Ephesians 1:1-3

Blessings Beyond Measure

Bible Passage: Eph 1:1–3

God is so boundlessly pleased with Jesus that in him he is altogether well pleased with us.

Accepted Of The Great Father, Volume 29, Sermon #1731 - Ephesians 1:6

Charles Spurgeon

Summary: In Ephesians 1:1-3, Paul addresses the church in Ephesus, introducing himself and emphasizing the spiritual blessings bestowed on believers by God through Christ that provide a foundation for their identity and purpose.

Application: This passage serves to remind Christians that their worth and identity come from God's grace and blessings, encouraging them to live out their faith boldly despite challenges. It speaks to those struggling with self-worth and identity, offering them assurance of their standing before God.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that every believer is richly blessed and called to recognize their divine identity. It highlights the importance of spiritual blessings and the role of Christ in the life of every believer as foundational to their faith journey.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, Christ is presented as the source of all spiritual blessings. He fulfills God's promises and provides believers with an identity that is rooted in grace, suggesting that our understanding of spiritual blessings is deeply linked to our understanding of Christ's work and nature.

Big Idea: Believers are called to embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing and celebrating the abundance of spiritual blessings they have received, which empowers them to live out their faith confidently in the world.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider using the Logos library to explore the context of Ephesians and the implications of Paul’s greeting. Look into commentaries discussing the cultural background of the Ephesian church and how it influences the understanding of ‘spiritual blessings.’ Additionally, examining text-critical issues related to the original Greek terms for 'blessings' could enhance your exegesis.

1. Purposeful Identity in Christ

Eph 1:1

You could explore how Paul’s introduction as an apostle of Christ sets the tone for the epistle and models for believers the embracing of their own identity in Christ. Paul's apostleship shows us the divine calling and purpose bestowed upon each believer. This point may encourage listeners to value their identity given by God, despite external or internal doubts, and start their faith journey with confidence rooted in divine authority, not self-driven efforts.

2. Grace and Peace Abound

Eph 1:2

Perhaps delve into the blessing of grace and peace that Paul imparts to his readers. This grace and peace define a believer's identity and relationship with God. In a world filled with strife and insecurity, believers can find hope and assurance in these gifts, which flow abundantly from God through Christ, empowering them to live with confidence and serenity. This point underlines the peace and grace inherent in being identified with Christ.

3. Spiritual Treasures Unveiled

Eph 1:3

Maybe emphasize the notion of the ‘spiritual blessings’ bestowed upon believers in Christ. This verse can remind Christians of the vast spiritual wealth they possess, elevating their identity to one that is blessed and treasured by God. They are not defined by worldly standards but by the divine favor they have in Christ, which can inspire them to reflect on what it means to be blessed and how they might share these blessings with others.