1 Spiritual Blessings

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 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.

Begins with worship and reviewing the blessings we have from God through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:3 NIV

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.

3 times blessing/praise. All three are same root word.

Eulogy = spoken blessing. Spiritual blessing

Bless God or All Praise to God = spoken words of praise. Similar to speak a blessing vs. curse.

In the heavenly realm = Not about material blessing. Spiritual blessings.

Bless God because we are blessed

Three other places praise is mentioned – to the praise of His glory (glorious grace) vv. 6, 12, 14

God’s blessings poured out return to him in praise.

Another concept repeated – phrase In Christ

Who has blessed us in Christ

In Christ = united with Christ, relationship with Him based on His grace in faith. Trusting in Him.

Never apart from Jesus. These blessings do not come outside of our relationship with Jesus. Salvation is through faith in Jesus only by God’s grace.

John 14:6 NIV

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

I Am the way, truth, life

Section 1:4-6 God’s blessings from the Father

Section 1:7-12 God’s blessings through Jesus Christ

Section 1:13-14 God’s blessings through His Holy Spirit.

Our Spiritual Blessings

Ephesians 1:4–14 CSB

4 For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him. 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 8 that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding. 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ 10 as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him. 11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, 12 so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory. 13 In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. 14 The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:4–6 NIV

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Ephesians 1:

(replace pronouns with the appropriate form God or Jesus)

God’s blessings from the Father

Chosen – called out (same as root word for church).

Ephesians 1:4 NIV

4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love

God chose us in Jesus – to belong to Jesus and by Jesus to be made holy.

New Concept! – previously only Jews were known to be God’s chosen people.

Not chosen apart from our outside of Jesus, but because we unite with Him by faith.

Illustration – Not individually hand picked as in a pickup game, but God chose to bless the group who would follow Jesus.

Ephesians 1:5 NIV

5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—

Loved – in love

Predestined us – pre-determined or preplanned. God’s plan From the very beginning.

Adopted – made sons/full rights as children through Jesus His Son. (not on our own).

Again – in line with God’s will/plan and to please Himself.

John 1:12 NIV

12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

all who believed in Jesus – right to become children of God.

Ephesians 1:6 NIV

6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

To the praise of God’s glorious grace – praise God for His grace

Grace which He given/poured out. “Grace that God graced us with”

In the Beloved, or in the One God Loved – another In Christ that says because it pleased God to love His Son and because we belong to Jesus.

God’s Blessings through Jesus

Ephesians 1:7–8 NIV

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

Ephesians 1:7–12 NIV

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. 11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:7-

Redeemed – redemption means God purchased us back with the blood of Jesus. – released from the power of sin

Because we belong to Jesus – through Jesus.

Forgiven – released from the guilt/punishment of sin.

Blessed

Out of the vast wealth of God’s grace

Grace that God poured out/lavished on us

Ephesians 1:8–9 NIV

8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,

God opened to our understanding the incomprehendable will and purpose in Jesus.

Ephesians 1:10 NIV

10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

God’s purpose – at just the right time, bring all things in heaven and on earth together in unity under the authority of Jesus.

Grand scheme – God’s purpose from the beginning was to lift up Jesus and bring everything together in Him to rescue mankind and restore creation.

VV.11-14 Expanding on the bringing together of all things Jews and Gentiles united in Christ.

Ephesians 1:11 NIV

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,

Chosen – actually Made Heirs

Preplanned – again God’s intention from the beginning is worked out in all His plans

Ephesians 1:12 NIV

12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

We = Jews the first to put hope in or trust/faith In Christ

Bring praise and glory to God

God’s blessings through His Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:13 NIV

13 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,

Ephesians 1:13–14 NIV

13 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, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

In Christ you (Gentiles) also included

Sealed – Marked – Guaranteed

Heard the message of truth = Good News of Jesus and His salvation

Believed

Marked with the guarantee of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:14 NIV

14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Holy Spirit = down payment of the inheritance until we take possession.

Illustration – wealthy relative, mansion, cars, boat, etc. Willed to you, transferred at a later date, like certain age or event. As a guarantee – signed document. Or hands you the keys. You can begin using the estate now until that designated time when it becomes yours.

So praise and glorify God

Conclusion

What does this worship passage tell us about God?

Father - Loves, pre-planned salvation, chose, adopted,

Forgave, lavishes grace, focus on those united with His Son.

Jesus - Beloved Son, blood redeems us, unites us to the Father,

God's plan for rescuing mankind and restoring creation.

Holy Spirit - marks us as Jesus own when we hear and believe/follow

What does this passage say about you?

Loved, blessed, chosen, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, have a guaranteed inheritance, holy, blameless

It’s not about our ability to be good or to do good, not about keeping commands or doing right.

It’s all about God’s grace, God’s plan, God’s work, God’s rescue, God’s holiness, and God’s guarantee

What can we do?

Begin new life in Christ. Take the message of God’s Good News to heart, place your trust in Jesus and begin following Him.

Praise God for your spiritual blessings in Christ.

Big Idea: Praise God, you are blessed through Jesus.

What About You?

Are you living in the reality of your spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ?

Will you place your trust in Jesus today and receive the guarantee of his Holy Spirit?

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