BLESSINGS IN CHRIST
Ephesians 1:3-14 INTRODUCTION:
1. Blessings- We are all blessed people.
A. Many times we think of physical blessings (Homes, Health, etc)
-James 1:17 tells us that is ok to do.
B. Most important blessings are not tangible.
C. As the book of Ephesians starts, Paul gives a reminder that sets the tone for the book. 1. The reminder is that they are incredibly blessed, but spiritually.
D. This is to remind us that we are blessed in ways that the world around us will never understand.
E. As Christians, we need to understand what the Lord has done for us!
F. Notice the words “In Christ” or “In Him” as we study.
2. Read- Ephesians 1:3-14
3. Vs 3- Paul gives this paragraph as a list of reasons to Praise God!
4. Blessed- means
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Ephesians 1:9-10 – “In Christ” WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PURPOSE FOR LIVING. WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PLAN!
A. Vs 9 – “He made known to us the mystery of His will.”
1. In Christ, God has let us in on the secret! He has revealed our purpose. A plan for our lives revealed “In Christ.”
2. Example- Organizations that succeed understand their purpose and mission. Same is true for those “In Christ.”
3. Our mission is to Glorify God, Praise God, act on God’s plan for our lives, so that people can see God living in us!
4. All of the great heroes of faith we have as examples in the Bible acted on plans for their lives.
(Noah built, Abraham left his home, Moses led, Joshua led, Peter walked on water, Paul traveled and preached.) 5. These understood God’s plan for their lives and acted on it! 6. Will we act on it, or will we stand in the way?
4. Ephesians 1:11-12 – “In Christ” WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN A MOST VALUABLE INHERITANCE! A. Vs 11 – “We have obtained an inheritance.” 1. In other words, this is not something out there waiting for us. 2. “In Christ” we have this RIGHT NOW (Salvation)! 3. Heaven is out there somewhere. 4. “In Christ” we are saved here and now. What a
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Ephesians 1:13-14 – “In Christ” WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
A. Vs 13-14 – “Sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of Promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance.” 1. We have been “sealed” with the Holy Spirit.
A. Ancient World Sealing (Wax, Signet Ring, OFFICIAL). B. “In Christ” we have that seal! We are OFFICIAL!
Page 3 2. H.S. given to us as a pledge. A. This is like a down payment. B. Example of Earnest Money
1. Money you put down on a house when you are interested in buying it. That’s what God has done for us with the Holy Spirit.
2. He has bought us and given us that as sort of a down payment.
3. That is a great blessing!
4. There is more coming for us in the future! But right now, the H.S. is the pledge, the seal, the down payment, the promise of more that is to come!
CONCLUSION:
1. Paul isn’t actually telling them to do anything yet. That will happen later in the book in Chapter 4.
A. Paul is simply telling the church what they have “In Christ.”
1. Maybe they didn’t appreciate it or recognize some of the blessings.
2. Paul gave them a reminder. This is who and what we are. This is what God has done for us!
3. Read Ephesians