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Sit Walk Stand: Resting in Christ

Remember what Jesus did, where He is now, what He gives, and the relationship you have with Him. Ephesians supplies good reasons for grateful confidence.

Sermon companion study3 min read

Ask what Jesus did

Four questions can help us approach the Lord’s Supper with thoughtful gratitude. What did Jesus do? Where is He now? What has He accomplished for us? Where are we in relation to Him? Ephesians gives us answers that reach beyond a picture of suffering alone. We remember a sacrifice, honor a reigning Lord, receive wonderful gifts, and enjoy a relationship He provides. Those truths give confidence a firm foundation in Him rather than in our ability to build an impressive record.

Start with what Jesus did. Ephesians 1:7 speaks of redemption through His blood and forgiveness according to God’s rich grace. His death accomplishes our rescue. Ephesians 2:16 also describes reconciliation to God in one body through the cross, overcoming the hostility between Jew and Gentile. He gives more than an example of courage under injustice. He opens the way to forgiveness and shared fellowship. Consider those gifts when the bread and cup direct your attention to His body and blood.

Remember where He is and what He gives

Then ask where Jesus is now. Ephesians 1:18–23 connects hope and God’s power with the resurrection and exaltation of Christ. He is at the Father’s right hand, above every rule and authority, and head over all things to the church. We remember what happened in history while honoring the Lord who lives today. Our circumstances may be beyond our ability to manage, but they are not a reason to forget His authority. His present reign belongs in our remembrance.

What has He provided? Ephesians 1:4–14 speaks of adoption, redemption, forgiveness, and the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 2:18–19 gives access to the Father and belonging in His household. These are gifts, received through a faithful response to grace. Continued obedience matters, yet it cannot become an alternative foundation for salvation. We should thank God for what only He could provide. Remembering His generosity helps us serve willingly instead of trying to earn enough to make ourselves independently worthy.

Recognize where you belong

Finally, consider where you belong. Ephesians 2:4–7 says Christians are made alive, raised, and seated with Christ. This is a present spiritual privilege. Faithful believers do not need to live as though His saving work has accomplished nothing until the last day. Neither does the passage remove the need for repentance or continued faith. It tells us the relationship is real. Ephesians 3:12 connects access with boldness and confidence through faith in Jesus. We can draw near with sincere trust.

Carry those answers into your week. Thank Jesus for the sacrifice, honor His reign, appreciate His gifts, and let belonging to Him shape your prayers and service. Discouragement and anxiety may still need patient attention. Bring them honestly to the Father rather than treating them as proof that His promises have failed. Return to what Scripture tells you, and keep following His direction. Resting in Christ gives faithful activity its foundation. His provision is strong enough to support a grateful, obedient life.

Reflect and Respond

  1. Which of the four questions would help you approach the Lord’s Supper more thoughtfully?
  2. How would remembering your present relationship with Christ change the way you face a difficult day?

Keep Studying

Read the passages, listen to chapter devotionals, and explore related studies in the library.

Scripture for this study: Ephesians 1:7–14; Ephesians 1:18–23; Ephesians 2:4–9; Ephesians 2:16–19; Ephesians 3:12