Riches of Redemption Proper

I once heard a story about a man who unexpectedly received an inheritance from a distant relative he never knew. This inheritance completely transformed his life. The man, once struggling to make ends meet, suddenly found himself free from financial burdens, able to pursue dreams he had long put on hold. It was a blessing he never saw coming and one he could have never earned on his own.

Today, we turn to Ephesians 1:3-14, where Paul shares with us the unexpected and immeasurable blessings we have in Christ. This passage is a profound doxology, a hymn of praise, celebrating the spiritual riches we have received through Jesus.

I. Blessed with Spiritual Blessings

Focusing on Favor

Ephesians 1:3 “ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

Paul begins with an outpouring of praise, acknowledging God as the source of every spiritual blessing. These blessings aren't about material wealth but pertain to our spiritual life and well-being. They include everything we need for our spiritual journey: grace, peace, forgiveness, wisdom, and more.

Paul's doxology ( A doxology is a short hymn of praise to God. It is often used in Christian worship services to express glory, honor, and gratitude to God, acknowledging His greatness and majesty. Doxologies can be found in various forms throughout the Bible and in traditional liturgical practices. They typically conclude prayers, hymns, or psalms, emphasizing the worship and adoration of God.) reminds us to praise God for the spiritual blessings bestowed upon us. These blessings are not earthly or temporary but eternal and heavenly, enriching our souls and drawing us closer to God.

Take a moment to reflect on the spiritual blessings in our lives. Gratitude for these blessings can transform our perspective and deepen our relationship with God.

II. Chosen in Christ

Selected for Sanctity

Ephesians 1:4–6 “ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.”

Before the world was created, God chose us in Christ. Our choosing is not random but purposeful—to be holy and blameless before Him in love. Furthermore, He destined us for adoption as His children, a profound act of love and grace, making us part of His eternal family.

As chosen and beloved children of God, remember to let us live out this identity with gratitude and purpose. We are called to reflect God's holiness and love in our daily lives.

III. Redeemed by His Blood

Purchased for Pardon

Ephesians 1:7–8 “ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding,”

Redemption speaks of being bought back or delivered from bondage. Through Jesus' sacrificial death, we are redeemed from sin and its consequences. This redemption includes the forgiveness of our sins, highlighting the abundant grace God has lavished on us.

Embrace the freedom and forgiveness provided through Christ's sacrifice. Live in the assurance that our sins are forgiven, and we are no longer bound by guilt or shame.

IV. Revealed Mystery of His Will

Disclosed Design

Ephesians 1:9–10 “he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 1:9-10 "He has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

In biblical terms, a mystery is something once hidden but now revealed. God's plan, hidden for ages, is now disclosed: to unite all things in Christ. This cosmic plan includes bringing together everything in heaven and on earth under Christ's lordship.

Participate in God's unifying work by fostering peace and reconciliation in your communities. Reflect God's desire for unity in your relationships and interactions.

V. Guaranteed by the Holy Spirit

Sealed with Security

Ephesians 1:13–14 “ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”

The Holy Spirit serves as a seal and guarantee of our inheritance. This seal assures us of our salvation and the future redemption that awaits us. It is a divine mark of security, indicating that we belong to God.

Rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance and assurance in your daily walk with God. Trust in His presence and power to lead you in all truth and righteousness.

Conclusion

This passage reminds us of the incredible riches of redemption in Christ: blessed with every spiritual blessing, chosen in Christ, redeemed by His blood, the revealed mystery of His will, and guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Let us live in the light of these truths, reflecting on God's abundant blessings and allowing them to shape our lives.

2 Samuel 6:1-5; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29

Call to Worship (based on Ephesians 1:3-14)

Leader: Come, let us gather in the presence of our gracious God, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.

People: We come to praise God, who chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in love.

Leader: Let us lift our hearts in gratitude, for God has destined us for adoption as His children through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of His will.

People: We give thanks for the redemption and forgiveness we have received through the blood of Christ, according to the riches of His grace.

Leader: God has revealed to us the mystery of His will, a plan to unite all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

People: We rejoice in the assurance given by the Holy Spirit, who seals us and guarantees our inheritance until the day of redemption.

Leader: Together, let us worship our God, who has blessed us so abundantly in Christ, to the praise of His glorious grace.

All: With hearts full of thanksgiving and joy, we worship and adore You, O God, for Your boundless love and grace. Amen.

Opening Prayer (based on Psalm 24)

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, as we gather here today, we come before You with hearts full of reverence and awe. We echo the words of the psalmist in Psalm 24, acknowledging that "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for He has founded it on the seas and established it on the rivers."

Lord, we recognize Your sovereignty over all creation. Everything we see, touch, and experience belongs to You. We are humbled by the knowledge that we, too, are Yours, created by Your hands and sustained by Your grace.

As we enter into this time of worship, we seek to approach You with clean hands and pure hearts. We confess our sins and ask for Your forgiveness, trusting in Your mercy and grace. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and renew within us a steadfast spirit.

Father, we ask that You open the gates of our hearts to receive the King of glory. May Your presence fill this place, and may Your Holy Spirit move among us, drawing us closer to You. We lift up our souls to You, O Lord, and seek Your face with all our hearts.

As we worship today, remind us that You are the Almighty God, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Help us to trust in Your power and goodness, knowing that You are in control of all things.

We pray for Your blessing upon our time together. May our songs of praise, our prayers, and the meditation of our hearts be pleasing to You. Speak to us through Your Word, and transform us by Your Spirit, that we may leave this place changed and ready to serve You in the world.

We ask all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Closing Prayer

"Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank You for the abundant spiritual blessings You have lavished upon us in Christ. Help us to live as Your chosen and redeemed children, walking in the freedom and forgiveness You have provided. Guide us by Your Holy Spirit to understand and fulfill Your will in our lives, uniting all things under Christ. May we continually rely on Your Spirit as our guarantee of the glorious inheritance to come. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."