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

Monday, September 4, 2023

He 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 from God as God in human flesh, Immanuel.&nbps;[1] Jesus has shown God,&nbps;[2] and 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 Spirit into all of us who have come to Christ through conversion&nbps;[4] — "peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near."

This Good News and peace is not just the possession or privilege of a few, one race, one gender, or one segment of society.&nbps;[5] The Holy Spirit ensures we all have equal access through the same Spirit to God.&nbps;[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!&nbps;[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 3:26-4:4.
[6] Ephesians 2:18 NIV; Romans 8:26-27.
[7] Romans 14:15; 1 Corinthians 8:11.

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 each of our personal efforts to love others as You have loved us. We ask that You help us make this so, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 3:26-4:4
  • Romans 8:26-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Ephesians 2:17-18 NLT — He 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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