Preschool
Come; for all things are now ready. Luke 14:17
The Riches in Christ
Memory Verses
Primary
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. Luke 14:17
Junior
And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. Luke 14:17
Background Scripture: Ephesians 2
Lesson Scripture: Ephesians 2:4–19
Introduction
What we consider to be valuable gives us our perception of life. For Christians, ultimate value is placed on the spiritual aspects of this life and the hope of eternal life. We will not forfeit our eternal life even to gain the whole world. This is a closely held conviction of all true Christians. Let this lesson reestablish this principle.
Rich nations, wealthy people, and extravagant lifestyles generally denote the idea of abundance, opulence, and fine quality. However, all the material fortunes of earth pale in comparison to what Christ offers.
Key Verse
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33).
Lesson Scripture
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
12 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 the world:
13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.
Studying the Lesson
The lesson scripture is a teaching that helps us build a biblical life-view about mercy, grace, and proper relationships within the brotherhood. To better understand these verses, we need to place ourselves in the context of the Ephesian believers. Some had been gentiles and did not have a godly background; they could not claim the preexisting promise of being God’s chosen people.
Sometimes the concepts of grace and mercy are used interchangeably, but they are not identical. God receives sinners through mercy, makes them alive with his grace, and causes them to dwell with Christ in heavenly places. God, taking pity on the sinful Ephesians, showed them his mercy. We may classify ourselves as those who are not sinners like the Ephesians were, but any sin is enough to bring us under the condemnation of God. And yet God extends salvation to us in kindness, giving us the choice to be filled with His grace.
Never should we try to possess the grace of God as a talisman or a token that allows us to sin while claiming to be saved. If we lose the vision of sin’s power to bring us again into condemnation, we are in error. Our condition once demanded the full power of God’s mercy. His grace can indeed keep us from sin, but we cannot lay a personal claim upon it; it is a gift.
The key that grants us access to this rich grace is faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ “we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:2). Some may despair of not having enough faith to please God, but the power to believe and exercise faith comes from God. Works are not a substitute for faith; rather, the Christian is created in Christ to do good works.
When the New Testament church was born, its nucleus of members was exclusively Jewish. Apparently, early Christians never anticipated anything else until Peter’s dream at the tannery. As we consider this great occasion, we see the great riches God has poured out to us gentiles in granting us access by the Spirit unto the Father.
Being fellow citizens with the saints of all ages means we are part of God’s household. God’s household draws its life from his rich provisions, and the witness of believers living faithfully displays the wealth that is found within the kingdom of God. Here in time and in the endless ages of eternity this salvation will showcase his goodness. His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus is pure, abundant, and filled with love.
Practical Truths for Today
How can we better understand the wealth of the kingdom of God? To make this lesson practical, we need to contemplate the spiritual nature of the riches in Christ. These riches must be understood with a renewed mind. Some fail to see God’s fullness of grace by not applying themselves to reading, meditation, and study.
That which people enjoy and appreciate in life is shaped and established by what they love. The priceless treasures of God are forgiveness of sins, peace in the heart, and hope of eternal life—these must be valued above all else. These things are not subject to time, circumstance, and the other forces of life.
Although unbelievers do not have these spiritual gifts, it is not fair to say that they do not enjoy life. Many of them appreciate the gifts of God but fail to recognize them as such. They love their spouses and families and are stirred by the scenes of nature. Perhaps this is where their poverty is most telling. When people see the wonders of creation, their heart instinctively reaches out to an eternal God. But not knowing Him personally, they miss the rich opportunity to feel his touch and offer Him heartfelt praise and thanksgiving.
What provides the greatest enjoyments in life? Most people eventually agree that relationships with other people, though not tangible, give gratifying emotional pleasure. Meaningful relationships are nourished and encouraged by nudges from the Holy Spirit. The Bible also gives us plenty of instructions to nurture rich relationships. A husband and wife, married for many years and still uniting in prayer together with the understanding that they share a common experience of faith, is an example of the riches in the grace of God. Another picture of the riches found in Christ is seen in a family whose members work out their differences quietly and cheerfully, forbear without grumbling, and readily come to each other’s aid. The loneliness and disagreement in this world are heartrending, and because of the love of God, they are unnecessary.
Sometimes we become afraid when we feel vulnerable in the uncertainties of life. Because we are vulnerable, we can become bound in these fears. Like the disciples learned in the storm on the Sea of Galilee, we must put our trust in God and come to resignation in uncertainty. It may take time for some of us to learn this lesson of trust, but it adds a rich dimension to our walk with God. Willingness to “go out to sea” with the Lord is an experience that enhances our lives.
Christian service gives us an opportunity to experience the riches of Christ. The apostle James tells us that pure religion means to visit the fatherless and widows and to stay unspotted from the world (James 1:27). This may not have been intended as an injunction to service, but it shows that the needs of others are important to God. All of us can find a place to serve, and it will bring rich satisfaction to our hearts when we reach out to care about someone else.
“He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Here Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit. One outstanding word in this verse is “rivers.” A free-flowing river, when likened to a person’s demeanor, is not selfish and stingy but outgoing and generous. A thirsty world has its eye on the believer because of what is flowing from his life. Everyone appreciates the attractive atmosphere around the Christian who thoughtfully cares about others and their needs. The riches we enjoy are not to be hoarded but shared. Even Christians who are tended toward introversion can follow the Holy Spirit into a Christian life filled with the riches of Christ.
Questions
- Christians do not question the riches that are in Christ Jesus. Why are these hidden from unbelievers?
- Many of the activities that are enjoyed by the ungodly are not for Christians. Why do these things, being worthless, have so much appeal?
- Share one aspect of your life that you consider especially rich.
- In the light of today’s lesson, how much room should we allow for a negative outlook?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).