SJTE 13: Week 2 EXPLORE - The Church That Looks Like Jesus (1:15-23)

The SJTE Companion Journal, Small Group Guide, and Daily Affirmations (https://www.thewildway.ca/resources) are available here (free download). Summary In this Week 2 Explore, Nick and Jamie recap Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15–23 before diving deeper into what it means that believers are already resurrected, ascended, and enthroned with Christ, how to think about spiritual forces of darkness without over- or under-estimating them, and why all of this matters for ordinary daily life. Along the way: a milestone update and the first Ephesians Wild Way Circle. Week 2 Recap • Fri (prior week): Opened the prayer (1:15–17) — asking for a spirit of wisdom and revelation to grasp what's already true in Christ • Mon: The prayer's "so that" — hearts enlightened to know the hope we're called to, our worth as God's inheritance, and the immeasurable power at work in us • Tue: God's power displayed in raising and enthroning Jesus far above every other power • Wed: Jesus as head over the church, which is a picture of union and self-giving love, not hierarchy; the church as his body, not a building • Thu: The first "imagination prayer" episode of the series • Fri: Moved into chapter 2 (chapter 2 recap comes next week) Deep Dives • Resurrected, ascended, enthroned: Believers don't just share in Christ's resurrection but in his ascension and enthronement, right now. This resurrection power is mostly quiet and costly (forming Christ's character, enabling self-giving love) rather than spectacular. Nick also pushes back on the prosperity gospel: being enthroned with Christ doesn't exempt believers from suffering. Power in Christ is redefined as service, not domination. • Spiritual forces of darkness: Paul and Jesus both speak of spiritual powers matter-of-factly. Jamie names two errors: denying these forces exist, or becoming consumed with spiritual warfare and suspicion of ordinary objects and culture. The healthy view: aware, not fearful, since believers are already seated above these powers in Christ. • The church as Christ's visible continuation: A quick note on the Greek word kephale ("head"), saved for fuller treatment in chapter 5, followed by the idea that the church should have the same effect on earth that Jesus did (CEB Study Bible), together forming one body rather than isolated individuals or isolated congregations. • So what?: Grounding the chapter's abstract truths in daily life. Because believers are already holy, accepted, and secure in Christ, there's no need to strive to prove worth to God or others, freeing people to operate from confidence and love rather than fear. The Wild Way exists for people hungry to walk the narrow path of love, as modelled by Jesus, resisting versions of Christianity that claim his name without reflecting his love and teaching. Our goal is to grow communities where the character and love of Christ are formed in us for the sake of others. DONATE TO THE WILD WAY⁠ (https://www.thewildway.ca/support-us) .  We are a donor-supported community. If you are enjoying our resources, please consider making a donation to support the Wild Way and the creation of further resources.  A Slow Journey Through Ephesians is a nine-week contemplative journey through the book of Ephesians. We invite you into Scripture, reflection, and intentional practices to help you abide in the presence of Jesus, learn by studying the Scriptures, and go with intention to love the world.  Most Scripture from the New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition) CREDITS: Weekday music by Ström on Epidemic Sound. Used with permission. Weekend Explore music: Intro / Outro produced by Nick Osborne. Transitions by PØW on Epidemic Sound. Used with permission. FURTHER RESOURCES:  • Rhythms of Life spiritual formation workbook now available as digital download from our website (http://www.thewildway.ca) or print version on Amazon (https://a.co/d/hxOoA1a) . • Follow us on social media for weekly practices: @gothewildway • Contact us: podcast @ thewildway.ca.