#1425. Access to the Father by one Spirit (7/1/26)

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.

In our last reflection, we saw how in Jesus we can have peace in every part of life—peace with God, peace with others, and peace even in the midst of our fears. Today, we ask:

What does it mean that we have ‘access to the Father by one Spirit,’ and how should this transform the way we pray?

To watch this devotional, please select the link below: 

1. He came and preached peace

Paul again highlights peace in Christ. He repeats it because he knows how fragile peace can feel and how easily it comes under attack.

Those who were “far away” (Gentiles) and those “who were near” (Jews) now share the same peace, because they share the same Saviour. Unity with God naturally leads to unity with one another.

Like them, we too must keep reminding ourselves of this unity and do all we can to guard it.

2. Through Him we both have access to the Father 

Paul explains the foundation of our peace: ‘For through him we both have access to the Father…’ 

This access changes everything. It means:

i. We share adoption – God is our Father, and as His children we belong to one family. Family peace flows from our shared identity.

ii. We share acceptance – God welcomes us into His presence because we have been made holy through Christ. Shared justification produces shared peace.

iii. We share salvation by grace – Our access is through Jesus, not through works, background, or ethnicity. This removes pride and destroys division.

3. Access by one Spirit

Notice the Trinitarian beauty of this verse: through Christ we have access to the Father by the Spirit.

• Jesus won our access by His blood.

• The Father welcomes us as His children.

• The Spirit gives us the experience of God’s presence and peace.

This is particularly powerful when we think of prayer. Right now, at any moment, we can come into the Father’s presence - because of Jesus’ sacrifice and through the Spirit’s indwelling help.

Jude captures this beautifully:

Response

Let’s remember the access we have into our Father’s presence. Let’s be aware that He is with us, and let’s consciously enter His ‘holy place’ through prayer. 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

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

2. Icebreaker

What about the Christmas period and New Year has inspired you in your faith? 

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 resume our Ephesians series: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

Our message on Sunday from Ephesians 2:11-22, was entitled: The Foundation for a New Year, The Foundation of Life. 

Please ensure that everyone knows about, and knows how to access our daily devotions on the church website or other platforms. 

https://www.communitychurchputney.com/biblestudy

Please read Ephesians 2:11-22 and discuss:

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

• As you go into the New Year, what are the many ways that we can build our lives and church on the 'Cornerstone', and how, personally, do you intend to do this in the New Year? 

• How does Jesus unite and bring peace to different kinds of people and how will this be seen in our community life?

• v. 19-21 - What is God building us into and how will this affect our church, particularly, our devotion to meeting and praying together? 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• What from these verses inspires or informs you in mission? 

• 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.