🖋 Authority Over

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:1-2

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There is so much in life we can’t control or influence. For the most part, we have authority over our choices, our finances, our lifestyles, our attitudes, and our responses to changing circumstances. As I read the opening statements of Ephesians, I reflect on our authority as followers of Jesus.

Paul proclaims that his authority as an apostle did not come from himself; instead, it came from God. I wonder if the whole letter of Ephesians hangs on these two verses. Suppose Paul would not have exercised his authority as an apostle to this community and instead let them live with a lack of control or greater influence on their lives. Would we have this letter to glean from today?

Through his letter to this church in Ephesus, Paul is going to exercise his authority as an apostle and the community is going to bear fruit from it.

This week, exercise the authority Christ has given you. It's in your baptism, relationship, and presence with God; unpack your baptism; live out the gift. Only you can use it, engage it, and maximize it. That's where the real fruit comes from.

Let's get to it.

Executive Director

Rev. Eric Davis