#1396. Raised and Seated with Christ (27/11/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Nov 27
- 4 min read
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.
Having seen that God has made us alive with Christ by His amazing grace. Today, let’s we go on to consider further aspects of our glorious riches in Christ:
From Ephesians 2:4-7, let’s reflect on how we are raised with, and seated with Christ by virtue of our union with Christ.
To watch this devotional, select the link below:
‘But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.’ (Ephesians 2:4–7)
1. What does it mean to be raised with Christ?
Along with being ‘made alive with Christ,’ as we saw in our last devotional, we are also told that we have been ‘raised up’ with Him. Sharing in Christ’s resurrection and ascension through our union with Him, we have been lifted into the heavenly realms!
While our bodies remain on earth, our spirits, united with Christ by the Holy Spirit, are already raised to heaven and basking in the glory of God. This is why, back in 1:3, Paul could say that God has “blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Right now, we truly belong to that realm, enjoying fullness of life in the fullness of God.
2. What does it mean to be seated with Christ?
Paul goes further: we are not only raised, but also seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. To be seated is to rest in a completed victory. Jesus has finished His work, conquered every enemy, and now reigns at the Father’s right hand. And in Him, we share in that triumph. Nothing can separate us from God; no power can overthrow us; no condemnation can undo what Christ has secured. Our salvation is settled and sure.
Response
Our union with Christ in being raised and seated with Christ, has great bearing on our lives:
Do we realise the victory and hope that are already ours in Him?
Do we remember that we no longer belong to this world but are citizens of God’s kingdom?
Do we live with minds and hearts lifted toward heaven, where Christ is?
Paul sums it up beautifully in Colossians:
‘Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.’ (Colossians 3:1–3)
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Note:
Please be thinking and praying about who you might want to invite to our upcoming carol service (7th December)
Also, do sign up for carol singing (30th November). To sign up, go to: https://forms.monday.com/forms/67541e198902721e4b04ee65cc95ae8a?r=use1
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.
This week, we continue in our series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 2:4-7 was: Wrath to Riches - How God's grace has saved us.
In these verses, we see the astonishing love and grace of God - a love that transforms both our identity and our eternal future. We reflected on how:
Remembering what we have been saved from and saved for should deeply impact how we live now.
Please read Ephesians 2:4-7 and discuss:
Personal Reflection – What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
In verse 3, he sets a contrast with the words, ‘But because…’ Take a moment to review verses 1-3 so as to remind ourselves of our condition when God’s love broke in.
Why do you think God loved us?
What does it mean to be ‘made alive’ and what are the results?
What does it mean to be ‘raised up with Christ’?
According to verse 7, what will God do through each of us for all eternity?
How is this truth - wrath to riches - to be reflected in our lives?
SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How do these verses assure us that God will continue to bring people to Himself?
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.
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