EPHESIANS EXTRA #3

IN HIM

Lavished – G4502 pĕrissĕuō – to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also (trans.) to cause to superabound or excel: – (make, more) abound, (have, have more) abundance, (be more) abundant, be the better, enough and to spare, exceed, excel, increase, be left, redound, remain (over and above).

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

Grace— “The divine influence upon the heart”—has been lavished on us that it might be reflected in our lives. We’ve done more than one study of Ephesians that encouraged us to mark every occurrence of “in Christ” and “in him” in order to get a clear picture of all that is ours because of Jesus. We want to take that thought to its next level. God has provided abundantly for us because He expects us to share the overflow with others.

            We cannot, in and of ourselves, be holy and blameless. However, the Holy Spirit is doing the work of conforming us to the likeness of Christ. This is not so that we can sit up and say, “look how holy I’m becoming.” No, it is so that others may see Jesus in us and desire to know Him. The Lord marks us with his seal, and we know that our home is with Him. He has given us “enough and to spare,” and it is His intent that we share the increase with others.

            Lord, help us share the overflow of the grace You have lavished on us. Mold us and make us more and more into the image of Christ that others would see Jesus flowing through our lives. Thank You for all that we have in Christ. Stir us to be more generous in sharing the abundance of Your grace.