Ephesians: Intro

I have spent a few months now immersing myself in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. This has not been an academic study. For the most part that only produces information and often leads to pride. Instead I have tried to concentrate on applying the letter to myself.

I started by spending a full month, August 3 - September 3, reading the entire letter each day. Then as of Sept 4, I started writing. Each day I would explore a few words, rarely a full verse. But again, this exploration was not an academic exercise. Rather, I generally tried to just let the word or phrase speak to me. Often what came from my pen in those moments amounted to word associations. I might start with a synonym and that would lead to another and continue. A serious student of the original Greek might find fault with the suggestion that these synonyms were what Paul had in mind when he wrote the letter. The Greek expert probably is correct. But I was trying to listen to what God wanted to say to me. And I wanted to get this on paper so that I could remember it better and apply it more effectively.

All that to say, in the coming days I hope to post the results of these hours of meditation, contemplation, and application spent with Paul in the Letter to the Ephesians.

If you disagree with this approach, I'm comfortable with that. I'm not doing this for your approval but for my growth in following the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I have remained true to the spirit of Paul's letter and I know my heart remains true to the Spirit of Christ. And I am certain that I have grown through this exercise.

If reading this helps you apply something to your own life, give thanks and praise to God. If you choose to journey with me in applying this meaning-filled letter, then let's pray together that the Holy Spirit of Christ will apply the Word to your life as He has in mine.

Let's get started. Okay?