Rooted: A Journey Through Ephesians
As we continue our Rooted sermon series this fall, we are inviting everyone at New City to spend time in the book of Ephesians throughout the week.
We have created a simple weekly Scripture reading plan that follows along with the Sunday messages. Each day includes a short passage from Ephesians, a related Scripture reading, a reflection question, and a brief prayer.
Our hope is that we will do more than hear Ephesians on Sundays. We want to become familiar with this letter, listen for what God is saying to us, and allow His Word to shape the way we live.
Read slowly. Reflect honestly. Pray simply. Let God’s Word take root.
A Simple Rhythm for Each Day
READ
Spend time in the Scripture.
REFLECT
Ask what God is showing you.
RESPOND
Consider how you can live in response.
PRAY
Turn what you have read into a conversation with God.
Don't read Ephesians simply to finish Ephesians. Read Ephesians until Ephesians begins to shape you.
Rooted In Grace
Ephesians 1:1-14
This fall, we are spending time together in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. Our goal is simple: to become deeply rooted in Jesus Christ so that His grace, love, truth, community, and mission increasingly shape the way we live.
Each week, we invite you to spend a few minutes each day reading Scripture, reflecting on what God is saying, and responding in prayer.
You do not need to rush. Read slowly. Pay attention to words or phrases that stand out. Ask God to help you understand His Word and live in response to it.
This Week's Big Idea
Our lives with God begin with what God has already done for us in Christ.
Paul begins Ephesians by celebrating everything God has already given His people through Jesus. In Christ we are chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, included, and sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:3-14). Before Paul tells Christians what to do, he reminds them of what God has done.
Grace comes before effort. Identity comes before activity.
Monday
Every Spiritual Blessing
READ
Ephesians 1:1-3
2 Peter 1:3-4Read Ephesians 1:1-3 slowly. Notice where Paul begins. He does not start with a list of things Christians need to accomplish. He begins by praising God for what God has already given His people in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).
REFLECT
Where do you find yourself trying to earn something from God that He invites you to receive by grace?
PRAY
Father, help me begin this week by receiving what You have already given me in Christ. Teach me to live from Your grace rather than trying to earn Your love. Amen.
Tuesday
Chosen and Adopted
READ
Ephesians 1:4-6
Romans 8:14-17Paul uses deeply personal language to describe our relationship with God. In Christ, God chose us and adopted us into His family (Ephesians 1:4-5).
Christian faith is more than believing certain ideas about God. Through Jesus, we are invited to belong to Him.
REFLECT
Where are you tempted to build your identity around achievement, approval, success, failure, relationships, or what other people think of you?
What might change if your deepest identity became: I belong to God?
PRAY
Father, thank You that through Jesus You invite me into Your family. Help me live today as someone who is known, loved, and welcomed by You. Amen.
Wednesday
Redeemed and Forgiven
READ
Ephesians 1:7-8
Psalm 103:8-12Paul writes:
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 1:7)
Redemption carries the idea of being released or set free through the payment of a price. At the center of the Christian gospel is the conviction that Jesus has done for us what we could never accomplish for ourselves (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 3:23-24).
REFLECT
Is there a failure, regret, or sin that you continue carrying even though you have asked God for forgiveness?
What would it mean to trust God's promise of forgiveness today?
PRAY
Jesus, thank You for giving Yourself for me. Help me receive Your forgiveness and extend that same grace to others. Amen.
Thursday
God's Bigger Plan
READ
Ephesians 1:9-10
Colossians 1:15-20God's work through Jesus is bigger than our individual lives.
Paul says God's ultimate purpose is to bring “unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ” (Ephesians 1:10).
The gospel is about God rescuing people, and it is also about God's larger work of restoring what sin has broken and bringing creation under the good reign of Jesus (Colossians 1:19-20).
REFLECT
Where do you see brokenness, division, or disorder around you?
How might God want you to participate in His work of reconciliation and restoration?
PRAY
Jesus, You are Lord over all things. Show me where I can participate in Your work of healing, reconciliation, and restoration today. Amen.
Friday
Included and Sealed
READ
Ephesians 1:11-14
2 Corinthians 1:21-22Paul tells these believers that when they heard the gospel and believed, they were “included in Christ” and “marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit” (Ephesians 1:13).
The Holy Spirit is God's presence with His people and a guarantee that God will finish what He has begun (Ephesians 1:13-14).
REFLECT
What makes you question whether you truly belong to God?
What assurance do you hear in Ephesians 1:13-14?
PRAY
Holy Spirit, thank You for Your presence with me. Remind me that I belong to Christ, and continue Your work of forming me into the person God created me to be. Amen.
Weekend Reflection
Before Sunday, read Ephesians 1:1-14 one more time in a single sitting.
Then consider these four questions:
What did I learn about God?
What did I learn about who I am in Christ?
What is God inviting me to believe or practice?
What word or phrase from Ephesians 1:1-14 do I want to carry with me into worship?
If something stands out, write it down and bring it with you on Sunday.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you use the YouVersion Bible App, YouVersion also offers a simple 3-day Ephesians reading plan that takes you through the entire letter.
It can be a helpful companion to New City's weekly Rooted readings, especially if you would like to read Ephesians in larger sections and see the whole letter together.
The plan was created by YouVersion and is designed for either individual or group reading.