedence over other influences? 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Please ensure that your group know about, and are praying for, the second of our gift days this coming Sunday. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 1:7-14, was:  Redeemed and Sealed in Christ. 

Please read Ephesians 1:7-14 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?

• What does it mean to have ‘redemption’? 

• What is ‘forgiveness’ and how is this linked with ‘redemption through His blood’? 

• What is the ‘mystery of God’s will’ now made known?

• What is the ‘Seal’ and ‘deposit’ of the Spirit? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From Ephesians 1:7-14, what, particularly from v.13, is our role in God’s work of redemption?  

• Share Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

• Practical Next Steps – Who is God putting on your heart to reach? Are there any ‘people of peace’ (*see note) in your life—those who are receptive to you and spiritual conversation?

Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’  in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.