From Lost to Found

Before we were justified, saved from the penalty of sin, we had a dire need, deserved wrath, and were considered to be ‘the Lost:’ “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in this world.” (Eph. 2:12) When we placed our faith in the finished work of Christ, we believed His blood sacrifice sufficiently paid for all our sin. (Rom. 1-5) Our identity is more than being saved women of this world, but ‘the Found” in the Lord Jesus, having access to everything God desires for us. Reflect upon how this is freeing and can be empowering. We have a fixed position in our Jesus Christ! (Rom. 5:1-2)

Ephesians 1 is the focus of this newsletter, teaching about having confidence in our heavenly position and calling, which empowers us in the ministry and to go through sufferings. In Christ, God fully provides. Think on how this relates to you: “Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence.” (Eph. 1:8)

“Wherein” seems to refer to how or what has happened and is a flag for us to look back to consider the immediate context. Verse 7 states that we have received some eternal things according to “the riches of his grace” in Christ.

“Abounded,” in verse 8 infers past tense and is defined as being in abundance or having large amounts. So, the abounding seems to refer to plentifully packed blessings or riches directed to or “toward” us as believers. In our role as women, we can allow all God has and is doing in us to overflow onto those around us.

“In all wisdom and prudence” teaches the idea of having completely everything needed in Wisdom: God’s knowledge and good judgment and Prudence: The quality of being cautious or careful in practical application of God’s Word. Meditation on these wonderful blessings gives us such confidence and trust.

We are found in Christ and no longer separated from God and alone. We can “count all things but loss” as did Paul, “for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ… And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” (Phi. 3:8-10) God’s heart abounds in giving us abundantly so many things “in Christ.” Ephesians lays it before us. Some are in the here and now, and others, when we’re eternally with Him. Through sufferings we can be His open vessel.

To Do: 1) As a member of the Body (the Found), meditate on Ephesians 5:1, and what it means to walk out this grace doctrine: “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” Look at each word and consider context. What’s the attitude we are to have according to the verse? 2) Make an ongoing list of all the things God relays that we have in Christ. Begin in Ephesians 1, work through the whole book, then add to it as you read all of Paul’s epistles. Meditate upon these!