Together in Christ: 'The Same Spirit' — Ephesians 2:17-18

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Christ] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.
— Ephesians 2:17-18 NLT

Key Thought

We are followers of Jesus, Who came as God in human flesh, the one Who is Immanuel, God with us. [1] Jesus has shown God to us [2] and demonstrated how God loves us.  [3] In addition, Jesus returned to God and now pours the Holy Spirit into all of us who become His disciples. Jesus pours the same Spirit into all of us who have come to Him through conversion [4] — and Jesus, through the Spirit, brings "peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near."

This Good News and peace are not just the possession and privilege of a few or for just one race, one gender, or one segment of society. [5] The same Holy Spirit ensures we all have equal access through Him to God. [6] This means that as children of God, we accept and welcome each other as brothers and sisters in Christ who belong in God's family and are people for whom Jesus died! [7]

[1] Matthew 1:23.
[2] John 1:14-18, 14:6-7.
[3] John 3:16-17; Romans 5:6-11.
[4] John 3:3-7; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9; Titus 3:3-7.
[5] Galatians 3:26-29, 4:1-4.
[6] Ephesians 2:18 NIV; Romans 8:26-27.
[7] Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:9-12.

Today's Prayer

O Father in heaven, forgive us and transform us as Your people so that we welcome, value, accept, include, and love each other as You do. We don't want the prejudices and injustices in the world to mar our love and acceptance of each other in Your family, the church. We ask that this love for all other believers begin with our personal efforts to love others as You love us. We ask that You help us make this so, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 3:26-29, 4:1-4
  • Romans 8:26-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 2:17-18 NLT — [Christ] brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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