5. Security brings Joy
Ephesians 1:13-14
In him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Having explained to his Jewish readers their inheritance is a gift, Paul now tells his Gentile readers they’re secure in the same promise. However, they face a different obstacle than their more religiously inclined brothers and sisters. While many Jewish people were prone to distrust God’s grace, non-Jewish people struggled more with God’s faithfulness. And so Paul emphasizes that they’re “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (v.13). He wants them to rest in the power and presence of the third member of the Trinity, “who is the guarantee of our inheritance” (v.14).
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones believed this assurance was the key to happiness. When joy is absent from our lives, it’s partly because of “our failure to realize what is meant by God’s sealing of His children by ‘that Holy Spirit of Promise.” He’s saying that security brings joy. Knowing the Spirit is with us reminds us that our future is written, our salvation is sure, and our well-being is “hidden with Christ.” His presence loosens the grip of fear ... and it’s fear that steals our joy.
So, what does this look like on a daily basis?
Well, the Spirit is our Helper. He drives fear away by reminding us of all that Jesus said. When fear tells us our future must be secured every day by being patient parents, valuable employees, and good Christians, the Spirit reminds us that Jesus is our life. When fear tells us God is not faithful, the Spirit reminds us that Jesus is with us to the end of the age. When fear lies to us, the Spirit tells us the truth, and the truth always sets us free and brings us joy.
How does God’s Spirit help us?
What lies is fear telling you about your hope and future?
How does Jesus’ death and resurrection provide a safety and security that nothing else can?
Heavenly Father …
Fear tells me lies all the time. Forgive me for often believing its messages and not yours. By your Spirit, point me to your Son. Minister, truth to my soul. In you, I’m safe, secure, and joyful.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
