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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 113

"In whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."

Text: Ephesians 2:21

AN ON-GOING PROCESS

Paul and Peter shared the same theological persuasion, though each applied the concept of “a spiritual house” a little differently. However both envisioned the building as an on-going process. This truth is of great significance to the believer today. God is still choosing and selecting true believers and adding them onto “the whole building”.

BEING FITTED TOGETHER

The phrase, “being fitted together” actually translates one word in the Greek text (“sunarmologeo”). This word is most interesting to study.

1. It is used predominantly by Christian writers

Instead of using vocabulary of the building industry, this word is virtually used only by Christian, rather than secular writers.

2. It is used to describe a spiritual building

Paul used this word effectively to describe how God works at fitting in the various pieces together to form the whole building.

3. Etymology of the word “sunarmologeo”

There are three components in this word. Each part has its own value and adds meaning to the whole compound word.

a) It has a preposition at the front of the word

The preposition right at the front, “sun” is interesting. It suggests the idea of “harmony”. All parts will harmonise beautifully.

b) The middle section is taken from the word “harmos”

This word describes “a joint”. There is a slight difference between Paul’s analogy and that of Peter’s. The latter thinks in terms of “stone”. Paul preferred to use the idea of wood joints. Since both are using imagery, it is perfectly all right to employ different literary ideas. Paul has in mind the Divine Workman carefully joining all pieces together in perfect harmony.

c) The last portion comes from the word “lego”

This word has multiple applications. One of them is “to choose” or “select”. The significance is obvious. God does not do things randomly. He carefully chooses all materials to form “the whole building”.

A CHALLENGING THOUGHT

The building imagery is compelling. Does it not make you wonder where you fit into God’s building plan? Every true believer will be selected to fit into the on-going building project.

The concept of “being fitted together” also suggests that the Divine Builder has to trim every piece that He selects, so that each and every piece will fit in perfectly.