Bible Study & Devotional 265
Guiding Scripture: Ephesians 1:10 ‘to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.’
Unity: A Serious Pursuit
written by: Torrie Slaughter
Today we begin reading the letter to the Ephesian Church. The Apostle Paul greets the believers, and in the original Greek verses, 3 through 14 is one long sentence. I could imagine the joy and excitement as he praised God. And like many of us who experience God’s grace, it is impossible to quench the enthusiasm.
Chapter one of Ephesians spells out the letter’s purpose, and it is a rich theological lesson. Paul’s intention is clear, and that is to leave people in a better place. One could conclude that Paul’s driving force is for everyone to know their identity in Christ to serve as a unified organization. Later we also understand that unity does not equal uniformity (Ephesians 4:10-12).
Why should we seriously pursue unity?
The easy answer. If we believe in Christ, we have critical work to do as we live as His ambassadors. However, we benefit from the study of God’s Word through the Apostle Paul.
Here are seven reasons we should pursue unity:
- God chose us before the creation of the world to be blameless. (Ephesians 1:4)
- God predestined us for adoption. (Ephesians 1:5)
- In God, we have redemption. (Ephesians 1:7)
- God reveals His purpose to us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 1:9)
- All things will come under His Sovereign power at the appropriate time. (Ephesians 1:10)
- We were marked with a seal when we accepted Christ. (Ephesians 1:13)
- The indwelling Holy Spirit is part of our guarantee that we are part of the unified body of Christ. (Ephesians 1:14)
Ephesians chapter 1 is rich with reasons for pursuing unity. The overarching value that comes from being unified is the harmonious state of agreement within the body of Christ.
Prayer: Father, we thank you for the faith we have received. Please help us in areas of unbelief so that we may work closely with Your people. Enlighten our hearts and give us the strength to keep your command to love. Amen
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter, the founder of, Our Given Purpose®.
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Isaiah 39:1-41:16, Ephesians 1:1-23, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 23:25-28
Download or Print the One Year Bible Reading Plan
Torrie is a media ministry consultant who works with churches and faith driven organizations to build their ministry team. She is the Blueprint Specialist uncovering root problems to construct solutions. Want to hear more? Tune in and listen to A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional a podcast by Our Given Purpose and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
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