We live in a morally complex world. In most of the circumstances we face as Christians, the difference between right and wrong is not always abundantly clear, and a simple list of “dos” and “don’ts” won’t give us what we really need in order to make wise decisions that lead to a spiritually fruitful life. What we need is to learn the art of spiritual discernment. In our passage this morning we will examine Paul’s call to the Ephesians Christians to “try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord” and ask how we can develop that kind of discernment in our own lives.
The title for this series on Ephesians comes from a book by the British pastor and theologian John Stott, “God’s New Society.” Ephesians is one of the few books Paul wrote that wasn’t attempting to correct a problem in a church. Instead, it seems to be almost a summary of his doctrine, but with a particular focus on the health and vitality of the church—God’s new society. What binds this new society together? Not ethnicity, culture, religious background, or socioeconomic status. Instead, Paul reminds the Ephesians (and us) that we are “in him” or “in Christ.” Over and over in Ephesians, Paul uses those two words to define our reality, our hope, our confidence, our joy, and our strength. Join us this Sunday as we reestablish ourselves on the foundation of Christ alone—for this summer and for the rest of our lives!
