The Vine: August 5, 2024
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“ For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Paul founded the church in Ephesus and wrote this letter from prison. This letter was written to be circulated among not only the members of Ephesus, but also in other churches in the region. In Ephesians 1:15-16 Paul wrote, “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.”
It’s amazing how word travels. Sometimes that can be a good thing and sometimes not so good. When I served as pastor in a small town, I would often meet a group of church members and others in the town for breakfast and coffee. One day I had a pancake and coffee for breakfast at the café, and when I arrived at the office after breakfast one of the church employees said to me, “How was the pancake?” I responded, “How did you know I had a pancake for breakfast?” She replied, “James called on his way home from the café and said everyone enjoyed visiting today and that you had a pancake.” Naturally, I replied, “Wow. I never would have thought that my choice for breakfast would be a topic of conversation!”
I love the line, “There is not a better form of communication than true gossip.” People talk. Word of mouth can be a powerful thing – for good and bad. As individuals we develop reputations in our communities. That is also true of organizations and churches. There was a church in Waco that hosted a pumpkin patch every October for the community. This church came to be known as the “Pumpkin Church” as they raised funds for missions through pumpkin sales.
The earliest of Christian churches were also known for certain things, and in this letter, Paul clearly stated that he had “heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people…” I cannot think of anything better for a church to be known for than faith in Christ and love for others. When we experience God’s grace and love through Christ, we in turn share that love with others. In I John 4:11 we read, “Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.”
Since churches are made up of human beings, we will never find or experience the “perfect” church. It doesn’t exist. However, like the church at Ephesus, we can absolutely have a spirit of love and grace, even amid our brokenness, and be known as a church that has faith in Christ and love for our neighbors.
Speaking of the Church, Paul concluded this section of Ephesians by writing, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” This is another great reminder that we are the Body of Christ, and that Christ lives in us and through us enabling us to love as he first loved us. We are not alone!
PRAYER
“Loving God, help us to remember your great love for us this day. We want to be known as those who love you and others. We confess that it can be difficult to love and forgive one another, but we are strengthened in knowing you are with us to help us live in community as you intended. Thank you for the gift of today. Amen.”
Questions for Reflection:
Paul wrote this letter from prison and actively prayed for various churches from prison. How can we develop a spirit of praying for others and serving even during our own struggles and difficult circumstances?
Paul prayed that God would give them a spirit of wisdom and revelation as they came to know God. What is your definition of wisdom? How might we understand wisdom from a biblical point of view?
Christianity is a revealed religion. In other words, God revealed God’s self to us through Jesus Christ. What has God revealed in your life regarding your relationship with God and others? How receptive are we to revelation and transformation?
In this passage Paul wrote about the power of God. What comes to mind when you think of the concept of power in our world? How might our understanding of power and God’s understanding differ?
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine