Every Spiritual Blessing

Announcements

Fall Festival on October 13th.

Joyce’s Bible study meets on Tuesdays

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Introduction

Turn with me in your bibles to Ephesians 1:3-14. This whole passage is one long sentence in the greek. It’s a complete thought. Paul is summarizing what this is all about right up front.

Ephesians 1:3 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

The first thing we need to ask ourselves about this passage is “what are the Spiritual Blessings?”

Blessings

This word, “heavenlies,” occurs 5 times in this short letter. What Paul has in mind here is the “spiritual dimension” of life. This is where God and spiritual powers dwell. It’s not just heaven, it’s not just earth, and it’s not just in the future. It’s everywhere and it’s now.

The Spiritual Blessings are where we have already been blessed (v.3)

Where Jesus is enthroned over all Spiritual powers

Ephesians 1:20 ESV

20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

And where we are seated with Christ

Ephesians 2:6 ESV

6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Where Christ’s victory is demonstrated over evil powers

Ephesians 3:10 ESV

10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

and where we stand firm against spiritual assaults to proclaim the gospel

Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

These blessings aren’t trivial, and trinkets. Every believer has received in Christ every possible spiritual blessing from God. We all have different gifts and ministries.

Here’s a pro-tip: Anyone who tells you that their special way to receive extra blessings should be followed should be quickly and safely ignored. We already have all spiritual blessings in Christ.

What are the blessings?

All of our blessings are “in Christ.” Paul reminds us 11 times of that in these verses. The blessings Paul refers to in this passage are these

Being chosen for adoption by the Father (v. 4-6)

Being redeemed for unity by the Son (v. 7-10)

Being sealed for inheritance by the Spirit (v. 11-14)

Tonight, we’re going to talk about being chosen, and adoption.

Chosen

Ephesians 1:4–5 ESV

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Election

This is often a part of what’s called the doctrine, or teaching, of election or predestination. Many Christians find predestination hard to understand so you’re not alone if you do too. Why in the world does Paul see this as a top spiritual blessing (he lists it first)?

Jesus speaks plainly about this too.

John 6:37 ESV

37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

God’s election of sinners (that’s you and me) for salvation is for His will and purposes. Just look at Ephesians 1:11

Ephesians 1:11 ESV

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

We understand that sinners cannot become Christians unless God chooses to save them. When we pray for God to save someone, we recognize that in His power over all things, He must elect, or choose, them to be saved.

Concerns

It can feel like election undermines three things:

Evangelism – “If God will just save who He wants, why evangelize to people?”

Humility – “We’re better because we’re God’s chosen ones.”

Holiness – “We don’t need to do anything to change as a Christian because ‘once saved always saved’.”

Addressing Concerns

Let’s unpack these three concerns

Evangelism – Being chosen by God shouldn’t undermine evangelism because “He chose us in Him (v. 4)” Also, “You were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel (v. 13). God uses our evangelism to save the elect. If God hadn’t elected anyone for us to call through His gospel, then there would be no point in trying to evangelize to sinners because they’re dead (2:1).

Instead, we should pray and evangelize confidently that God has chosen many for salvation “in Christ.” If God hadn’t chosen anyone to be saved, then there’s no point to evangelize to them.

It’s a privilege to be used in evangelism. It’s like finding gold in a mine.

Humility – We’re not saved or chosen because we are more clever, moral, or deserving than other people. If we were to choose God before He chose us, then we would boast in our wisdom. Since He chose us first, our salvation is entirely based on His choice and not our merit. It actually is a humbling thing to know that there is nothing worthy in yourself to merit God’s salvation. It’s His prerogative.

Lastly, election doesn’t mean we don’t care about holiness. (v.4). We are chosen to be holy and blameless. It’s a process called sanctification. Literally, the process of becoming holy. Election provides a “reason” to be Holy! You actually want to grow in your holiness when you realize that you are adopted by the King and Author of all creation.

Adoption

Ephesians 1:4–5 ESV

4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

Sinners are not naturally God’s children. God chose us and made us a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) so that we are adopted into God’s family. We’re not merely servants, but sons and daughters. The word “son” is used here to refer to our inheritance. At this time, sons inherited the father’s estate. It applies to men and women though; brothers and sisters; sons and daughters of God.God tends to our needs, protects us from harm, disciplines us, and shepherds us with undeserved kindness because we are His children. The fact that He chose to adopt us makes us realize that we were all in the orphanage as sinners. To have someone choose you when you know your life feels doomed (or really is doomed) should bring us great joy and comfort.

Our family isn’t only limited to the walls of our church building, but to faithful believers around the world. Our local church is where we practice “family life” together as an expression of what God has saved us to.

If you want to judge how much a person understands about Christianity, find out how much or little they make about being adopted by God.

Conclusion

Election is hard to swallow because we don’t really think that those who aren’t chosen deserve God’s judgment (this usually reveals that we don’t really deserve God’s judgment either). But when we discover that we are chosen FOR adoption, TO adoption then we realize how gracious God is to not only free slaves from sin, but to give them an eternal inheritance simply because He chose to.

Next Week

Next week we’ll finish this section and talk about the last two Spiritual blessings. For now let’s pray and break into our small groups.

Small Group Questions

“God gave each Christian everything to enjoy in eternity.” How does this statement excite and comfort you today?

Do you relate to the concerns about predestination? Which answers help you to see God’s election as good news?

Think about what God has done for you and how He sees you if you are “in Christ.” How does this make you feel?

Food for Thought

These are challenging concepts for many of us! When discussing complex concepts, it’s good to reflect on God’s grace when you don’t understand or someone else doesn’t understand difficult teaching. Remember God’s grace and how He alone changes hearts. His Word is true. Let’s remember that as we continue this series in Ephesians.